Traveling abroad can be a great experience, as it allows you to explore new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. For most people, staying connected on the go is important for various reasons including keeping in touch with loved ones, navigating unfamiliar areas, and sharing your adventures on social media. However, most travelers fall into the trap of data roaming charges, which can turn a wonderful trip into a financial burden. If you want to stay connected while traveling without breaking the bank, then here are some ways by which you can reduce data roaming charges abroad.
1. Buy a Local SIM Card
One of the most cost-effective ways to stay connected abroad and reduce data roaming charges is by getting a local SIM. This is the best option available to access the internet on the go and reduce your data costs because the data costs of a local SIM card are much lower than the international roaming charges charged by your home network provider.
With a local SIM card, you can access the internet on the go with better coverage and speed without much hassle. Obtaining a local SIM card is a simple process and you can purchase one at various locations including airports, online, and local shops. You will just have to provide identification, usually your passport. If you have a travel router available, you can also consider buying a data SIM card and setting it up through http://192.168.0.1 to use the internet and WiFi on the go on multiple devices.
2. Purchase an International Data Plan
Purchasing an international data plan from your carrier or network provider can help reduce data roaming costs substantially. Almost every carrier and network provider offers various international data plans that can not only provide convenience but also predictable costs. With the help of an international data plan, you can get coverage in multiple countries around the world, allowing you to stay connected to the internet without relying solely on WiFi or switching SIM cards all the time.
Before leaving for your trip, contact your mobile carrier to inquire about the various international data packages available. Look for plans that include data as well as voice and text messages. Make sure that you understand the terms and conditions of the international plan so that you don’t find yourself with any extra charges.
3. Use WiFi Whenever Possible
Another way to reduce data roaming charges abroad is by using WiFi whenever possible. Using WiFi can significantly cut down your data usage costs and you can get free WiFi in many places including hotels, cafes, restaurants, airports, and public spaces. If you still wish to use data roaming while abroad, then consider using WiFi for activities that are data-intensive such as streaming videos, downloading large files, and making video calls.
If you have a travel router available, then you can use it to access the WiFi on the go. Just head over to http://192.168.1.1 on your web browser, configure your WiFi network, and secure it. With the help of a travel router, you needn’t worry about the battery life of your phone or the WiFi network being unsecured.
4. Restrict Internet Usage
Restricting your internet time and usage can also help to reduce data roaming costs while abroad. Whenever you use internet roaming, then use the internet for essential things only and avoid endless scrolling on social media. Activate low data mode or data saver mode on your mobile device to effectively reduce data consumption. Disable app updates, OS updates, and background data to further reduce data usage.
In case you need to download a huge file or perform an internet-intensive activity, do it while you are on a WiFi network or before you leave for the trip.
