Summer is here, and for many of us, that means dusting off our suitcases and jetting off to explore new corners of the globe.
But before you pack your bags, there’s one travel essential you won’t want to overlook: getting your phone ready for your trip.
As someone who has traveled abroad with cell phones for decades, I’ve seen firsthand how much easier the process has become in recent years. Gone are the days of renting separate handsets or worrying that your US phone won’t work at all overseas.
These days, with a bit of prep work, you can keep your own device and stay connected while avoiding headaches and excessive fees.
Sounds good, right? In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get your phone travel-ready, from checking your existing plan to purchasing local SIMs & eSIMs.
Let’s dive in.
Contents
Part 1: Check Your Existing Plan
First things first, the solution to your international phone needs may already be in the palm of your hand – literally.
Many cell phone plans now include some level of free international roaming. So before you start googling SIM cards or pricing out travel bundles, do yourself a favor and call your carrier to find out what your plan covers.
You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that you have access to free – albeit slow – data, along with low-cost calls. I’ve found this level of connectivity to be sufficient for essential travel tasks like pulling up Google maps or translating a menu on the fly.
If your plan doesn’t include any international perks, don’t worry, you still have options. But before we get into those, it’s worth checking if your carrier offers roaming day passes.
For around $10 per day, you’ll typically get unlimited calls, texts, and data, just as if you were back home.
This can be a solid choice for short getaways or trips where you only need service on one device. But fair warning: those fees can add up fast. If you’re embarking on a longer trip or need to get multiple phones online, you’ll want to explore some more budget-friendly alternatives.
Part 2: Unlock Your Phone
Okay, so let’s say your existing plan doesn’t include international roaming, and the day passes are more than you want to shell out.
What’s next? Unlocking your phone.
An unlocked phone is one that isn’t tied to a specific carrier network, meaning you can use it with different SIM cards – including international ones.
If this is starting to sound complicated, don’t worry, the process is actually pretty straightforward these days.
In fact, by law, all US carriers are now required to unlock phones automatically or by request. To find out if your phone is unlocked for international use, just give your carrier a call.
If it’s not, they’ll walk you through the steps to unlock it. Easy as that.
With an unlocked device in hand, you’re ready to start exploring more affordable ways to use your phone abroad.
Part 3: Set Up Dual SIM with eSIM
If you have a recent iPhone model, one of the most convenient options is using Dual SIM with eSIM. This feature lets you add a second phone number – in this case, a local one from your destination country – without having to fiddle with physical SIM cards.
Here’s how it works: head to a local mobile phone store once you arrive and look for a prepaid tourist plan. Instead of handing you a physical SIM, they’ll give you a slip of paper with a QR code.
All you have to do is open your iPhone settings, scan the code, and voila – you have a local phone number and plan. Now you can make calls and use data at local rates, which are almost always significantly cheaper than international roaming fees.
The beauty of Dual SIM with eSIM is that your primary US number stays active, so you won’t miss any texts or calls from back home. It’s like having the best of both worlds: the savings and connectivity of a local plan without losing touch with your life back in the states.
One caveat is that this feature is only available on select iPhone models. So if you don’t have one that is eSIM-compatible, don’t worry, you still have choices (more on that next).
Part 4: Get a Local SIM
Now, if you find yourself with an unlocked phone that doesn’t offer Dual SIM with eSIM – or if you’re looking to use a lot of data or make a ton of local calls – your best bet is buying a local SIM card.
Before you start picturing yourself wandering foreign streets in search of a mobile store, here’s a pro tip: many airports now sell prepaid SIM cards right at the terminal. Look for a vending machine or kiosk, and you’ll find a selection of affordable plans tailored to tourists.
Pop the new SIM into your phone, and you’ll be connected to a local network with lower rates for data and calls than you’d get with most travel passes or international plans. The only downside is that you won’t receive calls or texts to your usual number while using the foreign SIM.
If you absolutely need to stay reachable on your primary line, it may be worth opting for a carrier day pass. But if your priority is getting the most bang for your buck on data and local calls, a SIM swap is the way to go.
Part 5: Other Tips & Tricks
Along with getting your phone itself sorted, there are a few other steps you can take to prep for a smooth connectivity experience abroad:
> Download Offline Maps: Before you jet off, download offline maps of your destination in Google Maps or another navigation app.
That way, even if you find yourself without data, you’ll still be able to get around without getting lost.
> Use WiFi Whenever Possible: Don’t waste your precious data on tasks that could easily be completed over WiFi.
Take advantage of hotel, café, and public networks to download content, upload photos, and get those bigger internet chores knocked out.
> Research Country-Specific Apps: Many countries have their own go-to apps for everything from ride-shares to restaurant reviews.
Do a quick search for must-download apps in your destination – having the inside scoop can save you time and money.
> Text Over Call (Or Use WhatsApp): Whenever possible, opt for sending a text over making a call – it’s almost always cheaper.
Better yet, if you have access to WiFi or data, use a free messaging service like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger to stay in touch.
> Check Roaming/Data Settings: Don’t let an influx of roaming charges or background data usage ruin your travel high. Adjust your phone settings to avoid unpleasant surprises on your phone bill.
Turn off data roaming, set a usage limit, or enable airplane mode and manually select WiFi networks.
> Bring a Backup Battery: The last thing you want is to be stuck in a foreign country with a dead phone. Pack a lightweight power bank to keep your devices charged on the go – you’ll be glad to have it during long days of sightseeing.
Conclusion
So there you have it: your complete guide to getting your phone ready for international travel. As someone who has navigated the ins and outs of staying connected abroad for years, I can tell you that the prep work is well worth it.
By taking a few simple steps – checking your plan, unlocking your phone, and exploring local SIM options – you can keep your own device and stay online without blowing your travel budget.
And with additional hacks like downloading offline content and choosing texting over calls, you’ll be a connectivity pro in no time.
The days of stressing about using your phone in a different country are behind us. So go ahead and book that flight, pack your bags, and get ready to share your travel adventures with the world – your phone is ready when you are.
Happy travels!
