Travel Tips: How to Use Your Phone Abroad

Roaming around Paris, Tokyo or some other far-flung destination is the dream of most travelers. Roaming charges for your smartphone? Not so much. With some planning, however, you can tap your mobile phone as often as you want when traveling internationally at little or no additional cost.

Here are tips to ensure you can access all the texts, calls and data you need without getting slapped with a big bill when you get home.

Know before you go

Your first move should be to verify that your phone will operate in your destination, especially if you haven’t previously used it abroad. Most smartphones will operate on Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) networks, which are commonly used around the globe. This is also the time to check if your current plan offers any international features and to estimate extra charges you could incur.

Another option if you are planning to spend an extended amount of time outside the US is to purchase a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card for your phone in your destination. Using a local SIM card means you should not be subject to roaming or data charges, depending on the type of card. One caveat: You need to have an unlocked phone (that is, your phone is not limited to a specific carrier because of a contract or payment plan) that will allow you to temporarily replace your original SIM card.

Consider adding an international plan

Depending on your mobile plan, you may want to add an international component ––you can easily cancel it after your trip. This decision will depend on where you’re traveling, how often you intend to use your phone while abroad and whether you anticipate having access to free Wi-Fi at your accommodations and/or through local hot spots.

If you’re traveling to Mexico or Canada, certain plans from T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T include unlimited texts and calls, as well as some data usage, while travels to more than 210 other countries will usually get you unlimited texts and some data usage. All three carriers offer international travel passes, ranging from about $5 to $12 a day, as well as bundles that cost less per day.

Use Wi-Fi with caution

The best price for connectivity is free, and using Wi-Fi in your hotel or vacation rental provides a reliable way to check email, manage restaurant reservations and book tours. However, it’s important to confirm that the network is secure and requires a password to access.

The limitation with relying on Wi-Fi is how to stay connected––securely––when you’re on the go. It’s wise to proceed with caution when using public Wi-Fi networks. Never conduct financial business or check your credit card if you’re not sure about a network’s safety.

One way to add a layer of security with public Wi-Fi is by using a virtual private network (VPN), which establishes a firewall between potential hackers and your data, should it travel through an unsecured Wi-Fi point. Or if you have an international phone plan with no roaming charges, you can use your device as a personal hot spot.

Tap WhatsApp

Another option for texting and calling is a free service called WhatsApp. Once you download the app and register, WhatsApp syncs with your contacts, allowing you to text and call any of them who are also users. WhatsApp uses Wi-Fi to power its service but also promises end-to-end encryption, so you can connect with confidence on public networks. FaceTime is a similar free calling option for users of iOS (Apple) devices.

With so much of our daily lives supported by our mobile devices, it’s become a necessity to use them while traveling internationally. With these strategies, you can do so securely while staying on budget.

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Additional Travel Tips for Your Phone

You can take these steps to help safeguard your mobile experience abroad and manage the cost.

• Turn off cellular data and set roaming to “off” when you’re not using your phone.
• Enable two-factor authentication for credit card and financial accounts.
• Install a mobile tracking app in case your device is stolen.
• Before you leave the US or when using secure Wi-Fi, download maps and translation apps, as well as music, podcasts and entertainment.
• Take screenshots of plane, rail, hotel, restaurant and tour bookings, so that you can access them even if you don’t have a connection.