Mobile phones have become an essential part of our lives, as we can now easily take pictures, send text messages, or update our social media profiles. If you’re like most people, you carry your phone everywhere. It’s your personal hub – it connects you to the people close to you and the world’s collective knowledge.
We live in an ultra-connected world where it’s customary to always be online. If you’re planning a trip overseas but aren’t sure where to start, following the tips listed below is recommended.
Use An International Sim Card to Survive Long-Term Travel
Keeping in touch with family and friends can be challenging, but it’s worth the effort, as it helps you feel part of something bigger than yourself. You can beat solo travel boredom. Depending on your carrier, using data outside your home country can be costly, meaning that every moment you spend online can rack up outrageous bills. If you’re going on a long journey, it’s a good idea to get an eSIM card so that you and the people communicating with you don’t have to spend extra to call or text. An international SIM is designed to work on multiple networks in different locations worldwide.
Your phone might not be compatible with different cell frequencies. If you have a cutting-edge device, you don’t need to worry about that. An eSIM is more secure than a physical SIM, so if you’re looking for a data plan while you’re traveling, it’s probably your best bet. Google’s wireless service can save you money and improve your smartphone security situation. You can activate your Google Fi eSIM on Pixel 2 and other devices. Make sure your phone is charged and connected to Wi-Fi before you get started.
Make Some Space on Your Device
To maximize your ability to enjoy your time wherever you are, free up storage on your phone. Taking lots of photos and videos will place storage demands on your device, so free up some space. Chances are you have countless unused apps and cached data, so start from a clean slate. Consider deleting apps you’ve rarely used and bookmarking the company’s website instead. Clear the cache only when it’s necessary. You should be able to use Google Maps and Translate, stay in touch with your loved ones, and have easy access to booking sites like Expedia.
Have A Backup Phone with You at All Times
It’s recommended to have a secondary/backup phone when traveling abroad for emergency situations. It can be a cheaper phone or an older one. While touring crowded or insecure areas, you minimize your odds of great financial loss in case of theft. Many people have had their phones stolen while on vacation, so it’s smart to take extra precautions. If one phone gets stolen, you’ll have another one ready, so you’ll still be able to call or send text messages. If you want to access your bank account, you have an additional layer of security, which reduces the risk of fraud and data theft.
If you don’t like the idea of carrying two phones, at least backup data before it’s too late. Spending a few minutes backing up your phone is a relatively minor effort; be certain you don’t lose it all. Backing up to Google is one of the simplest ways to go. See how much storage is available for your account (if you have Google One, you can back up to Google One). Data loss can occur due to hardware failure, software corruption, or accidental deletion, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Install A VPN
Your phone accommodates sensitive data, important documents (plane tickets, hotel reservations, etc.), and private photos and videos. The biggest security threat to public Wi-Fi is the ability of a threat actor to position themselves between you and the connection point. To avoid this situation, invest in a VPN, a powerful encryption tool that protects your browsing traffic. VPNs have become more accessible and affordable, so if you don’t already have one, there’s no better time than now to get a VPN. Using a VPN will slow down your Internet speed, but it’s a small price to pay.
If you have an international SIM card, there’s no need to use public Wi-Fi. In this case, do you still need a VPN? Yes, if you’re concerned about your online privacy and vulnerability. Indeed, there’s a lower risk of becoming a victim on your own network, but it’s a risk you shouldn’t take. Anyone can easily grab your unencrypted data. Make sure the VPN service works in as many countries as possible by looking for user reviews. You should be able to enable the VPN in a matter of seconds; the VPN will protect you only if it’s working.
Make Sure You’ve Got the Right Charger
Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to pack the charger. You may need to check your charger ahead of time to guarantee it’s compatible with the voltage frequency in your destination. In the United States, the voltage of the electrical current is 120, but in Belgium, it’s 230 volts. Since you’re counting on your phone to keep in touch with the people back home, it pays to bring a power bank so that you can recharge your device on the go. If you have a delayed flight, you can keep communications going, even if it’s a frustrating situation.
Ensuring Optimal Phone Performance Abroad
Pay close attention to the surroundings. Keep your phone with you at all times, ensure no one is sitting behind you when typing sensitive information, and keep the device locked when not in use. If you want high-speed data, look into purchasing an international SIM card or an eSIM. Suppose you yearn for the simplicity of using your phone. In that case, Google Fi is a fantastic option.