{"id":12404,"date":"2019-06-24T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-06-24T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theprofessionalhobo.com\/?p=12404"},"modified":"2024-06-18T07:34:56","modified_gmt":"2024-06-18T11:34:56","slug":"cell-phone-travel-basics-international-phone-plans-sim-cards-and-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theprofessionalhobo.com\/cell-phone-travel-basics-international-phone-plans-sim-cards-and-more\/","title":{"rendered":"Best International Phone Plans, SIM Cards, and More"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The cellular phone is a magnificent invention that has become one of the most important gadgets in our lives. Although I started my travel career without one, I’m actually not sure how I did it! But it does open up a whole can of worms when it comes time to shop for the best international phone plans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What happens when you have to travel internationally and need to use your phone? This is where is gets tricky – and if you don’t make the right choices, damn expensive. There are quite a few travelers that were shocked at their phone bills after coming back from their international trips due to a few phone calls or innocent texts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first (and only) time I experienced roaming charges, I was aghast. Like most people, I figured a couple of texts and a quick phone call whilst on a short trip to the U.S. from Canada wouldn’t be that expensive. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wrong. <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The extra $150 tacked on to my cell phone bill helped me understand that when I started traveling full-time, I’d need to rethink my cell phone travel strategy. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well. I found a gazillion other ways to travel with your cell phone and remain connected  to family and friends back home<\/span> while abroad. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s everything you need to know. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article will provide you with a list of the best international phone plans, international data SIM cards<\/a>, international roaming options, online phone numbers, and a lot of things that you should be aware of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ll learn a ton of ways to use your cell phone while traveling. The best option for you depends on how long you’re traveling, where you’re going, what kind of phone and phone plan you currently have, and what your connectivity needs are. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’ve included pros and cons for most options, along with who various options are recommended for. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’ll also share my personal strategies (which have changed over time) so you too, can pay as little as $150 per year for your total cell phone usage. (<\/span>Yes, you read that right<\/span><\/i>). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Table of Contents: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

International Cell Phone Uses<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Options for Locked Cell Phones<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Options for Unlocked Cell Phones<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Maintain a Local Phone Number in Your Home Country (or Abroad) Without Paying for a Full Plan<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Strategies for Digital Nomads and Full-Time Travelers<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Ways to Stay in Touch Abroad (With Locals and Family\/Friends Back Home)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

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This is a JAM-packed resource; Pin this to keep it handy!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n


International Cell Phone Uses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First off, let’s examine how a cell phone (which these days, is almost always some sort of smartphone) can be used abroad. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a traveler, there are multiple ways that you can use your phone internationally. Obviously you’ll want to be able to communicate with people back home. This can be done in a few different ways such as making international calls, sending international texts, or using international data. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’m really late to the \u201cdata\u201d game. 2016 was the first year I ever had a plan that included data on my phone, and I’ll admit, it was a game-changer. To that point I’d simply bought pay-as-you-go SIM cards, and to keep my costs low, I only used my SIM card for calls; I relied on WiFi connections for everything else. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, the constant connectivity of having a data connection was not only a revelation, but I quickly learned to harness it to make travel safer and infinitely more convenient. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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Photo Credit – pexels.com\/@pixabay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Other ways that you can use your phone internationally include using apps, checking your email, using GPS for maps and other things, or even posting on social media. These apps uses can be extremely helpful while you’re trying to navigate a new city or country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some of the most commonly used apps for travelers and how I use my (data-enabled) smartphone while traveling now:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(See also: <\/span><\/i>The Best Must-Have Travel Apps<\/span><\/i><\/a>)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uber<\/b> \u2013 <\/span>Many of us are already familiar with this ride-sharing app that is available in many different countries. With Uber, you can request a ride with just a few taps on your phone rather than hailing a taxi on the street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Say what you will about Uber and other sharing-economy initiatives; it is a gazillion times safer (and more cost-effective) than using taxis abroad \u2013 something especially important to <\/span>stay safe as a solo female traveler<\/span><\/a>. Uber drivers have public profiles, and before I get into their car I can see how many rides they’ve given and read reviews from other passengers. The rate is set in advance, so I can’t get scammed or taken the long way around, and I don’t need to worry about having the right amount of cash to pay them. (Read about <\/span>how this traveler got scammed for 500,000 Vietnamese Dong<\/span><\/a> in a taxi because she didn’t have change). But in order to effectively use Uber, you need a data connection. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maps<\/b> \u2013 Of course, you will definitely need a map app while you’re traveling to help you get around. Google Maps is probably the most popular and widely used map app in the world.<\/span> I like Google Maps because of the great navigation\/directions features (including public transportation), and ability to explore an area for restaurants and other establishments. It offers voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation in different languages, traffic conditions, public transportation options, and more. Other popular map apps that travelers use include Waze and Citymapper. Many map applications have offline versions in case you don’t have data, but they’re limited in usability.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Checking Flight Status and Airport Information<\/b> \u2013 When you’re traveling, there’s always a possibility that your flight might be delayed or canceled. To avoid any stressful situations at the airport, it’s always a good idea to have a flight tracker app on your phone. Whether you’re checking flight times and gate\/terminal information, figuring out how to get to the airport, or determining the best lounge to hang out in once you’re there, you need a connection. Some popular flight tracker apps include FlightAware and FlightStats. These apps will provide you with up-to-date information on your flight’s status as well as any delays or cancellations. You can also use these apps to check the airport’s information such as terminal maps, parking availability, and more. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Translation<\/b> \u2013 If you’re traveling to a country where they speak a different language, then having a translation app on hand can be extremely helpful. Google Translate is one of the most popular translation apps and it offers text, voice, and even handwritten translations in over 100 languages. It also has features such as conversation mode, instant visual translation, and offline translation. While Google Translate has offline dictionaries available, some of the best features that support live conversations require a connection. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finding Accommodation on the Fly<\/b> \u2013 If you’re the type of traveler who likes to spontaneously book a last-minute trip, then having a hotel booking app on your phone can be a lifesaver.<\/span> Twice in recent history I’ve found myself (for various reasons) sitting on <\/span>my luggage<\/span><\/a> and having to find last minute accommodation. In one case I was in Sri Lanka and used the free airport WiFi to find and book the place, but there was a snafu with the pickup, and once I left the inside of the airport (and the WiFi connection), I couldn’t go back in to touch base with the hotel. If I had a global data connection (read on for more about that), I wouldn’t have had that trouble. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contacting\/Staying in Touch With Locals<\/b> \u2013 To use <\/span>my strategy for renting apartments abroad<\/span><\/a> \u2013 as I’ve done in places like Bali, Thailand, and Guatemala \u2013 you need to be able to connect with locals (with either a phone number or WhatsApp account; more on WhatsApp’s many uses later). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s also handy if you’re meeting up with somebody in a public spot and you’re running late or can’t find one another. I remember some stressful meet-ups with readers and colleagues in busy Tokyo train stations that didn’t go smoothly, mostly because I didn’t have any cell phone\/data\/WiFi connection. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Work on the Go<\/b> \u2013 A digital nomad’s work is never done, and whether it’s sorting through emails or posting timely updates to social media, a connection on the go can increase productivity. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(See also: <\/span><\/i>How to Go Location Independent \u2013 the Ultimate Beginner’s Guide<\/span><\/i><\/a>)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n

