You may enjoy roaming abroad, but you may not want your cell phone roaming along. It could get expensive.
So make sure your apps aren’t racking up expensive roaming charges while overseas.
There are two problems: Apps want to keep you connected, and app makers want to make sure you have the latest version. So while you’re checking for updates on social media, your apps may be checking to see if they’re due for an update. Either way, you could get hit with a big bill. Here are some steps you can take to avoid expensive surprises:
Turn off voice and data roaming on your mobile devices, and don’t forget the kids’ phones if you’re on vacation. Generally, you can do this through the settings menu. To turn off voice roaming for Android phones, you may have to put the device into airplane mode and then separately re-enable Wi-Fi. Check with your carrier or phone maker for specifics. On some phones, you can disable cellular connections for all apps or specific ones. You should turn off any automatic app updates.
While traveling, use Wi-Fi wherever possible. Lots of places offer free Wi-Fi, but you may want to sign up with providers such as Boingo or Skype. You’ll want to keep tabs on the per-minute charges. Once you’re on Wi-Fi, you can use your Skype account to call anywhere.
You can also check out your carrier’s travel plans for the countries or regions you’ll be visiting to see if they’re cost-effective. If you have an unlocked GSM phone, another option is to buy a local or travel SIM card. If you just want to be able to call and text, you can buy or rent a stripped-down travel phone from providers such as Mobal.
Spend a little time comparison-shopping before you go so you can spend a little more on fun and less on the phone.
Cool Travel Apps
If you’re traveling, here are some apps that can make your trip a little easier and more enjoyable. (All available for Apple and Android, others where noted.)
Before you go, check the TripAdvisor Offline City Guides app and download your destinations. Now you’ve got an offline travel guide in your phone with self-guided tours so you don’t have to worry about Internet connections or roaming charges. (Windows)
If you’re going for the urban experience, look for an app for the local mass transit system. Some big ones include New York Subway Map (mxData), London Tube and London Bus (Presselite $1), Visit Paris by Metro (RATP), Tokyo Metro Subway (mxData), and the MétrO (Kinevia) world subway map apps.
Free Wi-Fi Finder (JiWire) finds free and paid Wi-Fi hotspots online or offline.
Need a bank or a coffee? AroundMe tells you what services are available nearby, from ATMs to bars, hotels and taxis. (Windows)
Tired of multiplying every price by 1.36 or dividing by 104? The XE Currency Converter app lets you track exchange rates and calculate prices. (BlackBerry, Windows)
Feeling a little “beside your shoes” when trying to communicate in a foreign language? Jibbigo and Google Translate translation apps can help you over the rough spots.
