Monday, July 15, 2013

Different Options when Making International Call to the Philippines

Learn more about the various ways of placing international call to the Philippines, including tips on international roaming and prepaid cell phone features. 

When making international calls to Philippines, you are no longer limited to using phone cards or looking for a phone booth. Nowadays, you can easily get in touch with family and friends while traveling abroad. You can use VoIP applications on your computer or laptop, rent a SIM card or use your current mobile phone.

While it may not be the cheapest option on a per-call basis, purchasing a calling card is very popular among international travelers, as it has fixed prices. Though it is definitely less convenient than using a cell phone, calling cards are easy to budget since they can work anywhere provided you have an access to a phone. Also, people cannot disturb by calling during your precious vacation.

Another option is to bring your cellular phone. This is perhaps the most convenient option when traveling abroad. If you bring a GSM phone, you will be able to use it wherever you go, however, take note that you will likely get expensive roaming fee by your carrier.

Aside from the additional fees, the major requirements include having a GSM phone that must meet the right frequency or band. For frequent international travelers, it is best to bring a tri- or quad-band phone to ensure compatibility. However, remember that only selected phone models have this feature.

If you have a phone that satisfies the requirement above, then you can skip the roaming fees from your local provider by renting a SIM card for your phone to call to the Philippines. This option is usually cheaper than using your current carrier's international rates. However, it requires your tri- or quad-band GSM phone to be unlocked.

If you can rent a SIM card to make international calls to Philippines, you may also choose to rent a cell phone. While costlier than renting a SIM card, renting a cell phone, specifically a GSM phone that functions at your destination makes you reachable anytime. Furthermore, GSM phone rentals are available in more than 150 countries.

The last option is by using Internet-based call services such as Skype or Google Voice. This option can be the cheapest when making international calls--sometimes even free if you are connecting under a free Wifi hotspot. You may use VoIP on your computer via prepaid international broadband, but this option is more expensive and may eat up your credit balance.

If you are traveling abroad and you cannot imagine leaving your cell phone, then don't despair as you can take it with you. After knowing the different options for making international calls, there are some things you ought to know before leaving on your trip. If you choose international roaming, make sure you call the service provider to find out if your cell phone is compatible with foreign networks.

In addition, allow them to activate your phone for international use. Also, ask if your provider offers special deals and promotions for international roaming. Once your international roaming card gets activated, it will function as soon as you arrive at your destination.

If you bring a mobile phone while traveling abroad, you can consider getting a prepaid cell phone the moment you reach your destination. Since most countries have a number of competing wireless provider, make sure you choose a prepaid plan that provide the lowest rates to call to the Philippines. Some even provide free incoming calls. 

Monday, July 1, 2013

How to Reload Your Phone to Telephone Philippines

Learn simple but effective ways to get prepaid phone credits to telephone Philippines from anywhere in the world.

If you are currently working or studying abroad for a long period of time, the most important item that you should have on your person at all times is a cellphone. The gadget comes useful for translating languages and getting directions via special features. It also helps you keep in touch with your family and friends.

What's impressive about the features of modern phones is that they enable you to call and send SMS messages to your loved ones who may be living overseas. This service is called roaming. Basically, its function is to allow you to "roam" anywhere without losing your network's signal.

Smartphones are now installed with a special tab for roaming on the settings section. Instead of having to call your service provider, you can turn on/off your roaming settings with a single click. Thus, it is faster to tweak your phone's call and SMS settings according to the country you're currently in.

In the Philippines, there are three main cellphone networks, namely: Smart, Globe, and Sun Cellular. These SIM cards can be used whenever you travel from one country to another, assuring you that you don't need to purchase new SIMs. However, when using these cards abroad, you can be sure that a call to the Philippines will be costly.

Knowing this, you have to be aware of how you can reload your prepaid credits if ever you want to telephone Philippines or other countries again. You will be happy to learn that foreign areas also sell load cards, though they are usually expensive. To save money, there are some tips that you can follow.

First of all, you may want to purchase a whole box of prepaid scratch cards before leaving the Philippines. You can either use them while still in the country, or bring them with you to your destination. It is important to understand that these cards have expiration dates, so make sure to take note of them.

Let's not underestimate the denomination of Filipinos who are residing all over the world. It is a known fact that Filipinos are "everywhere", and like you, they may be missing their loved ones at home. Therefore, it is not impossible for a country to have a Filipino store where you can load your phone at a lower price.

Another great thing about the roaming ability is that it allows your phone to operate common SIM services. Sharing load overseas is possible, although it is not popular. Contact your network provider if you want to know more about this service.

Finally, when all else fails, you can turn to the Internet. You can use Skype, Facebook, and Yahoo! Messenger to communicate with your loved ones. On the other hand, if you really want to reload your phone, prepaid credits are also up for grabs in some sites, such as eBay.


Morbie eLoading is one site that offers reloading services to Philippine prepaid SIMs all over the world. Its services accommodate both foreign and local needs. Plus, payment is done via debit/credit cards and PayPal for the benefit of those abroad.