## Smartphone Savings Abroad: How to Avoid Unexpected Cell Phone Bills
Traveling internationally can be exciting, but unexpected cell phone charges can quickly put a damper on your trip. This article explores ways to minimize or eliminate these costs, drawing from the author’s personal experience and expert advice.
- The Problem: The author was surprised by nearly $50 in extra charges during a 5-day trip to Paris, due to international roaming fees from their carrier, AT&T.
- Carrier Options:
- Check Your Plan: Some carriers, like T-Mobile, offer plans with international roaming included. However, these plans have limitations, such as not covering all countries or being suitable for heavy data users.
- Consider Switching: If you travel abroad frequently, switching to a carrier with better international options might be cost-effective.
- SIM Card Alternatives:
- International SIMs: Buying a local SIM card or using an eSIM is often cheaper than international packages.
- eSIM Advantages: eSIMs are easily purchased and managed through apps, offering flexible data plans.
- Provider Recommendations: Established providers like Saily, GigSky, or Airalo are recommended.
- Important Note: You may need to unlock your phone for an eSIM to work.
- Wi-Fi is Your Friend:
- Embrace Wi-Fi: Utilize free Wi-Fi at hotels, restaurants, or public spaces to avoid roaming charges.
- Airplane Mode: Use Airplane mode to prevent accidental data usage.
- Data-Saving Hacks:
- Offline Maps: Download offline maps on Google Maps for navigation without internet.
- Pre-Download Content: Download articles, PDFs, and guidebooks beforehand.
- Security Considerations: Avoid sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi networks.
- The Author’s Success: The author’s recent trip to Namibia and Botswana, using Airplane mode and Wi-Fi, resulted in $0 extra cell fees.
For more details, you can read the original article [here](insert link to the article).
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/09/how-to-save-on-your-phone-bill-when-traveling-abroad.html