How I Prepare My Phone for an International Trip

While traveling abroad, my phone is my constant companion for all kinds of activities, such as navigation, communication, capturing memories, or accessing important documents. So, I take the time to make sure it is fully prepared for the trip before I leave the house.

1

Make sure my SIM works abroad

My phone wouldn’t be very useful without the network connection and mobile data, especially when navigating in unfamiliar places. So one of the first things I do is contact my cell carrier to confirm if my current plan includes international roaming or if I need to add a travel package for my destination. This is the most convenient option for me, because it allows me to keep my number and avoid the hassle of switching SIM cards.

However, if the roaming charges are too high for the place I’m visiting, I usually opt for a local SIM card instead. These are typically easy to find at almost all international airports, but I make sure to research the best options before arriving. Since my phone is not locked by the carrierI can easily switch SIM cards and be good to go. That said, it is still possible to use a carrier-locked phone overseas by contacting the carrier.

2

Double check that “Find my device” is ready

Losing a smartphone is already a stressful experience, but it can be even worse if you are abroad, where you might not have easy access to local resources or support. That’s why I always make sure “Find My Device” is fully configured and working before I travel. It’s quick and easy to do on my Android through Google’s Find My Device app.

This is not only useful for tracking a lost or stolen phone – it provides much more peace of mind. If something goes wrong, I can remotely disable my phone and prevent anyone else from accessing my personal information.

I can also delete all my data remotely, which is crucial for protecting my privacy in case the worst happens. This small step does not take much time, but it offers significant peace of mind.

3

Download essential travel apps

While traveling, I rely on specific apps that I don’t usually keep on my phone. This includes travel apps like Skyscanner or Priceline for easy access to flights and accommodations. I also added a reliable currency converter app, which is essential for quickly calculating exchange rates and managing my spending.

To keep my itinerary organized, I use TripIt. This app consolidates all my travel details, from flight information to hotel bookings and activities, in one easily accessible place.

These apps are my go-to travel apps, but depending on my destination and type of trip, I may add a few more. Having them preloaded helps me stay prepared, avoid last minute downloads, and make sure I have all the tools I need for a smooth, stress-free trip.

Regardless of whether I’m traveling alone or with company, I like to keep my phone well stocked with travel media. Before you go, pre-download everything you might need for offline use – movies, TV shows, music, eBooks and podcasts.

Fortunately, apps like Netflix, Spotify, and Audible make it simple to download content for offline use. I usually choose a mix of entertainment that suits different moods. This ensures that I have a wide variety of media to enjoy while traveling.

5

Free up storage space

As someone who loves documenting travel experiences through photos and videos, I know firsthand how quickly my phone storage fills up. When I travel, I want to be ready to capture every spontaneous moment and every breathtaking view without worrying about running out of space.

Also, a cluttered phone can slow you down, making it harder to use essential apps or access information quickly. To avoid all this, I always take steps to free up my phone storage before time. It only takes a few minutes and is one less thing to worry about while traveling!

6

Preparing your phone battery to last longer

One of the most crucial things I’ve learned over the years is how important it is to make sure my phone’s battery lasts as long as possible. That’s because access to charging points isn’t always guaranteed or convenient, and the last thing I want is for my phone’s battery to die when I need it most.

In addition to bringing a power bank, I also took steps to extend my phone’s battery life while traveling. This includes everything from limiting the background activity of battery-draining apps to turning off unnecessary features like always-on display and “Hey Google” voice detection. Doing all this ensures that my phone lasts all day without needing to be charged again.

7

Setting up a reliable VPN

Using public Wi-Fi networks in airports, cafes, or hotels is a great way to save expensive mobile data while traveling. However, there is always the risk of privacy violations when connecting to these networks. That’s why I always make sure to install a Reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) before traveling internationally.

A VPN helps encrypt my internet traffic, making it nearly impossible for hackers or malicious third parties to intercept my data. This not only protects my sensitive information, such as passwords, bank details and work emails, but also ensures that I can access websites and applications without geographical restrictions.

Having this extra layer of security gives me peace of mind, knowing that my data is safe from prying eyes while I surf the Internet in unknown places.

8

Save my phone

Ideally, I shouldn’t need to back up my phone before an international trip, but I’d rather do it anyway just to be safe. After all, losing access to my data could be a bigger hassle than usual.

I always make sure that all my documents, photos and videos are saved in the cloud. That way, I don’t have to worry about losing precious memories or files while traveling. Also, I like to back up my contacts, messages, and app data. It’s reassuring to know that even if something happens to my phone, I can recover these files on another device.

There’s no denying that preparing my phone for an international trip takes a bit of effort, but the convenience it provides is worth it. From making sure I have the right apps and storage space to securing my connectivity options, every step helps me stay connected and prepared. With everything in place, I can enjoy my travels and keep my phone ready for any situation.