Your questions: How can I use my phone while in Japan?

We’re travelling to Japan and all the phone websites have “data only” SIM plans. What do you do when you need to call or text someone? Our phone provider doesn’t support global roaming, so is there a SIM plan we can use for our mobile phones?
B. Cappelli, Pascoe Vale, Vic

Want to use your phone in Japan? There’s an app for that.Credit: iStock

The easiest solution could be using an app such as Viber to make calls and send messages. Provided you have a Wi-Fi connection, for example in your hotel, you can make calls using Viber. After you have downloaded the app you need to add credit. The plan that might work best for you is the World Credit plan, which allows you to call mobile or landline numbers anywhere in the world. It costs $US4.99 ($7.85) for 216 minutes.

Viber is one of several service providers that use voice over internet protocol (VOIP), a technology that allows you to make voice calls over the internet rather than via a cellular connection, which is what your mobile phone normally uses. Most providers require a monthly subscription, but Viber has the pay-as-you-go alternative. Add a global roaming SIM or an eSIM and you could make phone calls using Viber without relying on Wi-Fi.

We have a seven-plus hour layover in Hong Kong and there are several airport lounges we are looking at prebooking. Any recommendations?
M. Janout, Boat Harbour, NSW

Hong Kong Airport with seven hours to spare.Credit: Bloomberg

My choice would be the Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong. Near Gate 1 on the Departures Level (L6), Terminal 1, this is an upscale lounge with a la carte dining, showers, complimentary Mumm Champagne, a 10-minute back and neck massage, high-speed Wi-Fi and relaxation zones. It is more expensive than the Plaza Premium Lounge, but as well as the better amenities, the higher-priced lounges are typically far less busy and well worth the additional cost. The cost is HKD1110 ($222) for five hours or HKD1229 ($250) for eight hours. It is open from 6.30am to 1am daily.

My wife and I would like to travel by train from Bruges to Rennes, but we’re concerned about changing trains in Paris. Is there an alternative? We will also travel by train from Rennes to Bordeaux and back to Paris. What is the most economical way to buy tickets?
C. Poulton, Hawthorn, Vic

Most trains from Bruges to Rennes require a cumbersome change of stations, from Paris Nord to Paris Montparnasse. However, if you took the IC2808 train departing Brugge at 9.11am, changing at Brussels to the TGV9826 to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, you could change to the TGV5470 to Rennes. Total journey time is 5½ hours. An alternative is the IC513 departing Brugge at 1.58 pm, changing at Brussels to the TGV9832 with a further change to the TGV5386 at Le Mans – a 6½-hour journey. Rennes to Bordeaux is another 6½ -hour journey on the fastest train (with one to four transfers). You can make bookings for these trains on the dbahn, Rail Europe and Trainline websites. Book at least a month in advance and you should find some great deals.

My wife and I are going to Spain in May. We want to do a train trip starting and ending in Madrid, through the Basque region over 10 days. Can you suggest some towns that are off the beaten track and less touristy?
R. Dawson, Wollongong, NSW

Laguardia is known for its medieval castle and its wines.Credit: iStock

Laguardia, in the Alava region, is built around a medieval castle, although its roots date back to Roman times. The town is known for its wines, among the most highly regarded in Spain. Getaria, on a peninsula that juts into the Bay of Biscay, is a photogenic fishing village where you can enjoy fresh fish at the port, preferably with a glass of the local white wine, txakoli. There are two scenic beaches and a little islet where you can go on a beautiful hike. Famed fashion designer Cristobal Balenciaga was born in the town and the local museum celebrates his work. Hondarribia, another fortified medieval town with knotted laneways in its old quarter, is packed with atmosphere and history. Take a ferry over the Bidasoa River to a corner of France’s Basque region. Bergara, Tolosa and Pasia are other quiet towns all worth visiting. Most are accessible via Euskotren, the train service operated by the Basque government.

Travel advice is general; readers should consider their personal circumstances