International Travel, Turkey, and My Android Phone

Tomorrow morning I’ll be flying to Istanbul, Turkey on a 10-day trip that I hope will be filled with awesome scenery, cultural education, culinary delights and more. While I’m incredibly excited, I have to admit that I’m also a tad nervous: while I’ve traveled outside of “The States”), I’ve never experienced a country with such cultural differences than my home. It will be an adventure for sure.

I’d like to pose 3 questions to all my Phandroid friends out there, and I’ll make sure to post Android-related updates and experiences from Turkey filling you in.

(1) Using My Android Internationally
I’m equipped with a Google Nexus one and T-Mobile USA SIM card that will allow me to roam, albeit for some ridiculous amount. Good if we’re in a pinch, bad if I forget to disable data roaming and have to sell my car to pay the bill. We plan on getting a local 1-month unlimited contract/SIM card so we can take advantage of all the awesome Android Apps for travelers.

That being said, I know there are FAR more experience travelers than myself so I’m asking YOU what YOUR suggestions and opinions are on using your Android phone abroad. Would you plan on buying a calling card in addition? How about an app that transmits voice messages over the data network, walkie-talkie style? Or maybe save the calls home to night time when we’re on Hotel Wi-Fi with a laptop and Skype?

(2) Android Apps for International Travel
I’ve already got a boat load of apps picked out that I want to use while I’m in Turkey and I’ll surely be reporting back with reviews and updates, but I want to hear from you. What applications would you recommend for International use? For Turkey specifically? For flight status, public transportation, finding nearby restaurants/attractions?

There are the obvious big names out there and feel free to drop those if you have a strong opinion on a personal favorite, but we’re also looking for some hidden gems. Let us know and we’ll be sure to test them out on our trip!

(3) Any Turkish Phandroids Out There?
I’ll be in Turkey for 10 days and while our readership is mostly from the USA, England and Canada, we have readers from almost every single country in the world. If you’re an Android-lover living in Turkey, or even a Phandroid travelling to Turkey during the same time frame, leave a valid e-mail address with a comment and perhaps we can plan a Turkish Phandroid Meetup!

Not to mention the opinion of knowledgeable locals is greatly appreciated!
(We’ll be in Istanbul, Ephesus, Kas, and Antalya)

Let’s hear it!

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