It may be a small world after all, but global telecommunications networks haven’t quite caught up with the international kumbaya. Communication is a big deal, especially when you’re headed into uncharted territory across the world on a study abroad program.
The good news is technology offers abundant ways to stay in touch with family and friends while you’re studying abroad. Whether it’s exchanging silly photos over Snapchat, quick email haiku, or long-winded blog posts—where there’s a will there’s a way. Yes, you can keep connected and share your adventures abroad with the folks back home. But you’re going to need a solid study abroad phone and study abroad phone plan.
Hold the phone! A few short calls and/or visits to phone providers, and you’ll be up-and-running and ready to connect with contacts back home and in your new second home. This article details your study abroad cell phone options, so you can choose the plan of action that’s best for you.
12 tips for your study abroad phone
1. First things first: Have “the talk” with your home plan provider.
It’s not them; it’s you—you need to “take a break”, just some time to clear your head. You’re just not ready for a long-term commitment… Or maybe you can work it out… Start by finding out whether your Android or iPhone will work while you study abroad in ___________ (fill in the blank).
Some providers offer great international plans, which allow you to continue using your phone as you normally would at home. Others do not offer coverage overseas or will give you coverage at exorbitant rates (it’s that second group you really need to worry about.)
Most smartphones have the capacity to work overseas, but need to be configured accordingly to work well. Read on for more deets.
2. Unlock your study abroad phone for best results.
Don’t wait until you’re stranded in a foreign country feeling lonely to check if your phone will work abroad. While you’ve got your provider on the phone, ask them if they can unlock your iPhone for study abroad. Most telecom providers offer this service for free if you contact them before leaving the country.
Know your rights: In the U.S., if you own the phone outright or are no longer on a contract with the provider you bought it from, they are legally required to unlock it for you.
After settling things with your home phone provider, do you due diligence to make sure all systems are go: If they agreed to unlock your phone remotely, check that everything is working smoothly, find that SIM card slot on your phone for future reference, and start looking into SIM card options in your study abroad destination. (Our recommendation? Jetpac eSIM!)
3. Locked out? Launch Plan B: study abroad cell phone.
If your usual phone is not going to work abroad (or will cost you an arm and a leg), it’s time to implement Plan B: Buy a study abroad phone in your destination. This is solid advice for most materials involved in your life abroad: If the one from home’s not broken, don’t fix it. If the one from home doesn’t work, find a local alternative.
Some students decide to go for the two-phone approach: If you’re stuck with a locked iPhone for study abroad, you’ll still be able to connect to wifi and use internet-based services. So, use your tried-and-true home phone for general interneting, and get a very basic “dumb” phone for texting and calling abroad.
Alternatively, you can splurge on a high-IQ study abroad cell phone with all the bells and whistles. This is undoubtedly be a bit pricier, but it means you’ll (almost) always be connected. And one study abroad phone is definitely easier than two.
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4. It’s all about timing when it comes to study abroad phone plans.
Are you studying abroad for a week? A semester? As long as you possibly can? The right studying abroad cell phone options for you will depend on where you’re going and how long you’ll be there.
Generally speaking, the longer you’re gone, the more it makes sense to opt for a local study abroad cell phone and study abroad phone plans. If you’re only going to be away for a week, you can probably stick with what your home phone provider offers as an international phone plan.
On a semester-long program, it’s worth the hassle of finding a good study abroad phone plan that works for you and those you want to stay in touch with.
When in doubt, talk to your study abroad program provider to see what they recommend. They’ll be able to tell you what past participants have done and give you an idea of what you should budget for study abroad phone plans in your destination.
5. Get a local phone plan.
If you’re studying abroad for at least a few weeks, do yourself (and your wallet) a favor, and buy a local SIM card and study abroad phone plan. Local phone service providers will vary by country, so ask your program leader or a local friend who offers the best coverage and packages for short-term study abroad phone plans.
Vodafone is a popular option in many countries around the world, and Orange is common across Europe. Smaller, local providers may have more favorable rates, but bigger companies often have better coverage.
6. Consider your destination.
Not all study abroad phone plans are created equal. The cost of phones and phone plans will vary significantly based on where you’re headed. A cell phone in Spain study abroad might put you out around $25, while students in London have to fork out $100 for their study abroad UK cell phone. If you know you’ll need to pick up a new phone for your time abroad, look into pricing in your destination vs. at home before you leave.
Study abroad phones and cell phone plans in Europe can be pricey, especially if you’re planning to use your study abroad cell phone while trapezing across borders in the EU (more on this shortly).
