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Staying in touch in Britain is cheaper than you think
Since around the year 2000, the beloved British public payphone has been in steady decline. In fact, according to a declaration by a British Telecom spokesman, more than 60% of all payphones are operated at a loss. As a traveler to the UK, this means that first, functional payphones are hard to find and second, rates are increasing. Furthermore, the UK has some of the highest international charges from hotel phones. For example, the Hilton charges almost $5 a minute to call the US and the Marriot charges over $7 per minute.
When it's cold and noisy in downtown London, these red booths are great for making cell phone calls. | At this point, you may be wondering what your alternative are. In a couple of words - cellular service. Ironically, what was, until recently, one of the least economical ways to stay in touch in the United Kingdom has now become one of the least expensive as well as the most convenient. However, there are things that you should know in order to avoid using a wrong and expensive approach . In this article, you will find information that will help you decide what option is best for you and will allow you to call home for literally about a dime a minute.
Using Your Own Phone
Currently, approximately only 20% of US and Canadian based cell phones can be used in the UK. In, cellular carriers use the GSM system. T-Mobile and AT&T in the US also use the GSM system but in North America, they run on different frequencies than in Europe. However, some of the newer or more expensive cell phones have the 900 and 1800 Mhz. frequencies which are necessary for overseas service. Check with your carrier and find out if your phone has these frequencies or "bands" (all quad bands and most tri bands do).
If your phone does work, you may want to consider "roaming" with your current service only if you know you will be on the phone very little or if it is imperative that you retain your current cell phone number. Rates are about $1.00 -1.50 per minute for incoming, local as well as calls back to the US. However, the most economic way to use your US or Canadian phone, if it indeed has the correct bands, is to swap out the SIM card (the chip in the phone giving you service) and insert a local UK SIM. You will a local phone number and will be able to take advantage of the local rates - including unlimited free incoming calls. Make sure that you ask your carrier for the unlock code.
You can get local SIM cards in the once you arrive or prior to your departure although it is more convenient getting it before you leave since you have the number to give out to people before your trip. There are several SIM cards that give you pay as you go plans, however, Mobile World offers rates specifically designed for the tourist and foreign nationals living in the UK. In fact, calls back to the US and Canada are only 5 Pence per minute to call back to North America. These cards are not available everywhere in the UK as they are designed for tourist but you can get them through Cellular Abroad at www.cellularabroad.com.
Renting a Cell Phone
If your current cell phone will not work in the UK, you can also rent a cell phone.
Here too you have different options. You can usually rent at the airport upon arrival or at major US hubs and you can rent from one of the many companies online. You should rent at the airport only as a "last resort" as the rates are phenomenally expensive and you will need to pay a hefty deposit for the usage. Cellular Abroad also rents handsets so you can rent one of their cell phones and purchase a SIM card and talk time and get the low rates mentioned above on a pay as you go system. One main advantage of a pay as you go system is that you do not have to sign messy contracts. However, a disadvantage is that, potentially, you can run out of talk time. Still, you can easily get more talk time locally or order it 24/7 from Cellular Abroad.
Buying a Cell Phone
Some travelers prefer purchasing a phone and SIM card rather than renting. The cost of purchasing a compatible cell phone has dropped considerably and in fact, Cellular Abroad offers basic phone/SIM packages for the UK that are slightly more expensive than renting one. If you are traveling to the UK for more than a month, it definitely makes sense to investigate this option as it will ultimately save you money. Plus, an international phone will work not only within the United Kingdom but, with the proper SIM card, in approximately 200 other countries worldwide. Cellular Abroad offers different SIM cards for various destinations as well as the National Geographic Travel SIM which is a "roaming" SIM, allowing cellular service in multiple destinations with one SIM. This is convenient primarily for those who travel frequently to different countries. If you are staying only the UK, the Mobil World SIM card cannot be beat.
 Conclusion
In sum, there are many options available to travelers depending on your unique requirements but generally speaking, if your current phone works, buy only the SIM card. If you travel infrequently and for a short trip, rent a phone. If you are a frequent traveler or will be moving to the UK, buy a cell phone and SIM card. What it really all boils down to is having a reliable service at an affordable price. In terms of cost per minute for making calls, the Mobile World service, designed specifically for the foreigner traveling to the UK, is by far the best value on the market.
Now that you know how to stay in touch yet not spend more than it's worth, here is one more tip. Take a picture by one of those fancy British public pay phones - they may soon become something from the past.
Get your UK phone rental, SIM or phone package or the National Geographic Travel Phone at www.cellularabroad.com.
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