How Do You Operate Your IM Business While Traveling?

59 replies
Due to a relationship change, my life has all of a sudden become a lot more flexible and I plan on traveling a lot more. For example; I'm going to spend 3 months traveling and surfing in Costa Rica soon...and that is just the beginning.

I started this post to see if you would be interested in sharing your tips for how you continue operating your IM business while traveling.

A few examples for travel tips could be regarding...
What are the best ways to get internet access in third world countries that have lousy internet access?

Are there ways to use your U.S. based smart phone (or wherever your cell phone coverage is based) in other countries - or is it just a brick?

What are the best ways for communicating with people in your home country (I'm in the U.S.) while traveling without spending a fortune on phone calls? Perhaps Skype to Skype, but what if the people you want to call don't have a smart phone?

How to use your home-country-based smart phone as a modem for your laptop?

How do you keep track of your passwords when you're using someone else's computer like at an internet cafe?

All idea's will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Steve
#business #operate #traveling
  • Profile picture of the author E. Brian Rose
    Originally Posted by magentawave View Post

    Are there ways to use your U.S. based smart phone (or wherever your cell phone coverage is based) in other countries - or is it just a brick?

    Check with your carrier. I travel a lot myself. Before I leave I call my cell company and make sure that I have a travel plan that includes the country that I am going to. The rates will be higher than when you are at home, but certainly beat what you would be spending on roaming charges if you do not update your plan.
    Signature

    Founder of JVZoo. All around good guy :)

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2099193].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author myob
      Most carriers I believe offer regional or even global sim cards.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2099232].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AwesomePossum
    Well...I have no experience AS OF NOW..but I'll be traveling a bunch by next year because it's something I love to do....

    Soo badass phone...check.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2099241].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mukul Verma
    Test it and outsource it.

    I have done tests over the years to see the impact on my business.

    First - I went 2 weeks away where I had phone, internet etc....

    Second - I outsource and was hands off (but still at home, just not working)

    Third - Went to third world country, was suppose to check in 3 times a week with outsource team, worked well and checked in only Monday morning (2 hours on email)

    Forth - 2 weeks with outsource team having no communication to me except on a urgent email address sent to family members (never useds)

    Hence, testing and increasing the distance from you and your business.

    Hope that helps
    Mukul
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2099253].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jaybaker
    would recommend using magic jack(not an affiliate) just plugs into the computer ur using as long as you have a net connection... I would be interested in more of these kinds of tips as well...
    Signature

    Do you want to make successes or excuses? Success? Alright then... See what's in store for you....
    - The AC Assassin

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2099310].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author magentawave
      And specifically what can you do with the Magic Jack as it relates to this subject of traveling?

      Thanks
      Steve


      Originally Posted by jaybaker View Post

      would recommend using magic jack(not an affiliate) just plugs into the computer ur using as long as you have a net connection... I would be interested in more of these kinds of tips as well...
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2099328].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ahlexis
    Also, for what it's worth (or not), Verizon has Skype-to-Skype supposedly without using your minutes. So I guess if you were using their service with a smartphone and Skype, it would only cost the Skype international rates as opposed to the regular cell rates to place a call.

    I say "supposedly" because I haven't tried this yet for myself on my Droid but plan to do so in the near future. But the Verizon store manager near me (who likes to see me because one of the few customers who are not complaining every time he sees me...another story I'll get to in a minute) tells me that most of the Verizon people, even though they are aware of the service, do not know a lot about how to use it. His initial reaction was, "Why? It's giving away the store without getting (hardly) anything in return!" when he was at the corporate training meeting introducing it.

    He tells me that he mostly only sees his customers when something is wrong, so they are usually upset, that most customers only come in . . . to sign up, or upgrade to a new phone, or to get something fixed. So most of the people who are happy only come in every year or two. Those who come in more often are mostly having problems. I'm kind of unusual, because when I had my last problem I realized he was the most knowledgeable Verizon rep I'd seen in a long time, so I go in to pay my bill in person quite a bit, and like to find out what's new from time to time while I'm there. It sounds crazy at first, but when I did this at a large electronics store I was oftentimes given a heads up to some very profitable stuff that I turned around after buying straight retail and listed on eBay and made really good money (another story I WON'T go into here!)

    On the subject of travel and how to do things, it would be a REALLY good idea to pick up a copy of this:

    Amazon.com: The 4-Hour Workweek, Expanded and...Amazon.com: The 4-Hour Workweek, Expanded and...

    Although it's mostly about outsourcing, it has an incredible list of links in it that tell you where to get all sorts of things that will help you while traveling even if you don't outsource.

    Also, you might want to take a look at expatriate sites such as InternationalLiving.com and EscapeArtist.com and others to learn about things that can help as well.

    Another book you may want to have at least a look into via Amazon's site is:

    Amazon.com: How to Retire Overseas: Everything...Amazon.com: How to Retire Overseas: Everything...

    I did take an extended look at it in the local Barnes and Noble and found that it breaks down the countries it does cover into categories depending on what you are looking for. I found a few countries in there that I had not considered might be a good place to visit due to their infrastructure.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2099358].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ahlexis
    One more thing. When it comes to your cell phone, some of your answer will depend on who your carrier is, or more specifically, what system they are on.

    Most of the world is on GSM. Verizon and Sprint are not, but are instead on CDMA.

    If GSM, then you are likely to have a sim card. That means that your phone can be "unlocked", which will mean that you can then possibly buy a prepaid card when you get where you are going and just switch cards out to use the local service for cheaper than if you sign up to go "global" with the US carrier you have now.

