Travel is one of my favorite things in the world, but let’s face it, the roaming charges that come with it can be a real headache.
If you’ve ever opened a text detailing roaming charges that could rival your holiday pocket money, you’ll know exactly what I mean. After a few costly mistakes (and a lot of trial and error), thankfully, I’ve learned how to keep my phone bill in check.
From tinkering with your phone’s settings to making the most of free Wi-Fi, these are the tips I swear by to keep costs down while staying online abroad. Let’s get into it!
1. Turn Off Data Roaming Straight Away
The first thing I do as soon as I step off the plane is switch off data roaming. It’s far too easy for your phone to sneakily connect to local networks and rack up charges before you’ve even reached baggage claim. Keeping it off ensures you’re not caught off guard.
2. Use Free WiFi Whenever Possible
Airports, cafes, hotels—so many places offer free WiFi these days. Before booking a place, I always check if my chosen accommodation has free WiFi included, and I plan to download any essential apps or maps before leaving the safety of my connection.
Most advanced cities like Tokyo offer free WiFi in trains so you can comfortably browse while in transit.
3. Download Apps, Maps, and Entertainment
Downloading is your best friend. Whether it’s your travel playlist, Google Maps offline mode, or even city guides, doing this before you leave home ensures you’re not burning through data on the go.
If there’s no offline version of a specific app you need with important information, call it old-school, but a simple screenshot can go a long way.
4. Try a Travel eSIM
In one of my more recent trips, I used a travel eSIM, and it’s been a favorite travel essential since. Instead of fumbling with tiny SIM cards at every border crossing, I can activate a new plan through an. It’s quick, fuss-free, and perfect for multi-country trips. Not to mention, it’s not intimidating for non-techy people.
5. Buy a Local SIM Card
I learned that It’s worth picking up a local SIM card for those staying in one country for an extended period. They’re often cheap and come with generous data plans, so you don’t have to be paranoid about running out of data mid-adventure.
Plus, having a local SIM card means you can have your own local number to make those important reservations! This is especially handy in places like Italy, where calling ahead is necessary for most popular restaurants. Just make sure your phone is unlocked before you leave, or you might be in for a frustrating surprise.
6. Ignore Calls or Text Messages Unless It’s an Emergency
One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned while traveling is to let the phone ring or the message sit unanswered. It’s tempting to pick up when you see a familiar number flash across the screen, but even a few minutes on a roaming call will feel like robbery.
I once made the mistake of answering a “quick call” from a friend—just five minutes of catching up turned into a phone bill I’m still bitter about.
Unless it’s a genuine emergency, it’s best to ignore calls and stick to messaging apps or email when you’re on WiFi. Your wallet will thank you, and chances are, most things can wait until you’re back online anyway.
If you’re traveling with friends or family, a portable Wi-Fi device can feel like a little piece of magic. These compact gadgets can connect multiple devices at once—five, sometimes more—which makes it easy to share the cost and keep everyone online.
I’ve used one during a trip with friends; it worked brilliantly as long as we stuck together. The only trouble came when whoever was holding the device decided to wander off, leaving the rest of us scratching our heads.
Still, it’s a clever solution if you’re traveling as a group and want to avoid the hassle and the expense of setting up separate data plans.
8. Set Your Phone to Limit Data Usage
I can’t count the number of times I’ve been distracted by an adventure, only to realize later that my phone had quietly chewed through a shocking amount of data in the background. Updates, app refreshes, even those sneaky little pings from notifications can all add up.
Now, before I travel, I make it a point to manually turn off background data for non-essential apps. It’s a simple step, but it makes all the difference.
By doing this, you’ll only use data when it’s absolutely necessary, and the rest of the time, you can relax knowing your phone isn’t quietly draining both your battery and your bank account.
8. Choose a Flexible Data Plan
Flexibility is key when it comes to saving on data while traveling. Some providers offer plans that let you adjust your usage or add data as you need it, rather than locking you into a rigid package. These can be a lifesaver if your plans change or if you find yourself using more data than expected. It’s a little extra peace of mind that makes all the difference.
10. Monitor Your Usage
One of the simplest ways to avoid a shocking bill is to monitor your data usage. Many phones allow you to set data limits or send usage alerts, which are brilliant for staying on top of things. I’ve caught myself mindlessly wasting precious data more than once—those alerts really do save the day!
Final Thoughts
Looking back, it’s amazing how much easier staying connected has become. From the days of hunting down internet cafés to now having access to everything at your fingertips, travel tech has come a long way. And the best part? It doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
With a bit of preparation and these simple tips, you can stay connected wherever you go and keep your money for what really matters: making the most of your journey.
