Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

While you are traveling abroad, the thing that you should avoid the most is heavy data roaming charges. Since it has become essential to stay connected to the internet, data roaming is the most expensive way to stay connected to the internet while traveling abroad. There are other options available by which you can limit data roaming costs while traveling overseas or completely get rid of them. Here are some tips for you to get rid of data roaming charges while traveling abroad.

Disable data roaming

The first thing that you have to do is disable data roaming from your smartphone entirely so that you don’t have to worry about the charges at all. Disabling data roaming prevents your smartphone from accessing the internet on a foreign network and helps you save from hefty data roaming charges. To disable data roaming, just go to the Network and Internet settings of your smartphone and disable Data Roaming from there.

Opt for a local network provider SIM card

Now that you have disabled data roaming, the next thing that you should do is opt for a local network provider in the country that you are visiting. For instance, if you are visiting Dubai or UAE, you should consider getting a SIM card from a local network provider such as Etisalat. The benefit of getting a SIM card from a local network provider in the country that you are visiting is that you can get high-speed internet as long as you are in that country without having to worry about hefty data roaming charges.

Buy an eSIM

If you are traveling to more than one country, then opting for an eSim is a better option. An eSIM lets you connect to a local network in the country that you are visiting such as Du in Dubai without having to even change your physical SIM card. You can buy an eSIM depending on the country that you are visiting or the region that you are visiting such as the Middle East, Europe, and North America. The benefit of buying a regional subscription of an eSIM is that it will let you connect to the local networks in that region without any roaming charges or anything else.

Use public WiFi

Apart from these options, you also have the option to make use of the public WiFi networks and hotspots available. Connecting to public WiFi networks in places like airports, hotels, cafes, and public places will reduce your reliance on mobile data and allow you to save on data roaming charges. Even if you are using data roaming, you should still consider using public WiFi to save on data roaming charges. The only thing that you should be careful about while on public WiFi networks is security. There are some security risks associated with a public WiFi network but using a VPN takes care of it by encrypting your network and securing it.

Activate low data mode or data saver mode

Activating low data mode or data saver mode can also help you save on data roaming charges, as these features can effectively reduce your data consumption. On iPhone, you can visit Settings > Mobile Service to Enable Low Data Mode while on Android you can go to Settings > Network and Internet and Enable Data Saver mode.

Use messaging apps to make and receive calls

Whenever you need to make and receive calls, use messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facetime. Using these apps will only use your internet data without any extra voice roaming charges. Relying on messaging apps is a great way to stay in touch with your loved ones without any extra voice-roaming charges. CAM/Expat Media
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