Meanwhile, the series is raising even more questions for some readers:
"I'm the reader who asked you about security etc during home exchanges. I really appreciate the thoroughness with which you have addressed what I realize is a common concern! I have, indeed, become a faithful reader.
Now I have a new question that you may be planning on addressing in your "connectivity" series. Have you ever heard of international exchangers swapping cell phones? Would you consider doing such a thing, or advising against it?
Any thoughts? We look forward to hearing from you--whether in the blogosphere or email.
Take care and thanks again for all the good information!"
SWAPPING CELL PHONES
Yes, I have heard of exchangers trading cell phones for the length of their international exchanges. Actually, I think it's a great idea, if handled the right way. Many US cell phones work in Europe or other countries, but at exorbitant per-minute prices of $2 or more. Even if your phone is capable of receiving a signal in a foreign country, it is necessary to have your service provider add that feature before you go. When you call to set that up, find out if there is a calling plan available for the foreign country you will be visiting. Often there is not because the carrier does not operate in that country, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
DRAWBACKS TO USING YOUR PHONE INTERNATIONALLY
Even if you add international calling or receive assurances from your mobile company that the per minute rate is reasonable, I have had bad experiences using my US cell phone in Europe and Canada. One time the phone was not actually activated for the country I was visiting even though the mobile company assured me it was. The other time I was billed twice for each minute I used in Canada and the mobile company claimed it was the fault of the Canadian company that had handled the call.
IF YOU SWAP PHONES
With this in mind, swapping cell phones with international exchangers may be the least stressful option. Here are the issues to address before swapping cell phones:
* Dialing foreign cell phones is not intuitive. Leave clear instructions about how to dial land lines and mobile phones from your cell phone. If special city codes are involved, mention that.
* Leave your mobile phone's phone number for the person using it.
* Which calls are free or inexpensive with your calling plan? Text messages and incoming calls are usually free in Europe. Those features are almost never free on US mobile phone plans.
* Do different per-minute prices apply at different times of day? In the US, outgoing or incoming calls are often free on weekends, or after a certain time at night.
* Is it possible to swap phones but have each swap family buy its own pre-paid local phone card to use with the phone? If so, where can your swap partner buy that card?
* Do you have a cell phone whose number is rarely called? Lending someone your business mobile phone is a good way to have problems at work.
* Can the phone company lock your phone so the exchangers cannot use it to call internationally, or for expensive auxiliary calls such as phone number look-up or numbers that have per-minute charges in addition to cell charges? If the phone has the capability to make expensive out-of-area calls, your swap partners may inadvertently run up your mobile bill.
* If your exchange partners will be giving the mobile number to others, make sure they tell them not to leave voice mail messages. Put an out-going message on your voice mail to inform callers to only leave messages for you.
* Remember to leave necessary accessories, such as the charger, with the phone.
* Make an agreement in advance about replacing the phone if the exchanger loses or breaks it.
* If you have an older but functional phone that works with your current calling plan, consider switching phone cards so the exchanger does not have to worry about breaking your new high-tech phone.
Cover the bases and swapping phones can be another convenient and money-saving aspect of home exchange. Happy calling!
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