Making calls or using data services outside your mobile carrier’s coverage area can be very expensive. Smartphone users should be extra careful when traveling: automatic data syncing and third-party apps running in the background can result in huge data roaming charges. Follow the steps below to prevent this from happening to you.
5 tips for using your phone internationally (and avoiding roaming charges)
Keep in mind that data roaming charges may apply even if you’re traveling domestically. If you’re not leaving the country, you might think you’re safe from roaming charges. However, in some cases, you may still incur roaming charges; for example, U.S. carriers may charge you roaming charges if you travel to Alaska and there are no cell towers.
Another example: Cruise ships use their own cellular antennas, so your cell phone provider may charge you up to $5 per minute for voice/data usage on board.
Contacting your service provider or researching their roaming policies online is essential, as fees and policies vary. You’ll also want to confirm that your phone will work at your final destination before you travel, and that your plan has the proper features for international roaming, if applicable.
