Magic Tricks with Phones

Here are a couple of tricks with the iPhone (what?! You don't have an iPhone??) that can save you time and money while abroad.

Phone calls:

If you turn Airplane Mode on (thus, blocking any local companies from sending you things or allowing calls at exhorbitant international rates), and turn Wifi on, you can make Skype calls anytime you find a free wifi spot. Skype charges practically nothing when you use it on your phone (it's free from computer to computer, as you know) and the advantage is that you can call ANY number in the world (does not have to be another Skype number, can be landline or cell). And it is super cheap. Downoad the Skype App, set up an account (I'm still using the $10 I put on it last year) and gab away. This is MUCH cheaper than even the Intnational plans that the phone companies try to sell you.

Getting Around a New City/Country

There is a free App called Maps With Me that embeds maps into your phone. You need to download the countries you will be travelling to, then you have them without using phone minutes or internet. Very useful and very accurate (even gives restaurants, major buildings, etc.).

Also, the free App WhatsApp will allow you to do free texting with other WhatsApp users once you find a wifi site. Works brilliantly anywhere in the world (but your contacts must also have the App enabled).

There are other ways. These work for me.

I saw the equivalente of this sign in a coffee shop in Buenos Aires. Thought it's worth sharing.

See you soon.