What to prepare for iPhone before going abroad?

When traveling abroad, your phone is an essential companion for everything you need to do – whether it's navigating, communicating, saving memories, or accessing important documents. So take a moment to make sure your phone is fully prepared for your trip before you leave home.

1. Make sure the SIM works abroad

My phone is useless without a network connection and mobile data, especially when I'm traveling to unfamiliar places. So one of the first things to do is contact your mobile carrier to confirm whether your current plan includes international roaming or whether you need to add a travel plan for your destination. This is the most convenient option because it allows you to keep your phone number and avoid having to change SIM cards.

However, if roaming charges are too high, it is best to buy a travel SIM card. These are usually easy to find at most international airports, but you can buy them in advance on e-commerce platforms for better prices.

2. Double check that "Find My Device" is ready

Losing your smartphone is a stressful experience, but it's even worse when you're abroad, where you may not have easy access to local resources or support. That's why it's always important to make sure Find My Device is fully set up and working before you travel. This is quick and easy on Android using Google's Find My Device app.

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Not only is this feature useful for tracking down a lost or stolen phone, it also gives you a lot of peace of mind. If something goes wrong, you can remotely disable your phone and prevent anyone from accessing your personal information.

You can even remotely wipe all of your data, which is important to protect your privacy in the event of a worst-case scenario. This small step doesn't take much time but provides significant peace of mind.

3. Download essential travel apps

When you travel, you often rely on specific apps that aren't usually stored on your phone, including travel-related apps like Skyscanner or Priceline for easy access to flights and accommodations. It's also a good idea to add a reliable currency converter app, which is essential for quickly calculating exchange rates and managing your spending.

To organize your trip, use TripIt. This app consolidates all your trip details, from flight information to hotel reservations and activities, into one easy-to-access place.

These are the usual travel apps, but depending on your destination and type of trip, you may want to add a few more. Downloading these apps in advance helps you stay on top of things, avoids last-minute downloads, and ensures you have all the tools you need for a smooth, stress-free trip.

4. Pre-download media for offline use

Whether you're traveling alone or with a companion, stock up on all the media you need for your trip. Before you leave, pre-download everything you might need for offline use - movies, TV shows, music, e-books, and podcasts.

Luckily, apps like Netflix, Spotify, and Audible make it easy to download content for offline use. Mix up your entertainment to suit different moods. This ensures you have plenty of content to enjoy while you travel.

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5. Free up storage space

As someone who loves to document their travel experiences through photos and videos, you know how quickly your phone's memory can fill up. When traveling, everyone wants to be ready to capture every spontaneous moment and breathtaking scene without worrying about running out of space.

Additionally, a cluttered phone can slow down your device, making it harder to use essential apps or access information quickly. To avoid all of this, always take steps to free up your phone's memory in advance. It only takes a few minutes and is one less thing to worry about when traveling!

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6. Prepare your phone battery for longer use

Making sure your phone battery lasts as long as possible is important. That's because access to charging points isn't always guaranteed or convenient, and no one wants their phone battery to run out when they need it most.

In addition to packing a power bank, you should also take steps to extend your phone's battery life while traveling. This includes everything from limiting background activity from battery-draining apps to turning off unnecessary features like Always-on Display and "Hey Google" voice recognition. Doing all of this will ensure your phone lasts all day without needing to be recharged.

7. Set up a reliable VPN

Using public Wi-Fi at airports, coffee shops, or hotels is a great way to save on expensive mobile data when traveling. However, there is always a risk of privacy when connecting to these networks. That's why I always make sure to set up a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) before traveling internationally.

VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, making it nearly impossible for hackers or malicious third parties to intercept your data. This not only protects sensitive information – such as passwords, banking details and work emails – but also ensures you can access websites and apps without being geographically restricted.

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Having this extra layer of security gives you peace of mind, knowing your data is safe from prying eyes when browsing the Internet in unfamiliar places.

8. Back up your phone

Back up your phone before international travel just to be safe. After all, losing access to your data can be a bigger hassle than it should be.

Always make sure all your documents, photos, and videos are saved in the cloud. This way, you don't have to worry about losing precious memories or files while traveling. Also, back up your contacts, messages, and app data. It's reassuring to know that even if something happens to your phone, you can restore these files on another device.

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There's no denying that packing your phone for an international trip takes a bit of work, but the convenience is definitely worth it. From making sure you have the right apps and storage space to securing your connectivity options, every step helps keep you connected and prepared. With everything ready, you can enjoy your trip to the fullest and keep your phone ready for anything.

Kareem Winters

Update 11 January 2025