Using my phone as a Paris guidebook cost me $50 — here’s how to save on your bill when traveling abroad

## Cell Phone Costs Abroad: How to Avoid a Big Bill

Traveling internationally can be an amazing experience, but unexpected cell phone charges can quickly put a damper on your trip. This article offers practical advice on how to minimize or eliminate these costs, based on the author’s personal experience and expert opinions.

• The Problem: The author incurred nearly $50 in extra charges during a five-day trip to Paris due to international roaming fees from their carrier (AT&T), which charged a daily rate for using the cell network.
• Carrier Options:
  • T-Mobile: Some T-Mobile plans include international roaming, potentially saving money. However, not all plans offer this, and there are limitations.
  • Other Carriers: Most carriers charge daily fees or surcharges for international use.
• Alternatives to Carrier Plans:
  • International SIM Cards/eSIMs: Buying a local SIM card or using a digital eSIM is often cheaper, allowing you to manage your data usage more effectively. Established providers like Saily, GigSky, and Airalo are recommended.
  • Wi-Fi: Utilize free Wi-Fi at hotels, restaurants, etc. to avoid roaming charges. Use Airplane mode to prevent accidental data usage.
• Tips for Saving Data:
  • Download offline maps on Google Maps before your trip.
  • Download articles, PDFs, and guidebooks in advance.
• Security Considerations: Avoid sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi networks.
• The Author’s Solution: The author successfully avoided extra charges on a recent trip by using Airplane mode and public Wi-Fi.

For more detailed information, you can read the original article on [CNBC]([https://www.cnbc.com/2024/06/13/how-to-avoid-international-cell-phone-charges-when-traveling.html](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/06/13/how-to-avoid-international-cell-phone-charges-when-traveling.html)).