Top 5 Tips When Using Your Phone Overseas

Travelling overseas is probably the best way to spend the holidays. Nothing can refresh your mind, your body and your spirit than being immersed in a new place and gaining new experiences as you go along. Travelling is also, by far, one of the most exciting and most fun to document in your life. And where else but on social media.

Hence, travelling overseas also puts that pressure of having and finding a way to stay connected to the internet. Aside from documenting your travels immediately as it happens, you also need a steady access to the internet to check on your flight, weather updates, directions and even translating words and phrases you are too shy to ask from a local.

Follow these tips below so you can enjoy your international data roaming perks without going home with such a big shocker (a.k.a. your phone bill).

1.      Ask your service provider for different international data roaming options. Even before you fly out, ask your mobile carrier the different MB allowances you can opt for international data roaming. This will help you control your use of the internet while you are overseas, and also help you manage your bill as you get back home. Inquire about data packs also that your service provider has as this is cheaper than pay-as-you-go rates.

2.     Check the international roaming rates in the country that you are visiting. There are free online tools that will show you the countries which you can use your phone for international roaming and the rates that apply accordingly.

3.     Buy a local SIM card. If you are considering this, make sure that your phone is unlocked so it can accommodate the local SIM.

4.     Detect Wi-Fi hotspots. If you want to enjoy free access to the internet, look for Wi-Fi hotspots. You can access free Wi-Fi in malls, coffee shops and (if you are lucky) in your hotel room.

5.     Let your friends and family send you a message than call. You get charged for every call your phone receives when you are overseas. For any favours you have left for your friends and family back home, let them know about it well since they don’t need to call you. If your number at the office is diverted to your mobile, make sure to tweak your settings to avoid roaming charges for received calls.

6.     Use your internet lightly. Make your itinerary months or weeks before your flight. This will help you avoid the excessive and heavy use of your mobile internet. With a mapped out itinerary to refer to, you do not have to consult Google to verify every so often. Come prepared for your vacation, to say the least.

7.     Turn off your cellular data when not in use. Maximise your international data roaming allowance by using it only when necessary. Take pictures of your travels and upload them preferably later on once you get back to your hotel room. Further, turning off your cellular data prevents you from updating your background applications and receiving email updates. 

For the 21^st century traveler, having a mobile phone is a non-negotiable. If you cannot travel without your mobile phone, these tips will certainly let you enjoy your inevitable need to access the internet without going overboard your monthly limit.