Travel dilemmas: Smart about phones abroad

It is every parent's nightmare: Your child is going off to study abroad. As unsettling as that might be, the real nightmare comes when you get your first cellphone bill and realize you forgot to address the issue of staying in touch.

In truth, it's not just kids; it's anyone who travels with a smartphone. Student or senior citizen, you need to address communication needs well before takeoff.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

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Step 1

Find out whether the cellphone that will be traveling abroad can be unlocked - that is, untethered from your carrier. Generally, if your phone is paid for, it can