    Unlocked is how Google first introduced their Android phone, the Nexus One. (On a separate note, it now appears that the cell carriers on CDMA, Verizon and Sprint, have given up on offering their version of Nexus One.)

    Also, some phones that are on Verizon and Sprint are designated World Phones which can take a sim card as well. I don't know if those are locked or not, but I do know that it's easier to get those world phones to work than if you had one that was CDMA only. I think the phones that are World Phones are mostly Blackberries (but not all Blackberries) but I am not sure. Check with your carrier(s) to learn more. And check with the tech people as well; sometimes the salespeople don't know a lot about traveling outside the US.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2099364].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Fernando Veloso
    Ahh that's easy!!

    Extra surfboards, medical kit, and credit card.



    Seriously, I don't travel that much BUT when I do travel my wife takes care of our business with my brother in law.

    Costa Rica huh? Nice surf all year round, you lucky *******!!

    Signature
    People make good money selling to the rich. But the rich got rich selling to the masses.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2099395].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ty Neal
    One thing I say I been traveling alot this year and business going well some of the things i will say is always bring your lab tap and have a wireless card because those hotel be going crazy with the price of internet Always have your outsource worker work extra hard when your gone. I have my worker do everything when i'm out of town.

    And the best part just have fun while your gone don't work so hard that why we hired workers
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2099400].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mikemac1
    This is a great thread & I'm looking forward to hearing other's solutions as it seems no matter how much I prepare to maintain web access (i.e. making sure hotels have access or there is a place to go nearby), it never works out when I travel.

    I guess one thing I'll add is that I try to maintain as much of my info on the web or cloud based as possible, so I can access it without having to use my laptop, but then again, I always worry about security.

    Looking forward to getting some great tips...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2099478].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Lou Diamond
    Hello,
    as far as using an internet cafe and a password protected site is something that I would never use.
    It is very easy to install a key logger on to that computer.
    Signature

    Something new soon.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2099502].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author magentawave
      Does that mean that iPhones (ATT), Google phones (T-Mobile) and Droids (Verizon) are all CDMA?

      If iPhone goes to Verizon next month (thats the rumor), then I was thinking of getting one. Any idea if it will continue to be a CDMA phone on Verizon? Apparently Verizon doesn't use sim cards.

      Originally Posted by ahlexis View Post

      One more thing. When it comes to your cell phone, some of your answer will depend on who your carrier is, or more specifically, what system they are on.

      Most of the world is on GSM. Verizon and Sprint are not, but are instead on CDMA.

      If GSM, then you are likely to have a sim card. That means that your phone can be "unlocked", which will mean that you can then possibly buy a prepaid card when you get where you are going and just switch cards out to use the local service for cheaper than if you sign up to go "global" with the US carrier you have now.

      Unlocked is how Google first introduced their Android phone, the Nexus One. (On a separate note, it now appears that the cell carriers on CDMA, Verizon and Sprint, have given up on offering their version of Nexus One.)

      Also, some phones that are on Verizon and Sprint are designated World Phones which can take a sim card as well. I don't know if those are locked or not, but I do know that it's easier to get those world phones to work than if you had one that was CDMA only. I think the phones that are World Phones are mostly Blackberries (but not all Blackberries) but I am not sure. Check with your carrier(s) to learn more. And check with the tech people as well; sometimes the salespeople don't know a lot about traveling outside the US.
      .................................................. .................................................. .

      Do you mean a pre-paid wireless card? Can you use something like that on a Macbook Pro outside the country?

      Originally Posted by Ty Neal View Post

      One thing I say I been traveling alot this year and business going well some of the things i will say is always bring your lab tap and have a wireless card because those hotel be going crazy with the price of internet.
      .................................................. .................................................. ....

      Do you know if Lastpass is secure for usernames and passwords on "public" computers?

      Originally Posted by Lou Diamond View Post

      Hello,
      as far as using an internet cafe and a password protected site is something that I would never use.
      It is very easy to install a key logger on to that computer.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2099707].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Darrel Hawes
        Originally Posted by magentawave View Post

        Do you know if Lastpass is secure for usernames and passwords on "public" computers?
        Not sure about the security issues; however I do know that when you log in to LastPass via their website, you can enter your password via the virtual keyboard... and thereby avoid a keylogger stealing your main LastPass password.
        Signature
        Darrel Hawes - Blog
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2106847].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jute
    Hi,

    2 things I would like to recomend.

    If you bring a Laptop with you make sure you do backup and not a backup on a usb because you are probably going to store that usb in your laptop bag and if they steal your laptop bag then they also just stole your backup. Get a online backup solution to were you can upload the "must have, can not loose" info.

    The second thing is that if you want to use skype you can get a "land line number" (direkt translation from Swedish...were I'm from) that will give your friends a lokal number so that they can use their home or cell phone to call you and you pick up through your skype account.

    See you on the road.....

    // Jute
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2102857].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author magentawave
      Good idea. You post reminds me that I need to open an account with Mozy for my backups.

      Are you saying that you would use a land line to forward calls over to your Skype account? What if you don't have a land line?

      Thanks
      Steve



      Originally Posted by Jute View Post

      Hi,

      2 things I would like to recomend.

      If you bring a Laptop with you make sure you do backup and not a backup on a usb because you are probably going to store that usb in your laptop bag and if they steal your laptop bag then they also just stole your backup. Get a online backup solution to were you can upload the "must have, can not loose" info.

