When traveling abroad, you need to consider how much of your data is being used in roaming. You could face a large bill at the end of your trip if you don’t turn your data off when you’re not using it.
You could always buy a service package from your mobile carrier, but these are usually packages with limited GB. After exceeding the amount of GB specified, the broadband speed is significantly reduced which will slow down any tasks you’re trying to complete on your phone. You also need to account for how much MB you’re consuming, so you don’t exceed your package and end up getting your service blocked.
How Can You Reduce Your Mobile Data Consumption?
First, you should set up your smartphone to download any updates using Wi-Fi only. Then, you need to check which applications are regularly using background data on your smartphone. Be sure to turn the cellular data off for these apps so you can significantly reduce your data consumption.
To avoid exceeding your purchased service package, it’s best to use messengers for communication, sending photos, and reading emails. Be sure to avoid long conversations on Skype, Viber, and other messengers as well.
When you want to stream videos and movies or make video calls, try doing so in a hotel where free Wi-Fi is readily available. You can also use the Wi-Fi map app, which will help you find free Wi-Fi hotspots near you. Keep in mind, there are lite versions of popular apps (like Facebook Lite and Twitter Lite) which can also help you reduce your data consumption.
Controlling Your Mobile Data Consumption
There are tons of smartphone apps that can help you control mobile data consumption as well. My Data Manager and Traffic Monitor are just two great examples. With My Data Manager, you can control mobile data usage, roaming, and Wi-Fi. With the app, you’ll be notified once your data reaches the set limit, and you can protect your personal information. The Traffic Monitor app, on the other hand, will monitor and notify you when the mobile traffic limit you set is exceeded, and it’ll show a map of network availability for your mobile carrier.
Some people may prefer local SIM cards to avoid both restrictions on data usage and high roaming costs. However, being a foreigner, you may not be able to successfully buy a local SIM card in every country. In many countries, you could end up with hidden costs on your rate plan since you might not be warned about all terms and conditions in the local carrier’s office.
POND mobile SIM card
We all want to use the internet freely during our travels, without worrying about how much data we’re using or finding locations with free Wi-Fi. POND mobile wants to provide comfort to frequent travelers, offering coverage in 210+ countries around the world.
With our mobile SIM cards, you can select a rate plan, with a fixed monthly fee, that best fits your needs. Depending on the plan you select, you’ll get a certain number of GB, minutes for calls, and SMS. No matter which country you end up in, the rate won’t change—prices stay consistent across all countries. With our POND mobile SIM card, you’ll also get a U.S. number and the possibility of adding local numbers for 90+ countries!
