Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Communications
Americas phones and SIMs Americas phones and SIMs
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Communications Connecting - internet cafes, laptops, smart phones - how to connect, use, which one, and intercom/radio systems.
Photo by Giovanni Lamonica, Aralsk, Kazakhstan.

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Giovanni Lamonica,
Aralsk, Kazakhstan.



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 Jan 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Brooklyn, NYC
Posts: 40
Americas phones and SIMs
I am planning an Americas trip and will be buying a local SIM in each country as needed, which seems to be the general consensus as the best way have a phone.

The question I have is with respect to phone. I currently have an Motorola Moto X, which is an Android-based smart phone. It has a slot for a SIM card. However, it is over 2 years old and the battery is becoming weaker and weaker.

So I think I'll buy a new phone. But I don't want to break the bank for a good phone that soon I will only be using for limited contact in Central and South America.

What do people recommend as a phone for traveling:

- Simple flip phone? Pro: long battery life, inexpensive, generally durable

- Smart phone? Pro: offers internet browsing (via WiFi to avoid data $) and GPS

- Can someone confirm that the phone network should be GSM and not CDMA for the Americas?

- Any specific suggestions would be great. I'm in the USA, for what it's worth, as I know some models aren't globally available for purchase.

Thanks.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Jan 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NSW Australia - but never there
Posts: 1,235
Expensive option but the Google Project Fi is pretty convenient provided you already have one of the specific model phones.
__________________
Tony
Click here for Travel Photos & Travel Map
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Jan 2016
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,905
GSM quad band phone. Whether smart or stupid is up to you and your individual preferences.

TMobile gives the most international options if you're shopping for a plan--generally, free data and text plus discounted calling almost anywhere worldwide. There are pluses and minuses to each carrier, and reasons to buy locally if you're spending some time and like to gab on the phone a lot.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Jan 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Brooklyn, NYC
Posts: 40
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tony LEE View Post
Expensive option but the Google Project Fi is pretty convenient provided you already have one of the specific model phones.
Wow, didn't even know about Fi. Definitely something I'm going to explore more.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 9 May 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Brooklyn, NYC
Posts: 40
I ended up getting Google Fi. They had a special where the phone was $250 and I am currently set up for $50/mo plan (3GB), but will likely downgrade to $40/mo (2GB) once travelling. Supposedly you only pay for the data you use, so the downgrade may be moot.

I haven't used the phone/service abroad, just in NYC here where it has been comparable to my prior mobile provider. That is to be expected since NYC is a dense area and coverage is pretty complete for all mobile companies (Fi uses T-mobile and Sprint networks). I'm heading to Peru in June/July for a non-moto trip and will get a full overseas test-run out of it before I embark on my Americas moto trip this fall.

So far, it's looking good and I'm glad I was pointed to Google Fi.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Jun 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 1
I'd definitely recommend Fi. I just came back from the U.S. and it worked perfectly. However I mostly used wifi based calling. It has visual voicemail hangouts and you can forward texts and calls to the devices you're logged into. Eh, I love Google

Alexander
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 00:39.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top