Get a Cheap International Cell Phone When you Travel

If you've ever taken your cell phone to Europe or Asia only to return home and discover a huge cell phone bill, you know that importance of finding a cheap international cell phone service.

Seasoned travelers will tell the to get a cheap pre-paid cell phone locally. If you are worried about staying in touch, you can rent a phone in the U.S. and take it with you on your international trip, which you may not even use because of the higher fees. Once you get abroad, you'll get a change to look around for a cheaper, local version.

One disadvantage of either renting a phone in the US and bringing it with you or buying a local pre-paid cell phone is that friends and business associates who have your regular number won't know your temporary one. Here is where you can really use Skype to your advantage.

Many travelers have Skype installed on their laptops. Wireless access and an inexpensive set of headphones is all you need to stay in touch, whether you are in an airport, in a hotel room in Rome or in an internet cafe.