Pricetag

Today we are starting through the list required by any international move. Keep in mind that you don't have to get or do the same as I do, but the essence of these things are going to be required.

One of the most important items on any traveler's list, the phone. I personally have an iPhone with AT&T and I have several options that allow me to still use my 'baby.'


OPTION 1

For those who are tech-savvy, you can hack into your iPhone. First you jailbreak your phone by downloading a program that does this. Most of the programs are super easy and truly only require you to push a button. Once you have jailbroken your phone, you will install a source (make sure you look this up for newest version). Finally, when you're in the foreign country, simply buy a new SIM card and insert. Save your AT&T one because when you return you can restore your old phone.

The Pros and Cons of this method:
Pros: you can download third party apps, you are now extra rebellious (down with the man!), no extra fees for international roaming, and you can impressively tell your friends you're a hacker now.
Cons: this is super illegal, so if you do it, know there can be consequences.

OPTION 2

Being a BAMF isn't for all of us, but being techulious is. For this option we are going to practice a little 'layering' and call forwarding, while you maintain your AT&T provider, which makes things less complicated when you return. You are going to download two things: google voice and skype. If you don't already have skype, get on the wagon! It's free, it's awesome, and it will help you no matter where you are.

1. Get a skype account and download skype for iphone.
2. Get a skype number ($20 a year)
3. Buy a skype plan ($5-14 a month) I suggest the $5 plan, which allows you to call North American landlines and cell phones unlimited and for your friends at home to call you unlimited.
4. Use your AT&T/iphone forwarding feature to your new skype number.
5. Get google voice and program your skype number in it.
6. Right before boarding your plane go to settings on your phone and turn off all phone things like roaming, location services, disable 3G, and cellular data. Basically you only want wifi and bluetooth on. 

Let me break down to you what happens. Since skype is dependent on wifi your phone will only 'ring' when you're in a wifi area.

In a wifi area: A friend calls your US cell phone - forwarded to your skype number - now rings on your phone through the skype application - if you don't answer - call will be forwarded to google voicemail and then you will receive an email of the voicemail you missed. If you DO answer - you simply pickup and talk your little heart out.

Not in a wifi area:  A friend calls US phone - forwarded straight to google voice and they can leave a message.

Pros and Cons of this method:
Pros: not illegal, very cheap, do not have to cancel AT&T, easy to do.
Cons: you don't have a way of contacting the cell phones within the country you are staying. This issue may need to be remedied by buying a cheap phone there.

Today I will be exploring option 2 and hope to find a resolution to our rather large con.