You have booked your trip to travel abroad and now the next thing that may cross your mind is staying connected while traveling. This blog post would tell you all you need to know about cell phones while traveling internationally.

You have several options when it comes to staying connected while traveling international. The first thing you have to figured out if you need to purchase an international calling plan from your cell phone carrier or not.

Now if your cell phone carrier is Sprint or T-Mobile then there is no need to purchase an international plan. Sprint and T-Mobile plans allow your phone to connect to the local network to where ever in the world you are traveling. Once you land and turn your cell phone on it will connect to the network available. You will be able to text and use WhatsApp like you were in the U.S. Now if you trying to upload that Instagram photo that is going to get you all them Likes and make your followers jealous now that will be a problem. The data is unlimited like in the U.S. but the speed is really slow. So you may have to wait until you get back to your hotel and use the WiFi to upload your pictures to your social media accounts. Also if you make any calls both plans charge around $0.25 per minute for calls.

If your cell phone carrier is AT&T or Verizon then you will need to purchase an international calling plan which can be expensive. I know from experience when AT&T was my cell phone carrier. The international plans work fine but they are expensive and you always end up going over the allotted data. If you don’t want to pay for an international calling plan then make sure your roaming is turn off and just use WiFi when available.

Another option if your cell phone is unlock, you can purchase a SIM card when you arrive to the country you are visiting. Just go to any telecom store or any place that sells SIM cards and buy a SIM card. Most SIM cards are prepaid so you will pay for what you think you might use. You will be able to use your cell phone but the only downside is that you will have a local number based on your location. Once you get your SIM card install in your phone text your family and friends and give them your new number because they will not be able to reach you by your U.S. cell phone number.

The last option is to buy a cheap phone when you arrive at your destination. This option is for those who really need to stay connected to people back home and none of the options mentioned works for you. I have personally never done this but you can find cell phones at any telecom store. The downside it will most likely be a no frills phone just for making and receiving calls and texts.

Now you know all you need to know about staying connected while you out exploring the world.

Have fun!