When you’re in a new country, you’re far away from those home comforts that you rely on without really thinking about it. One of those is the easy connection to your mobile phone network.
Often is the case that you have to pay to use your phone abroad, and if it’s not sorted before traveling, then you might have trouble connecting your phone for use when out and about exploring this new destination.
With that being said, there are a number of useful ways to help stay connected when traveling abroad.
Check your phone for roaming inclusion
For some phone providers and contracts, the phone holder will already have data roaming included. That means that you don’t need to do anything in order to get access to the web overseas without needing to go on a WIFI network.
While some offer roaming inclusion, it’s not the case for every phone provider or contract, so it’s always good to check before you travel.
Check out what eSims or local SIM cards are available
The best travel eSIM is one that you can activate via an app and is great for switching providers without the use of physical cards. It’s beneficial to check phone compatibility before making the switch.
Local SIM cards are also something to consider. These are what you can buy upon arrival and give you access to cheap and local rates on texts, calls, and data. However, it does require an unlocked phone for such SIMs to work.
Find safe and reliable public WIFI spots
Thankfully, there’s a lot of information online nowadays when it comes to reliable WIFI services. When traveling to a new country, it’s a good use of your time to scout out any local WIFI spots that are trusted by other travelers who’ve been to these places before.
It’s a good idea to get a VPN for your devices for extra security, just in case you accidentally access a WIFI that’s not completely secure.
Download Google Maps or Maps.me
Offline maps are great to have when you don’t always have a powerful signal to the local networks. This is crucial when you’re relying on the maps to drive or walk from one place to another.
There’s nothing worse than feeling lost in a new place you’ve never been to before.
Before you go navigating without data, make sure to download the maps so you can use them with ease offline.
Rely on messaging apps
There are some great messaging apps that you can use with the internet and that you can utilize for free instead of paying for text and calls.
Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and iMessage are all worth having downloaded on your phone and ready for use whenever you need to use them to make contact with others.
Staying connected when traveling abroad is helpful for navigation, accessing important apps like your online banking, and staying in touch with loved ones. Make sure to utilize this list for stress-free travel abroad in 2025 and beyond.
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