Traveling can be exciting, especially visiting new countries, learning and experiencing their cultures, and finding unforgettable new experiences.   But one thing that can quickly ruin the post-trip high is a surprise cellphone bill.   Several years ago, my wife and I took a cruise.   We figured since we did not have cell coverage on the ship, we did not need to worry about our plan.   We knew we would be charged per day in each country we traveled to, but did not know that the ship itself had a cellphone service.   Our bill later that month was five times what it normally is.   To say the least, we were shocked.   International roaming charges can add up fast if you don’t plan ahead.   Before you leave the United States, here are the key cellphone charge considerations every traveler should keep in mind.  

Make sure you Understand Your Carrier’s International Policy
Not all cellphone plans are created equal when it comes to international travel.   Some U.S. carriers include free or discounted roaming in certain countries, while others charge daily fees or per-minute rates.   Check whether your plan offers international day passes, pay-as-you-go rates, or limited free data.  Even a “small” daily charge can add up over a two-week trip.

Know What Activities Cost the Most
Data usage is usually the biggest culprit behind high international charges.  Streaming video, uploading photos, video calls, and using GPS navigation all consume significant data.  Voice calls and SMS texts can also carry extra fees depending on your plan.  Messaging apps that use data instead of SMS can be cheaper—but only if your data plan supports it affordably.

Wi-Fi Is Your Best Friend
Hotels, airports, cafés, and cruise terminals often provide free Wi-Fi.  Connecting to Wi-Fi whenever possible can dramatically reduce your roaming costs.  Before your trip, download offline maps, boarding passes, and travel documents so know where and when you can surf the net, respond to emails, or whatever else you may have to do on your trip.  A good rule of thumb is to never rely on cellular data when Wi-Fi is not available.

Consider an International Plan or Add-On
If you plan to use your phone frequently, purchasing an international plan before you depart is often the safest option.  These plans typically offer a set amount of high-speed data, unlimited texting, and discounted calling.  They provide peace of mind by capping your daily or monthly costs.

SIM Cards and eSIMs Are Alternatives
Another option is buying a local SIM card or using an eSIM for the country or region you’re visiting.  This can be cheaper for longer trips, especially in Europe or Asia.  Just be sure your phone is unlocked and compatible.  Keep in mind that switching SIMs may temporarily change your phone number, which can affect two-factor authentication and banking alerts.

Turn Off What You Don’t Need
Background app refresh, cloud backups, and automatic updates can silently burn data.  Disable these features before you leave or restrict them to Wi-Fi only.  Also, turn off data roaming entirely if you only plan to use Wi-Fi.  This helps prevents accidental charges.  Personally, my wife and I ALWAYS put our phone in “Airplane Mode” when we get to the ship, and do not turn it off until we are on shore at our next port.  Recently, we traveled to Europe and took a Vacation by Rail from London to Rome.  On this trip we did not put our phone in “Airplane Mode” because we knew we would be charged a per day fee as we entered each country.

Cruise Ships and Border Zones Are Tricky
Cruise ship cellular networks and border areas can be especially expensive.  (no kidding!)  Like I said, the one time we did not put our phones on Airplane Mode, our phone bill was through the roof.  This is because ships use satellite networks that are rarely included in standard international plans.  Always switch to Airplane Mode at sea and rely on ship Wi-Fi instead. (We always upgrade to the best Wi-Fi available.

Check Your Usage Daily
Most carriers allow you to monitor your international usage through their app or website.  Checking daily helps you catch issues early instead of after you return home.

A little planning goes a long way.  By understanding your cellphone plan and adjusting your habits, you can stay connected abroad without bringing home a shocking bill along with your souvenirs.