You’ll want to stay in touch while you travel abroad with your family and friends at home as well as new friends you meet on the road. It’s expensive to use your phone abroad, and there are few secure, reliable Wi-Fi spots. Here are some reasonably inexpensive options to stay in touch while traveling abroad.
Before you start shopping and exploring…
Call your Cell Phone Provider and ask them about International Calling and data rates. If your plan is not too generous with this service, ask if you can upgrade for one month during your dates of travel.
Do not accept paying more than the typical $10 (USD) per day. There are better options.
Buy a SIM from your destination’s country.
During the trip, you replace it with your USA SIM Card when you arrive.
Yes, replacing SIM cards can be a bit tricky. For instance, some new cell phones do not have a viable way to replace your SIM Card. (Don’t hesitate to call your provider before you leave or visit one of their local consumer stores.)
You may not need to wait until you get to your destination to purchase a SIM Card. Here are some of the best International SIM Cards per Buyers Guide. CLICK HERE
Please use caution, if you plan to use a SIM Card. Not all SIM Cards are the same, differing in services, access, and price. Here is an article that may start you browsing on the subject. “Buying a SIM Card in Ireland”: CLICK HERE
A New Option: E-SIM Cards
These virtual sim cards are bought online, where you receive a code in your email with instructions. It varies in cost, so do check around! Here is one example: CLICK HERE
Portable Wi-Fi Device Unit (Hot Spot Adapters)
There are many portable Wi-Fi devices available for travel, at various price points. These devices are battery-powered wireless routers that can be compact and lightweight enough to fit in a purse or pocket.
Check with your cell phone providers. Hot Spot Adapters (or Portable Wi-Fi Device Units) from your phone company, but these tend to be pricey. You may also get some better deals in the market.
Here are some suggestions offered by Travel & Leisure. CLICK HERE
Use Cellular Data (and not Mobile Data)
Turn off Cell Exchange and use Wi-Fi. Cellular data, also known as mobile data, refers simply to the transmission of data via a cell phone. Excessive cellular data use can lead to high charges on your cell phone bill. Having your phone constantly searching for a familiar network can also burn through your battery.
If you opt not to sign up for an international plan or make other arrangements to be able to use your normal phone while abroad, you likely need to turn off cellular data entirely to avoid roaming fees or data overages, as well as shorter battery life. To turn off cellular data, go to your mobile device’s settings, then disable any settings related to mobile/cellular data or data roaming.
Here are the most popular applications that you can use that use Cellular Data only via Wi-Fi.
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- Facebook Messenger;
- Google Voice;
- Skype;
- Telegram;
- WeChat;
- WhatsApp.
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