A: Insurance is available at a special rate to AAA members. Free insurance with a $75.00 deductible or choose our premium insurance at just $0.99 per day, with no deductible. The usual charges for insurance are $1.99 with a $75.00 deductible, and our premium insurance is usually $2.99 per day, with no deductible. If the phone is lost you are responsible for all calls made on the cellular phone until you call to report it lost or stolen, instructions for this procedure are included with the phone shipment. If you do not choose insurance the replacement cost of the phone is approximately $300, depending on make and model.

Q: I'm going to be traveling abroad and want the convenience of having access to a cell phone. Can I use my U.S. cell phone when traveling outside the U.S.?

A: It is not likely. Most of the U.S. cellular networks still operates on a different frequency than networks in other countries. Cell phones in most of the world operate on the GSM standard.

Q: What is GSM?

A: GSM stands for Global System for Mobile. It is the dominant standard outside the U.S. for cellular phone communications.

Q: How can I get access to a GSM cellular phone for use outside the U.S.?

A: You can rent, lease or purchase a GSM phone from PlanetFone.

Q: How much will it cost to rent a PlanetFone to take with me on my next overseas trip?

A: There are two charges: rental fees for the phone, for which AAA members receive a specific discounts and charges for airtime (see the pricing page for sample rates).
Included in the rental charges are an accessory package (phone case, adapter), free FedEx delivery anywhere in the U.S. with 4-day advance notice, and 24-hour customer service support.

Q: How will I be billed?

A: Standard billing policy includes a $300 credit card authorization, this is not a charge, and fees are usually released back to your card within 24-72 hours. At the end of the rental term, customer will receive an itemized call data report and the invoice detailing all charges. Your credit card will be debited for the amount shown on the invoice. Your call data and invoice will be e-mailed to you. Alternate billing arrangements can be arranged.

Q: What countries can I use PlanetFone's GSM phones in?

A: The GSM standard is employed in most countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. PlanetFone has agreements in place to allow its GSM phones to be used in 150 countries worldwide. (See the coverage page for a current list.)
PlanetFone has a mobile solution for travelers to Japan, too. Click here for details!

Q: How do I rent a PlanetFone?

A: It's easy. Simply click here and apply online or call our toll-free number during business hours. We can take your order over the phone, or fax you an order form.

Q: I'm leaving on an overseas trip immediately. How soon can I get my PlanetFone?

A: We ship a ready-to-use PlanetFone directly to you at work or home via FedEx. Order today and it will be in your hands tomorrow.

Q: Can I use my PlanetFone to send and receive e-mail and faxes with my laptop computer?

A: Yes. PlanetFone offers an optional PCMCIA data card which allows you connect your laptop to the cellular network in those countries which support data-communication services.

Q: Does PlanetFone have voice mail?

A: PlanetFone offers voice mail as part of the rental package. You are charged to retrieve the messages. If your PlanetFone is busy, turned off or out-of-area, the caller will be notified that you are unavailable, and the automated voice mail system offers the caller the instructions to leave you a message, the phone lets you know you have a message, you call a UK number to retrieve the message ; you have the opportunity to read and save the message.

Q: I have some other questions not addressed above. Who do I contact?

A: We'd be happy to discuss any PlanetFone questions you might have, or send you further information. Please click the contact us button at the top of this page.