Planning a trip abroad can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. With the right preparation, however, you can make sure that your journey goes as smoothly as possible. One of the most important steps to take is to make sure that your smartphone is ready for international travels. With a few simple steps, you can ensure that your smartphone can be used abroad without any hassles. From unlocking your device to selecting an international plan that works for you, this article will provide you with all the information you need to make sure your smartphone is ready for your next international trip. So, read on to learn more about the essential steps to prepare your smartphone for international travels.
Why is it important to prepare your smartphone for international travels?
Before you leave, it’s important to prepare your smartphone for international travel. This allows you to make use of your phone’s services, such as calling and texting, while overseas. You can also use apps, such as Skype or Facebook Messenger, and email services, such as Gmail or Outlook, to stay in touch with friends and family.
To make sure that your phone is unlocked and ready for use, you will need to:
Unlock your phone. This allows you to use any SIM card that you wish, so you can use multiple networks if one is easier for you.
While abroad, you might want to change from one network to another to get better coverage and speed.
Different countries have different network coverage, meaning that you may experience poor signal while making calls or using data. Before you leave, it’s important to select the right international plan for your needs and budget. You might want to look at eSimsMarket or see what your provider might offer as an add-on, if needed.
You can do this by comparing what your needs are and what the cost of the plan is in your destination country. If you are staying for a long period, it may make more sense to select a plan that provides unlimited data.
Setting up international roaming
To use your phone while abroad, you will need to turn on data roaming. This can be done on your phone or by selecting the right plan for your needs.
Alternatively, if you are on your smartphone’s home screen, you can navigate to:
Settings > Network & Wireless > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names.
From here, you can select “Enable mobile data” and your phone should turn on data roaming.
Tips for using data overseas
Whenever you are abroad, you will likely encounter challenges when using data. To avoid these issues and make sure that you have the best experience possible, follow these steps:
Avoid using streaming services, such as Netflix or Spotify, that rely on a continuous stream of data. These services will use a lot of data, especially when used while roaming.
If you want to use a service such as Google Maps or Facebook, try to make full use of it while you are in your country. This will limit the amount of data you use while roaming.
Avoid video streaming services while roaming. As they are designed to be used on a continuous stream of data, they will not work while roaming.
Turn off data roaming when you are not using it. This will stop your device from using up data.
Managing your roaming charges
Roaming charges are common when you are abroad. To avoid these charges, make sure that you turn on data roaming and manage your roaming charges if you are outside your home country.
You can manage your roaming charges by selecting which networks you use and ensuring that you are in your home country. When you are outside of your home country, you will see a network message that tells you how much data you have used and how much you have left.
How to protect your phone and data while abroad
Whether you are traveling abroad or staying in a different city for a short period, there are steps you can take to protect your phone and data while abroad. Make sure to: Turn off your phone when not in use.
Avoid keeping your phone charging while in a different city. This will use up your battery and cause you to lose power more quickly.
Invest in a travel charger. This allows you to avoid using up your phone while recharging it.
Create a secure PIN or password to protect your phone and data while in a different city. This PIN or password should be different from your normal one.
Use a screen protector to protect your screen while in a different city.
Update software and apps as often as possible. This will ensure that your phone is protected from threats and hackers.
Use a secure web browser, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. These browsers have built-in security features, such as an ad blocker, that help protect your data.
Preparing your apps for international travels
When traveling abroad, it’s important that your apps are compatible with the country you are visiting. To ensure that your apps are compatible with your trip, follow these steps before you depart:
Ensure that your apps are up to date. This will ensure that they work correctly.
Check your app permissions. This will help you to make sure that your apps are compatible with your trip. Permissions can help you to make sure that your apps work correctly while abroad.
Use a map app, such as Google Maps or Apple Maps, that has country support. This will ensure that the app works correctly while you are traveling abroad.
Use a web browser with an Incognito mode. This will help you to make sure that your browsing history is cleared and that you aren’t revealing information about yourself, such as where you have been, when you were there, and when you will be back.
What to do after your trip
After your trip, you may experience different issues with your phone, such as poor battery life or a data connection that is difficult to access. To prevent these issues, follow these steps:
Ensure that your phone is charged up to 90%. This will help to prevent your phone from dying while you are traveling.
Clean your phone regularly. This will help to prevent dust, sand, and other debris from entering your phone, which can cause issues with it.
Use a screen protector. This will help to prevent your screen from getting scratched while traveling.
Conclusion
Ready to explore the world but worried about your smartphone? Make sure you’re ready for your trip with the tips outlined in this article. Preparing your smartphone for international travel can make a big difference in your experience abroad, so take care of your device and you’ll be able to make the most of your trip.
ClickTravelTips Team
