BLU Dual SIM Lite

The National Geographic Talk Abroad Lite service and phones are intended for international use. Since we weren't able to try it it in different countries, performance testing reflects our San Francisco experience.

The National Geographic Talk Abroad Lite has space for two SIM cards, an FM radio, a flashlight, and 24-hour customer support. The phone itself costs only $59.99.

Cheap, toylike construction and missing volume controls are but two downsides. The Talk Abroad service's complicated dialing procedure takes some getting used to.

As a phone, the National Geographic Talk Abroad Lite is weak, flimsy, and lacks essentials. However, as an emergency travel phone, its light, simple, and affordable build could do the trick for some.