      The second thing is that if you want to use skype you can get a "land line number" (direkt translation from Swedish...were I'm from) that will give your friends a lokal number so that they can use their home or cell phone to call you and you pick up through your skype account.

      See you on the road.....

      // Jute
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2106825].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Jute
        Hi again,

        No, YOU do not need a land line. You buy a number from Skype so when your friends call this number they pay normal price for local calls and then Skype transfers the call to your online skype account that you can take on your headset.

        I used it when I was traveling in Asia for 3 months and it was something like $12. This will also enable your friends to leave messages because it includes an answering machine funktion.

        Good luck!

        Jute

        Originally Posted by magentawave View Post

        Good idea. You post reminds me that I need to open an account with Mozy for my backups.

        Are you saying that you would use a land line to forward calls over to your Skype account? What if you don't have a land line?

        Thanks
        Steve
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2113627].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author javistuff
          Hey Magenta, how are you?

          I had not came back to the thread, sorry for not looking back before.

          As Jute has said, you don't need to have a landline number to get the Skype plan. It works like this.

          You sign up for a "Worldwide plan" (or something like that) that let's you make unlimited calls to any landline in the world and also cell phones in some countries (I think the US is in that list) with a monthly fee.

          Now, according the the Skype description, if you get a plan like that they give you a Skype In number for free. A Skype In number is a landline IN ONE COUNTRY you choose, that people there can phone as if they were calling a local line. So they just pay a local call.

          In my case, Skype itself has no agreements with the Communications Minnistery in Israel, so there are other companies that provide that service (giving you the local line so people can call you there) and linkint it to your Skype user or any other VoIP system.

          The calls you receive to your Skype In can be answered on your Skype itself (that, if you are on 3G you can get through your Skype application in a loooot of cell phones today, and there are even ways of using Fring on the iPhone to receive Skypecalls) or they can be forwarded to your cellphone anywhere you are, off course, for a small $ charge.

          I think that if you are from the US Skype would be the most useful thing to have, since you can call anybody there at no extra charge. Take a look at their site, if you are up to the digging, it's all explained there.

          Good luck!

          Javier
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2120195].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author kobebyant
    it is a pleasure things ,during traveling we should forget all of the troublesome just enjoy in the happy travel^^
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2106860].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author magentawave
      Hey Darrel,

      Leo Laporte "the tech guy" was talking about that exact same thing on his radio show a few weeks ago but I didn't quite understand how that works. I've been using Lastpass for about a year now and couldn't imagine not having it but how do you access Lastpasses "virtual keyboard"? Is that when the Lastpass thing flops down from the top of my browser (on Firefox) and I have to enter my main Lastpass password into it?

      Thanks Steve

      Originally Posted by Darrel Hawes View Post

      Not sure about the security issues; however I do know that when you log in to LastPass via their website, you can enter your password via the virtual keyboard... and thereby avoid a keylogger stealing your main LastPass password.
      .................................................. .................................................. ..

      Oh yeah, surfing the longest left in the northern hemisphere for 3 months IS a "pleasure" thing but I still need to be able to do my work and keep in touch with family and friends. My friend that lives down there isn't tech savvy so I need to figure this stuff out for myself now before I go, hence this post.

      Thanks
      Steve

      Originally Posted by kobebyant View Post

      it is a pleasure things ,during traveling we should forget all of the troublesome just enjoy in the happy travel^^
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2107503].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ahlexis
        Does that mean that iPhones (ATT), Google phones (T-Mobile) and Droids (Verizon) are all CDMA?

        If iPhone goes to Verizon next month (thats the rumor), then I was thinking of getting one. Any idea if it will continue to be a CDMA phone on Verizon? Apparently Verizon doesn't use sim cards.
        ATT = GSM, T-Mobile = GSM. Verizon and Sprint = CDMA.

        That's the basic summary on how cell phones work in USA. However, it's more complicated than that. Each manufacturer turns to each airtime provider (ATT, Verizon, etc.) and says "what kind of phone and features do you want?" And then they work it out from there. That's one of the reasons why it has taken so long for iPhone to get to Verizon, because Apple was in exclusive deal with ATT. Now that the agreement is coming to an end, Verizon basically says to Apple, "Can you make us a CDMA version of your iPhone, please?"

        Google Nexus One was truly unique in that they were determined to make ONE model phone for each type of network and name it the exact same thing. If you go from ATT to Verizon booths @ a mall you will notice the phones look almost exactly alike but go by different names. What is happening is the manufacturer is making one model for ATT, and making the same basic phone with a few minor differences but a different model name for Verizon.

        For instance, Samsung Omnia @ Verizon might be called Samsung Instinct @ ATT (not sure if they're close to exact, I'm just giving an example to get the point across.) What was particularly frustrating for me was, on the net the Samsung Omnia that is available in Hong Kong and elsewhere had a sim card and a memory card that could be swapped out without removing the battery. The US version didn't allow changing the sim card without disconnecting the battery first. Minor details but major confusion when you're reading the specs on the blogs because one Samsung Omnia has 8mp camera, but not in the US version, only the overseas version. At first I thought, no big deal, I'll just buy the 8mp version. But then that's when I learned that the 8mp version was GSM, which meant it would not work on Verizon airtime. And that's also when I learned the true cost of a cell phone! 8mp Samsung Omnia, $600, give or take. Verizon version, $465, but true cost = $99 out the door because I was a new customer willing to sign a 2 year contract.

