How To Use Your Cell Phone While Travelling

While a vacation seems like an ideal excuse to disconnect from technology, there are many reasons to need your smartphone. Whether researching attraction opening hours, mapping out a route, checking in with loved ones back home or uploading photos, you don’t want to get stuck paying outrageous roaming charges during your trip abroad.  

The last thing you want to worry about while on vacation is your phone bill. There are several thoughts to keep in mind that could help alleviate the stress of roaming charges or your phone not working when you need it. There are various ways to message, call and post while on holiday, many of which are cheaper or easier than you may think. Remember these tips the next time you plan to use your phone outside of Canada. 

Stay on airplane mode

Enable airplane mode and keep it on while travelling outside Canada to avoid international data usage. Some smartphone apps automatically download data even when not in use, and data roaming charges apply to received and sent messages.

Rely on WiFi

Most hotels, airports and restaurants around the globe offer WiFi, so you might not need an international phone plan while travelling. Many European cities have WiFi you can connect to; it isn’t secure, but it is fine for maps.  Google Maps allows you to download an offline map, for example. If you’re opting for a resort stay, you’ll have an internet connection included, so there is no need for additional data usage. Websites for accommodations typically state that WiFi is included, and you should always check that before travelling.   

When you want to connect with family and friends, there is no need to make a long-distance call. Instead, you can make calls via WiFi through applications such as Skype, WhatsApp and FaceTime. 

Keep your phone secure

When using WiFi when overseas, you should keep cyber safety in mind. The FBI advises not to allow your phone, and other devices, to automatically connect to free WiFi networks to protect yourself from cybercriminals who could attempt to steal passwords or load malware on your device.   

Remember to never connect to a fraudulent wireless network by confirming public WiFi names and login procedures before using them. If you use a network that is not secure, don’t do anything sensitive on your phone, such as banking and turn off the location services on your phone, so people cannot follow where you are.   

Consider adding an international data plan

If you prefer to have access to international data, in case an emergency arises, make sure you have a roaming add-on package.  The travel package means you have the same plan as your home country and will be charged one set fee for the day’s usage, not per activity or message. The one I use with my Rogers cellphone costs about $15 per day, less if traveling to the US.

Before you sign up, consider where you are visiting and when you might need it. For example, data roaming isn’t available on a cruise when at sea. In that case, you’ll want to look into WiFi packages on the ship as an alternative instead of paying for multiple plans. 

Buy a pre-paid SIM card

Instead of an add-on package for your phone, a pre-paid SIM card is typically the cheapest option and offers the best phone service. With this method, you’ll receive a local phone number, and data plan, during your travels.

You can replace your current SIM card — a small card with a memory chip that holds your identification information and connects to a designated mobile network — with one that works with a network in another country. Local SIM cards are available for purchase at airports, convenience stores or online on Amazon. I take an older cell phone with me, just to use with one of these SIM cards.

If you plan on buying one online before your trip, research the best mobile networks in the country you are visiting and, therefore, the SIM card brand to get. If you purchase one once you arrive, it may be more expensive, but you’ll know it works for that destination, and a store employee may even be able to help you choose the best option.   

Cell phones need to be unlocked before a SIM card can be changed. New smartphones can use international SIM cards, but if you have an older model, you’ll want to call your service provider to unlock it before you travel.