The Dos and Don'ts of Using Your Phone Abroad - Allsim shop

The Dos and Don'ts of Using Your Phone Abroad

✈️ The Dos and Don'ts of Using Your Phone Abroad

Pre-Departure Prep | What to Do | What Not to Do | Money-Saving Tips

When traveling abroad, your phone is an essential tool. However, improper use can lead to high fees, network issues, or security risks.

This guide provides detailed advice on using your phone abroad, helping you avoid common mistakes, save money, and stay securely connected.

📑 Quick Navigation

📋 Pre-Departure Essentials

✅ 1. Check if Your Phone is Unlocked

Why it matters: Only unlocked phones can use other carriers' SIM cards or eSIM.

How to check:

  • iPhone: Settings → General → About → Check "Carrier Lock"
  • Android: Settings → About Phone → SIM Card Status
  • Or contact your carrier to confirm

If locked: Contact your carrier to request unlocking, usually requires meeting contract terms.

✅ 2. Understand International Roaming Fees

Important reminder: International roaming fees can be extremely high!

What to do:

  • Contact carrier about roaming rates
  • Ask about international roaming packages
  • Understand daily fee caps
  • Save customer service number for emergencies

Common fees:

  • Data roaming: Can cost tens of dollars per MB
  • Receiving calls: Several dollars per minute
  • Sending texts: Several dollars each

✅ 3. Back Up Important Data

Back up before departure:

  • Photos and videos
  • Contacts
  • Important documents
  • App data

Backup methods:

  • iCloud or Google Cloud
  • Computer local backup
  • External hard drive

✅ 4. Download Necessary Offline Content

Download in advance:

  • Google Maps offline maps
  • Translation app offline language packs
  • Travel guides
  • Music and podcasts
  • Movies and TV shows (for long flights)

✅ 5. Prepare Network Solution

Recommended options:

💡 We offer two solutions:
📱 eSIM Plans - For solo travelers using phone only
📡 SOLIS GO - For family travel and multiple devices

✅ The Dos

✅ DO: Turn Off Data Roaming

How to:

  • iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Data Roaming → Off
  • Android: Settings → Network → Mobile Network → Data Roaming → Off

Why: Prevents phone from auto-connecting to carrier networks and incurring high fees.

Exception: If you purchased reasonable roaming package or using eSIM, you can enable it.

✅ DO: Use VPN on WiFi

Why it matters: Public WiFi is insecure and vulnerable to data theft.

What to do:

  • Use reliable VPN service
  • Avoid banking on public WiFi
  • Don't enter sensitive information

Better option: Use SOLIS GO private WiFi, secure without VPN.

✅ DO: Enable Airplane Mode + WiFi

Money-saving trick:

  • Turn on Airplane Mode
  • Then separately enable WiFi
  • Use WiFi without roaming charges

Use cases: Hotels, cafes, airports with WiFi.

✅ DO: Use Internet Calling and Messaging Apps

Recommended apps:

  • WhatsApp, WeChat - Free messaging and calls
  • Skype, FaceTime - Video calls
  • Telegram - Secure messaging

Advantage: Only uses data, no call charges.

✅ DO: Monitor Data Usage

How to monitor:

  • iPhone: Settings → Cellular → View Usage
  • Android: Settings → Network → Data Usage
  • Use carrier app to check

Set alerts: Get notified when reaching certain usage.

✅ DO: Screenshot Important Information

Save screenshots of:

  • Hotel booking confirmations
  • Flight information
  • Emergency contact numbers
  • Insurance information
  • Important addresses

Why: Accessible even without internet.

❌ The Don'ts

❌ DON'T: Allow Automatic Updates

Risk: App and system auto-updates consume massive data.

What to do:

  • Disable auto-updates
  • Only update manually on WiFi
  • Or update when using SOLIS GO

❌ DON'T: Use Unencrypted Public WiFi for Sensitive Operations

Dangerous activities:

  • Online banking
  • Entering credit card info
  • Logging into important accounts
  • Accessing work email

Why: Hackers may steal your information.

Solution: Use SOLIS GO private network, safe and reliable.

❌ DON'T: Ignore Phone Security Settings

Must do:

  • Set strong password or biometric
  • Enable "Find My Phone"
  • Don't display password in public
  • Don't lend phone to strangers

❌ DON'T: Connect to Every Free WiFi You See

Risks:

  • Malicious WiFi hotspots
  • Data theft
  • Malware infection

How to identify:

  • Confirm WiFi name is official
  • Ask staff for correct WiFi name
  • Avoid password-free WiFi

❌ DON'T: Use Roaming Without Confirming Fees

Common mistakes:

  • Assuming roaming "won't be too expensive"
  • Not turning off data roaming
  • Letting apps use background data

Consequence: Shocking bill when you return home!

