How to Stay Connected Abroad Without Breaking the Bank

Travelling abroad can put you in a vulnerable position in terms of communication costs, especially if you are using your mobile phone. Having access to reliable communication is very important, whether it is for business or personal reasons, but international roaming fees can catch you unawares if you are not careful. In this article, we will look at a number of ways that will help you stay connected when travelling abroad without breaking the bank.

The Hidden Costs of International Roaming

There are several reasons why most people find staying connected while travelling abroad very expensive. These reasons vary depending on mobile network service providers and how you use your mobile phone. Below are some of the reasons international roaming can be very expensive:

• Data roaming charges can be significantly higher as compared to local rates. 
• Some carriers charge per minute for both incoming and outgoing calls, which results in costs adding up quickly during phone calls. 
• Sending text messages internationally can be costly, with carriers charging for each message sent and sometimes even for messages received. 
• Many apps and subscription services, such as music or video streaming, update automatically, consuming data without the user's knowledge, leading to high roaming charges. 
• If your international roaming plan has a data limit, exceeding this limit can result in costly overage charges, often at much higher rates. Exceeding the limit can also result in slower data speeds. 
• Even if you do not answer a call, you might be charged for the incoming attempt.

International roaming can result in hidden costs that quickly add up, leading to unexpectedly high bills. Being aware of these potential charges and taking proactive steps to mitigate them can help you stay connected while keeping costs under control.

VPN for Security

The first most important aspect to consider before travelling and even before you worry about the money you will be spending on international roaming is your online safety and security. If you do not already have one installed, you should consider downloading a virtual private network (VPN) for your devices.

It is important to secure your internet connection and protect your data from potential hackers. Deciding on the best VPN can be a challenge, especially if your personal and banking information are at stake. Techopedia’s top VPN picks can help you choose the best VPN for your device based on budget, security, connectivity, and other factors. According to software reviews expert Aleksandar Stevanovic, besides securing your data, the best VPN service will help you bypass geographic limitations and unblock content on different platforms like Netflix and Amazon regardless of your location.

How to Stay Connected Abroad Without Breaking the Bank

Here are seven cheap ways to stay connected to the internet when you're abroad:

1. Use a Local SIM Card!

It would be easier for you to buy your SIM card upon arrival so that you can immediately start saving on calls, texts, and data by using local tariffs. Many countries offer affordable prepaid SIM cards with data packages, and some countries, like South Africa, give you the SIM card for free. You can get it at the port of entry, in the street, at shopping malls, or with the purchase of a mobile phone. Remember to make sure that your phone is unlocked and compatible with the local network frequencies.

2. Consider SIM Card Rental Services or Travel Sim Cards!

Instead of buying or getting a SIM card you will only use for a short period and probably discard, for short-term solutions, you could also consider renting a SIM card. When you are travelling to countries such as Portugal, there are companies like My Portugal Wi-Fi that offer travellers rental sim cards that connect to a Portuguese mobile network so you do not have to pay high charges for roaming.

Another option is using the OneSimCard services, where you get a prepaid international SIM with coverage in over 150 countries. It offers free incoming calls in most countries, and you can even get a virtual SIM, making your compatible device a dual SIM phone. OneSimCard offers multiple numbers, including European, American, and Canadian, among others. Although you still have to pay international roaming charges, you get to save up to 85%.

3. International Roaming Plans

Check with your local provider if they offer international roaming packages that can be added to your existing plan. These packages usually provide a set amount of data, texts, and minutes for a fixed daily or monthly fee. This will help you avoid hidden and unexpected costs. You should compare the international plans offered by different service providers before travelling so as to find the most cost-effective option.

4. Use Wi-Fi Wherever Possible

You can take advantage of the free Wi-Fi that is available at hotels, cafes, restaurants, and in public spaces like airports or train stations. However, you should keep in mind that public Wi-Fi is not the safest option, but in the event that you have little choice, make use of a VPN, use websites with HTTPS encryption to protect data transmitted between your device and the website, and avoid connecting to your bank or any activity that requires you to enter your banking information.

One advantage of using Wi-Fi is that there are a number of applications that you can use to make calls or send messages, such as Skype, WhatsApp, or FaceTime, thereby reducing the need for making direct calls or sending traditional SMS messages.

5. Download Content in Advance!

When preparing to travel there are several things you need to consider, such as where you will stay, what you will use for transportation, or the necessary apps you will need. You should ensure that you download apps you will likely need, such as Google Maps, Airbnb, and travel guides, before leaving. For your entertainment, you can also download games, movies, or episodes of your favourite shows. Most of these service providers offer offline modes, reducing your need for data usage when you travel. Even though an app may require an Internet connection to function, downloading it beforehand will save you time and the data needed to install the app.

6. Portable Wi-Fi Devices

Invest in portable Wi-Fi devices for your personal Wi-Fi hotspot by either renting or buying them. Choose a WiFi that allows multiple devices to connect to it so that you can connect different devices simultaneously. Also choose a MiFi with global coverage so that you will not need to buy another one every time you visit a different country.

7. Use Data-Saving Apps!

Use applications that have data-saving features like Opera Mini, Google Chrome, and the Phoenix browser, which compress data, lower the resolution of images, and sometimes omit some parts of the website altogether. By implementing these measures, the overall data usage will be lowered. You can also install applications such as GlassWire, which monitors your data use on a per-app basis and blocks applications from network access if they become greedy in their data consumption. Using these apps will ensure that you do not exceed your plan’s limits.

Wrap Up: How to Stay Connected Abroad Without Breaking the Bank

Staying connected while travelling abroad is very important and does not have to come at high costs. Maintaining international connectivity on a budget is not only possible but also relatively simple with the right planning and strategies.

What about you, how do you stay online when you're abroad? Feel free to share any tips & advice below!

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ABOUTME

We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.