Cell Phone Options For Travel Abroad (2024)

Travelling abroad can be stressful, but having a phone that works just like it does at home can help reduce that stress and maximise your ability to enjoy your trip. Being able to use Google Maps, stay in touch with friends and family, and having easy access to booking sites are just a few of the ways that staying connected is invaluable while overseas.

If you want to stay connected, there are many options for data and text messages while abroad. You can use international cell phone plans, get a local SIM or eSIM card, or even rent a mobile hotspot.

Use Google Fi

Google Fi is a great option for international travellers who want to stay connected while abroad without the hassle of buying a local SIM card. It offers coverage in over 200 countries, with 5G connectivity in 39 countries and full-speed 4G coverage in over 200 countries.

Google Fi has two plans: Flexible and Unlimited. The Flexible plan is a pay-as-you-go option, with unlimited calls and texts, and data charged at $10 per gigabyte. The Unlimited plan offers unlimited data, with speeds slowing down after 22GB of usage. Both plans include international coverage in more than 200 countries, with no extra setup required.

One of the biggest advantages of Google Fi is that you can pause your service when you don't need it, for up to three months at a time. This makes it a great option for those who only want a travel phone, or who travel frequently but not constantly.

Google Fi works best with Google Pixel phones, which receive the newest network updates and features. It also works with most recent iPhone models, but with some limitations, such as the inability to switch networks or make calls and send texts over Wi-Fi.

Google Fi is a good choice for those who want a flexible, affordable plan for international travel, particularly those who want to avoid the hassle of buying local SIM cards. However, it may not be suitable for those who make a lot of international phone calls, as these are charged at 20 cents per minute. It is also not a good option for digital nomads or frequent travellers who spend extended periods outside the US, as Google requires users to activate and use the service primarily in the US.

Get a local SIM card

Getting a local SIM card is the cheapest option for staying connected while travelling. It will also give you access to local discounts and allow you to avoid expensive roaming charges. You can buy a local SIM card at your destination from the airport, local stores, 7-11s, news stands, and sometimes from vending machines. It is recommended to buy from an authentic network shop, rather than a reseller, to avoid scams and faulty SIMs.

To purchase a local SIM card, you will need a local address and, in some countries, a passport photo. You will also need to make sure your phone is unlocked. Most phones these days come unlocked for international use, but some phones will have a holding period. If you are not sure if your phone is locked or not, you can call your service provider or visit a store to verify and, if it is locked, get help unlocking it.

Using a local SIM card will give you a local number, which will make it easier to communicate locally and book accommodation, tours, etc. You can also add useful contacts, such as local emergency numbers.

If you are only travelling for a few days, you may want to consider relying on Wi-Fi and using free apps such as WhatsApp or Viber to communicate.

Use an eSIM card

Using an eSIM card when travelling abroad is a great way to get data as they are easy, fast, and affordable. eSIMs are a more secure alternative to physical SIM cards as they are embedded in your phone and cannot be removed if your phone is lost or stolen. They also save you the hassle of having to obtain, carry, and swap physical SIM cards.

Before you leave:

• Check if your phone supports eSIM: Most newer phones and tablets are eSIM-compatible. Use an eSIM device checker to ensure your device is supported.
• Choose a travel eSIM card: Pick a prepaid travel data package for the country or region you will be visiting. There are eSIM cards available for over 160 countries.
• Install your travel eSIM card: This can be done over a strong internet connection and usually takes a couple of minutes. The installation process will differ depending on your device, so be sure to follow the instructions for your specific model.

Before you leave the country:

• Decide if you want to use your phone number while travelling: If you want to use your phone number, you will need to prevent your phone from roaming and trying to use your data plan from back home. Go into your phone's settings and turn off data roaming for your Primary data plan.
• Disable your Primary SIM card (optional): If you do not want to use your phone number or receive any calls and texts while travelling, you can fully disable your Primary SIM card. This will prevent all calls and texts and ensure you won't be charged by your carrier.

