What should I do with my cell phone when traveling internationally?

One of the most affordable ways to stay connected while traveling is to bring your phone and buy a prepaid SIM card at your destination. A SIM card is the tiny removable card in your phone that stores information about your mobile identity, such as your number and wireless services.



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Eight easy ways to keep your phone & data safe when you travel
  1. Physical protection for your phone.
  2. Beware of free Wi-Fi networks.
  3. Activate find-my-phone function.
  4. Display emergency contact information.
  5. Lock down your lock screen.
  6. Back up your photos.
  7. Write down important numbers.
  8. Install updates before you go.


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If you're relying on Wi-Fi, it's important that you turn off cellular data on your phone, otherwise you may inadvertently rack up international roaming charges. Skype, Google Hangouts and other apps also let you make free video calls with other users over an internet connection.

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If you want to avoid roaming charges when you travel, you have a few options to consider:
  1. Rely on Wi-Fi.
  2. Purchase a daily roaming plan.
  3. Turn off roaming altogether.
  4. Buy a local SIM.
  5. Get an eSIM.


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  1. Google Hangouts. Google Hangouts is a text messaging app available worldwide. ...
  2. WhatsApp. WhatsApp is a globally used text messaging app for all kinds of devices and Operating Systems. ...
  3. Facebook Messenger. Facebook is one of the most used social media platforms and a robust messenger app.


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Airplane mode is recommended because it allows you to turn off all communication-generating apps and call functions at once.

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Remove or switch your SIM card Make sure you store your SIM card in a safe place if you decide to take it out, as any information saved on it – contacts, photos and text messages – will be lost if you misplace it. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can be enabled without a SIM card.

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When traveling internationally, you want to make sure you us Airplane mode when you are not under U.S. coverage. You can still access a wifi connection with Airplane mode active. You also want to turn your cellular data off in the Settings. That way you don't get any data charges.

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