5 tips for using your phone while roaming the world without paying unfair fees

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Our smartphones have become our most trusted travel companions. From planning vacations, perusing reviews and booking tours to managing logistics like last-minute accommodations and navigating unfamiliar streets, it’s hard to imagine what venturing abroad looked like before smartphones became our pocket-sized travel agents.

But, that convenient ride-sharing trip that was just a few euros in Paris may come with an unexpected price tag if your data plan and your travel plans aren’t in sync. It’s an unfair and unwelcome shock to come home to a whopping phone bill after a big trip abroad — but luckily, there are a few easy ways to avoid such a scenario.

For those who travel frequently for work like content creator Julianna Vezza, costly surprises and hidden fees simply aren’t an option. Vezza’s career is based on her ability to be connected and share content from her mobile device, no matter where her travels take her. In the video above, Vezza shares her top tips for using mobile devices abroad — and finding a fair plan to help you roam the world, fee free. Here’s a quick recap of her advice.

1. When in doubt, screenshot

Unsure if you’ll be able to connect to your email to retrieve that check-in code? Make sure to screenshot important information like your hotel address and other reservation notes so you have these documents easily on hand at reception. Take the same approach for any booked tours, QR code tickets to events, restaurant reservations, etc.

2. Pack an extra-long phone cord

Hotel architects and designers in the 1970s clearly didn’t predict we’d ever live in such a wired world. But you can still stay in a retro boutique hotel and keep your phone plugged in by your bedside — simply bring along an extra-long phone cord in case your room has inconveniently placed outlets. Speaking of charging, it’s also worth bringing along a portable battery so you can spend an entire day sightseeing — and snapping photos — without worrying about that pesky battery percentage.

3. Call your service provider before you leave

Before hopping aboard your flight and saying sayonara to the states, give your service provider a quick call to ensure your service plan is compatible with international travel. Inquire about global roaming plans, international calling and data rates. Enrolling in a global Pay-As-You-Go plan with U.S. Cellular is one of the easiest ways to ensure you’ll be able to use data and messaging services on an as-needed basis in dozens of countries around the world.

4. Navigate like a pro with offline maps

Did you know you can download maps for offline use in advance of your travels? This nifty trick can save you some serious headaches if you’re planning to go off-grid but still need some help wayfinding. (Not to mention, it’s a data-efficient way to navigate!) Simply star your hotel or home base and other destinations you know you’ll want to visit, download your maps and voila — your maps will be available, even if cell service or Wi-Fi isn’t.

5. Turn your phone on and off whenever you border-hop

Whether you’re driving, flying or traveling by sea, make sure to power cycle your phone whenever you enter new international territory. This ensures your phone registers with the proper service provider and has access to the strongest available service. 

Keep your journey seamless and your phone bill fair when you sign up for an international plan with U.S. Cellular. Learn more about staying connected while you travel abroad by visiting connected.uscellular.com.

Members of the editorial and news staff of Paste BN Network were not involved in the creation of this content.