Using your phone abroad can be pricey. Yet, you will need to communicate while traveling, and you don’t want to go broke doing it.
It is important to know how to stay connected with the world at large when you’re away from home. You’ll want to access your favorite sites, and there is always a chance that someone will need to get in touch with you while you’re away.
So, here are some pointers on how to do exactly that.
Plan Ahead Before Using Your Phone Abroad
A big part of planning ahead is to learn as much as you can about your destination, including its telecommunications capacity and the ins and outs of using your phone abroad. How’s the availability of the internet there?
Does the location offer free public Wi-Fi? Staying connected via the World Wide Web will be a breeze in Europe and Asia, as per World Population Review, a company that tracks the countries with the fastest internet.
On the other hand, communication might be a challenge in other, more remote locations where telecommunications infrastructure is likely not up to par with that of more developed nations.
It is also at this stage, before you leave, that you should download a map of the place you are going to, in case using your phone abroad isn’t possible.
Thankfully, you can do this on Google Maps, as long as you have it installed on your mobile device. Just follow these steps.
- Launch the Google Maps app on your Android phone or iPhone. Make sure you’re signed into your Google account.
- Search for the city you’d like to download.
- Tap the bar at the bottom of the screen with the name of the place you’ve just searched for.
- Tap the button that says “Download.”
- Google will then show you a map of the area and ask if you’d like to download it. Tap “Download” again to confirm.
The procedure for Apple devices is pretty much the same, though in the latter, the search bar is at the bottom.
Once you type the location and it appears on screen, you will have to swipe up to reveal the download option. Just tap it, and you will have a map that you can access offline.
You can also use Maps.me for the same purpose.
Find an Internet Connection When Traveling
The best way to use your phone abroad is to find accommodations and other locations that offer Wi-Fi. That way, you can easily check your email and social media accounts while you’re there.
You can also contact people via Internet-dependent communication platforms, like Apple’s FaceTime (exclusive for iPhone and iPad users), Zoom, and WhatsApp. These allow you to make voice and video calls and send text messages whenever you’re online.
Another option is to ask around for the nearest Internet café. Free public Wi-Fi is also an option, though many of these connections are unsecured. This means relevant information, like your email address and passwords, could potentially be at risk of getting hacked.
Our advice, therefore, is to avoid free public wi-fi for the most part. Or, if you MUST use it, don’t transfer any sensitive material like banking details. Here are several options for protecting your sensitive information while online in a public place.
More Options for Using Your Phone Abroad
Embrace technology and stay connected
Use an international phone plan.
First, you might want to talk to your carrier — if it’s AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, or Verizon — about international phone plans.
The great thing about using your phone abroad on an international plan is that it lets you keep your number. This way, your contacts can easily reach you, and you can stay connected without having to pay a premium.
- T-Mobile: Go5G, Go5G Plus, and Go5G Next plans offer unlimited texting and 2G data (128-256 Kbps) in 215+ countries, 5GB high-speed data in Canada/Mexico, and calls at $0.25/minute. International passes provide high-speed data and unlimited calling: $5/day (512MB), $35/10 days (5GB), $50/30 days (15GB).
- Verizon: TravelPass offers 2GB high-speed data, unlimited talk/text for $5/day (Canada/Mexico) or $10/day (210+ countries), charged only on usage days. Unlimited Plus/Welcome plans include Canada/Mexico. They also offer $100/month, which is cheaper than, say, $10/day for two weeks.
- AT&T: International Day Pass provides unlimited talk, text, and data (per domestic plan) for $10/day ($5/day Canada/Mexico) in 230+ countries.
Please note that international calling plans are subject to frequent changes. Please check with your carrier for the current prices.
Using a SIM Card
If the international plans from T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T don’t meet your needs, consider using a local Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card when traveling abroad. This is a small card that is inserted into your phone. They can be purchased in many locations: airports, local kiosks, electronics stores, etc.
A local SIM allows you to make calls within the country, access data for internet use, and obtain a local phone number. However, U.S. phones from carriers like Verizon or AT&T may be “locked” to their network, preventing the use of foreign SIM cards.
While most modern phones are unlocked, it’s essential to verify your device’s status with your carrier before traveling.
Using a phone abroad that’s locked overseas is still possible, but the cost will be prohibitive. We all know horror stories of the traveler who downloaded maps overseas on a locked phone only to return home to a shocking bill.
Another option is to buy an “unlocked” travel phone from stores like Best Buy or Amazon. This way, you can simply buy a local SIM card in every country you visit and stay connected to the world. In some areas, like Europe, you can buy a SIM card that is good for several countries.
Using an eSIM
A relatively recent development in SIM cards is the eSIM, or electronic SIM card.
I’m always seeking the latest innovations to make traveling easier and cheaper. I’ve found that using an eSIM, or an embedded SIM card, is the best way to stay connected while traveling.
A digital SIM is embedded right into your mobile device. Unlike the physical SIM cards we’re familiar with, eSIMs are virtual and can be programmed remotely.
No more messing with physical SIM cards or seeking out a local SIM card provider whenever you arrive in a new country.
This is a game-changer, a traveler’s dream come true! That’s what I discovered with the Airalo eSIM. It’s among the best eSIMs for international travel, and my new go-to traveling companion. I’ll never travel without it again.
More and more mobile devices are now equipped with eSIM capabilities, from the latest iPhones to cutting-edge Android handsets.
Finding ways of using your phone abroad to communicate while traveling can pose some challenges. But if you follow the pointers listed here, you’ll surely overcome any hurdles towards being accessible — even when you’re away.
If you are unsure how to use SIM cards or eSIMs, stop by your local phone carrier store and talk to the clerks there, who are happy to help.
BTW, if you are getting ready for your trip, make sure to take advantage of these useful, money-saving links to book your trip:
- Research and book your flight with Skyscanner. I have found them to be the best because they list all airlines including the budget ones. You are always sure of having researched all options.
- For car rental around the world, Discover Cars has flexible pickup and drop-off options, I recommend Discover Cars.
- Book your accommodation with Booking.com. I find they have a wide selection and a nice, user-friendly, transparent website.
- Protect your trip and, more importantly, protect yourself with travel insurance. I use Travelinsurance.com and have been very happy with them.
- For more general tours to any destination or attraction, book with Viator. Check them out.
- Need a visa? Get your visa for all countries with Passport Visa Express.
- Looking for a cool walking tour to explore a city? My favorite walking tours are offered by Take Walks.
- Food and drink tours are the best way to enjoy a city. And Devour Tours are my favorite.
- Looking for a good VPN to protect your security, privacy and freedom online while traveling? Nordvpn is your best option.
- The best and most economical way to stay connected while traveling is with an Airalo eSIM.
I personally use, and can recommend, all the companies listed here and elsewhere on my blog. By booking through these sites, the small commission we earn – at no cost to you – helps us maintain this site so we can continue to offer our readers valuable travel tips and advice.