        And then to make matters worse, Verizon (prior to the Droid) handicaps their phones so that certain features that work on the international versions of the phones are not accessible or crippled so that they can charge you for extra airtime services to use them. For instance, most Verizon phones disabled bluetooth file transfer because they think they can sell you more ringtones if you cannot swap them with your friends. Not so bad, except that I actually tried to FIND and PAY Verizon for a ringtone I wanted and they DID NOT OFFER IT FOR SALE!!! Grrrrgh! Bluetooth works, just not the file sharing part of it. And Verizon won't let you activate a smartphone without paying extra for a data plan, even if you are NOT going to use the data just the computer connectivity of it (I'm talking about a Windows Mobile OS, so I was just looking for transfer of data from phone to computer for a certain software program and back, not actually using any airtime.)

        But I digress...

        Another thing that makes cell phone choices INTERESTING for the US market is, some of us customers travel round the world and only want to have ONE phone, not a US phone and a rest-of-the-world phone. So those CDMA companies came out with a "world phone" that does both CDMA AND GSM, such as a couple of Blackberry models and maybe one other phone model. I think those phones actually DO have a sim card in them, which covers the GSM part. Not exactly sure because I haven't owned a world phone just yet.

        The way Google planned and designed the Nexus One was, they came out with ONE phone that was to be known by the same name no matter what network it ended up on. But if you buy a Nexus One directly from Google it will only work on the GSM services of ATT and T-Mobile at this point. Basically Verizon and Sprint said to Google "Oooh, I want one!!!" when Google came out with the Nexus One. But then other manufacturers were quicker on the draw with the Android platform and then Verizon and Sprint both saw that there were better options most likely to sell better than Nexus One and said, "Uhhh, never mind, we've changed our minds," just recently to Google. But the Nexus One's that were due to arrive for Verizon and Sprint were going to be CDMA Nexus One's.

        As for the Verizon iPhone? That will be CDMA as well. That's probably part of what's taking so long for it to get to market, although Apple originally had an exclusive agreement with ATT.

        Hopefully this makes enough sense for you to understand and make an informed decision.

        I know very little about unlocking a phone, other than knowing that it can be done and what it is...which is basically taking a phone that was sold/designed to work on one network (usually in the USA) and then modifying it somehow either with a code or software so that it is no longer restricted to the one network it was originally sold to be used on. Great for ATT and/or T-Mobile phones if you want to turn them into world phones. But can be risky and sometimes turn your phone into a brick/doorstop if you don't get it just right.

        So, to answer this question:

        Are there ways to use your U.S. based smart phone (or wherever your cell phone coverage is based) in other countries - or is it just a brick?
        ...the answer is, it depends! On your phone, on your provider, and on your cell phone plan.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2111906].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DrGUID
    Make sure all your businesses run themselves without your input.

    Take a notebook computer.

    Don't assume the 3rd world is behind the West - I found America's infrastructure more antiquated than China's .
    Signature

    Love passive income? Make money on hubpages. Make money from ClickBank. Preserve your new wealth by investing in gold.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2111926].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jaiganeshv
    I think blackberry with gmail access alone can solve all your problems while at travel!!
    I cant talk much on it as I dont have much knowledge, but access to email alone can solve your woes?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2112130].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author javistuff
    For friends trying to locate you while you are on travel, I use Skype personally. I just moved from Israel to Argentina for a while, and got a Skype plan to call landline phones with no time limits.

    And regarding the landline number for you, you should be getting one for free (in the US at least, I know that in some other countries too) when you sign up the those plans. I think that is something around $12 a month. It's a good deal!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2112370].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jamian
    Hire a fluent english speaking VA that can take care of your daily tasks and let he/she report you every other day(3 hours each day max, I got mine for $5 hour from Bangalore doing excellent job). About incoming emails use your autoresponder to let them know you'll be checking your email once every monday at specific time and of course this also can evaluated by your VA.

    Jamian
    Signature
    Affiliate Marketing explained for beginners >>
    www.SuperAffiliateMarketingTrick.com <<
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2112437].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author markament
    Originally Posted by magentawave View Post

    Due to a relationship change, my life has all of a sudden become a lot more flexible and I plan on traveling a lot more. For example; I'm going to spend 3 months traveling and surfing in Costa Rica soon...and that is just the beginning.

    I started this post to see if you would be interested in sharing your tips for how you continue operating your IM business while traveling.

    A few examples for travel tips could be regarding...
    What are the best ways to get internet access in third world countries that have lousy internet access?

    Are there ways to use your U.S. based smart phone (or wherever your cell phone coverage is based) in other countries - or is it just a brick?

    What are the best ways for communicating with people in your home country (I'm in the U.S.) while traveling without spending a fortune on phone calls? Perhaps Skype to Skype, but what if the people you want to call don't have a smart phone?

    How to use your home-country-based smart phone as a modem for your laptop?

    How do you keep track of your passwords when you're using someone else's computer like at an internet cafe?

    All idea's will be greatly appreciated!

    Thanks!

    Steve

    Hey Steve I live in Bali, New Zealand and California. My wife is from Austria and spend a lot of time in Singapore. So I'm traveling a ton. Here are my answers to your questions:

    1. In Developing countries it's hit and miss. I usually look for cheap internet cafes. Cell phone service can be sketchy.

    2. Depends on your phone provider. Basically your phone has to be unlocked to use it successfully out of the US. If you unlock on Iphone you void the warranty. Maybe others it's ok.

    3. I use Skype and Skype out. My friends and family have computers - for that we Skype with video. If they don't I buy Skype credit and call their phones for very cheap. It's something like .01 cents a minute I think.

    4. In Bali, anyway, we have little USB antennas available for cheap that pick up internet signals as a phone would. You pay for the amount of MBs you transfer.

