Verizon's Global Travel Program
Can you hear me now? Not if you're overseas. While most carriers around the world use a technology called GSM, Verizon does not. That means that many SIM-cardless standard Verizon phones won't work in other countries (the BlackBerry excluded). It's a bit of a pain, but the company provides a decent solution. Through its Global Travel Program, Verizon will lend you a global cell for free, as long as you're traveling for three weeks or less. Just pay the $9.99 shipping cost, and Verizon will mail you a loaner. It will use your regular number, and you'll have normal access to your voice mail. You'll have to sign up for one of the company's global plans and pay a per-minute charge for calls and texts. Once you're home, simply mail the phone back.