❌ DON'T: Forget to Disable Background App Refresh

How to disable:

  • iPhone: Settings → General → Background App Refresh → Off
  • Android: Settings → Apps → Restrict Background Data

Why: Background apps secretly consume data.

❌ DON'T: Use Streaming Services (Unless Unlimited Data)

High-data apps:

  • Netflix, YouTube - Video streaming
  • Spotify, Apple Music - Music streaming
  • Social media auto-play videos

Recommendation: Download offline content in advance.

💰 Money-Saving Tips

Tip 1: Combine Free WiFi + SOLIS GO

  • Use free WiFi at hotels, cafes
  • Use SOLIS GO outdoors and while moving
  • Avoid unsafe public WiFi
Tip 2: Compress Data Usage

  • Use Chrome data saver mode
  • Lower video quality
  • Disable auto-load images
  • Use lite versions of apps
Tip 3: Utilize Hotel and Restaurant WiFi

  • Use WiFi when back at hotel
  • Connect to WiFi while dining
  • Airport lounge WiFi
  • But stay secure!
Tip 4: Choose Right Network Solution

Cost comparison:

  • International roaming: Most expensive, not recommended
  • Local SIM card: Medium cost, requires purchase and setup
  • eSIM: Medium cost, requires compatible device - View eSIM Plans
  • SOLIS GO: Most economical long-term, most convenient - Learn More

🔒 Security Advice

Protect Personal Information

  • Don't access bank accounts on public WiFi
  • Use two-factor authentication
  • Change passwords regularly
  • Don't save credit card info in browser
Prevent Phone Loss

  • Enable "Find My Phone"
  • Set SIM card PIN
  • Back up important data
  • Record phone IMEI number
  • Purchase travel insurance
Avoid Scams

  • Don't click suspicious links
  • Don't download apps from unknown sources
  • Beware of phishing texts and emails
  • Don't connect to strangers' Bluetooth

✅ Best Solution: SOLIS GO Pocket WiFi

🌟 Why SOLIS GO is the Best Choice for Using Your Phone Abroad?

1. Avoid All Roaming Fees

  • Don't use carrier roaming
  • No worry about shocking bills
  • Transparent, controllable costs

2. Private Secure Network

  • No need for unsafe public WiFi
  • WPA2 encryption protection
  • Secure without VPN

3. Multi-Device Sharing

  • 5 devices simultaneously
  • Phone, laptop, tablet all work
  • Whole family shares one device

4. Global 140+ Countries

  • One device worldwide
  • Auto network switching
  • No repurchase each time

5. Simple to Use

  • Power on and use, 3-second connection
  • No complex setup
  • Seniors and kids can use

6. Doesn't Drain Phone Battery

  • Independent battery power
  • 12-16 hour battery life
  • Can charge phones

7. Lifetime Free Data

  • 1GB free monthly
  • Most economical long-term
  • Sufficient for light use

📱 Travel Phone Checklist

Before Departure (1 week ahead)

  • □ Check if phone is unlocked
  • □ Understand roaming fees
  • □ Back up all data
  • □ Download offline maps and content
  • □ Purchase SOLIS GO device or eSIM plan
  • □ Buy destination data plan
  • □ Fully charge SOLIS GO (if applicable)
Departure Day

  • □ Turn off data roaming
  • □ Disable auto-updates
  • □ Disable background refresh
  • □ Bring SOLIS GO (if applicable)
  • □ Bring charger and adapter
  • □ Screenshot important info
Upon Arrival

  • □ Turn on SOLIS GO or activate eSIM
  • □ Connect phone to network
  • □ Test network connection
  • □ Contact family
  • □ Confirm data roaming still off
During Travel

  • □ Only use SOLIS GO, eSIM, or secure WiFi
  • □ Monitor data usage
  • □ Regularly back up photos
  • □ Keep phone secure
  • □ Avoid sensitive operations on public WiFi
After Return

  • □ Check carrier bill
  • □ Confirm no unexpected charges
  • □ Restore normal settings
  • □ Prepare for next trip

🚀 Make Using Your Phone Abroad Simpler, Safer, and Cheaper

We offer two premium network solutions

Choose based on your needs:

📱 eSIM Plans - For solo travelers using phone only
✅ Instant activation, no waiting
✅ Travel light, no extra device
View eSIM Plans →

📡 SOLIS GO Pocket WiFi - For family travel and multi-device users
✅ 5 devices share
✅ Lifetime 1GB free monthly
✅ Works in 140+ countries
Learn About SOLIS GO →

💬 Contact: info@allsim.shop

💡 Final Reminder: The most important aspects of using your phone abroad are proper preparation and choosing the right network solution. Follow this guide's advice, choose the eSIM or SOLIS GO solution that fits you, and you'll avoid high fees, stay securely connected, and make your travel smoother and more enjoyable!

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