Before You Fly: Essential Phone Tips for International Travel

Planning an international trip is exciting but challenging, especially regarding two of the most overlooked travel preparation steps: staying connected and avoiding surprise roaming fees.

Understanding the basics of cellular roaming fees and international roaming fees now can help you avoid unnecessary stress later on. After all, no one deserves to have their blissful post-vacation high interrupted by bill shock.

Here are some essential questions to ask your carrier before traveling internationally:

1. Do I Have International Roaming Compatibility?

What to consider:

• Service Arrangements: Ensure your phone carrier offers international roaming with providers in your destination country. Not all networks play nicely together, so your phone might not work as expected.
• Functionality: While your phone might support voice calls, other features, such as text messaging and data services, might not be available. Double-check with your provider to avoid any surprises.

2. What Are My Roaming Rates and Plan Coverage?

What to consider:

• Activating Roaming: If you decide to use your phone abroad, ensure that international roaming is activated on your account. Remember, most U.S. domestic service plans do not cover international usage.
• Considering Costs: Roaming rates can be significantly higher due to additional fees on foreign networks. These rates can vary widely depending on the country and network. Higher costs may apply to calls, voicemail, texts, and internet access. Understanding cellular roaming fees and international roaming fees can help you budget for your trip.

3. How Do I Manage Usage and Costs?

What to consider:

• Tracking Usage: Inquire about ways to monitor your usage to stay within your plan and avoid extra charges. International roaming charges might appear on your bill with a delay, possibly one billing cycle after you return. Knowing how to avoid roaming fees can save you money and hassle.

Our Tip? Don’t Rely on Your Carrier.

As expert travelers, we’ve seen too many people follow advice from their network carriers only to get hit with unexpected fees anyway – like our friend in Florida who racked up over $143,000 in roaming charges during a trip to Switzerland. Yes, you read that right: $143,000.

Avoid Surprises – Take Coverage into Your Own Hands with an eSIM

Here are a few reasons why travelers swear by Airalo eSIMs to stay connected:

• Instant connectivity. Download an eSIM plan and connect to a local network in minutes.
• Multiple lines, one device. Switch between multiple lines without swapping SIM cards or devices.
• Avoid roaming fees. Connect to a mobile network at local rates. No hidden fees and no unexpected roaming charges.
• Easy to manage. Store multiple eSIM plans on your device and switch between them as needed.
• Greater flexibility. With an eSIM, you aren’t tied to a carrier, so you can switch carriers whenever you like.
• Save time when you travel. Skip the SIM card line and connect instantly.
• Affordable plans. We work directly with providers to ensure you get the best local rates.

Ready to skip surprise roaming fees and get your first eSIM? Visit the Airalo store to browse eSIMs for 200+ countries and regions worldwide.

FAQs

How does Airalo work? Airalo provides eSIMs that allow you to access mobile networks without needing a physical SIM card. Purchase an eSIM plan through the Airalo app, install it on your device, and start using data immediately.

How to activate Airalo eSIM? Activation is simple. After purchasing a plan, follow the instructions in the Airalo app to install the eSIM on your device. Once installed, it will activate automatically.

Is my phone compatible with Airalo eSIM? Airalo eSIMs are compatible with most modern smartphones. Check the list of compatible devices.

Why is my Airalo eSIM not working? Airalo’s customer support is available 24/7 to assist you. You can contact support through the app or website for immediate help.