What should I do when travel internationally with iPhone?

Traveling abroad for holidays is a highly anticipated event for many people. In today’s digital age, having a smartphone has become crucial for travelers. From booking plane tickets and accommodation to finding directions and checking the weather, smartphones have become an essential tool for travelers. 

Among smartphones, the iPhone is one of the most widely used and loved devices, especially by those who enjoy taking aesthetic pictures. However, travel internationally with iPhone requires some preparation to ensure a smooth and safe experience. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on what you should do with your iPhone when traveling internationally.

What should I do for travel internationally with iPhone?

Before you leave for your trip, it is essential to take some steps to ensure that you can use your iPhone safely and conveniently while abroad. Here is a list of actions that you should consider doing:

For using iPhone abroad securely

1. Check iOS, apps, browsers are up to date & Backed up all data & Empty storage
   Before traveling internationally, make sure to update your iOS, Apps, and Browsers to ensure the best performance and security of your device.
   You can check and update the iOS version by going to [Settings] – [General] – [Software Update]. To update your apps, go to [App store] – [Updates] and select the apps that you need to update. It is also essential to backup all your data to avoid losing any important information during your trip. Additionally, freeing up storage space on your device will help prevent performance issues. You can free up some spaces by deleting apps that you don’t use or backuping pictures to clouds or external storages. To check your iPhone’s storage, go to [Settings] – [General] – [iPhone Storage]. By checking and emptying the storage, you surely prevent the full-storage caution message, especially if you love to take pictures abroad.
   
2. Learn about data roaming & how to prevent unintentional roaming charges
   Data roaming allows your iPhone to connect to a mobile network with your domestic carrier line while abroad, but it can also result in high roaming charges. To prevent unintentional roaming charges, it is best to turn off data roaming and use Wi-Fi hotspots or a local SIM card instead. You can go to [Settings] – [Cellular], choose your domestic line and then toggle off the [Data roaming].
   Also if you are using dual SIM and want to avoid unintentional cellular line switching, please go to [Settings] – [Cellular]– [Cellular Data] and make sure that you select “Secondary line” for cellular data and then toggle off [Allow Cellular Data Switching]. It is recommended to purchase a data roaming plan before you leave, which can be an affordable option for short trips.
   
3. Turn off useless notifications and cellular data usage to save your data
   When traveling internationally, it is crucial to save data usage to avoid unexpected data charges. Turning off notifications and disabling cellular data usage for apps that you do not need will help save your data. You can also turn on Wi-Fi assist to automatically switch to Wi-Fi when a mobile network is weak.
   You can go to [Settings] – [Notification] to manage all your app’s notification options. Also you can go to [Settings] – [Cellular] and then scroll down to control cellular data usage of all applications on your iPhone. If you don’t want to use a certain app with your cellular data while traveling abroad, you can turn off the toggle next to the application’s name to avoid using cellular data with the app.
   
4. Set “Find My iPhone feature” and learn how to use it
   The Find My iPhone feature is a useful tool that helps you locate your device if it is lost or stolen. Before leaving for your trip, make sure to set up this feature and learn how to use it. To use this iPhone-only feature, connect your Apple ID to your device first. Then, go to [Settings] and click your name at the top, and click [Find My]. By tapping and turning on [Find My iPhone], you can enable Find My iPhone feature. Under [Find My iPhone], you can also turn on [Find My network] in case your iPhone is offline and [Send Last Location] in case your iPhone battery is barely left. If you have another iOS device, consider connecting them with your iPhone just in case you need to find your device easily when you lose it.
   
5. Update Multi-Factor Authentication Steps
   To prevent unauthorized access to your device, it is crucial to update your Multi-Factor Authentication steps before leaving for your trip. For instance, using your backup email and OTP via phone number for logging in will greatly help you to protect your accounts safely. This will help ensure that only you can access your device and its data.
   
6. Make note of a list of emergency contacts
   Before traveling abroad, make a list of emergency contacts that you can reach out to in case of an emergency. It is essential to include your home country’s embassy or consulate’s contact information and your emergency contacts’ phone numbers. Also, be sure to save address and contact information of your accommodation, in case you need help from them while traveling. Since accommodation can be greatly helpful for you during travel, such as recommendation or finding a route, making a note ahead about contact information might be useful. 

For using iPhone abroad conveniently

In addition to securing and saving data usage on your iPhone, you may also want to use your device conveniently while traveling abroad. Here are some tips to help you use your iPhone conveniently while abroad:

1. Check if your iPhone is unlocked
   To use data abroad, it is necessary to have an unlocked iPhone. Some carriers might lock your phone to avoid using another network carrier other than their own. If your device is locked (not unlocked), you can contact your carrier to request an unlock. Alternatively, you can purchase a new iPhone that is unlocked or ask your domestic carrier to unlock it. To check if your iPhone is unlocked, go to [Settings] – [General] – [About] and scroll down to see if you can see  “No SIM restrictions.” Once your iPhone is unlocked, you can use a local SIM card or eSIM from providers like eSIM USA to access data abroad.
   
2. Utilize your international travel plans
   There are various options available for accessing data while traveling abroad, including purchasing a local SIM card, using Wi-Fi hotspots, or using a data roaming plan from your carrier. However, using eSIM from providers like eSIM USA can be a more affordable and convenient option for staying connected while abroad. eSIMs can be easily purchased and activated online, and you can use them in multiple countries without having to switch SIM cards. By using eSIM, you can avoid the hassle of purchasing a local SIM card or relying on Wi-Fi hotspots.
   By following these tips, you can use your iPhone conveniently and affordably while traveling abroad. Whether you need to access data for work or stay connected with friends and family, having a reliable and convenient way to use your iPhone internationally can make all the difference in your travels.

For using iPhone abroad entertainingly

Apart from using your iPhone for essential tasks, you can also use it for entertainment while traveling abroad. Here are some things you can do to keep yourself entertained during your trip:

1. Learn how to use Facetime and iMessage with data
   Facetime and iMessage are two of the most popular features of the iPhone. To use these features while traveling abroad, make sure to enable them with data. You can also use messaging apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger to communicate with your friends and family back home.
   
2. Download necessary Apps (Maps, Taxi, Delivery etc.) and be familiar with WiFi-based Apps
   Before leaving for your trip, make sure to download necessary apps like Maps, Taxi, Delivery, and Translation apps that can be helpful while traveling abroad. Also, most maps will let you use it by downloading certain areas or places while staying in offline mode. So if you want to save your data, be prepared by downloading locations and places to use it offline. Additionally, be familiar with Wi-Fi-based apps that can be used offline to avoid using data.
   
3. Pre-download your favorite music, shows, or movies
   Especially if you have a long flight or layover, pre-downloading your favorite music, shows, or movies can be a great way to stay entertained while traveling abroad. You can use apps like Apple Music, Netflix, or Amazon Prime Video to download your favorite content for offline viewing.

Final Thoughts

Being prepared ahead of time can make all the difference when using your iPhone internationally. Taking the necessary steps to secure your device, save data usage, and unlock your iPhone will help you have a smooth and safe experience while traveling abroad. Additionally, using eSIM from providers like eSIM USA can be an affordable and convenient option for staying connected while abroad. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can have a worry-free experience using your iPhone internationally, and enjoy all that your destination has to offer.