    5. Put it all in an excel file and save it on a memory stick. Make sure to clear all private data on the browser you use before you leave. Also keep your eyes open for people watching you type. We've heard some stories here of people getting their PINs and passwords stolen.

    Have fun travelling - it's an amazing world.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2112653].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author magentawave
      I really appreciate everyone's input here!

      I'm going to be asking lots of dumb questions so please bear with me...




      Yes and I just found out yesterday that most of the world uses GSM including Costa Rica. So you buy a cell phone plan and pop in the new sim card, but for some weird reason a non-resident can't buy a cell phone plan in Costa Rica. You can rent a cell phone or sim card in Costa Rica but its way too expensive.
      Originally Posted by ahlexis View Post

      ATT = GSM, T-Mobile = GSM. Verizon and Sprint = CDMA.




      1) If your Skype plan is good for free calls to landlines then what is the purpose of forwarding calls from your landline to your cell phone? Is that just so your people can call you at no charge instead of incurring expensive calls to a cell phone in Argentina?

      2) And if that is the purpose for my question #1, then how do you get a landline number for free?

      3) How can you use your cell phone in another country if you don't have a cell phone plan for the country you're in? Do you have some kind of international cell phone plan you bought in Israel that works anywhere in the world?
      Originally Posted by javistuff View Post

      For friends trying to locate you while you are on travel, I use Skype personally. I just moved from Israel to Argentina for a while, and got a Skype plan to call landline phones with no time limits.

      And regarding the landline number for you, you should be getting one for free (in the US at least, I know that in some other countries too) when you sign up the those plans. I think that is something around $12 a month. It's a good deal!




      As far as hardware goes, you may be right because I think Blackberry might be the only phone available with both GSM and CDMA.
      Originally Posted by jaiganeshv View Post

      I think blackberry with gmail access alone can solve all your problems while at travel!!
      I cant talk much on it as I dont have much knowledge, but access to email alone can solve your woes?




      Originally Posted by markament View Post

      Hey Steve I live in Bali, New Zealand and California. My wife is from Austria and spend a lot of time in Singapore. So I'm traveling a ton. Here are my answers to your questions:

      And to get that cell phone coverage, do you have some kind of international cell phone plan that follows you wherever you go?
      1. In Developing countries it's hit and miss. I usually look for cheap internet cafes. Cell phone service can be sketchy.


      So you need an "unlocked" cell phone so you can use a sim card for a cell phone plan that works in the country you are visiting?
      2. Depends on your phone provider. Basically your phone has to be unlocked to use it successfully out of the US. If you unlock on Iphone you void the warranty. Maybe others it's ok.


      Instead of Skype, do you ever use pre-paid phone cards?
      3. I use Skype and Skype out. My friends and family have computers - for that we Skype with video. If they don't I buy Skype credit and call their phones for very cheap. It's something like .01 cents a minute I think.


      Are you talking about putting all your important url's, usernames and passwords in a memory stick? Can you set up a memory stick with a password? Somebody mentioned that some public computers might be set up to capture the urls you visit, usernames and passwords - so how do you protect yourself from that? Have you checked out Lastpass?
      5. Put it all in an excel file and save it on a memory stick. Make sure to clear all private data on the browser you use before you leave. Also keep your eyes open for people watching you type. We've heard some stories here of people getting their PINs and passwords stolen.


      Thank again everyone!

      Steve
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2113116].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author allegrity
    Good information on this thread. Should come useful when I start traveling as well. Thank you to everyone here!
    Signature
    Business Growth and Development via Mobile

    Need a mobile website done? Want to offer mobile websites to your existing clients? Mobile work for your clients mounting up and you need assistance? Let's talk.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2113297].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Quentin
    I travel all over the world and quite surprised how even in third world countries you can get good internet.

    1. I use skype with skype out for all my calls. I have trained all my customers and family to have skype installed. Using skype in and skype out I can get calls and make calls very cheaply.

    2. For Passwords I use Keypass on a usb stick which protects all my passwords and have had very little problems since using it.

    Quentin
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2120291].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author magentawave
      Hi everyone...

      Is this the Skype plan you guys are using? https://buy.skype.com/paymonthly/?co...bscriptionsTab

      Do you find that public computers (internet cafes) always have Skype installed these days?

      And if you're using a public computer that has Skype installed, is it as simple as just logging into your own Skype account and then being able to hear your voice messages and make calls to anyone from that computer?



      .................................................. .................................................. ..



      So you do all your Skype calls from a computer instead of a cell phone?

      Originally Posted by Jute View Post

      No, YOU do not need a land line. You buy a number from Skype so when your friends call this number they pay normal price for local calls and then Skype transfers the call to your online skype account that you can take on your headset.

      I used it when I was traveling in Asia for 3 months and it was something like $12. This will also enable your friends to leave messages because it includes an answering machine funktion.

      Jute


      .................................................. .................................................. ...




      Is it only 3G cell phones that allow you to install Skype?

      You mentioned something called "Fring on the iPhone." Is Fring an iPhone app?

      Originally Posted by javistuff View Post


      The calls you receive to your Skype In can be answered on your Skype itself (that, if you are on 3G you can get through your Skype application in a loooot of cell phones today, and there are even ways of using Fring on the iPhone to receive Skypecalls) or they can be forwarded to your cellphone anywhere you are, off course, for a small $ charge.

      Javier


      .................................................. .................................................. ...




      Do you use Skype on your computer only, or do you have it set up on your 3G cell phone?

