An international SIM card has many benefits for any traveller. It’s one of the best ways to keep your calling and texting costs low. You can save an average of 85% on calls to and from international destinations compared to the exorbitant roaming charges many US domestic carriers. When you activate your cell phone, you’ll be given a phone number that you can give to your family, friends and co-workers before leaving on a trip. The convenience of knowing what your phone number will be in advance at your destination allows you to be more accessible to your friends, family and business associates while you travel.

You also have the option to keep your current mobile phone and simply change SIM cards from local to an international one. Most cards work in over 140 countries with virtually free incoming calls in 40 countries depending on your card service. There are usually no hidden charges with SIM cards, but it’s always best to check the fine print. You never have to worry about being overcharged or cheated. These cards also do not have additional charges for calling other mobile numbers unlike other cell phone carriers. There are also no call setup fees and the biggest single benefit is that it allows you to avoid major roaming charges. 24/7 customer support SIM cards include live international flight information, airline, airport and taxi contact numbers delivered through customer support. The calls are broken down without monthly fees or contracts since they are pay-per-use. You can even receive SMS around the world for free. Your family, friends, and co-workers can text you no matter where you are. Your unique international mobile number allows you to be contacted at any time. There is also an auto top-up option when call credit gets too low that you can select based on your personal preferences.

Using and getting a card is simple, all you need is an unlocked GSM Tri or Quad band mobile phone. You need one of these options because different mobile phone networks operate on different frequencies. Therefore, for a phone to fully work in different countries, it must support multiple frequency bands. Your cell phone has to be compatible with the GSM band of the country where you are likely to use it. A tri-band phone allows you to use it in Europe, Africa, Asia, the US, New Zealand and Australia with its three frequency ranges.

The quad band phone allows you to use it virtually anywhere in the world. Once you have the right cell phone, you can buy it from a store or from an online company’s site. It’s best to buy your SIM card in the US rather than from a company in the country you plan to visit.

There is also a lengthy registration process in many countries for foreigners to obtain SIM cards due to increased global terror alerts. Swipe the card on your cell phone after purchase, then call to activate. It really is that simple to use an international SIM card and it also gives you low-cost seamless roaming from coast to coast.