Simplest way to keep in touch with home from SA

[sierraone]

I have been on a ATT family plan for 5 or 6 years now. On my last trip over, I paid ATT $60.00 for limited data from S.A. (can't remember how much). I logged in by calling a certain number while I was in the customs/passport line in Joberg. Then I would use it every night to send a short msg and photo of any animal I took that day...or a msg just saying no luck today. Was only gone 7 days so had no reason to carry on a conversation.

 

[wesheltonj]

I use T-Mobile, .25 a minute for calls, free WiFi calls back to the USA, free texts and free 2g Data. The data is enough to check email, but that’s about it. You can pay for faster data, but you have WiFi not much point, unless you need Google maps.

If you have an iPhone 13, you can keep your Home number and get a local SIM card and have two lines on your phone.

 

[Jörg Krüger]

WhattsApp will be the best. You can send and receive phone calls, text messages, photos, PDF files. Links to websites can be sent via WhattsApp. Like it was mentioned before, the other party needs WhattsApp as well but that is seriously not a problem to download. Your contact numbers saved on your phone will be immediately available on WhattsApp automaticly if they have WhattsApp installed. And it does not cost a cent to use if Wi-Fi is available.

 

[Daveboone]

I have WhatsApp and it works great here with WiFi conversing with AH members overseas. My question and concern is, if one must get a Covid test prior to boarding the plane from RSA for the return to here, would/will the testing company text the results via WhatsApp or would you have to have an international plan on your phone to receive the results via a text?

I discussed this concern with my outfitter. On the SA end, he already has arrangements for testing within 24 hrs of departure with immediate results for us. That way you have the paper results to board. Of course you just need to plan accordingly.

 

[Still alive]

I called my carrier when I got back from Africa last June. All cell carriers work all over the world. I have Verizon and txted every day, called the wife everyday so she could talk to her son. I also used wifi via different apps.

The thing is there are two setting impeded into the setting sections that must be turned off on the iPhone as to activate international charges which are 10$ per 24 hour. So you can use a secure wifi as your regular phone or use your iPhone at 10$ per day and use that as your hotspot for your laptop? What’s up app is awesome to use. I sent pictures to All my friends and family everyday while on safari!

just one thing I learned? Talk to a level 2 tech at your phone carrier about using your phone in Africa, all the level 1 sales agents read a script which says no service there.

 

[spike.t]

WhattsApp will be the best. You can send and receive phone calls, text messages, photos, PDF files. Links to websites can be sent via WhattsApp. Like it was mentioned before, the other party needs WhattsApp as well but that is seriously not a problem to download. Your contact numbers saved on your phone will be immediately available on WhattsApp automaticly if they have WhattsApp installed. And it does not cost a cent to use if Wi-Fi is available.

Yup...and WhatsApp will work even when emails won't go or open..plenty experience of the fun and games that sat wifi can give you...but WhatsApp works with very little signal...what we use

 

[Jörg Krüger]

Yup...and WhatsApp will work even when emails won't go or open..plenty experience of the fun and games that sat wifi can give you...but WhatsApp works with very little signal...what we use

With absolutely no finger in the pie(I wish iI could have invested) this is the way to go. Only Telegram has exploded recently

 

[Nyati]

WhatsApp is your best and cheapest option, you can even send pics to the family.

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

Signal for privacy, see:

Signal Messenger: Speak Freely

Say "hello" to a different messaging experience. An unexpected focus on privacy, combined with all of the features you expect.

signal.org

 

[Hookboy88]

I have an iPhone with WiFi calling. I used WhatsApp, Facebook messenger, and WiFi calling. As long as I had WiFi I was completely connected to everything. I could text and call just fine. I however decided to pretty much ignore my phone unless I was taking pictures. I never once thought about calling or texting anyone when I was away from camp either. Too much going on