We love our smart phones! They are like another appendage to our bodies. We are constantly on our phones. They are great tools for everyday living and especially for traveling. So, you have flight reservations for a trip to a Caribbean paradise and you are wondering about your cell phone service when you are drinking coconut milk. There are a few things you need to be aware of when traveling internationally concerning your phone service.
World is Smaller!
Smart phones are compatible for global use, but you need to contact your service provider before traveling internationally to confirm if you are good to go. Most companies have specific international calling plans. I use Verizon, this is not an endorsement, just the carrier I have. They have TravelPass which allows you to pay ten dollars per day for unlimited calls, texts, and data usage. It is only charged on the days you use it but just beware that the if your phone receives a notification on an app then it activates the data usage portion. Other carriers have similar programs.
If you do not have a Travel Pass type plan, then you will pay as you go with charges per minute for calls and charges for texts sent and received, plus data charges for the internet that is difficult to estimate. This can lead to some very expensive bills.
Check before you go so you can make a proper decisions of the appropriate plan for you and some idea of the cost for international calling, texting, and data usage.
Know Before You Go!
Just beware that your calls, texts, and especially data usage may be charged differently than on the home front depending on your international plan. Some folks have returned home with a large bill awaiting them. Even if you have a basic international plan, calls and texting will cost extra, and calls are very expensive. Data usage, for internet apps such as emails and social media are often very expensive if you do not have an affordable international plan. If you do not have something like TravelPass, it is important to turn off “Cellular Data” so you will not be charged for data usage. You can still send and receive text and calls. Remember, if your phone is on “Airplane Mode” you cannot send or receive text or calls or use data unless you are connected to Wi-Fi.
Connect to Available Wi-Fi
If you have access to Wi-Fi, be sure to connect to the Wi-Fi network and you can make free calls with FaceTime, Messenger, or other programs.
Translator Apps
There are many foreign language translator apps available. The Google Translate app is one which most folks are familiar. Once you install the app, go to settings, and install the “Offline Translation” for the specific language(s) you need; this will allow you to translate even when you are on “Airplane Mode” or have the “Cellular Data” turned off.
Here are some international cellular links:
Enjoy the Journey!
Pathway Journey 