1.
Before you travel, make sure you can use your phone while abroad.
You will need to make sure that International Roaming is activated on your phone so that you can communicate while abroad.
This is activated by your service provider and is usually included in your network package.
2.
Tell your family and friends how best to contact you while you're away.
You will be charged both for receiving calls as well as making calls while you're abroad (although generally receiving calls is cheaper).
Sending text messages is cheaper than making calls and using Wireless is free (see number 8).
3.
Bring a converter.
You won't be able to do much with your device if you can't charge it.
Find out what types of plugs and voltage are used in your destination and be sure to pack the necessary converters.
4.
Check your insurance policy.
If you would like travel insurance for your telephone, ensure your policy provides coverage for your phone, or that your phone insurance is valid when abroad.
When you are abroad, beware of thieves in tourist areas and make sure to report immediately if your phone is stolen.
5.
Before getting your flight, switch off data roaming.
While you are abroad, switch off data roaming when not using data.
You can still make and receive calls and text messages, but it prevents emails and apps from running in the background.
Only turn on data roaming when you want to use data - for example, send an email or access the Internet.
To turn off data roaming for an iPhone or Android: • iPhone: Go to Settings → Cellular → slide Data Roaming to 'Off'.
• Android: Go to Settings → Connections → More Networks → Mobile Networks → Press 'Data Roaming' to turn the function on or off→ Press 'OK' to confirm.
Note: The method may vary slightly depending on your handset model and carrier.
6.
When you arrive, keep the "Welcome Message".
Keep the 'welcome message' you receive when you arrive abroad - this arrives onto your phone as a text message.
It usually contains the rates for calls, data roaming and messages, along with your service provider's free customer care number and the number for emergency services.
7.
Choose which mobile network to use when abroad.
Charges vary greatly depending on which mobile network you choose and may be a lot higher than those at home.
Choose the network which offers the cheapest roaming rates in the country you are visiting.
If in doubt, choose your own mobile network if they cover the visiting country.
• iPhone: Go to Settings → Carrier → Select the Carrier you would like to use.
• Android: Go to Settings → Connections → More Networks → Select the Carrier you would like to use.
8.
Use Wireless (Wi-Fi) when possible.
Log into Wi-Fi hotspots to get an Internet connection and access emails for free.
Usually Hotels and Restaurants have a password that you can get to use their Wi-Fi.
The hotel staff will help you to enter the password if you find it tricky.
To activate Wi-Fi using an iPhone or Android: • iPhone: Go to Settings → Wi-Fi → Slide Wi-Fi to 'On' → Select the Establishments' Wi-Fi name→ Enter the username and password that they have given you, then press 'Join'.
• Android: Go to Settings → Wi-Fi → Slide Wi-Fi to 'On' → Select the Establishments' Wi-Fi name → Enter the username and password that they have given you, then press 'Connect'.
When connected to a Wi-Fi network, the Wi-Fi icon appears at the top of the screen and you can use your phone as you do at home.
Better still, you can use Facetime and iMessages for free on your iPhone and can Skype if you have an account to make video calls.
When you leave the establishment your connection will be lost and you will be out of Wi-Fi range.
Most of the time, your phone will reconnect to Wi-Fi when you return to the same location.
9.
Convert phone numbers to the international format.
When calling home, you need to use the international version of the phone number you are dialing.
Start by entering '+', then the international country code (e.
g.
The United States is +1), followed by the number (without the first digit '0').
For country codes, see http://www.
countrycallingcodes.
com 10.
Check your bill when you get home.
It is difficult to monitor how much you are using your phone when you are abroad, so the best way to get complete transparency is to view your monthly bill.
If there are any surprises, report them to your service provider - they may reduce the charge if you are a first time offender.
Also, it will guide you for phone usage on your next trip.
And don't forget to reverse all the settings you changed.
Finally, for those on a temporary international charge, don't forget to call the carrier and turn the plan off.
11.
Consider leaving your phone at home.
If you want have a proper switch off on your holidays, consider just leaving your phone at home.
This will also guarantee no surprises with phone bills on your return.
That's what we used to do in the olden days and we survived to tell the tale!