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Roaming the World: 5 Expert Tips for Using Your Phone Abroad

Hey there, fellow globetrotter! Are you planning your next adventure and wondering how you can stay connected while travelling abroad? Look no further because this travel guide is for you!

Using your phone while roaming can be a hassle, with unexpected charges and confusing data plans. But don't worry; we've got you covered with five expert tips to make your life much easier when travelling abroad.

We'll cover everything from choosing the right phone plan to save money to downloading helpful apps that will enhance your travel experience. By following these tips, you'll be able to stay connected with loved ones, share your adventures on social media, and even use your phone as a travel tool to navigate new cities and cultures.

So sit back, relax, and read on to learn how to make the most of your phone while roaming the world!

1. Get an eSIM for international travel 

Getting an eSIM for international travel is becoming increasingly popular among frequent travellers who want to stay connected without the hassle of constantly switching SIM cards. 

The hotel you lodge in will have Wi-Fi connections for you to surf the internet. But, when you are out exploring a new city, you will mostly have to rely on your mobile data. And that is when an eSIM will be helpful for you. An eSIM is a digital SIM card embedded in your phone, allowing you to connect to a local network without having to swap out your SIM card physically. This means you can avoid the hassle of buying a new SIM card and changing phone numbers every time you enter a new country.

Using an eSIM for international travel can be an excellent option because it allows you to stay connected. You don't even have to worry about purchasing a local SIM card or paying expensive roaming charges. Instead, you can activate a local data plan on your phone using your eSIM. Prune allows you to purchase eSIM with data plans for specific countries or regions, making it easy to stay connected while travelling.

2. Choose the Right Phone Plan

While choosing eSIM is the easiest way to stay connected while travelling abroad, another way is choosing an international roaming pack. If you plan on using your existing phone plan while travelling abroad, make sure to check with your provider to see what international roaming plans are available. Some providers offer international roaming packs that allow you to use your phone abroad for a fixed fee, while others may charge per minute or megabyte of data. For example, if you're using a Jio SIM, look for Jio international roaming plans that fit your travel needs and budget.

If your provider does not offer a suitable plan, consider switching to a provider that does. This can be a more affordable option for long-term travel or frequent trips.

3. Download Useful Travel Apps

When you're travelling, having the right travel apps, like a train ticket booking app, airline app, and trip planners, on your phone can make all the difference. Here are a few apps that can help you make the most of your travels:

• Google Maps: This app is a must-have for any traveller. It not only helps you navigate new cities with ease but also offers information on nearby restaurants, attractions, and events.
• Google Translate: If you're travelling to a foreign country and don't speak the language, Google Translate is an essential app. It offers instant translations for text, speech, and even images, making it easy to communicate with locals and navigate new places.
• Prune: Prune mobile app can help you manage your data plan while travelling. You can do an instant top-up, track data usage, and even book travel experiences in the city you're visiting. Rightly said, it is a one-stop solution for all your travel and connectivity needs.

4. Set Your Device's Settings to Latch onto Wi-Fi Network When Available

Using an international eSIM and an active internet plan will let you use the internet seamlessly. But, in order to save the limited data, you should enable your device to latch onto any public & open Wi-Fi network when available. Many cafes, hotels, and public places offer free Wi-Fi, which can save you a lot of money on data charges. However, be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks as they may not be secure and could leave your personal information vulnerable to hacking. This brings in another tip, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to secure your internet connection. By using Wi-Fi where possible and taking precautions to protect your personal information, you can stay connected while travelling abroad without breaking the bank.

5. Disable Data Roaming and Automatic Updates

To avoid unexpected data charges while using an international roaming pack, make sure to disable data roaming and automatic updates on your phone. This will prevent your phone from automatically connecting to mobile data networks when you are abroad and using data-intensive apps or services.

To disable data roaming and automatic updates, go to your phone's settings and look for the "Mobile Data" or "Cellular" options. From there, you can turn off data roaming and choose to update apps when you are connected to Wi-Fi manually.

By following this tip, you can avoid costly data charges and have more control over how and when your phone uses data while travelling abroad.

Conclusion

Your phone is not just a device for texting and calling; it can be a powerful travel tool. Take advantage of your phone's features to make the most of your travels. Capture the breathtaking views and unforgettable moments with your phone's camera, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Use your phone's calendar to plan your itinerary, keeping you on schedule and organised. Don't get lost in a new city - use maps and GPS on your phone to navigate like a local. With a wealth of information at your fingertips, use your phone to research local attractions and restaurants, discovering hidden gems you might have otherwise missed. Your phone can be your ultimate travel companion, be sure to make the most of it while on your adventures abroad.