When you arrive at your destination:

• Switch off Airplane Mode: If you were flying, you will need to toggle off Airplane Mode in order to use your eSIM card.
• Activate your eSIM data package: Now that you have arrived at your destination, you can activate your eSIM data package and start using your data. The activation process will differ depending on your device, so be sure to follow the instructions for your specific model.
• Ensure your phone is using your eSIM for data: Go into your phone's settings and confirm that your eSIM is selected as the preferred network for data.
• Enjoy your new eSIM data: You can now use your eSIM data anywhere you need it. You can also check your remaining data balance and top up if needed.
• Use your phone number (optional): If you chose to keep your Primary SIM active, you can use your phone number while travelling. However, keep in mind that you will be charged international rates by your carrier for any calls or texts.

When your vacation is over:

• Arrive in your home country: Once you are back in your home country, you can go back to using your regular data package. If you had disabled your Primary SIM, you can now turn it back on.
• Make sure your Primary SIM is back on: Go into your phone's settings and ensure that your Primary SIM is turned on and selected as the preferred network for data.
• Tell your phone to use your Primary SIM for data again: Your eSIM will no longer be able to connect to the vacation networks, so you will need to switch back to using your Primary SIM for data. However, don't delete your eSIM in case you want to use it again on your next vacation.

Use Wi-Fi communication apps

Using Wi-Fi communication apps is a great way to stay connected while travelling abroad. Here is some detailed information on how to do this.

Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger is a great way to communicate with friends and family while travelling. It is easy to use and allows you to send messages, make phone or video calls, and share photos or videos. You don't need a Facebook account to use Messenger, you can simply download the app and set up an account using your cell phone number. It is also a convenient way to connect with people you have just met, as you can search for their name without needing to exchange phone numbers.

WhatsApp

WhatsApp is another useful communication app, particularly if you are travelling in Europe as it is the most popular communication app in this region. It has the same functionality as Facebook Messenger, but with the added benefit of being more secure as all communication is encrypted. To use WhatsApp internationally, you must set up your account while you are still connected to your mobile network. The service will send you a text with a code to verify your phone number.

Line

Line is a useful app to have if you are travelling in Japan, as it is the primary Wi-Fi calling service used in the country. Many businesses publish their Line phone number, and it is also the best way to communicate with your Airbnb host in Japan. As with WhatsApp, you must set up your account while still connected to your mobile network.

Skype

Skype is a great app for calling toll-free numbers, which is often necessary when calling businesses in the US. You can also use Skype to dial the toll-free number to connect to a prepaid calling card, which is one of the cheapest ways to call internationally.

VPN

When using public Wi-Fi, it is important to use a VPN to protect your information and privacy. A VPN will encrypt your information and hide your IP address from websites, hackers, and advertisers trying to track your location or activity. TunnelBear VPN is a good option, with affordable unlimited plans that cover up to five devices.

Google Maps

Google Maps is a useful app for getting directions and planning your day. It provides turn-by-turn directions and includes information on transportation options and schedules. You can also use Google Maps offline by mapping your destination while you still have a Wi-Fi connection and leaving the app open as you walk away.

Maps.me

Maps.me is another useful app for getting directions, particularly if you will not have access to Wi-Fi. You must plan ahead by downloading the maps and routing for the countries or regions you are visiting, but once you have done this you won't need a Wi-Fi or network connection to use it.

Download before you go

To save time and money, load your phone with apps, music, books, maps, travel guides, and anything else you may need. Free Wi-Fi can be slow in some areas, and you don't want to get stuck waiting for a map or guide to load when you need it.

If you know you're headed to Paris, for example, download a map of the area using GPS and navigation apps such as Google Maps, Maps.me, or HERE WeGo to use offline later.

Make sure you download communication apps such as Skype or WhatsApp to exchange text messages or call other users for free using an internet connection. Apple users can text or make video calls to other iPhone users using iMessage or Facetime.

You can also download music, movies, and TV shows to your phone before your trip. This will provide free entertainment for long waits in train stations or on flights.

It is also a good idea to download apps that map Wi-Fi hotspots where you can get free internet access.

If you are using an eSIM, make sure to download the provider's app and activate the eSIM once you are ready to start using it.

Frequently asked questions