Sadly, I can’t count myself lucky enough to have world travel under my belt (world travel would result in a much larger belt size!).
A lucky local Marylander sent BBB an email in late July notifying us of her recent visit to Montego Bay, Jamaica in July.
But as luck would have it, when our lucky traveler returned home, she discovered BBG Communications had billed her $41.91 for an international collect phone call and lead to a lot of unfortunate financial “mess”!
A quick search for BBG Communications using www.bbb.org reports this international telecommunication company has an “F” rating due to 592 complaints filed within the past 36 months. To top it off, 172 of those complaints remain unanswered. According to BBB in San Diego (which services BBG’s geographic location), consumer complaints allege extreme rates for international phone calls, failure to provide notification of the rates, and charges for calls when the call was not connected.
The company agreed to work with BBB in an attempt to eliminate the patter of consumer complaints by bringing their customer service department in house and to increase disclosure of billing procedures, policies and rates. But, again, as luck would have it, BBB San Diego reports it does not appear any changes have been implemented to reduce the complaints received by BBB - and our Jamaican traveler can attest to that fact!
If you are considering (lucky you) international travel, here are some tips to make your communications back home easier and more cost effective:
- Skype! This is a free service permitting calls from computer-to-computer, requires only a microphone and is probably one of the best options for keeping communication lines open while traveling.
- Talk to your cell phone provider (and if you’re up for a new plan, be sure to check with our directory) about your options using your own phone.
- Not all phones work in all international locations and without advanced planning, could generate very expensive roaming charges.
- Ask if they can “pro-rate” an international plan for the length of time of your trip.
- This is a good option because your cell number remains the same and you have all the your saved names/numbers programmed in your phone!
- BEWARE! Flashing an expensive cell phone is the same as flashing your best watch or a diamond bracelet – a TARGET for thieves! Consider downsizing before you travel.
- Rent a phone (when you land at the airport or online) which means you are using a local phone with local cell phone provider.
- This option is generally good only if you are staying a few weeks and not traveling to other countries.
- You will probably be charged by the day or week plus additional calling minute charges.
- Incoming calls are usually lower than outgoing calls so have your family/friends call you!
- Don’t let ‘em sell you a year long contract for a temporary phone!
- Purchase a local phone with a domestic (local) calling plan. This is great option for prolonged trips like study abroad (lucky students!).
And lastly, the August 30, 2009 edition of the Baltimore Sun advised consumers who planned to use an iPhone abroad to visit wireless.att.com before travel. Otherwise, those great gadgets and apps could generate startling and unexpected charges.
Follow these tips and hopefully good luck will follow you throughout your travels! Talk soon - Angie
