If I had a nail for every time a phone service/company told me they weren’t going to screw me, I’d quit my day job and become a handyman.

As someone whose lived abroad several times, I’ve certainly opened a few cell phone bills so outrageous it almost rivaled the cost of my entire trip. If you know what I’m talking about, you’ll agree it’s quite violating.

The following tips will help ensure you won’t find yourself in a similar situation. Ken Grunski, President of Telesetial, an international SIM card provider, offers great advice for travelers going overseas.

1.Purchase a prepaid Sim Card: Mobile phone providers charge exorbitant fees (data and roaming) to use smart phones/mobile phones in foreign countries, thus we understand why many travelers leave them at home. But with a Telestial prepaid Sim card, travelers can easily retain control over costs while keeping their mobile phones, smart phones and tablets operating. With a prepaid Sim card, rates to make an international call are as little as 49 cents per minute and it’s free to receive calls in over 75 countries (using a global UK number). And prepaid data is available in 135 countries for as little as 39 cents per MB. Passport SIM Card

2. Know Your Carrier: The major cell phone carriers – Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon – charge anywhere between $1.29 and $2.59 per minute for international roaming. Compare that to Telestial’s rates as low as 49 cents in more than 95 countries. For data, it’s even more dramatic. The major carriers charge between $15 and $20 per MB for data. That’s $20-$40 to upload a photo of the Eiffel Tower to your Facebook page. Telestial charges as little as 39 cents per MB for data. Upload photos, check emails or download music for a fraction of the cost of the major carriers.

3. Get free calls on your mobile phone: Sounds simple enough, right. You’re already spending thousands on airfare, hotel, and transportation, why spend more cash on incoming calls when you can get them free? With a Telestial Sim card, you are assigned a US number and a UK number. Give the UK number to family and friends, and incoming calls cost you nothing. Need to dial out? Not a problem. Telestial offers roaming rates for as little as 49 cents per minute. Free Calls From Cell

4. Invest in an unlocked GSM Phone: To use a prepaid SIM card (like Telestial), you need an unlocked GSM phone. There are two mobile phone standards in the United States: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). Sprint and Verizon Wireless use CDMA, which is not meant for global travel. AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM, considered the global standard for cellular networks. Most mobile phones sold by GSM carriers in the U.S., however, are “locked.” The iPhone, for example, is “locked” to AT&T. If you’re with a GSM carrier, and want to purchase a prepaid SIM card, you have two options: unlock your phone yourself (Unlocking Codes For Phones) or purchase an “unlocked” international phone. (International Phones)

5. Beware Skype overseas: Skype can be a great communication tool, but be careful how you use it overseas. When connected to Skype, make sure that you’re using free WiFi (from the hotel or a coffee shop), and NEVER use AT&T/T-Mobile’s roamed data services. Also, some countries with state-run telecommunication and Internet-providing companies block VoIP services like Skype.

6.If you use an i-Phone, turn off apps, data roaming and fetch data: Every time these update, you’re burning precious data, which is precious cash.

7.Don’t upload vacation pictures while roaming on smart phones: This can be extremely expensive, as many photos are more than 2 to 3 MBs each. Instead, hold the photos until you have access to the internet (at your hotel) or wait until you return home to share your experiences with the family. Data Service

8.Purchase an international charger adapter: You brought your iPhone to France, but you don’t want to run out of juice. Foreign countries have different electrical systems and your US phone charger probably won’t work overseas. Purchase an adapter that will be compatible wherever you’re traveling or you won’t be able to charge your phone. Accessories

Grunski, a telecommunications consultant, is a great resource for expert advice on cost-cutting measures for mobile phones, smartphones, and tablets. 

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