An expensive phone bill can quickly make you lose your peace of mind while traveling abroad. Imagine returning home to a phone bill of about $2500 or $7000. It’s not speculation. It happens.
A professor in Pennsylvania was once struck with a $2367 phone bill and this shouldn’t be your story too. It can be painful if it happens to anyone with the current economic recession. While traveling, phone bills are often the least of your worries.
You’ll usually focus on major expenses like air tickets, transport, accommodation, and food. But come to think of it, the roaming fees and posting on IG may be more expensive than anticipated.
So it’s easy for your phone bill to skyrocket when traveling. However, this should not be a reason why your business prospects or family can’t reach you when you’re overseas. You can use some of the saving strategies listed below to avoid an exorbitant phone bill while traveling abroad:
- Install international calling apps
- Buy a local sim card
- Turn off your data roaming
- Use free wifi
- Leverage international calling cards
Let’s explore some of these true and tried methods for cutting costs while abroad:
- Install International Calling Apps
There are several platforms and applications that you can leverage while traveling. The good thing about these apps is that you may not use even a penny. Here are some of the apps that offer free or affordable calling rates:
- Telegram
- Talk360
To effectively use WhatsApp and Telegram, the caller and receiver must install the apps on their phones. The only disadvantage to the duo is that you may have someone you need to call living in rural places and without internet access. This may make it challenging to connect with them.
But on the positive side, some international calling apps can help solve this problem. The apps can route calls across the internet and Public Switched Telephone Network (PTSN). As we know, the PTSN works with a combination of local, international, and national networks.
Therefore, this makes it easy for regular phones and landlines to use some of the international calling apps. So, connecting with your loved ones and coworkers is easy without worrying about internet connectivity.
This is because only the caller needs to have the app and an internet connection. Talk360 is one of the most popular apps that have such features. In fact, the app has a one-minute free call that you can make to any part of Africa.
You can call Kenya using the app, and you’ll not need to spend an arm and a leg for the call.
Moreover, you’ll enjoy premium international calls whether you’re phoning on a smartphone or landline.
Therefore, it’s up to you to decide on a suitable calling app and make that call.
The bottom line is not to break the bank with a phone bill. So ensure you choose a plan that aligns with your goals of saving money.
- Buy a Local Simcard
If you’re traveling abroad, you can opt to buy a local SIM card from cellular service providers. Make sure you research this option first before you fly to your destination.
Some countries may give affordable calling rates that come with mobile data. You can use the data for web browsing and for making calls using apps like Skype, Facetime, or WhatsApp. The good thing about these plans is that they may last you for approximately seven to eight days.
If you’re visiting France and European nations, they have providers that can give you unlimited calls and data bundles. This is a big win if you’re traveling to Europe.
You stand to save a lot if you purchase generic travel SIM cards from a local outlet than at the airport.
However, local SIM cards are an excellent option if you plan to visit one or two countries in a month. But if you’re visiting multiple countries in a month, this might not be an ideal option for you as the local SIM cards can quickly get costly.
- Ensure Your Data Roaming Is Off
According to statistics, the mobile phone roaming market has the potential to grow by more than 4% yearly. In fact, the projected figures by 2028 stand at about $100 billion.
As a result, the international calling rates will increase. This is because, in 2021, the market was roughly worth $70 billion. Most of the EU operators started charging for roaming calls after Brexit.
You’re here because you don’t want to apply for a loan to repay your phone bill after a vacation. Therefore, the best way to afford exorbitant phone charges is by disabling data roaming.
The pressure to stay connected with your friends and family on Facebook, Instagram, or messenger while you’re away is legit. But to be safe, ensure you disable data roaming before logging in to these platforms.
Naturally, the international and most local and regional providers will collaborate to enable your phone to access the internet while overseas. Therefore, you’ll end up with a hefty phone bill if you use third parties for internet services.
The best way to stop your phone from using data roaming is to change your phone settings. So you should go to the settings for cellular data on your phone.
The next step is to turn off data roaming when you scroll down to prevent your phone from connecting to different networks when you’re online.
Another option you need to disable is the WiFi assist. It mainly works in case of a shaky internet connection that allows your phone to switch to cellular data.
- Leverage Free WIFI
Most of these wonderful suggestions will work with free WiFi access. So ensure you hang out in places with free WiFi, like hotels and eateries.
Today some tools can help you to locate free WiFi networks in the area you’re staying in. The WiFi Finder is helpful in that you can identify more than a million free WiFi sites when you use it. The good news is that it’s functional on Android and iPhone devices.
Final Thoughts
The above tips will help you maintain a steady line of communication with your family and friends when you are traveling. It helps you stay connected with your loved ones and your colleagues
You only need a stable internet connection to leverage most of the applications. WhatsApp, Telegram, and Talk360 will significantly help you reduce your phone bill expenses.
Ensure you leverage free WiFi and turn off your data roaming to enjoy the inexpensive services. So you can make calls without worrying about your phone bill.