      I assume you're using Keypass on public computers? Are you concerned about using public computers where someone has set up a way to capture usernames and passwords like someone mentioned previously?

      Originally Posted by Quentin View Post


      1. I use skype with skype out for all my calls. I have trained all my customers and family to have skype installed. Using skype in and skype out I can get calls and make calls very cheaply.

      2. For Passwords I use Keypass on a usb stick which protects all my passwords and have had very little problems since using it.

      Quentin
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2125599].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sdentrepreneur
    I agree with Skype, I also have a wireless card from Cbeyond, can work from anywhere in the USA. I currently live 3 weeks in San Diego and 1 week in Lake Tahoe each month. Also travel a lot to Internet Marketing events. Good luck with your ventures and ride some waves for me.
    Signature

    Learn Digital, Internet and Social Media Marketing For Your Business
    Click here to learn more - Digital and Social Media Marketing Training Course

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2126027].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Steve Ranger
    I've run my online business all over the world.

    All I need is the following:
    • Durable laptop
    • Long battery life
    • Portable memory card
    Laptops will break when travelling so always have a copy of your files online and on a memory card. Can't stress that enough.

    Always find out if you can get decent Internet access before you visit a country. The biggest problem I had was India, I had to go through a long procedure to get mobile Internet and when I finally did get it the speed was terrible - fortunately I managed everything from Internet cafes (which is where the memory card came in helpful).

    Dropbox is an absolute godsend. All my files are there and sync whenever I need. ( Dropbox - Home - Online backup, file sync and sharing made easy. ).

    Skype is the only choice for VOIP and the screen sharing feature is up there with the dedicated screen sharing programs. I use local phones most of the time in net cafes for calls home - it's usually cheap anyway.

    All my other stuff is 'in the cloud' as they say.. Google Apps for online e-mail with the offline reading plugin, Google spreadsheet and Docs all come in handy. Make sure you notify PayPal you're moving countries otherwise your account gets frozen.

    Theres tons of people that do this - we call ourselves 'digital nomads'.

    Here are a few quality sites I can remember off the top of my head. It's the best thing I've ever done. I've made so many great friends - and more importantly met some really hot foreign women - I love meeting travellers from the States - always so happy! Really interesting and fun people that I would never dreamed of meeting here in the UK.

    So far I've lived in Madrid, Amsterdam, Ibiza, Thailand & India. I'm going back to Thailand shortly if the riots stop, if they don't I'll be back in Goa, India (got a place there).

    If anyone is in Goa over next few months seriously give me a private message and we'll have a few beers! I've got a sofa bed as well if you want a cheap place to kip.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2126467].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author anonymous123567
      I've spent pretty much the best part of the last 8 months travelling, its been awesome...

      Skype is great for worldwide calls, just make sure you keep the credit topped up.

      as far as internet goes, I've yet to find a reliable mobile internet service... but i'm sure there may be a few out there, it may be worth just treating yourself and staying in a really nice hotel with wifi?

      Steve is spot on about the battery life of your laptop, make sure its good, or take a spare battery at least and a decent power converter

      Apart from that, make sure you actually do some work lol, it can be quite hard to tear yourself away from the beach sometimes

      have fun

      Alex

      ps. make sure you spend some time in Asia, its rockin'
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2126484].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Agoge Warrior
        As much as I travel with my regular job all over the US and Canada, things have gotten much easier for me with in flight Wi-Fi. Thank goodness Delta Airlines now has Wi-FI. I can spend each flight working on my IM stuff. Gives me a little free time in the evenings instead of working at the hotels or a searching for a WiFi hotspot.
        But basically, I manage my IM stuff on the airplane, in the airport club lounges, and at the hotels in the evening when traveling.
        Signature

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2126531].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Alan Mc Donald
          i tried to live in thailand while making money online, it didnt work out for me. i partied too much and there were too many distractions(girls) and my income went down to zero. i had to leave after 8 months
          Signature


          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2126733].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Steve Ranger
    You should of moved to a quieter area such as Koh Lanta and chilled out a little. At least you had the time of your life though right! Not everyone gets the chance to live somewhere like that for that long!

    Build it up and come back!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2126755].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Alan Mc Donald
      yeah probably wasnt a good idea to live on soi 6 pattaya

      hey steve just added you to my contact list, may take you up on your generous offer in a few months
      Signature


      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2126759].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Steve Ranger
    Yeah, go for it! All my Irish friends are excellent drinkers haha
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2126768].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Alan Mc Donald
      i too am an excellent drinker cheers mate, i will be in touch, i always fancied going to india
      Signature


      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2126771].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Michael Lewis
    Dude Costa Rica has all you need to keep your business going. The internet is fine in most places. (you wont be streaming videos though) If you do rent a place make sure you check to see if you can get internet hooked up. I moved into an apartment and found out the internet could not be hooked up there. It would of only been about $20 a month. There's an internet cafe about every mile in Costa Rica. I once found myself lost in some back land area and I ran into someones house who had a small internet lounge. It was sweet. Very cheap! Like 6 hours is only like 3 bucks.

    Also there are a lot of people renting cell phones in Costa Rica. I found in the San Jose area if you check the paper or talk to the locals you can probably find a mobile phone to rent for only $8 a month. (All local and free incoming I think)

    Have a blast man! Costa Rica can be a wild place.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2127309].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Michael Lewis
    Oh yeah one more thing. Be very careful on the buses. I have seen some of the best thieves in the world there. I was traveling with a British girl and she had all her things right above her head and was watching it for the most part but she took her eyes away for a moment and someone got all her bags and jumped off the bus.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2127320].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author michaelbnielsen
    No I am not sure what you consider 3rd world countries? Asia? Africa? South America? Please forgive me, but you might want to revise your picture of the world when it come to internet. There is more users of the internet in China than any other country in the rest of the world. A big market for products. 85% of Singapore has a minimum of 1MBite broadband in their homes. Max has been 100MBite the past 4 years.

