Cell phones for international travel

Kent German, Senior Editor May 12, 2009

Forget a phrase book, a cell phone has become the most important tool for traveling abroad. When you're an ocean away, a phone will not only keep you in touch with the folks back home, but also let you contact your fellow travelers, call your hotel to check reservations, and catch up with local friends. Not every phone sold in the United States will work abroad, so it's important to do your research before boarding your flight. CNET's Quick guide to world phones will give you the full scoop.

To help you get started, I've included a few of my favorite world phones below. All models support GSM networks, which is the most widespread global technology. The Duet D888 is the first dual-SIM-card phone we've reviewed. The unlocked phone allows you to make calls and send messages from two numbers on the same handset. This came in handy during my recent trip to Australia; I used my U.S. SIM in one slot and a local Aussie SIM in the other.

I've also used the Apple iPhone 3G while traveling. The media players are great for long plane rides and the many apps can help you translate common questions, get the latest currency exchange rates, and convert kilometers into miles. The downside is that AT&T's international roaming rates put a serious crimp on your budget. Yet, you can avoid sky-high charges by using Skype to make calls and free Wi-Fi hotspots to send data. Though we'd never suggest leaving your standalone camera at home, the Samsung Memoir makes a good run at a combined device. It is locked to T-Mobile, but the carrier has extensive worldwide coverage. Unfortunately, Verizon and Sprint offer few options, since they don't use GSM. But both carriers offer handsets that use CDMA at home and GSM while outside the United States. Verizon's Samsung Saga is one of the latest such models. But at the end of the day, unlocked is the best way to go, since all you need is a prepaid SIM once you arrive. The Nokia 5310 Xpress Music offers a slim design, satisfying performance, and a music player, all for an affordable price. And if you have higher tastes, the Nokia E71 offers full smartphone functionality.