What Should I Do to My iPhone When Traveling Internationally? A Complete Guide

What Should I Do to My iPhone When Traveling Internationally? A Complete Guide

Traveling internationally with your iPhone can be a seamless and enjoyable experience, but it requires some planning to avoid hefty roaming charges and ensure you stay connected. Knowing the right iPhone settings for international travel is crucial. This guide will walk you through essential iPhone travel tips international, covering everything from how to use your iPhone abroad without breaking the bank to exploring the best eSIM for iPhone travel and understanding your iPhone SIM card options for travel.

We’ll cover how to avoid roaming charges on iPhone, the best way to use iPhone in another country, and even how to enable international roaming on iPhone (if that’s the route you choose). Get ready to travel smarter with your iPhone!

Understand Your iPhone’s Roaming Settings

Before you even leave for your trip, familiarize yourself with your iPhone’s roaming settings:

  • Cellular Data Roaming: This setting controls whether your iPhone can use cellular data when you’re outside your carrier’s network. Turning this OFF is the most crucial step to avoid unexpected roaming charges. Find it under Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming.
  • Wi-Fi Assist: This feature automatically switches to cellular data when your Wi-Fi signal is weak. While helpful at home, it can lead to unintended roaming charges abroad. Consider turning it off under Settings > Cellular > Wi-Fi Assist.

Explore International Data Plan Options

Before your trip, investigate the international data plans offered by your current carrier. While convenient, these plans can sometimes be expensive. Call your carrier or check their website for details.

Consider an eSIM for Affordable Data

One of the best ways to save money on data while traveling internationally is to use an eSIM (embedded SIM). An eSIM is a digital SIM card that allows you to activate a local data plan without needing a physical SIM.

  • Benefits of eSIM:

Affordable Data: Local eSIM data plans are often much cheaper than international roaming.

Convenience: Activate your plan remotely, without needing to find a local SIM card vendor.

Dual SIM Capability: Use your eSIM for data while keeping your regular SIM active for calls and texts (but be careful about roaming charges on your primary SIM!).

  • Choosing the Best eSIM: Look for eSIM providers that offer coverage in your destination country and have competitive data plans. Voye Global is a great option to consider for best eSIM for iPhone travel.

Using Wi-Fi Strategically

Take advantage of free Wi-Fi hotspots whenever possible to minimize your data usage. However, be cautious about using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, as they can pose security risks. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your data and protect your privacy.

Download Offline Content

Before you leave for your trip, download offline maps, music, movies, and other content to your iPhone. This will allow you to access them without using cellular data or Wi-Fi.

Disable Push Notifications and Background App Refresh

Push notifications and background app refresh can consume data even when you’re not actively using your iPhone. Disable these features to conserve data and extend your battery life.

  • Disable Push Notifications: Settings > Notifications
  • Disable Background App Refresh: Settings > General > Background App Refresh

Be Mindful of Data Usage

Keep an eye on your data usage throughout your trip to avoid exceeding your plan’s limits. You can track your data usage under Settings > Cellular.

Understand Your iPhone SIM Card Options for Travel

You have several options for using your iPhone abroad:

  • International Roaming: Using your home carrier’s international roaming plan (often the most expensive).
  • Local SIM Card: Purchasing a physical SIM card in your destination country.
  • eSIM: Using an eSIM for a local data plan (often the most convenient and affordable).

How to Enable International Roaming on iPhone (If Necessary)

If you choose to use your home carrier’s international roaming plan, you’ll need to enable data roaming on your iPhone:

  1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options.
  2. Toggle Data Roaming to ON.

Warning: Be very careful when using international roaming, as charges can quickly add up. Monitor your data usage closely and consider setting a data limit with your carrier.

Best Way to Use iPhone in Another Country

The best way to use iPhone in another country depends on your budget and data needs. However, for most travelers, using an eSIM for a local data plan is the most convenient and affordable option. Remember to turn off data roaming on your primary SIM to avoid unexpected charges.

Staying Connected with Voye Global

Voye Global offers a range of affordable eSIM data plans for international travel. With Voye Global, you can enjoy seamless connectivity without breaking the bank.

Travel Smarter with Your iPhone

By following these iPhone travel tips for international trips, you can ensure a seamless and affordable experience while traveling abroad. Remember to understand your roaming settings, explore eSIM options, use Wi-Fi strategically, and be mindful of your data usage. With a little planning, you can stay connected and enjoy your trip without worrying about hefty roaming charges.

Here's What Our Customers Have To Say

Maria H.

