How to Save Money on Roaming Charges When You Travel

If you're planning to travel abroad for business or pleasure, you might be worried about how much your phone bill will be when you come back. Roaming charges can quickly add up, especially if you use a lot of data or make long calls. But don't worry, there are some simple ways to reduce your roaming costs and still stay connected. Here are some tips on how you can be in full control of your usage:

5 Ways to Save International Roaming Costs

#1 -  Switch on data roaming only when you need it.

Data roaming is a feature that allows your phone to use data or internet over a foreign network when you're abroad. This can be costly, depending on your carrier and plan. To avoid unnecessary charges, switch off data roaming when you don't need it. You can do this via your settings menu and look for a mobile network or data roaming option. You are recommended to only turn on your data roaming when you have arrived at your destination and decided to use data roaming provided by your operator.

#2 - Switch to airplane mode when you're not using your phone.

Airplane mode is a feature that turns off all the wireless connections on your phone, including cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS. This prevents your phone from connecting to any network and using any data or voice minutes. It also saves your battery life. Your phone should be on airplane mode when you're in-flight, in transit, or on a cruise, as these are situations where roaming charges can be very high or unpredictable. You can still use your phone for offline functions like playing games, listening to music, or taking photos. When you need to use your phone online, just switch off airplane mode and switch on the connection you want to use.

#3 - Turn off auto sync and background data.

Auto sync is a feature that automatically updates your apps, email, contacts, and other data in the background. This can use a lot of data without you noticing, and it can also drain your battery. To turn it off, go to your settings menu and look for a sync option. You can also turn off background data for specific apps that you don't need to update while roaming. This will prevent them from using data in the background, but you can still use them manually when you want to.

#4 - Download information in advance.

Before you leave, make sure you have all the information you need for your trip downloaded on your phone. This includes maps, routes, guides, tickets, reservations, and anything else you might need. You can use apps like Google Maps or MAPS.ME (MapsWithMe), to download offline maps of your destination, or use websites like TripAdvisor or Lonely Planet to download offline guides. This way, you won't have to use data to access them while roaming, and you'll also save time and hassle.

#5 - Use WiFi whenever possible. 

If you want to watch high-definition movies, stream music, video call, or do anything else that requires a lot of data, try doing it over WiFi instead of your mobile network. WiFi is usually cheaper or free, and it's also faster and more reliable. You can find WiFi hotspots at many places like hotels, cafes, airports, libraries, and more. You can also use apps like WiFi Map or WiFi Finder to locate nearby WiFi networks and get their passwords.

By following these tips, you can save money on roaming charges and still enjoy your trip without worrying about your phone bill.

Planning an upcoming trip abroad? Explore our international roaming plans to find the perfect fit for your needs and ensure uninterrupted connectivity throughout your journey!