Traveling and living abroad can be exciting and instructive, but it can also be difficult and perplexing, especially when it comes to keeping in touch while you’re gone. Since you may not be acquainted with the local mobile networks and technologies, or how to utilize your device to access them, you might be wondering if you’ll be able to use your cell phone outside of the US.
In this article, we’ll go through the steps you can take to be able to use your mobile when traveling outside of the US. By the time you’ve finished reading this guide, you should have a good notion of how to stay in contact when traveling or living abroad.
Ways to use mobile phones outside of the US
Since there are so many possibilities to weigh with keeping a mobile connection while traveling, there are several scenarios when using a mobile phone outside of the US.
1. One option is to continue using your current US plan while roaming, but this is sometimes quite expensive, especially if you plan to use your phone frequently or for a long time.
2. Another alternative for remaining connected while traveling is to use the WiFi available at your destination in various locations. Because of this, even if your phone is unable to get a mobile signal, you can still use applications and make calls online using a WiFi connection. Just keep in mind that, if you reside in a more rural or remote area, it may not always be an option.
3. Another way is to acquire a worldwide roaming plan from your US telecom operator, which often has lower user fees. This might be a pay-as-you-go plan with rates dependent on consumption, or it could be a fixed price for a certain amount of minutes or data.
4. If you want a more dependable connection, you can try getting a hotspot device with worldwide use capabilities. These devices, which often come with pre-paid overseas data packages, allow you to utilize a cellphone signal to link a variety of devices to the internet. Consider purchasing a local hotspot device in the country you’re visiting, which can result in lower pricing for data consumption. However, make sure that you’re aware that certain solutions could just provide data and not allow for the making of calls or sending of SMS.
5. The last option for remaining connected while traveling is to purchase a local SIM card and insert it into your phone. It’s one of the most sensible ways to stay connected while traveling and provides more reasonable pricing for both phone calls and data. To make use of this option, your phone must be unlocked before leaving the US, even though the majority of carriers lock their phones to their networks to prevent the use of other SIM cards. If you’re unclear about whether or not your phone has been unlocked, you should check with your carrier before leaving the country.
Using a local SIM card in your US mobile phone
Using a local SIM card when you’re going overseas could be a smart choice since it will keep you connected and could even help you save money on phone costs. To ensure that everything goes according to plan if you choose to choose this option, you must take a few preparations in advance.
You must talk with your cell service provider to seek the unlocking of your phone. Throughout this process, which might take a few days, it is crucial to remember that the majority of US carriers will only unlock a phone if it is out of contract.
If your phone has an eSIM, you can ask your carrier to provide you with the information you need to download the SIM onto your device after it has been unlocked. Alternatively, if your phone has a physical SIM card slot, you can purchase a local SIM card and insert it into one of the slots.
Using a dual-SIM phone outside the US
If you have a dual-SIM phone, it can be quite beneficial while you’re traveling inside the European Union since you can use it to roam between countries without paying extra. Utilizing a local SIM card will allow you to save money on data, messages, and calls as compared to utilizing an international roaming plan from a US carrier.
It’s important to remember, however, that sometimes your phone will need the configuration of certain settings, such as data roaming, and access point names, to use a local SIM card. You will also need to set your cell data to the local SIM, if you own an Android dual SIM, to avoid paying the extra roaming costs.
Best tips about using your phone abroad
When utilizing a local SIM card with an unlocked phone when traveling overseas, particularly in Europe, here are a few options to pick from:
The first option is to purchase a SIM card from a member state of the European Union online before leaving the US. Bear in mind that the cost might be somewhat more than if you purchased the SIM card in the country itself. You can also purchase SIM cards from other countries throughout the world as an alternative. Finding out how to purchase and fill up the card, as well as if it has an expiration date, is vital.
One option to top up a SIM card issued in the UK, such as those offered by EE and 3, is to buy top-up vouchers from convenience stores in the country, albeit doing so online requires a bank card issued in the country. If you don’t have a bank card issued in the UK, you should think about utilizing a third-party program like Ding Top Up that lets you top up prepaid SIM cards without a local bank card. Utilizing this service would incur a little service charge, but it can still be less costly for a longer trip than using an international plan through a US telecommunications carrier.
It’s also important to remember that many prepaid SIM cards for travelers, like the Orange France Holiday SIM, have expiration dates. The validity of the card and phone number is often prolonged from the date of top-up for a certain period, usually up to six months. If you don’t top it up before the expiration date, your SIM card’s phone number will be discarded and no longer be associated with it. It’s important to avoid topping up beyond the expiration date since doing so will give the next user of that number access to the mobile service.
Another option is to get a SIM card from the airport, although the plans provide somewhat fewer data, texts, and calls for a higher price. Purchasing a SIM card locally might be more cost-effective if you don’t immediately want cell service. Most local SIM cards allow you to utilize your data as a hotspot to use your cellular signal to connect other devices to the internet.
To ensure that the hotspot is allowed, double-check the limitations on your SIM card. If your ultimate goal is to relocate to another country, it could be wiser to get a local phone since long-distance travel can sometimes be bad for battery life.
Advantages of having a local phone
Following is a list of the advantages of purchasing a local phone when traveling to or migrating overseas, along with explanations for each advantage:
Better battery life: Traveling can sometimes have a detrimental effect on a phone’s battery life, so having a local device designed for use in the region you are visiting or live in can be advantageous. If you use your phone while traveling for navigation or other important tasks, this is very important.
Dual-SIM capability: Local phones often include this option, which allows you to use two SIM cards at once simply placing them into the smartphone. This can come in handy if you often travel and want a local phone number in each location you visit or if you want to stay in touch with local and US connections while you’re away from home.
Access to local warranties: If your phone has any issues after you purchase it locally, you will have access to local warranties and service agreements. If you don’t want to have to return to the US to have your phone serviced, this might be very beneficial since warranties and service contracts are sometimes tied to the country in which the phone was purchased.
Access to both numbers: by having access to a local phone, you’ll have access to both your numbers and make your travels and daily life much easier while overseas. If you have long-term travel plans and don’t want to deal with the hassle of having to carry around a lot of equipment, this might be very useful.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you need a few key items to use a local SIM card whether visiting or staying abroad. A US phone must first be unlocked to be used with a local SIM card. Unlock your phone before leaving the United States to avoid any issues with the local SIM card’s activation.
If you want to use a prepaid SIM card, you will need a way to top it up whenever you need to. You can accomplish this online or at a local store, depending on the SIM card’s specifications and the country you are in. If you have these items with you, you should now be ready to use a local SIM card whether you’re traveling or living overseas.
