How to prepare your phone for international travel
Avoid roaming charges and get around like a local
Getting your phone ready for an overseas trip is easy, thanks to these handy apps and settings. Download offline maps and language packs, set up flight alerts and time widgets, and check your roaming options to stay connected without big charges. full post
• Flight alerts
- Use apps like Flighty (iOS) or App in the Air (Android) for up-to-the-minute flight updates and notifications
• Widget to show time back home
- Add a clock widget to your phone's home screen to easily keep track of the time difference
• Download streaming content
- Prepare for offline entertainment by downloading shows and movies before your trip
• Currency converter app
- Install an app like XE to easily convert between local and home currencies
• Download offline maps
- Save map data for your destination to navigate without using data or Wi-Fi
- Apple Maps and Google Maps support this feature
• Check roaming and Wi-Fi calling settings
- Contact your cellular provider about roaming options and turn off roaming to avoid charges
- Set up Wi-Fi calling and texting so you can use Wi-Fi hotspots to keep in touch
• Download the country’s language in your translate app
- Make sure you have Google Translate (iOS and Android) or Apple Translate on your phone (preinstalled on iPhone)
- Download the language pack for the country you’re visiting so you can get translations without an internet connection
• Use Google Lens to identify monuments and translations
• Check social media for travel inspiration and tips
- Explore shorts by searching “city name + things to do” for insider tips and attractions at your destination
- Watch YouTube videos about your destination's history and culture to enhance your travel experience
• AI for information and answers
- Use AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, CoPilot and GuideGeek AI for quick access to travel recommendations and itineraries
- If you have a newer Android phone, use Circle to Search with Google to search for more information for anything you see on your phone screen or to translate text on your screen
• Set up tap to pay
- Put your mobile payment card on your phone in advance and be sure to use a card that doesn’t have any foreign transaction fees