Smartphone tips for international travel
I just got back from Mexico City, and once again, my phone proved to be the single most useful tool on the trip. But before you hop on that international flight, there are a few key things you should do to make sure your phone is travel-ready.
These simple steps can save you money, avoid frustration, and help you stay connected while exploring the world.
1. Check with your carrier
Make sure international roaming is included in your plan. If not, most major carriers offer travel day passes for around $12/day, letting you use your phone just like you do at home.
2. Try an eSIM
Apps like Airalo and Saily let you buy affordable international data plans that work in most countries. Your phone needs to be unlocked to use these.
3. Download offline maps
Before you leave, use Google Maps or Apple Maps to download offline maps for the cities you’re visiting. This way, you can navigate even without data.
4. Save your spots
Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to create a saved list of restaurants, attractions, and must-sees in the city you’re visiting. Be sure to drop a pin on your hotel too—this way, you can quickly sort by what’s nearby once you’re on the ground.
Bonus tip: Post a screenshot of your map to social media before your trip. Friends and family who’ve been there might have some great recommendations.
5. Use translation apps
Install Google Translate or Apple Translate, and download the local language for offline use. It comes in handy more often than you think.
6. Get WhatsApp
This free app is the most popular way to message internationally — and it works over Wi-Fi or data.
7. Set up tap-to-pay
Add a no foreign transaction fee card to your phone’s wallet. On iPhone, drag it to the front to make it the default. Tap-to-pay is accepted in many places.
8. Learn a few phrases
Apps like Duolingo are great, but for something more conversational, try Speak — it lets you practice with real voice interactions to build confidence.
9. Free up space
On Android, use Google Photos or the Google Files app to clear space. For Google Photos, long press and hold the icon and tap “Feel Lucky” or open the app, tap your profile picture and hit “Free up space on this device.” For Google Files, press and hold the icon and choose “Clean” or open the app, tap Menu (three lines) and select Clean. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage and follow the cleanup recommendations.
10. Back up your documents
Take photos of your passport and driver’s license to keep on your phone and also keep a physical photocopy in your bag, just in case.
11. Add a world clock
Add a clock widget for your home time zone — it helps when coordinating with folks back home.
12. Use a currency converter
Download a converter app like XE, or on iPhone, use the built-in calculator or Spotlight Search for quick conversions. In the iPhone Calculator, tap the calculator icon in the lower left hand corner and toggle on Convert. Or, just pull down from the center of your screen and start typing something like 240 pesos and watch it convert into U.S. Dollars.
13. Adjust cloud settings
Turn off automatic photo and music uploads or set them to Wi-Fi only. Do the same for your streaming apps, too so you don’t get any surprises on your bill.
14. Download entertainment
Before takeoff, download content to watch offline — movies, shows, podcasts, and playlists. Flights and remote areas can be hit or miss with internet.
15. Change your Google region
Once you arrive, open Google and set your region back to the United States. This helps keep your search results familiar while you’re abroad. Go to Google.com, tap “Settings” in the bottom-right corner, choose “Search settings,” then scroll to “Other settings.” Tap “Language and region,” then set your results region to United States.
One more tip:
Using public Wi-Fi is fine for casual browsing — but stick to cellular or a VPN for anything sensitive like banking. Hope this helps make your next trip smoother!