The Inexpensive way to use your iPhone Overseas
There is no debating it. iPhones (and smart phones generally) are fantastic. Gigantic phone bills because of data roaming charges overseas however, are definitely not. How are the best ways to avoid the nasty charges? Read on to discover the inexpensive way to use your iPhone overseas.
What sort of trip have you planned?
Firstly, it is important to recognise that there are differences in how you will use your iPhone overseas, depending on the type of trip you have planned.
Holidaymakers
Tourists on holiday and any other people on short trips are most likely to avoid all the hassle of getting a local SIM card and continue to use their SIM card from home. It is still possible to keep costs down by following the general rules outlined below.
Long-term Travellers
If you are going to stay overseas for a while you are probably best off getting a local SIM card for wherever you are. If you are visiting several countries you may find an international SIM card useful.
Backpackers
Frequently on the move by nature, backpackers face a real dilemma when it comes to overseas phone usage. Fortunately this no longer means a need to decide between swallowing enormous roaming charges and starting a fascinating collection of foreign SIM cards. International SIM cards are now available and at reasonable prices. Check out OneSim for some good offers here.
General Rules to apply Overseas
1. Unlock your iPhone
Firstly, if you are going to replace your normal SIM whilst abroad, make sure your iPhone is unlocked before you go. If you have been with your provider for longer than the initial contract this normally only takes a phonecall to your provider. If you haven’t there are various online programs available to unlock iPhones too.
2. Turn off your data-roaming.
Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘General’ > ‘Network’ > ‘Data Roaming’ and make sure it is turned OFF. This is where the really painful costs come from. Whilst abroad, seek out wi-fi hotspots and surf the internet for free using the wi-fi. There is a handy app called ‘Free Wi-Fi’ which I mentioned in my article Top 10 Free Apps to download before you go. Once you know you are in a wi-fi area, go into ‘Settings’ then ‘Wi-Fi’ and select a network. Many cafes and bars now have wi-fi. You may sometimes need to ask staff for a password to use their wi-fi. Here’s a handy hint: McDonalds restaurants have free wi-fi.
3. Install a VOIP
There may be times overseas when calling from your phone is essential, but if you can, try to save your calls for moments during your trip when you have free Wi-Fi. You can use VOIP (voice over internet protocol) to call landline phones and people who do not use VOIP if you have put credit on your account. You can also use it to call other VOIP users for free. There are several VOIP providers.
4. Deactivate auto-refresh on data-hungry apps
If you must use data-roaming whilst overseas, try to be aware of how data-hungry the apps you use are and stick to the less greedy ones. Hint: Apps incorporating images always use more data. Facebook is a popular but greedy one.
So there you have it, some simple tips to keep in mind whilst using your iPhone overseas, which should help protect you from an enormous phone bill greeting you when you get home. Do you have further tips on the inexpensive use of iPhones overseas? Please share them in the comments below.
This post contains affiliate links.If you wish to purchase an Apple iPhone
41 Comments
Vi@
Just make sure to back up all your contacts before unlocking your iphone.
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Liv
Wise words. Thanks Vi!
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Brad Benner
Sadly the iPhone carrier in the US, AT&T won’t unlock phones even when they’re out of contract (which isn’t even their standard practice with other phones). So frustrating!
I tried both jailbreaking and unlocking my iPhone but firmware version of one of the components is preventing it from being unlocked (I was able to jail break the phone). For now, I’ll use an old GSM Windows Mobile phone with a German SIM card for local calling and texting.
I also purchased an international data roaming package from AT&T which allows me to use 50 MB of data for about $50/month. It’s expensive, but at least I can use the Maps app for directions, which is helpful when I’m traveling.
I’ve posted a few articles on using the iPhone while traveling that you all may find helpful:
12 iPhone Travel Apps: http://www.howtotraveler.com/2011/05/twelve-iphon…
How to use Skype to forward calls to a local mobile phone: http://www.howtotraveler.com/2011/04/receiving-ca…
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JohnW
using Maps is very data intense. 50Meg will go nowhere. I went overseas for 2 weeks, using mainly WiFi and maps and used 300Megs, with a $4500 phone bill ($15/Meg)
Liv
Thanks for the warning John. Sorry to hear about your bill…
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Liv
Thanks for that Brad. I love reading articles like this as you almost always discover a new app!
