One of the biggest challenges I face when traveling overseas is communicating with my staff and clients on high-quality phone lines. While my mobile phone is very efficient, a cell bill can be upward of US$1,000 each trip. To avoid this, I adopt alternative methods of communication that offer a much lower cost.
1. I have an account with www.pingo.com that provides toll-free access codes in 36 countries and offers international rates as low as two cents a minute. With this service, calls can be made directly from my hotel room.
2. For frequently visited countries, I purchase local subscriber identity module (SIM) cards, so that I can accept incoming calls at no charge and make local calls at minimal costs.
3. Rather than throw away an old cell phone, I repurpose it. While on travel, I bring along an old, “unlocked” cell phone, so I can convert it into a local telephone.
4. I connect our “magic jack” (www.magicjack.com), an Internetbased telephone service, to a regular desk phone and laptop. This lets me have a fully equipped office wherever I am able to access the Internet.
5. I leverage my EO benefits. When a hotel room “office” doesn’t cut it, I take advantage of our discounted access to Regus offices. I’ve used several of these facilities in various cities; they come in very handy when I have long conference calls and client meetings.