Month: May 2013

Unlocked, no-contract iPhone + Skype + Google Voice = good solution for digital nomads

On By Nicole HennigIn Location flexibility, Tech, Work & money5 Comments

As I was preparing for living in Mexico for six months, I began to research the options for using my iPhone there, without paying astronomical fees.

It took a lot of research, but I finally found a solution that works well for me. Since many of you have asked, I’ll write about it here. This solution may not work for everyone, but some aspects of it may be useful for you, depending on your situation. Continue reading “Unlocked, no-contract iPhone + Skype + Google Voice = good solution for digital nomads” →

Travel hacking for free flights and great discounts

On By Nicole HennigIn Location flexibility, Travel, Work & money6 Comments

Have you heard about “travel hacking?” It’s the process of collecting frequent flyer points and other travel discounts without necessarily traveling a lot.

There are quite a few blogs and web sites that collect information on this, the first (and best) that I’ve used is Chris Guillebeau’s “Travel Hacking Cartel.” It’s a membership site where you pay a small monthly fee to get access to loads of information on how to get started.
Travel Hacking Cartel

I joined it for two months in the fall of 2012 and using what I learned, gathered enough points for several free flights that I will use this year (including international flights). Continue reading “Travel hacking for free flights and great discounts” →

On getting by with just basic Spanish (or not :)

On By Nicole HennigIn Apps, Language & culture, Living abroad, Mexico

Translating a text message from Telcel.
Translating a text message from Telcel. $200 pesos is about $17 US dollars.

I’m actually a little surprised at how far I can go with only a very basic level of Spanish language skills. Here’s where I’m at:

  • I can order food, ask directions, bargain a little in the market, go grocery shopping, drop off my laundry to be done, find things on a map, ask the taxi driver how much it will be (it’s always about $3), talk about the weather, and finally… the hardest thing…. get a SIM card for my iPhone and get it activated!

    •   Continue reading “On getting by with just basic Spanish (or not :)” →