"On my recent trip across Asia, Voye Global’s eSIM was an absolute lifesaver. From bustling Tokyo to serene Bali, I had seamless internet connectivity throughout my journey. Setting up the eSIM was straightforward, and I was online in minutes. The network speed was excellent, allowing me to navigate unfamiliar cities, book accommodations, and keep in touch with loved ones effortlessly. Voye Global made my travel experience stress-free and enjoyable. I highly recommend their eSIM service for anyone exploring multiple destinations in Asia."

Liam S.

"Traveling has never been easier since I discovered Voye Global. Their eSIM service is a true game-changer. On my recent trip, I used their service in several countries.The setup was quick and hassle-free, and the connectivity was consistently excellent. I could effortlessly stay connected, navigate new cities, and share my experiences with friends and family. Voye Global’s eSIM made my travels seamless and worry-free, providing reliable internet without the need for multiple local SIM cards. I highly recommend Voye Global to anyone looking for a dependable and convenient travel solution."

Sophie L.

"My recent backpacking trip across Europe was unforgettable, thanks in large part to Voye Global's Europe eSIM. I visited multiple countries, including France, Italy, and the Netherlands, and having one eSIM for the entire journey was incredibly convenient. The connectivity was superb, no matter where I went. I could stay in touch with loved ones, access maps, and make reservations without any interruptions. Voye Global's Europe eSIM is the perfect solution for anyone planning a multi-country European adventure. It made my trip smooth and worry-free."

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Supported Devices:

  • Apple
    • iPhone 16
    • iPhone 16 Plus
    • iPhone 16 Pro
    • iPhone 16 Pro Max
    • iPhone 15
    • iPhone 15 Plus
    • iPhone 15 Pro
    • iPhone 15 Pro Max
    • iPhone 14
    • iPhone 14 Plus
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    • iPad (7th generation)
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    • iPad Mini (6th generation)
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    • iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation)
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    • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
    • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)
    • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation)
    • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation)
    *

    Note that iPhone devices from Mainland China aren’t eSIM compatible. Also iPhone devices from Hong Kong and Macao aren’t compatible (except for iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone SE 2020 and iPhone XS)

  • Samsung
    • Galaxy S25
    • Galaxy S25+
    • Galaxy S25 Ultra
    • Galaxy S24
    • Galaxy S24+
    • Galaxy S24 Ultra
    • Galaxy S24 FE*
    • Galaxy A55 5G*
    • Galaxy A54 5G
    • Galaxy S23
    • Galaxy S23+
    • Galaxy S23 FE
    • Galaxy S23 Ultra
    • Galaxy S22 5G*
    • Galaxy S22+ 5G*
    • Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G*
    • Galaxy S21 5G*
    • Galaxy S21+ 5G*
    • Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G*
    • Galaxy S20*
    • Galaxy S20+*
    • Galaxy S20 5G*
    • Galaxy S20+ 5G*
    • Galaxy S20 Ultra*
    • Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G*
    • Galaxy Z Flip
    • Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G
    • Galaxy Z Flip 4
    • Galaxy Z Flip 5
    • Galaxy Z Flip 6
    • Galaxy Z Fold
    • Galaxy Z Fold 2
    • Galaxy Z Fold 3
    • Galaxy Z Fold 4
    • Galaxy Z Fold 5
    • Galaxy Z Fold 6
    • Galaxy Note 20
    • Galaxy Note 20 5G
    • Galaxy Note 20 Ultra*
    • Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G*
    *

    Note that Samsung devices from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan aren’t eSIM compatible. Additionally, Galaxy S20, S21*, and Note 20 Ultra devices from the USA. Galaxy FE models are also not eSIM compatible except for S23FE.

  • Google Pixel
    • Pixel 9
    • Pixel 9 Pro
    • Pixel 9 Pro XL
    • Pixel 9 Pro Fold
    • Pixel 8a
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    • Pixel 7
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  • XIAOMI
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    • 13
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    • 13 Lite
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    • 12T Pro
    • Redmi Note 14 Pro
    • Redmi Note 14 Pro+
    • Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G
    *

    Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G eSIM is available in Japan only.

  • Huawei
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  • ONEPLUS
    • OnePlus 13
    • OnePlus 12
    • OnePlus 11
  • OPPO
    • Reno6 Pro 5G
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    • Edge 50 Fusion
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    • Razr 2024
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    • Honor Magic6 Pro
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    • Magic5 Pro
    • Magic4 Pro
    • Honor 90
    • Honor 200, 200 Pro
    *

    Please confirm with your carrier that your device supports eSIMs as it’s available only in some regions.

  • FAIRPHONE
    • Fairphone 5
    • Fairphone 4
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