Travelling is one of many peoples’ favorite hobbies. It not only allows you to have fun, but also gives an opportunity to learn about different cultures, food, and tourist attractions. However, being in touch with your loved ones is also important while you’re away, and for a hassle-free journey, a working phone plays an important role. With a working phone, you can easily navigate, search for famous places, learn about food to try and places to visit, and do many other things to improve your trip.
If you are not aware of international roaming and how it works, you could be surprised by your next phone bill. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. We’ve prepared some of the best ways to make your travel out of your country cheaper, convenient, and safer than you thought by using your phone internationally.
Check Availability of Your Service Provider
This is the first step. Every country has different technologies and frequencies. Your phone won’t necessarily work at your planned destination. The best way to know this is to check the phone’s user manual or contact your phone’s manufacturer or cell service provider.
Most countries use GSM frequencies. While this should work in most countries, if your phone is too old it could be problematic – especially in under-developed countries. Confirm your phone is compatible with the wireless frequencies wherever you’re traveling. You should also check the tie-ups of your service provider and check the availability of a partner service provider for the place you are going to.
Enquire about Roaming Packages
Awesome, you know your phone is compatible and your service provider is available. Usually, International roaming charges will skyrocket your bill – especially data charges. To avoid high bill charges, you must enquire if there are some roaming packages available for your destination country.
Usually roaming packages are available in two types: monthly package or daily data passes. If your plan is to stay there for a long time and use your phone regularly, you should go for a monthly package. It usually comes with fewer charges and benefits. With most service providers, daily data passes have much more benefits, but cost more if you use them frequently. This is suitable only if you want to use your phone when needed.
In order to avoid any mistakes, most of the service providers do not turn on the international roaming feature. Regardless if you choose to be billed normally, or through a monthly package or daily pass, ensure international roaming is turned ON. Some of the companies turn it on only if your number has a certain tenure. Please check this before you start your journey.
Check Your Phone Status
Sometimes you might want to stay for longer than just a tour. In that case, you can easily purchase a local SIM card from your intended country. I think of this as the best option if you wish for a longer stay. Not only will you get a good reception all the time, but also this is the cheapest option.
However, before you do this with your existing phone, you must ensure the phone is unlocked and paid in full. If it’s not, you won’t be able to use any other SIM card than your own service provider. If going with this option, no one would be able to call on your original number, it would go straight to voicemail. However, you can still use web-based texting and calling using mobile data or wifi.
In most of the countries, it’s easy to get a pay-as-you-go SIM card. All you have to do is visit any of the local service provider’s stores and get a SIM card. Usually, it does not take more than half an hour to activate the new local number.
Use WiFi instead of Mobile Data
Almost every service provider comes with a cap for limited data or calling benefits. It’s a good practice to use WiFi instead of mobile data wherever possible. Leading service providers like Verizon and AT&T come with WiFi hotspots available around the world.
Usually, an app or hotspot finder could be installed on your phone, provided by your service provider. It comes with a username and password which will be used to log in when using the wifi.
Use WiFi, Skype, or WhatsApp for Calling
There are many web-based applications available for texting and calling which require nothing more than a working cell phone with WiFi connectivity. WiFi calling may not be available in the country you are visiting. It can be checked by your service provider.
Other options like Skype and WhatsApp are available globally. The drawback is, the app must be installed on the receiver’s phone as well. It also requires decent internet speed for a clear voice. Though WiFi is often provided by hotels or service providers, you can also rent a local hotspot and use WiFi only for all of your texting and calling.
Pack a Travel Adapter
Once you’ve figured out all of your service issues, you’ll also need a way to charge your phone. In foreign countries, electrical sockets are often different. They send different voltages and require different plugs compared to the standard US outlet and plug.
Be sure to research the outlets in the countries you’re visiting and be sure to have the right adapters to fit their outlets. There are universal travel adapters that work for most countries and come with different options so you’re always prepared.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let the headache of being in touch with your loved ones be a problem for you anymore in your travels. Figure out your phone plan in advance, so you can enjoy your travel rather than being worried about the charges.
