Mobile phones
Photo: Ilya Plekhanov, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Mobile phones are indispensable tools for keeping in touch while travelling. Given advancements in technology, in addition to providing phone service they also allow you to capture and share moments from your trips as well as help you find information about places whilst on the move, and research, book and pay for accommodation, transport, and activities.
Mobile phone basicsThe main ways you can use a cell phone while travelling overseas include:
UsageA mobile phone is useful in normal condition. You ordinarily are able to use your smartphone as at home, with caveats of compatibility, network coverage and costs.
Bring your phoneThe beautiful thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from.
Renting or purchasing a phone abroadYou might want to use a separate phone to use with a local SIM, because your phone does not support the local network, because you want to continue to use your domestic number, or because you want to use a cheaper phone…
Satellite phonesIn remote locations, without cell phone coverage, a satellite phone may be your only option.
Purchasing a USB chargerIn response to EU pressure, mobile device makers have been migrating to +5V USB as a standard connection for recharging handsets.
Information by regionPlease see the Contact section of the destination country article for information on communications specific to one country.
Help pageIf you need help for using a specific phone, e.g. for an Apple, Samsung or Huawei phone, you may visit:
Stay safeIf you depend on your smartphone for maps, tickets and money, make sure you have a way to charge on the go. Always back up your phone, preferably to the cloud, so your contacts and log-in information are safe.
RespectWhen taking pictures, everything on taking pictures in general applies. In addition to privacy issues, taking photos can cause disruption, especially on serene occasions.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Mobile phones" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Ilya Plekhanov, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons