Roaming Data Tips
Getting Connected
Getting ConnectedFor starters, depending on where you travel, you will need an International-capable phone. All phones are not created equally. As with electricity, standards differ between countries. Start by checking with your carrier, always the best source for this information, to ensure your phone will work in the area(s) you are traveling to. If not, carriers typically offer international phone rentals, allowing you to bring along your number for easy access to everyone back home and then swap back to your original phone when you return.
AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon all have reasonably priced international plans. They are still not cheap, and overage charges can cost a bundle! Typically, you must sign up for these roaming plans before you leave home. If must stay connected, take the time now to get familiar with your carrier's terms and learn to estimate how much data you need (see AT&T's data calculator here).
All travelers set a budget. The savvy ones stick to it!
Stay Connected Affordably
The Total Excursion can help guide you through this maze of options to help keep you connected. There is some good news - a few years ago the FCC got involved, and their International Roaming Guide has great information to help you get set up.
Use a Local SIM Card
Some phones have a slot allowing you to access (and swap out) your SIM card. If your SIM card can be exchanged for one bought in your destination, you can get connected at the rates the locals pay. While often the most cost-effective method, this is not as easy as it sounds.
Your phone must be unlocked before you can switch to a foreign SIM, and your carrier will need to do this for you - some are more amenable than others, and some will do so only once the phone is paid for in full. Your phone number will be random if you swap SIMs while you travel. If you are not adept with the technical nuances of activating the new SIM card, you might find yourself on the phone with SIM carrier's foreign-speaking technical support, which is, I suppose, one way to learn a new language! I am personally too "type-A" to leave this to chance but know of many budget-minded folks for whom this option works just fine.
Working With Multiple Devices
If you and your travel companions have several digital devices, you may be best served by an international mobile hotspot device. Hotspots serve up data through your phone or tablet's WIFI connection, and you pay for and manage one data source. Note that costs will be proportionate to the amount of data you consume. While these costs can be shared, you still need to monitor use to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Plan accordingly, turn on the hotspot only when needed, and secure it with a password to avoid any unintended "guests" joining your network.
International SIM Cards
If all this information isn't baffling enough, there are several sizes and types of SIM Card - be sure you know which one your phone takes. This International SIM Comparison lays out all of the current SIM card options.
As technology continues to advance, cellular data will become more accessible, and the solutions more intuitive. Until then, enjoy the opportunity to advance your technical know-how as part of the value proposition of travel. By harnessing the power of knowledge, you will have everything you need, just as we have become so reliant on at home, which can make a huge difference in your enjoyment of your next vacation!
For more information or to see how you can plan your next Total Excursion, feel free to contact us anytime.
We at the Total Excursion are here to help, and can guide you towards staying connected based on our own global experience. Always check with your carrier first. Familiarize yourself with your own device(s) and plan options in the destinations you plan to visit to avoid surprises and frustration.
The Total Excursion is not responsible for incidental costs incurred by our clients including costs for cellular voice, data and text services, which are the sole responsibility of the client.