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Roy
Great post! I usually go to McDonals or Starbucks. You know what helps instead of VOIP… Have a simple second phone like an old Nokia with an international SIM. I have one cause I can’t unlock my iPhone yet and it’s really useful!
Fortunately in large cities free Wi-Fi is never too far away 🙂
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Maggie
When you use McDonalds overseas, do you have to turn the data roaming back on, whilst using their WIFI.
Liv
Hi Maggie – no, you just need to connect to their wi-fi when you’re in a branch.
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Liv
Hi Roy – Thanks! Yes International SIM cards are very handy, as is the free wi-fi in McDonalds!
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Kris
We usually cache local copies of Frommers walking tours, restaurant reviews, maps, etc. using Instapaper. Sync it up before leaving the hotel using WiFi, then you can avoid costly data fees and still get access to useful content while walking around.
Nice summary!
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Liv
That’s a great tip Kris – a bit of preparation can be so helpful, can’t it? Thanks for sharing!
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Flights to Mumbai
Traveling forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things – air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky – all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it.
Liv
Hi there – I think that’s why it is all such a big adventure!
sue
Dont answer the phone as if someone calls you from home you pay for the call at international rates! Beware
Liv
Hi Sue – that’s a good point. Though I suspect your attitude depends who is calling!
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Liv
Thanks!
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kevinporter618
I formerly would work for a site where I mostly screened the business voip telephone systems. It was an equitably enthralling work.
Liv
Hi Kevin – that’s great. Thanks for popping by.
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Zebra 220Xi4
I appreciate spending some time to talk about that, I believe firmly regarding this and so really enjoy understanding more about this kind of subject. Keep up the good.
Liv
Hi Zebra – Glad to be able to help!
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Peterson
Nice tips for those travelling overseas. I will for sure use some of them in my next trip overseas. Thanks for sharing.
marine speaker
Liv
Hi Peterson – Thanks for popping by. I’m glad to have been able to help.
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Dexter Bosque
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Liv
Hi Dexter – Glad to have been able to help!
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electricians perth
Thanks for giving out helpful tips to get most out from the “iphone Safari”. I’m glad to learn these tips. Since beginning of my iphone based use I’m using Safari for internet browsing and really enjoying its user-friendly and fast performance.
Liv
Hi there – glad to be able to help!
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Frank
You are exactly right, I did not even know that we could get a local SIM card. Will keep this in mind the next time we travel.
Liv
Hi Frank, glad to be able to help!
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Mobile apps
I’ve some knowledge about the iphone and I’ve used a iphone for the more than 3 years of time. But this time I’ve seen a difference look to me about the iPhone Overseas. Which is able to makes me more knowledgeable about the iphone use.
Liv
Hi there – I’m glad to have been able to help. Thanks for popping by.
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Traffic-Blackbook
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ScreenProtector
I like the helpful info you provide on iphone in your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I am quite certain I will learn many new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!
meena
good idea.
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A big thank you, it saved me some good money.
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johnfellajohnfellaz2014
I frequently visit many countries and this post helped me lot and helped me to use my iphone overseas
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SAwde
Part of my business is assisting foreign students with finding quality accommodations for their study term abroad in France. One of the most frequently asked questions from my students is what is the most economic and easily accessible way of obtaining a cell phone for their study term abroad? Any insights or comments would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers,
Sarah Awde
Allô Student Rentals
Liv
Hi Sarah, If your students want to use their mobile phones inexpensively while abroad I would recommend buying a local SIM card when they arrive. An easier option, if they want to be able to provide friends and family with their contact number ahead of departing would be to get a OneSim card which means they keep one number and enjoy reduced call / sms rates. Here’s a link – http://www.onesimcard.com/?60631
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That is also an awesome way to use iPhone Overseas as well! I’ll follow these four option. Just a quick note to tell you that I have a passion for the topic “iphone based article” at hand. Thanks for this great allocation……..