    Many places in Asia, you have FREE access to internet when going to McDonnals, Starbucks, etc. Whole shopping centers are WIFI zones. Airports, etc. the same.

    Anyway, I have yet to find a place where in a city where I have not been able to find an internet cafe. You simply pay for the time you use their machine.

    I would indeed do my business while on the road, but properly not plan a major launch.

    Michael

    PS. I hope you will have great experiences out there...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2127374].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author brieat
    I bring my laptop. For extra security, I would recommend you have a VPN or SSH into your main machine at home so people aren't stealing your passwords.

    As a general rule of thumb I never use the internet cafe to log into my websites or blogs because that's just a security hazard, if I MUST, I would have USB linux live and just boot it from there, then I would get back home and change my passwords on my websites.

    A little pre-caution saves alot of headaches.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2127426].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author richgrad
    I spent one whole month traveling to 9 different cities last year and all I had to do was to bring along my laptop... for skype you can just buy a cheap, portable earpiece/mike set so you can use it along with your laptop. That's what I did
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2127428].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author magentawave
      When I said "third world" I was referring to internet accessibilty and speeds. I'll be hanging in southwestern Costa Rica with download speeds of less than 1mbps to maybe 2mbps at best. At the moment I'm in San Diego and can get up to 17mbps (download), yet I know people that live only an hour northwest of me in the country and the only thing they have available to them is dialup.

      Originally Posted by michaelbnielsen View Post

      No I am not sure what you consider 3rd world countries? Asia? Africa? South America? Please forgive me, but you might want to revise your picture of the world when it come to internet.

      .................................................. .................................................. ...


      I'm pulling the plug on the place I live now so my "home computer" is coming with me. Got any other ideas?

      Originally Posted by brieat View Post

      I bring my laptop. For extra security, I would recommend you have a VPN or SSH into your main machine at home so people aren't stealing your passwords.

      As a general rule of thumb I never use the internet cafe to log into my websites or blogs because that's just a security hazard, if I MUST, I would have USB linux live and just boot it from there, then I would get back home and change my passwords on my websites.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2136618].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jbode
    Yea it's best to bring your own laptop if you can, but you can also save everything online (including passwords) then just access them where ever you are...

    I typically just check email and make sure major task are getting done while on vacation... as far as phones are concerned... I'd say either get an iPhone and use Skype
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2136668].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author jan roos
      This is easy and I've done it many times. Bring your laptop and have skype installed on it. That's all you'll need. There is internet everywhere you go. Some places you might have to search for it a bit longer than others but for the most part you be connected. As far as calling goes nothing beats skype. I put $10.00 on it and I call my family back in South africa on their cell phones all the time. 10 bucks get me around an hour of talk.

      There ya go, easy! Have fun.. My plan is to go surfing in Costa Rica for a year soon as well.

      Cheers
      Signature

      I'll teach you how to make money like a Mamba.

      Sign up for the free money mambas newsletter!

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2136794].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JayPeete
    Hey Steve,

    Check into SkypeOut service. See if you can use your smart phone to access Skype via the web to make free calls to the US since your phone number will be an actual US based phone number.

    It's worth checking out.

    Jay
    Signature
    What Misunderstood Traffic Source SUCKS In
    3 Million Visitors Daily and Spits Out
    $560.81 Per Day In Commissions?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2137338].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Davioli
    The phone charges problem can be solved easily with SKype.

    1) Set up an unlimited call setup within Skype selecting the US as your country. You'll get to make unlimited calls to the US for just $5

    2) When you reach Costa Rica, Get a local Sim and then buy a US skype number. that way it becomes easier for other people to get in touch with you by calling that Skype number. You'll have to pay a small charge for every call but its wayyyy cheaper than roaming or anything like that.

    3) I live and work in a third world country. Internet is not as bad as you think. I have a 1.2MBPS connection. Most countries now have WIFI hotspots so you can pay a small fee every month and then roam with your laptop and be connected in all places that the company has hotspots in.

    4) learn how to clear browser data. Firefox is especially easy. IExplore may leave some data behind. Chrome is the easiest but I doubt its as widespread in third world countries.
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2138051].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author magentawave
      Thanks again for all your great suggestions everyone!

      I was wondering if you guys have any idea's for how to handle mail while on the road besides the obvious thing of using something like Mail Boxes Etc. et al? Most everything I do is online and don't expect any mail that would need to be forwarded to me but sure wish Clickbank would get it together and start doing electronic deposits!

      Yeah, I'll use my laptop with skype but at some point I want to look into using an iphone as a modem for my laptop. I know it can be done but I think it requires jail breaking the phone which voids the warranty.

      Thanks again.

      Steve
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2156449].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author kellymonaghan
      I'm recently back from a one-month trip through eastern Europe and I travel regularly, so perhaps I can provide some insight.

      <i>What are the best ways to get internet access in third world countries that have lousy internet access?</i>

      You might be surprised at how robust Internet access is in the weirdest places. I've have better connectivity in a Bulgarian youth hostel than in a luxury hotel in Budapest. Still, there may be periods when you are without a connection and (at least with my business) that was not a tragedy.

