Best device to call USA from Africa?

TakeMeLord said:
I am returning to Africa. While there, I want to communicate with family and job in the USA.

What device do you recommend?

Talk, text and send photos frmo Africa to USA.

Thank you and God Bless, Dale
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BourbonTrail said:
Any smart phone if you have the WhatsApp or Signal app. They work on WiFi, which most places have in camp nowadays. I called my wife every evening and sent her pictures at lunch if I saw something interesting (can’t do that if your in the bush during lunch, but you get the general idea).

A satellite phone is better for calls or text in remote places (i.e., Garmin InReach)

Edit: T-Mobile now has a satellite option you can buy to use Starlink direct from your phone, so it is like having a sat phone/smart phone.
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I was in SA just used telegram on my regular iPhone 11
 
For most people, the winning combination is an unlocked smartphone with a local SIM for daily use, backed by a Garmin inReach Mini 2 for safety in the bush, and a large power bank to keep it all charged.
 
I used WhatsApp everyday in Free State and Limpopo to call my wife, and test her photos, etc. Cannot use it out in the bush but for day to day coms it was perfect as long as your host has wifi
 
JG26Irish_2 said:
I used WhatsApp everyday in Free State and Limpopo to call my wife, and test her photos, etc. Cannot use it out in the bush but for day to day coms it was perfect as long as your host has wifi
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Dual sim phone, buy a local sim card. This way you get the cheapest data and can still receive text and calls in usual number.
Then use whatever app you use back home, except text messages.
 
TakeMeLord said:
I am returning to Africa. While there, I want to communicate with family and job in the USA.

What device do you recommend?

Talk, text and send photos frmo Africa to USA.

Thank you and God Bless, Dale
Click to expand...
iPhone calls direct on WiFi at no charge. I never pay for phone minutes over seas and strictly use WiFi.
 
Are there any countries that restrict importation of the starlink mini? I thought I read somewhere that was the case.
 
My wife and I both use our iPhones when hooked to Wi-Fi (at the camp) with WhatsApp for calls and texts. I don't recall truly NEEDING to make a phone call from the bush, but our outfitter carries the necessary equipment to make emergency calls if we need it.

Russ16 said:
Are there any countries that restrict importation of the starlink mini? I thought I read somewhere that was the case.
Click to expand...

I know RSA doesn't allow Starlink as it's being held up by regulations. The camp staff in our last lodge said that 10 miles away in Botswana, Starlink was very reliable and everyone used it.
 
Been awhile but last time in Zimbabwe was simple as camp had a WiFi connection. Video chat home every day using messenger. Sat phone is obvious if you have the need and $,
 
15/16/17 Iphones will support satellite text with the right IOS. You may have to wait a few minutes for satellite communication. My wife has messaged me in remote areas and its worked just fine. You may get a message saying “waiting for next satellite”. SPOT also has a satellite communication system but I believe its only text messaging. Better than nothing.
 
We needed a sat phone in Greenland, but have used iPhones in Namibia, RSA, Kenya and Tanzania. Outside of cell coverage, the iOS satellite feature works pretty well for text, but requires a bit of patience.
 
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