There are multiple methods of communicating with family and friends in Malaysia or Singapore. PC to PC calling is pretty much free, however, not everyone have access to a computer/internet all the time. This guide is written to show alternative available options for  discounted international calling.

Options

Calling Cards

Calling cards are easy to purchase, however there are many different options available. Different carriers have different rates; this rates may include billing  increments (1 minute, 2 minute 4 minute roundings, etc), expirations (typically 1 year after first use or last use), service fees, disconnect fee and many more.

Google Voice & Gmail Call

With Google Voice & Gmail Call, you can call international numbers from your PC. You can also call internationally (low rates) using an access number (typically your own free google voice number), or using your iPhone and Android (uses minutes, not data plan). This is excellent option to call from Malaysia (using a computer) to United States (phone number) for free.

Skype

Skype is a flexible service with different options for calling family and friends abroad. Free skype to skype calls on both pc and smartphones (uses data plan or wifi). Low rates to international numbers. This is also great for calling from Malaysia to United States (2.3¢/min).

AT&T Call International Application

Relatively new service from AT&T where you install an app on your smartphone and dial internationally at cheaper rates. It uses minutes, and supports calling through WiFi in certain countries. Although using minutes, some data rate is required to connect calls.

Rates Comparison

Conclusion

I have used calling cards but I do not like the hassle of dialing, and entering phone numbers. With Skype and Google Voice, you can directly call a person who in your phone’s contact list. Besides that, Call quality of Skype and Google Voice are generally much better than using a Calling Card.

I have used both Skype and Google Voice, on Windows and Android. Personally, I prefer Google Voice for international calling. Overall, it is more stable and much more clear compared to Skype when calling to Malaysia. If you have minutes to spare, Google Voice is a  good option. If you do not have enough minutes, but have access to WiFi or unlimited data plan, Skype is a good option.

Revision

v1.0 – 3 Mar 2012 – Initial Release

Restaurant Malaysia [www]
815 Major Mackenzie Dr E, Richmond Hill, Ontario

villaMalaysia [www]
140 York Blvd, Richmond Hill, Ontario

One 2 Snacks
8 Glen Watford Dr, Toronto, Ontario

Matahari Bar & Grill [www]
39 Baldwin St, Toronto, Ontario

Ready for school?!

To welcome everyone back to school (*groan*), we are starting out with our 1st General Meeting!

We will be showing our events of the year plus many more exciting news which may or may not involve a FREE air ticket to Malaysia!

Wanna know more, do come down on Friday 20th at 6pm! (venue to be announced soon!)

FREE FOOD will be provided!
GET TO KNOW MORE NEW STUDENTS!

LET’s just mingle and share your holiday stories too!

Don’t be square, SEE YA THEN!! ♥ ♥

http://www.facebook.com/events/235692736505680/

Location

Buffalo is located in western New York state. It is approximately 300 miles from New York City and is the state’s second largest city after New York City. The capital of New York state is Albany. Canada & Niagara Falls is about 30 minutes drive from University at Buffalo.

Power Outlet

United States supplies 120V while Malaysia supplies 230-240V. Do not bring electrical/electronic devices which do not accept 120V. Most portable devices (laptop, phone, camera) accepts 100-240V.

United States wall socket are different from those found in Malaysia. United States usually use the Type B (American 3-pin) sockets while Malaysia uses the Type G (British 3-pin) sockets. If you need travel adapters, get them in Malaysia because it is cheaper and easier to find. Get the 3-pin grounded version (~$5).

Alternatively, you can always replace the cable (~$10) for laptops.

Cell phones

There are 4 major service providers in United States. Sprint and Verizon uses CDMA network which does not use a separate SIM card, while AT&T (formerly Cingular) and T-Mobile uses GSM network. It is possible to bring over your hand phone from Malaysia and get a SIM card here. Most newer phones should work without problem, if unsure, ask us!

