People travelling to foreign destinations usually need to stay connected with their family, friends and business associates. Roaming charges in foreign

countries are the major concern among Indian travellers while travelling overseas.

Today with the technology advancements, there are ways to sign

up for international roaming plans that will save your money on both voice and data roaming. The best option is to purchase a permanent international SIM

card for international travel which will give you free incoming calls and economic outgoing calls.

International SIM cards allow users to use

voice and data services on their smartphones and tablets while traveling overseas. With this single SIM, you can roam across the world and also prevent

your budget from exceeding its limit.

Advantages of buying an international SIM Card

• Convenience- freedom to connect; anytime, anywhere
• Significant savings compared to using international roaming
• Payment in Indian
  
  currency
• 24x7 customer support
• Get your international number before departure

Important considerations before using international SIM cards

One should ensure the following before using international SIM cards:

• Make sure your phone isn't network-locked: Mobile networks often lock handsets so that they are only able to operate on specific
  
  networks. A locked phone cannot work with other networks and therefore, you may not be able to use it with the permanent international SIM. To deal with this situation, one can look for rented unlocked cell phones which are easily
  
  available with companies providing international telecom services
• Make sure you have the right frequencies: When buying a world
  
  phone, make sure that it supports the mobile frequencies used in the countries you are visiting. If they don't, you won't be able to use your permanent
  
  international SIM card

International telecom service providers in India

Globetrotters must approach global telecom companies for

saving money on global roaming charges. There are number of international telecom service providers in India which provide
href="/links/?u=http://www.matrix.in/International-SIM-cards/Postpaid-SIM-Cards/Country-Specific-SIM-Card" target="_blank">international SIM card tariffs in a cost-effective way.


These telecom companies also provide global data services on rent for international travellers. BlackBerry users can also get international blackberry plans

through these companies. These services allow travellers to check their mails/inbox regularly, access to social networking sites, make video calls to home

country, etc.


Before you purchase any international plan, search online for the best service providers. Select a telecom company with a wide network, which has tie-ups

with local networks in many countries. Only such companies can offer you the best deal.

Suggestions while using data services using

international SIM cards

• Don't use unnecessary apps or sites: Resist using your phone casually while you are in roaming. Avoid using apps which
  
  are not necessary. Bookmark the mobile versions of sites you use regularly to cut bandwidth.
• Prefer using Skype/ WhatsApp: Depending on what kind of
  
  phone you have, you can find apps that allow you to chat with friends worldwide and make video calls without adding any extra cost. Some of the major apps
  
  include WhatsApp, Skype etc.