Wendy Huffman
We've been traveling for 2 years now, and we've found great services, apps, and websites that make life on the road so much easier! Please feel free to contribute to the list if you have found something I've overlooked.
Magic Jack has been around for awhile, and it has it's bugs. There are many free chat options, like FaceTime, Facebook messenger and Firefox hello, as well as Skype. However, it is not possible, or for Skype, free to call a landline. MagicApp is free on your iOS or Android device, and for $20 a year, you can get a permanent number. You only need to actual Magic Jack for your laptop or PC, and you do not need to purchase it to get the MagicApp free. We have it on both the iPad and iPhones. This has been invaluable for calling banks, government offices, and insurance companies. Like all of the above; You do need good internet service to use it. #freecalls #stayintouch
MANAGE YOUR MAIL.
ANYWHERE. ANYTIME.
Mail is always a problem when you are traveling. Earth Class Mail scans the outside of your mail and emails it to you. Then you choose what needs to be opened and scanned, and then it is all recycled. They will ship anything physical that you request, for a fee.
Addresses in the U.S. are bothersome, but needed to maintain bank accounts. Since we are in the states only around 3 months out of the year, we chose an address in Las Vegas to eliminate state income taxes. You will still need a physical address, but having everything sent to Earth Class Mail makes life for your friends and family easier, so no one but you deals with your bills and correspondence. We love this service and find it invaluable! #nomail #recycle #green
Xoom is an international money wire service like Western Union, but they provide a fixed rate of exchange for foreign currency.
Faxing becomes problematic when you are in another country; this service has saved us many times. When paired with a scan app on your tablet or smartphone, you can fax cheap anywhere, anytime. TIP: scan your signature and cut and paste it onto any forms needed.
