The last question before I head off abroad is always, can I still use my phone data? Because the thought of trying to navigate the streets of Barcelona or Amsterdam without live navigation, or using WhatsApp to contact my co-traveller, is always a concern – particularly for someone who is hopeless with directions.
There are several options available for using your mobile phone abroad, including eSIMs that can be purchased on arrival at the airport or as an add-on from your mobile phone provider. While these allow us to comfortably use our phones abroad as we would at home, they can be expensive.
On the search for an easy way to switch my phone from UK use to overseas, I was told about the app Airalo. I’ve found it often works out cheaper for me than buying an eSIM at the airport, or through my phone’s network. There are plenty of other apps available that provide a similar service. Saily, Roamless, and Holafly are other apps that my friends have used; whatever one you go for, we all agree it’s well worth looking at options and downloading one before you arrive at your destination.
The first time I used an app like this was during a trip to Florida in the US, and all I had to do was download the app, select the country I would be travelling to, and choose what package best suited my needs. For just £3.50, I could get 1GB to use across three days, or 5GB for £10.50 to use for a full week.
I’ve often chosen my data after arriving at my destination. However, you can buy it before you catch your flight and set it up once you’ve landed.
Since that first day of trying the app, I’ve used it on trips to the United Arab Emirates, Spain and Japan – making travelling and navigation even easier! Not to mention, the ease of topping up the data if I ever find myself running low.
Of course, it’s also worth checking your contract; some providers will let you use your data for free when you’re abroad, but check what you have left if it’s not unlimited, and what realistically you might use while away. If you’re not sure, turn off your data roaming and stick to connecting to the Wi-Fi while you’re away to avoid any horrible surprises when you get your phone bill at the end of the month.
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This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
