OT - I'm doing a worldwide tour for about 18 months or so, I need help Options

[seanery]

Hey, well the gig I was supposed to get in December has rolled into a Worldwide Tour. I go to York, England in May for 6 weeks of rehearsal and tech and then off on a tour of Europe & Russia then Japan in mid 2010.

It doesn't look like I'll be home before May 2010 while the gear is on a boat to Japan.

I've never really been anywhere outside of the US. When I lived in La La land Sherry and my brother took to me to TJ a couple times, but that doesn't really count.

I need recommendations on power adapters, cell phone, etc...I currently use AT&T with the iPhone - it looks like it's supposed to work international, but I'm not sure if it's the most cost effective.

Also, any experiences with monies, etc...

Thanks!

[mojorisen914]

Here's what I suggest:
If your Iphone is unlocked; you can buy a local SIM card and prepay minutes. It's cheaper. For example; Tmobile works here in Iraq but it's also over $3/minute. I bought an Iraqi SIM card and some prepay minutes and now I'm only paying roughly 25cents/minute. I normally use my cell phone when I'm actually traveling from one location to another. Once I get to where I'm going; I setup my laptop online and I use Skype. I have a VOIP phone that is cordless and I can walk around my hotel room. It only costs me $2.95/month to talk unlimited to all land lines and cell phones in North America from Iraq. Trust me; that's a good deal.
Don't expect to see much 110v while abroad. Everyone else pretty much uses 220v. Stop by Radio Shack and pick up a universal convertor to take with you. They usually run about $30 bucks. Remember; laptops, camera chargers, and stuff like that are usually dual voltage. You can pick up the plug adaptors once you get to where you're going.
As far as currencies go; the almighty dollar is accepted pretty much everywhere. Find out what the exchange rate is for the country. The rate is slightly different between what bank offers vs. the local vender. You can purchase using the dollar but more than likely will receive your change in the local currency. Just ask the vender what their exchange rate is before you buy something. If it's only a few units different than the bank rate; then I usually just go with the vender. It used to be that you got a better deal using US currency; not so much anymore.
Try to learn some words in the local language. Even if you screw up the pronunciation of the word; the locals really appreciate the fact that you are trying. Always be polite and curteous. Too many Americans overseas already giving us a bad name.
Also, don't go out alone, use the buddy method. Be aware of your surroundings and have fun.