When you travel abroad, your roaming bill can destroy your finances.
Although Wi-Fi access is no longer so difficult to find these days, the need to be online, whether for work or personal reasons, forces us to use our cell phone data.
By having a good strategy and using valuable tips, you can reduce your data usage and stay connected when you travel.
1. Limit background data
Even without realizing it, apps continue to use data and consume your roaming plan, so one of the best ways to reduce and limit background data.
2. Download movies and music and do not use them online.
Streaming services like Netflix, Spotify, and others will eat into your data plan.
For example, watching for a period of 1 hour can use up to 7 GB.
However, most streaming apps have a download option.
When you’re on Wi-Fi, you can download your favorite music, podcasts, and shows to your device before you leave.
This will allow you to stream them without needing an internet connection.
3. Configure maps for offline use
One of the most necessary applications is navigation, such as Google Maps.
They make it super easy to find your way around and navigate unfamiliar places.
However, they consume data, as they download maps while you are using them.
The advantage is that they have an offline mode option, where you can download maps, using a Wi-Fi network, to wherever you are going.
4. Disable automatic updates.
By default, auto-update is enabled for most smartphones.
Whenever an app update is available, your device will download it even while roaming and install it automatically.
5. Monitor data usage
Another way to reduce data usage is to check which apps use the most data and if you don’t need them for your trip, you should disable them.
6. Make your calls via apps
Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram and Skype allow you to send messages and make calls via Wi-Fi, saving on mobile data usage and phone call costs.
7. Use Wi-Fi when available
Nowadays, we can find free Wi-Fi almost everywhere, especially in hotels, restaurants and also on public roads.
The ideal is to take advantage of this time to do what uses the most data, thus avoiding the need to use mobile data.
8. Use VPN for security.
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can bring several benefits, especially when you are connected to public networks or traveling abroad.
Some countries have restrictions on access to content and/or platforms.
With a VPN, you can “mask” your location and access content that would normally be blocked in the country you are visiting.
Another great factor is protection, such as accessing bank accounts or sensitive information. A VPN offers an extra layer of security, reducing the risk of your data being intercepted.
9. Travel smart with a local SIM card
It has been proven that roaming fees are exorbitant.
The best cost-benefit is undoubtedly to have a local SIM card.
There are several options for this. Which international SIM card is best? Local? Physical or e-SIM?
In my experience, the Aira Lo eSIM is one of the best options, as it connects like a local in more than 200 countries and regions around the world.
In addition to the convenience of not having to go to a store to buy a SIM card or add new data plans.
Airalo eSIM plans include a set amount of data (e.g. 1GB, 3GB, 5GB) for a set period (e.g. 7 days, 15 days, 30 days). You can track your data usage in the Airalo app.
Where are you headed on your next adventure? Get an Airalo eSIM to make the most of your mobile data and stay connected during your trip.
Bonus tip
Although roaming cost are a concern, there are other situations that can increase the cost of your trip.
Check out the 11 Mistakes That Make Your Trip More Expensive: Learn How to Avoid Them.
For us travelers, there is nothing more pleasant than getting to know a new place and finding it with its nature, history and culture preserved at its best.
However, we know that our actions are important for this to happen.
See here 12 urgent actions to save the planet from climate change.