      <i>Are there ways to use your U.S. based smart phone (or wherever your cell phone coverage is based) in other countries - or is it just a brick?</i>

      I confess that I'm not super-knowledgeable about cell phones abroad, but I elected to leave my iPhone home and rely on Skype ob my laptop and that worked very well for me.

      <i>What are the best ways for communicating with people in your home country (I'm in the U.S.) while traveling without spending a fortune on phone calls? Perhaps Skype to Skype, but what if the people you want to call don't have a smart phone?</i>

      Again, Skype. You can use Skype to call any phone in the world and the rates are absurdly cheap. I once participated in a 2 hour teleconference from Belize to New York and the cost was something like $2.37.

      <i>How to use your home-country-based smart phone as a modem for your laptop?</i>

      Sorry, can't help here.

      <i>How do you keep track of your passwords when you're using someone else's computer like at an internet cafe?</i>

      I have whole disk encryption on my laptop and used an encrypted link for wifi. For the limited times I needed a password, I could remember the ones I use. I suppose you could create a single password for multiple accounts to use while traveling, but the ultra security conscious might find that horrifying.

      I also have a (tiny) staff at the home office so any fires that came up while I was away could be put out quickly. As it happened, there were none.

      Bottom line: It's easy. Anything you can do at home you can do in Kathmandu. Pack your bags and go!

      Hope this helps.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2156567].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ZXT
      What are the best ways to get internet access in third world countries that have lousy internet access?

      Really depends on what country. I think some third world countries has prepaid internet service through 3G modem. Internet isn't lousy at all, once I was able to download 2GB worth of files in one hour.

      Are there ways to use your U.S. based smart phone (or wherever your cell phone coverage is based) in other countries - or is it just a brick?

      As long as it has the right frequency band, yes, Just buy a prepaid sim. Check the bands by country first.

      What are the best ways for communicating with people in your home country (I'm in the U.S.) while traveling without spending a fortune on phone calls? Perhaps Skype to Skype, but what if the people you want to call don't have a smart phone?

      Get a VoIP service like Onesuite.com, you'll get a local number and people can call you like you are at home. Calling them back is like 95 percent cheaper too than using your mobile phone.

      How to use your home-country-based smart phone as a modem for your laptop?

      Again it depends if your Smart phone is capable doing it. I suggest get a 3G modem instead.

      How do you keep track of your passwords when you're using someone else's computer like at an internet cafe?

      Most of my passwords are similar to each other. So depending on the website, I know what numbers or letters to add. Say for example, in this forum, my pw is warriorme24 and for Digital Point, my password is Pointit75.

      HTH
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2159352].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tyroneshum
    I also am happy to share one of my blog posts which is related to having your business on autopilot while you're overseas traveling:

    Top 5 Tips On How To Outsource Your Business Whilst On Holidays : Internet Business Podcasts | Internet Business Profit Resources | Weekly Business Expert Podcasts

    Enjoy the video as well!
    Signature
    outsourcinglive.com
    Follow me on my 90 Day Challenge to rank no. 1 on Google
    ---------------------------------------------------
    Connect with me at: outsourcinglive.com/google-plus
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2138328].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TomC123
    It's nice to travel. Third world countries has internet cafe's but it's better if you will bring your laptop. Try to buy a majic jack phone that you could bring anywhere and still cost nothing to call in the US. It just cost you to buy the phone kit.
    And to use public computer in internet cafe's, just simply clear cache, cookies , history etc on the internet options after you use the browser.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2139165].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author magentawave
      Tom, Have you used a Magic Jack outside of the US? I just looked at the Magic Jacks site magicJack and apparently you can call from any country in the world to the US or Canada for free. It costs $40 to buy which includes a year of free calling and then its $20 per year thereafter.

      Originally Posted by TomC123 View Post

      It's nice to travel. Third world countries has internet cafe's but it's better if you will bring your laptop. Try to buy a majic jack phone that you could bring anywhere and still cost nothing to call in the US. It just cost you to buy the phone kit.
      And to use public computer in internet cafe's, just simply clear cache, cookies , history etc on the internet options after you use the browser.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2156497].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MassiveMarketer
    For communication, you could try you cellphone company of plans they could offer you the roaming charges. You might also want to try using Skype and get a number or use a prepaid credit to your account. You may be able to use that to call landlines or other cellphones.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2139231].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ChrisBa
    Originally Posted by magentawave View Post

    Due to a relationship change, my life has all of a sudden become a lot more flexible and I plan on traveling a lot more. For example; I'm going to spend 3 months traveling and surfing in Costa Rica soon...and that is just the beginning.

    I started this post to see if you would be interested in sharing your tips for how you continue operating your IM business while traveling.

    A few examples for travel tips could be regarding...
    What are the best ways to get internet access in third world countries that have lousy internet access?

    Are there ways to use your U.S. based smart phone (or wherever your cell phone coverage is based) in other countries - or is it just a brick?

    What are the best ways for communicating with people in your home country (I'm in the U.S.) while traveling without spending a fortune on phone calls? Perhaps Skype to Skype, but what if the people you want to call don't have a smart phone?

    How to use your home-country-based smart phone as a modem for your laptop?

    How do you keep track of your passwords when you're using someone else's computer like at an internet cafe?

    All idea's will be greatly appreciated!

    Thanks!

    Steve
    Laptop + iPhone

    iPhone for basic stuff, if the laptop is needed then tether it to the laptop for an internet connection (when needed)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2156517].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Steve Ranger
    What about just an iPad and an iPhone...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2156531].message }}

Trending Topics