National Geographic dual SIM phone makes great travel companion

National Geographic’s new Duet Travel Phone is the ideal traveling companion: a dual SIM card mobile that lets you have two numbers in a single phone. So, no matter where you go in the world, you can always keep your own number while also having a low-cost one available for local use.

While dual SIM card technology isn't exactly a new idea, this is probably the first time such a mobile has been made so easily available to the average consumer. Phone companies don't generally like giving up their sovereignty.

Released in partnership with Cellular Abroad, the Duet includes a pre-paid National Geographic Travel SIM card which provides fairly reasonable rates in 185 countries, including free incoming calls in more than 80 of them and 30 minutes outgoing call credit in most. With your travel phone needs covered, you can then use the second slot for your existing SIM card and keep your own number, or even buy another pre-paid card in the country you happen to be visiting.

The handset offers tri-band frequency (900/1800/1900Mhz) for global roaming, and provides a host of travel-friendly features like Bluetooth, 2-megapixel camera, MP3 player, analog TV & FM radio, USB connectivity and a 1GB storage card. Additionally, there’s a bit of National Geographic-themed content including ringtones, wallpapers and travel-related videos.

The National Geographic Duet is available directly from Cellular Abroad for USD$199, and from other online retailers.