Traveling abroad can be an exciting experience, but it often comes with the challenge of staying connected while you’re away. Whether it’s navigating new cities, keeping in touch with loved ones, or managing your business remotely, your phone is likely your most trusted companion when traveling. However, using your phone overseas comes with some specific guidelines and precautions to avoid unexpected charges, connectivity issues, and potential security risks.
To make sure your trip goes smoothly and you avoid unnecessary problems, here’s a comprehensive list of the dos and don’ts of using your phone overseas.
The Dos of Using Your Phone Overseas
1. Do Unlock Your Phone Before Traveling
If you’re planning to use a local SIM card while traveling, make sure your phone is unlocked. Most carriers lock phones to their network, which means you won’t be able to use a different carrier’s SIM card in the phone unless it is unlocked. Contact your carrier before leaving to request that your phone be unlocked. This step will give you more flexibility to use local networks and avoid high roaming fees.
2. Do Check International Roaming Plans
Before leaving, check with your carrier about their international roaming plans. Many carriers offer affordable daily or monthly plans that allow you to use your phone abroad without incurring huge charges. These plans typically include voice, text, and data services, so you can stay connected while traveling.
If you plan to use your phone for calls and data while traveling, setting up a roaming plan in advance will save you from the risk of paying exorbitant pay-as-you-go fees.
3. Do Use eSIM for Flexibility
If your phone supports eSIM technology, consider using an eSIM data plan. An eSIM allows you to add a second carrier profile without needing to swap physical SIM cards. This can be especially useful if you want to use a local carrier in the country you’re visiting, or if you want to avoid high roaming fees without changing your home SIM card. Many global eSIM providers offer affordable and flexible data plans that work in multiple countries.
4. Do Use Wi-Fi Whenever Possible
Using Wi-Fi is one of the easiest ways to avoid high data charges while traveling. Many public spaces like cafes, hotels, airports, and shopping malls offer free Wi-Fi. Before using mobile data abroad, connect to a trusted Wi-Fi network whenever possible to save on your data usage and avoid unexpected costs.
Additionally, some apps (such as Google Maps, WhatsApp, and Skype) allow you to make calls and send texts over Wi-Fi, so you can stay in touch with loved ones or make local calls without using up your mobile data.
5. Do Set Up Data Usage Alerts
When traveling internationally, it’s easy to lose track of how much data you’re using, especially if you’re relying on mobile data for maps, social media, or communication apps. Many carriers allow you to set up data usage alerts to notify you when you’re close to reaching your data limit. This can help prevent unexpected overage charges.
6. Do Get a Local SIM Card for Long-Term Stays
If you’re going to be staying in one location for a longer period, purchasing a local SIM card might be more economical. Local SIM cards offer better rates for data and calls than international roaming plans, especially in certain countries. Be sure to check if your phone is unlocked (as mentioned earlier) and pick up a local SIM upon arrival. Local stores or kiosks at airports typically sell these SIM cards, and they often come with pre-loaded data or call credits.
7. Do Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
For security reasons, it’s a good idea to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when using public Wi-Fi networks abroad. Public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in cafes or airports, can be insecure, putting your personal data at risk. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, protecting your sensitive information from hackers. Make sure you install a reliable VPN on your phone before your trip.
The Don’ts of Using Your Phone Overseas
1. Don’t Forget to Turn Off Data Roaming
One of the quickest ways to rack up enormous charges while traveling overseas is leaving data roaming on. Data roaming allows your phone to access the internet through foreign networks, and the costs can add up very quickly. Be sure to turn off data roaming when you don’t need it. This setting can be found in the mobile network settings of your phone. Turning off roaming ensures that your phone doesn’t connect to foreign networks automatically when you’re not using Wi-Fi.
If you want to be extra cautious, consider turning off cellular data altogether and only rely on Wi-Fi when possible.
2. Don’t Use Your Phone for Long-Distance Calls Without a Plan
If you need to make international calls, avoid using your mobile phone without a proper plan. International calling fees can be astronomically high, and regular roaming charges may not cover these types of calls. Instead, consider using internet-based services like WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime, which allow you to make free calls and send messages over Wi-Fi or mobile data.
If you absolutely need to make long-distance calls, check with your carrier to see if they offer affordable international calling plans.
3. Don’t Ignore Local Network Compatibility
Before buying a local SIM card, make sure your phone is compatible with the local networks in the country you’re visiting. Not all networks use the same technology, and if your phone doesn’t support the required frequencies, it might not work properly or at all. Research or ask about the type of network used by your destination country’s carriers and make sure your phone is capable of supporting it.
Some phones only work with specific network types (e.g., GSM or CDMA), so it’s essential to confirm compatibility.
4. Don’t Forget to Backup Your Data
When traveling internationally, you might not have access to your data if something happens to your phone, such as theft or damage. To avoid the risk of losing important photos, documents, or apps, make sure to back up your data before you leave. You can back up to iCloud, Google Drive, or other cloud-based services. This ensures that even if you lose your phone, you won’t lose valuable information.
5. Don’t Use Your Phone Without Protection
Traveling overseas exposes your phone to more potential risks, including theft, damage, or loss. Make sure your phone is protected with a case and screen protector to prevent damage from drops or scratches. If you’re concerned about theft, consider using a secure bag or phone case with anti-theft features to keep your device safe.
Additionally, activate Find My iPhone (for iPhones) or Find My Device (for Android devices) before your trip. These tools allow you to track your phone’s location and remotely lock or erase its data if it gets lost or stolen.
6. Don’t Ignore Your Battery’s Power Usage
When traveling abroad, especially if you’re out exploring all day, your phone’s battery can drain quickly. Use power-saving settings and bring a portable charger or power bank to ensure you don’t run out of battery while you’re on the go. Many travel adapters come with USB charging ports, so you can easily charge your phone in hotels or airports.
To conserve battery, you can also turn off features you don’t need, like background app refresh, push notifications, and location services.
Conclusion
Using your phone overseas can enhance your travel experience by keeping you connected, helping with navigation, and allowing you to share your adventures. However, it’s essential to take the right precautions to avoid unexpected charges, security risks, and connectivity problems. By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll be able to use your phone abroad effectively, safely, and affordably, allowing you to make the most out of your international trip.
