Our iPhones, Blackberrys, and Androids have become such a huge part of our lives that we can't imagine going for even a single day without carrying a phone around. That's usually not something we have to worry about during our regular routines, but what happens when it's time to go on vacation? What about frequent business travelers? How do they stay in touch while traveling abroad? It used to be that you would have to rent a phone or buy a disposable while traveling. But thanks to GSM cell phones, you can now go practically anywhere in the world and use your own handset for communicating with folks back home.
GSM cell phones are those that adhere to the global system for mobile communications, which is the technological standard most prevalent around the globe. Without getting into all the technical details, this basically means that people using GSM cell phones can enjoy uninterrupted coverage as long as they are traveling somewhere with the proper network and infrastructure in place -- which is most of the developed world, for sure. Yes, roaming charges from your home carrier will still apply, but that's a small price to pay for having all your personal data at your fingertips.
Actually, that last reason is precisely why so many business travelers opt for GSM cell phones these days. With a disposable or rental phone, the only thing you can do is make calls -- and even then you'll have to carry your contacts list separately to ensure you'll be able to get in touch with the right people. But when you use your own handset, you've got all your contact numbers listed right there, along with email addresses, fax numbers, and any other information you might need. Plus, you can still send text messages and all your bookmarks will be in place when you browse the web from your device. The true power and value of GSM cell phones, then, is this convenience of keeping all important data with you wherever you go.
What are some GSM cell phones on the market these days? To be honest, I'm reluctant to give specific model numbers here because phone manufacturers change their product lineups so often that there's a very good chance anything I list here will be "retired" by the time you read this article. Instead, the best way to go about shopping for GSM cell phones is to simply ask the store clerk which handsets have global roaming capabilities. Hopefully he'll lead you in the right direction! Also, there's always the possibility of "unlocking" your phone to make it work worldwide -- but that might void all warranties so be careful about going that route.
For business travelers who frequently go abroad to deal with clients and customers, GSM cell phones are a must-have accessory that allows them to access critical information at all times, along with making the usual calls that are a big part of any overseas journey. Make sure you're equipped properly before your next trip!