Although iPhone 4 is a popular choice among Malaysians, many of them are not aware that iPhone 4 obtained through AT&T contract are locked phones; meaning they can’t be used with a different carrier (etc. Maxis, DiGi, T-Mobile). AT&T and Apple will not permanently unlock this phones. Apple do sell unlocked iPhone 4 from $649.00.

There will be an orientation regarding cell phone accounts during orientation.

Laptops

If you plan on getting a new laptop, and will be in the United States for at least a year, get it here in the United States as you will get better deals, especially during sales. Besides that, you will have better regional warranty coverage.

Office Supplies

It is not recommended to bring folders, hole punchers, hole binders, staplers and paper unless you well stock your supplies. United States uses 3-hole binders while Malaysia uses 2-hole binders. We use Letter size instead of A4 size. Bring your favorite supply of pens, mechanical pencils and erasers as they are usually more expensive in United States.

Pre-departure

Health Background

Please complete the UB Health Background Form. Mail it in or submit it during orientation. Make a copy before mailing it.

Academic Transcript

It is highly recommended for transfer students to bring their academic transcripts with English Translations.

Accommodation

On-Campus Housing
There are choices of Dorms and Apartments, both with different benefits. Please apply a few months early as dorms fill up quickly. More at http://www.ub-housing.buffalo.edu/

Off-Campus Housing
There are a number of Malaysians living off-campus, in apartment complexes or houses.

Arrival

Temporary Accommodation

On-campus residence hall does not officially open until a day or two before classes start. If you are arriving earlier, you will need to get temporary housing. You can stay in hotels or inns nearby, UB’s temporary housing or maybe fellow Malaysian’s house which is limited. Contact us!

Transportation from Airport

Check here for more information: http://wings.buffalo.edu/intlservices/directions.html
There might be Malaysian volunteers who are willing to pick up new students from the airport.
Contact us!

International Orientation

More information here: http://wings.buffalo.edu/intlservices/orientation.html

Banking

You will need proof of address, passport, student ID before opening a bank account. It make take up to 3 weeks to receive your ATM/Debit Card, so prepare enough cash to last that long. There will be a session on bank accounts during orientation. More information: http://wings.buffalo.edu/intlservices/bankinginfo.html

UB Student ID Card

Student ID card which allows you to borrow books, enter residence hall, etc. Usually done during orientation week. Picture can be taken at the office or submitted electronically at http://www.myubcard.com/ubcard/submitcardphoto

Others

Driving in New York State

Malaysian Driver’s License is valid in New York State, however police officers will have difficulty determining if our driver’s licenses are valid due to the Malay languages used and design (laminated paper) of our license. This can be reduced with the use of International Driving Permit (RM150/year). If you plan to drive in other states, they may have different regulations like our license is valid up to one year from the date of arrival. Read More…

Social Security Number

International student will not be able to obtain a social security number unless they are working on-campus. You do not need a social security number to open a bank account, housing or driver’s license. If you face any problem, please approach the ISSS (International Student & Scholar Services).

Canadian Visa

For those adventurous students who wants to visit Canada, you will need a Canadian Visa to enter Canada. Canadian Visa can be done here in Buffalo or back in Kuala Lumpur. The High Commission of Canada office is located in Menara Tan & Tan which is opposite the US Embassy. Applying one from Malaysia is much more convenient. The best time to apply for a Canadian Visa is right after receiving the US Student Visa. You’ll need to show your US Student Visa and I20 as a proof of studying in US.
Please visit http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/kualalumpur/ for more information.

Pre-departure Checklist

• Passport
• Student Visa  & I-20
• Canadian Visa
  Optional, Canada is approximately 30 minutes from UB North Campus.
• Financial Proof
• Academic Transcript from previous institutions with English translation
  Highly recommended for transfer students
• Cash
  Recommended, to pay for supplies, transportation, accommodation and meals for at least 3 weeks.
• Credit card
  Optional, useful for emergencies
• Travel adapters
  If you are bringing electrical devices
• UB Health Background form
  If you have not submitted through mail
  

New York State Law: Options for Students

International students can drive in New York State (NYS) with an International Driver’s Permit and home country driver’s license as long as they are in valid non-immigrant status, and the driver’s license and International Driver’s Permit are both valid.

