When you are traveling, staying connected, whether it is with your family and friends back home or to book a cab online to pick you up from the airport, is important. However, if you are unprepared, you could rack up a huge bill on roaming charges. To this end, we’ve put together a few simple tips to help you stay connected when you travel abroad.
- Make sure your phone will function overseas
While most phones work abroad without any problem, make sure to still check whether your phone can be used in the destination you will be traveling to.
- Carry adapters for your charger
To stay connected, you will need to keep your phone charged always. So, make sure to buy and carry a universal travel adapter with you. You can also carry a portable battery pack with you for times when you may need to quickly charge your phone.
- Research affordable phone plans for international travelers
Many service providers, today, offer affordable international roaming plans. So, before you set off on your travels, consider checking the best phone plans available for international travelers or getting a temporary daily or monthly calling plan for the destination you’ll be visiting.
- Purchase a SIM card locally
If you think you may need to use your phone extensively and you only plan to visit a single country, you may want to consider purchasing a local SIM card. Most international airports will have vending machines or booths where you can purchase a local SIM card.
- Use free WiFi when possible
This goes without saying, but you should try to make use of free WiFi whenever possible. Remember that hotels, cafes, and airports are likely to have free WiFi services.
- Use free calling and messaging apps
Rather than using traditional calling or SMS options, make use of the numerous applications that allow you to call or text for free, as long as you have an internet connection. This can bring down your calling and texting costs significantly.
- Download maps
Whenever you have access to the internet, make sure to download Google Maps on your phone for the area you’ll be visiting. This will help you access the map even if you happen to lose internet connectivity.
Keep these tips in mind if you are planning a trip abroad and want to save on phone charges.