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Photo Credit – pixabay.com\/users\/rawpixel-4283981\/<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n


Options for Locked Cell Phones – How to Use Your Phone Internationally Without Charges<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you got your phone from your cellular provider, then it’s probably locked<\/b>. In most cases you are in a contract (often about two years), and the cost of the phone is incorporated into your monthly payments. Unfortunately this means you don’t have the best phone for international travel. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Locked phones are a pain, we know. You’re effectively leasing your phone from the carrier, and if you want to leave them, you have to pay a penalty. It also severely limits cost-effective options for using your phone internationally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I recommend calling your provider to ask if your phone is locked, and if it is, ask them if you can unlock it. If they can’t (yet – they’re obligated to at some point), here are a few things you can do to get the most out of your locked phone while you’re abroad without racking up a huge bill.

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Airplane Mode\/Turn off Cellular Data <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To avoid roaming charges, you need to turn off your home cell phone plan <\/span>before <\/span><\/i>you leave the country. You can do this by putting your phone on airplane mode (and turning the WiFi function back on so you can connect to local WiFi hotspots). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will disable all data connections, so you won’t be able to use any apps that require an internet connection. However, your phone will still work if you’re connected to Wi-Fi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beware of borders! An American friend of mine was driving across the Canada\/U.S. border. While he was still on the U.S. side, he sent a few instant messages. Unfortunately he was close enough to the border that unbeknownst to him, he was picking up Canadian cell signals, and his instant messages resulted in an extra $40 charged to his monthly bill. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pros:<\/i><\/b> It’s easy. Just put your phone on airplane mode and you’re ready to go. Alternately, go into your settings to manually turn off cellular data. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cons:<\/i><\/b> The problem with just using airplane mode and local WiFi hotspots is that it limits your usability abroad (eg: no Uber).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recommended For:<\/i><\/b> People taking short trips or organized tours where a data connection is largely unnecessary. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Get the Best International Roaming Plans You Can Find <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you prefer to use your phone while you’re abroad, then it’s important to find a good international roaming plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many carriers offer international roaming plans, but they can be expensive. So, it’s worth shopping around and comparing different plans to find the one that best suits your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact your carrier to see if there is an add-on or plan change you can make to include international roaming. This will enable you to make and receive calls to your home cell number while abroad, and usually to have a daily allocation of data usage. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some providers offer great international plans for their customers, such as AT&T and Verizon plans:<\/p>\n\n\n\n