However, we recommend that students obtain NYS driver’s licenses because police officers often have difficulty determining if home country driver’s licenses are valid. In addition, car insurance rates are lower if one has a NYS driver’s license.

Requirement to Obtain a NYS Driver’s License

Students’ I-20 or DS-2019 must show that they will enroll or engage in a program that will last at least one year. They must also have at least six months remaining on their I-20/DS-2019.

Obtained from:
http://wings.buffalo.edu/intlservices/isssnewslettertipsfornewstudents1-4-12.html

Continue Reading:

Driving in New York State and Buying/Insuring a Car

Additional Reading:

http://www.dmv.ny.gov/license.htm

Document Revision

1.0 – Initial Release – 08 Jan 2011

UB Computing

UB has many computer sites and computer labs. Every semester, you have printing allocations to be used.

Personal Laptops

Although it there are computing sites and labs, it is more convenient to have your own personal laptop. There is nothing wrong with bringing laptops from Malaysia, however, you should check if you  warranty is covered in the United States. Most laptops comes with international warranty, but some models may not be carried/supported in the Unites States. For Dell, you will need to fill up a transfer of ownership form if you need to use  your warranty in US.

Free/Discounted Software

You can obtain free/discounted software for your educational use. You can obtain a digital copy of Microsoft Office for FREE for educational use. Here’s a list of software that can be downloaded for free: http://ubit.buffalo.edu/software/. Other discounted software can be obtain at UB Micro store located in North Campus: http://www.ubmicrosuny.com/.

Revision

Four major popular service providers, sorted by number of subscribers.

• Verizon Wireless (CDMA)
• AT&T (GSM)
• Sprint Wireless (CDMA)
• T-Mobile (GSM)

Technology: GSM vs CDMA

GSM and CDMA are two major cell phone technologies used in United States. Verizon & Sprint are CDMA-based networks while AT&T & T-Mobile are GSM-based networks. In Malaysia, Maxis, Celcom and DiGi are GSM-based networks. GSM phones can’t be used on CDMA  networks and vice-versa.

Plans

Postpaid vs Prepaid

Postpaid and prepaid phones has it advantages and disadvantages. Below is a short list of them.

Individual vs. Family (Postpaid only)

Family plans are generally cheaper when the cost is split up. However, credit checks or deposits are still required.

Phones

Carrier-locked subsidized Phones

Carrier-lock subsidized phones are obtain with 1 or 2-years contract from the cellphone providers. However, these phones are typically carrier-locked; they will not work with other service providers unless unlocked. The term unlocked should not be mistaken with jailbreak. Most phones can be fully unlocked (by your service provider) if you are with good standings with your service provider for 3 months.

AT&T iPhone 4

AT&T iPhone 4 will never be unlock by Apple or AT&T. Although there are methods to “bypass” this unlocks, these are temporary hacks/methods and very dependent on firmware & iOS version. Read More …

AT&T, Verizon, Sprint iPhone 4S

iPhone 4S is a world phone; works on both GSM or CDMA network. AT&T will never unlock the iPhone 4S. Spring & Verizon will unlock it for international use if you are with good standings with them.  Read More …

Revision

v0.1 – 17 Dec 2011
v0.2 – 12 Jan 2012

Hoping everyone is coping well academically and staying warm as we enter the final weeks of this semester! For our final event of the calendar year, MaSA, in collaboration with UB American Sign Language club (UB ASL) and Circle K, will be organizing a *Christmas Charity Dinner this Friday, December 9, at 105 Harriman Hall at 7 pm.*

*Tickets are price at $15*, and all proceeds will go towards UB ASL club and Buffalo Deaf Adult Services. More information about these organizations and why we chose to collaborate and support them respectively can be found below.

