I can get get smart traveler from xfinity at $10 a day but with ten in my family going to Italy its expensive. Is there a more economical way to set up for calls home to US
Thanks
Posted by
Chicago
662 posts
The Technology Tips forum section has many entries addressing international calling
and internet access. Have a look there for starters.
In general, you need to be clear about whether you want to make calls, accept calls,
have internet access, and keep your existing number while on your trip. Needing
fewer of these will give you more/cheaper options.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34010 posts
do you mean you will be calling 10 numbers back home from your one phone in Italy (presumably since you're in the Italy Forum, or perhaps many European countries (which ones??) ?? )
or do you mean that 10 of you are travelling and all will want to use their phones to call home?
If 10 are going, does everybody need their own phone, and does each one need international calling?
Have you heard of WhatsApp and Skype? Each cures a particular problem
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8339 posts
We're with T Mobile, and we just sign up for their international service plan for one month. It's a flat amount--nowhere close to $10 a day. T Mobile is owned by the German telephone company.
Our telephone works in Europe just like it does in the U.S. We were once in Budapest and our 3 year old granddaughter called us using her mother's speed dial. But she didn't know it was 3:00 a.m.
Taking a vacation to me is cutting ties with "back home." I enjoy not talking to anyone on the telephone except in an emergency.
Posted by
OP
Rutland Vt
56 posts
Yes 10 of us going but really only need 5 phones for international
Thanks for your help
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34010 posts
Have you heard of WhatsApp and Skype?
They can get you calls for very little money (Skype) or none at all (WhatsApp) Both need wifi or data, but if you can limit the calls to at the lodging you can save a shedload of money.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16133 posts
What is your mobile phone provider in the US?
I switched from AT&T to TMobile years ago because of their outrageous $10/day international charges. TMobile does not charge extra when I travel overseas. Then with the data they give you, you can use WhatsApp (or Skype) to make calls, texts or video calls. You can also make regular calls back to the US but for that they charge me $0.25/min. Regular texts are also included at no extra charge.
I have Magenta Max 55+ plan
https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans
For people over 55 you can have all the above but at discounted prices.
Just click on Age 55+