Staying Connected Abroad: Navigating Smartphone and Internet Use

Communications Considerations for International Travelers and Expats

By Volker Poelzl
Resources updated 6/12/2023 by TransitionsAbroad.com

How to best use your smartphone overseas.

In today's digital age, connecting to the web with high-speed, instant access to information has become an integral part of daily life for millions worldwide. Mobile internet users are skyrocketing, projected to reach over 4,000,000 million worldwide in 2023 and continue to grow. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), mobile web access via laptops and smartphones easily exceeds desktop web access.

We've come to rely on fast wireless connectivity thanks to broadband internet, 4G/5G networks, and widespread Wi-Fi availability in public areas. It's all part of our daily routine, from checking stocks and online banking to watching TV shows/Youtube/Streaming and socializing on networking sites. Smartphones have made currency conversion, weather updates, GPS navigation, foreign language assistance, and travel information accessible with a finger or voice command.

Bringing Your Smartphone Abroad:

• Most modern smartphones are compatible with the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) standard, ensuring usability worldwide
  
  
• Ensure your older phone is a GSM model with multiple frequencies in order to work abroad, especially important for digital nomads
  
  
• Beware of phones locked by your home service provider; unlocking can be done through your provider or a third-party service for a fee
  
  
• Unlocked phones may not support all features of your new provider or vice versa

Understanding Data Networks:

• Access to 4G/5G data networks is typical in most cities worldwide, but rural areas may need more coverage
  
  
• Research data network availability if planning a longer stay; Wi-Fi can be a backup in areas with no data network coverage
  

Evaluating Data Plans:

• Continuing your U.S. or your country's cell phone plan abroad beyond a vew days can become costly
  
  
• International plans from your provider are available, but you must read the fine print on data roaming charges to avoid unpleasant surprises
  
  
• Charges vary by provider and country, with some offering pricing according to your data usage while other offer fixed monthly data limits
  
  
• Consider suspending your home account and opting for a local provider while abroad to avoid hefty international charges
  
  
• Disable email and automatic roaming functions to prevent unwanted data and roaming charges
  
  
• Seek out free or affordable Wi-Fi for web access to avoid international roaming fees. If you use WiFi, you should not be charged for your data usage

App and Feature Compatibility:

• Smartphone features like push email, texting, and three-way calls generally work overseas
  
  
• Some apps may not function abroad, especially those specific to certain regions or countries
  
  
• Web-based apps require data network access, while fully downloaded some apps like phrasebooks and downloaded maps work offline
  
  
• Contact app developers to inquire about versions suitable for your destination
  
  
• Be aware of potential app limitations due to international copyright and royalty issues

Whether you're an expat or a traveler, understanding your smartphone's functionality and app availability abroad is critical to staying connected without spending a fortune. Consider these concerns before you take off on your next international journey.

Volker Poelzl is a Living Abroad Contributing Editor for Transitions Abroad. He has traveled in over forty countries worldwide and has lived in ten of them for study, research, and work.