Using An Unlocked Phone Internationally

Traveling abroad is an exciting adventure that you’ll cherish for the rest of your life, but did you know that your current cell phone potentially may not work overseas? You wouldn’t want to get to your destination only to discover that your devices are incompatible with foreign local networks or pile up excessive roaming charges. Luckily, there is a solution: buy an unlocked phone.

Whether you’re strolling the sands of a Costa del Sol beach or riding the train through the rolling hills of Tuscany, you’re going to need to know how to use your phone internationally. Join us as we explore unlocked phones and how to use them abroad on your next adventure.

An unlocked cell phone is a mobile phone that is not tied to a specific carrier or network provider. When a phone is unlocked, you can use SIM cards from different carriers, allowing you to switch between service providers without having to change your device. This is particularly useful when vacationing abroad because you can easily stay connected to home while enjoying your time away. 

In comparison, a locked phone is tethered to a singular carrier through software restrictions or contractual agreements. Locked phones typically only work with SIM cards issued by that particular carrier, which limits your ability to easily switch to another network.

If you’re wondering how to unlock your phone, you can typically contact your current mobile carrier to request an unlock code or follow their specific guidelines for unlocking. However, purchasing an unlocked cell phone usually provides more flexibility and freedom in choosing a network provider and using the device internationally. 

Unlocked phones offer versatility to international students, tourists and business travelers. Since international roaming rates with your current U.S. cell phone network can be high, buying an unlocked phone for overseas travel can save you money. With an unlocked phone, you'll pay the same lower rate as the locals do for calls in that particular country. It can be as easy as purchasing an international unlocked phone in the U.S., traveling to your destination country and purchasing a local SIM card.

You can conveniently use your unlocked international cell phone before and after your trip as well. Additionally, you’ll be able to get familiar with your phone, add your contacts and download your apps before you go. Samsung, Motorola, BLU, LG, Sony and more popular brands are available.

Considerations and planning for a new unlocked phone is similar to the experience of buying a regular cell phone for local use. If you’re traveling to somewhere scenic, consider getting an unlocked phone with a good camera to capture memories along the way. This lets you take professional-quality photos and videos wherever your travels take you. And if that happens to be on a beach or near a pool, think about getting a water-resistant unlocked phone.

To use your unlocked phone abroad, you will have to purchase a SIM card from one of the local carriers. Luckily, global SIM cards are available at most international airports so you don’t have to scramble around looking for one after you arrive at your destination. A SIM card is the microchip that slides into the slot on the side (or sometimes under the battery) of your phone. It stores carrier and user data within your smartphone and connects your phone to your chosen network.

To start using your new SIM card, simply pop the card into your phone, activate the card and you’re ready to go. Some phone plans allow for communications to other plans in nearby countries at no additional charge. You'll pay international rates when calling home, but you can save money communicating via Wi-Fi using services such as Skype, FaceTime, Google Chat, Facebook Messenger and more.

When considering international cell phone options across different regions that will work with your U.S. cell phone, several major carriers stand out. When using a cell phone in Europe, Vodafone, Orange, Deutsche Telekom and Telefonica are all options while both Asia and the Pacific have their own regional iterations of Vodafone and other popular carriers. These carriers all offer a wide range of plans with flexible data options. Most also provide both physical SIM cards and eSIMs, which are embedded directly into a device’s hardware.

Since eSIM adoption is still limited in many areas in both Africa and South America, physical SIM cards are the predominant method for accessing mobile networks. Carriers like Optus and Vodafone in Australia and Spark in New Zealand are still able to provide reliable and comprehensive mobile network coverage while companies like Safaricom and MTN offer affordable plans in countries like Kenya and Nigeria. Regardless of where you’re going and which carrier you ultimately choose for that region, a SIM card is the key to staying connected during your travels.

So, what else should you bring with you on your travels? The best unlocked international phone accessories for you depend on where you are going and what you will be doing, but some items are pretty universal. Travel accessories such as an international travel adapter or a travel charger are essential if you want to keep your phone powered up. In addition to international travel adapters and travel chargers, a global Wi-Fi hotspot might be a valuable resource, too.

A Wi-Fi hotspot offers consistent connectivity across multiple countries. If you go that route and you’re also planning on driving during your trip, consider also looking into how to set up an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot. Most global Wi-Fi hotspots are compact, portable and often support multiple devices simultaneously.

A protective phone case is definitely another must-have accessory for your phone. Unlocked international cell phones need protection from dings, dents and scratches just like any other type of cell phone. So, make sure to find a cell phone case and a screen protector that will fit on your unlocked phone, letting you enjoy your getaway instead of worrying about protecting your device.

Hopefully you now have a better idea of how to use a phone overseas and stay connected to the people and information you need. Along with SIM cards and certain accessories like an international charger, unlocked cell phones offer unparalleled flexibility and compatibility with various networks worldwide. This versatility ensures that you can comfortably travel while knowing that affordable voice, text and data services are accessible wherever your next adventure takes you.