Please come to the dinner with a gift (around $5 in value) for the *gifts exchange* portion of the dinner. During the dinner, you will hear from representatives of all three clubs, there will be *performances from the Buffalo Chips*, as well a special presentation by UB ASL on the basics of sign language.

The following food items will be served, *Halal and vegetarian options* are available too!

* * * **Appetizers* *Grilled vegetable tray Cheese & cracker platter Rolls Soft Bread Stick Caesar Salad*

*Entrees/Side Dishes* *Chicken Cordon Bleu ** Roasted Turkey Breast w/ gravy Baked ziti w/ ground beef Au Gratin potatoes Roasted mix vegetables Vegetarian lasagna ** Stuffing* * Drinks/Dessert * *Assorted Cookies Cup Cakes Soda*

You can get your tickets from any e-board members of MaSA, Circle K, and UB ASL. Alternatively, you could also email us at this address suny.ubmasa@gmail.com or get it from the SBI office in Student Union.

Come feast on some amazing food, hear our very own Buffalo Chips, exchange gifts, support a good cause, and participate in a truly unique Christmas experience. 100% of ALL ticket sales will go to charity. Your dollars would go a long way in improving the life of a deaf person in a meaningful way.

See you guys there!

Best regards, MaSA E-Board 2011-12

A very happy belated Deepavali to all our Indian friends out there! More than 90 of you showed up to our Deepavali event last Friday and the feedback on the food served has been phenomenal! Thank you again to all who showed up and everyone who helped with the preparation of the event. To those who went with us to the Halloween themed Cedar Point last Saturday, hope your nightmares have abated and have regained your voice back from all the screaming and yelling. If not, I’m sure IT WAS WELL WORTH IT!

Anyways, below is a brief summary of what MaSA will be up to this weekend

*Hot Pot Night with HKSA & MaSA* Date: Friday, November 4th, Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm Location: South Lake Community Center Price: $8 in advance, $10 at the door.

Come join us later tonight for some warm and delicious Malaysian/Hong Kong styled hot pot (aka steamboat). There will be beef, chickens, pork, vegetables, and mushrooms ready to be dipped and cooked in 5 different pots with 3 different flavors (tom yam, chicken herbal, and satay). Halal/kosher food will also be provided. It might not be the most authentic meal you’ll eat this semester, but it will be sure to remind Malaysians and Hong Konger of home, and show everyone else what ‘home’ is like to us.* Click on the following link for more information and to RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=174994449255437*.

*UBreathe Free Campaign: Kickin’ Butt* Date: Saturday, November 5th Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm Location: Room 235 Student Union

The next day, MaSA will be participating in a community service event. As the title of the event implies, we will be making UB cleaner and greener by picking up cigarette butts around campus. We will meet up in 235 Student Union at 10:00am where light snacks will be provided. So if you feel like taking a break from all the studying and cramming, do consider coming on down and lending us a hand. *Click on the following link for more information and to RSVP:* * http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=231388266924922* .

*International Fiesta 2012: 1st Practice Session* Date: Saturday, November 5th Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm Location: Student Union Lobby

Finally, the event that every international clubs look forward to all year round: *International Fiesta 2012*! Last year, MaSA placed forth overall and we are looking to improve on that! Our performance last year can be found on You Tube at: The theme for this year’s fiesta is “dreams”, and MaSA will be having its first meet up/practice session on Saturday (11/5) at 1:00pm in SU Lobby. We are looking for people to help us backstage, with prop designs, and on the dance floor. No experience necessary, we want you as long as you’re willing to learn and want to have a fun, memorable, and one-of-a-kind UB experience! *Click on the following link for more information and to RSVP:* *http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=190403044372414* .

That’s all from us for the time being, see you guys this weekend!

Sincerely, MaSA E-Board 2011-12 *

P.S. If any of you would like to remove/unsubscribe yourself from this mailing list, just click on the following link and follow the instructions: http://listserv.buffalo.edu/user/user-faq.shtml#signoff*