For years I’ve traveled without phone service.  Once i get off the airplane I look for the closest SIM dealer and pop one in my phone.  Always concerned that I’m going to lose or damage my own card I slide it in the case to keep it safe.  And then the fun starts, setting up service on a different provider with a different number.  Learning how much data I have, if it includes international texting or calling, and that’s assuming I can easily figure it out.  They usually cost between 10 and 30 usd per sim card for about a week or two of use.  To sum it up its a pain, but one that has been worth it… Until now!

Enter Google.  I know i know you’re thinking that they are a tech company.  Well they have their fingers in everything and last year introduced a new cell service to the world.  At first it was by invite only, but at last they have opened the service to everyone.  My hopes are high that I will no longer have to concern myself with swapping cards, wondering about coverage, and signing up for services all over the world.  Google’s Project Fi promises to provide worldwide service with your local number at local rates.  Here is the breakdown of cost:  $20 a month for unlimited calls and text in the US (low rates for calls from outside the US and free texting).  $10 per month for 1GB of data world wide.  You only pay for what you  use.  No paying for 10GB if you only use 2.  AND they claim it will automatically connect to WiFi points around the nation and world to avoid using your data.  Sounds a little too good to be true to me, but I am willing to give it a go as my current plan is about to expire and my phone is getting pretty old. Which brings us to the one stipulation…. the number of phones this works on is pretty small, so chances are you will have to get a new phone to use it.  But seeing as I am in the market for a new phone I don’t see this being an issue.

Can’t wait to give it a try on my next trip:  China.  I’ll absolutely keep everyone informed of how well it works!!!