The U.S., New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and the UK are likewise known for big price tags for phones and plans for short-term travelers that cannot commit to an extended contract. Pay-as-you-go study abroad phone plans in Asia, Eastern Europe, and most of Africa and Latin America are comparatively more affordable.
For example. Do your homework—The cell phone plans in Europe edition:
Are you puzzling over the best cell phone plans in Europe for your study abroad trip? You’re not alone. With so many study abroad cell phone options, it can be hard to find the right plan for your Eurotrip. The best choice for a cell phone in Spain study abroad is different than the phone that will serve you well as you prance around the continent.
Every country has multiple prepaid SIM card providers. They’re usually similar in price within the country, but prices vary considerably between countries. In some countries, you can buy a SIM card almost everywhere, while others require you to show identification and register in a phone shop.
Most cell phone plans in Europe include some call minutes, text messages, and mobile data, with prices ranging from $10 to $100 or more, depending on how much you’re using the phone. And don't forget about the eSIM option—these are becoming more common now (and somewhat necessary) as phone manufacturers phase out SIM trays.
This is pretty straightforward if you’re only going to be in one country: get an affordable plan that works for you. If you’re going to be traveling regularly between countries, however, be aware that roaming fees can take cell phone plans in Europe to a whole ‘nother level of expen$e.
Research or ask around to find a plan with favorable roaming rates and good coverage across the continent. And across the channel, too: While Brexit technically severed ties between your study abroad UK cell phone and cell phone plans in Europe, business is business. Which is to say, most cell phone plans in Europe also work in the UK. Brilliant!
7. Yes, you should have a phone while studying abroad.
At this point, you may be wondering if international communication is even worth the effort of getting a phone while studying abroad. After an hour on hold on the Verizon customer service line, it’s only natural to get whimsical about throwing your phone out the window for a semester and just living in the moment. You’re not wrong. Maybe you’re “not really a phone person”, and that’s totally cool.
But having a phone while studying abroad is an undeniable advantage. A study abroad cell phone is useful not only for you, but also for all of the people near and far who want to communicate with you. A phone allows you to: stay in touch with local friends you met serendipitously, call an Uber when you miss your bus, or check in with your host family if you’re running late. Plus, it gives your dear mother a hotline to confirm that you’re alive.
8. Apps are APPSOLUTELY your friend.
By far the best options for communication while you’re studying abroad are apps like Skype, Viber, and Whatsapp. With a decent internet connection, these free apps allow you to call, text, and video chat to your heart’s content with contacts around the world.
For the Luddites in your life, you can also use Skype and Viber to call directly to a landline, though this is a paid service.
For chatting with local friends, ask around about popular messaging apps in the region. In Russia and Eastern Europe, you’ll find most people use VK instead of Facebook; WeChat is China’s favorite messaging app; and Thais prefer Line over Whatsapp.
9. Be ready for 3G. Gulp.
If you’ve been pampered on 4G and rocket-speed internet, be prepared for slower surfing overseas. In the global internet speed race, Scandinavia and South Korea lead the pack, followed by the US, Canada, Russia, and most of Europe. If you’re headed elsewhere, expect page load times to move at their own pace. Hey, at least it’s not dial up!
10. Don’t get hung up on bad connections.
We’ve all had those days where wires get crossed and the wifi refuses to cooperate with our ambitious communication plans. It happens.
The best thing to do in these situations is accept your fate before you’re driven to throw your phone out the window in a blind rage. For moments like this, it’s great to have a communication back-up, so you can shoot your mom (or that stunner you had a Skype date with) a quick message to say it’s nothing personal, you’re just having a bad wifi day.
If your connection seems particularly bad for days in a row, try contacting your local or home network provider to investigate.
11. B-A-L-A-N-C-E: Look up from your phone once ‘n awhile.
Technology is addicting. Between keeping up with old friends and dazzling your family members with your international adventures, it can feel like the phone is permanently glued to your ear.
These conversations are important ways to share your experiences and feel connected, but make sure they don’t become a crutch that prevent you from being present where you are.
Drop the line sometimes, so you can focus on all of the new sights and smells and things you’re learning while abroad.
New study abroad phone, who dis?
Equipped with a great study abroad phone and plan, you’ll be ready to chat it up with friends new and old, silver and gold. Doing your research beforehand will ensure you stay connected. That way, you can focus on living it up while you’re studying abroad.
Now all that’s left to do is master the ol’ Time Zone Phone Tag. Happy chatting!