How to Avoid Texting & Roaming Fees

Let’s be honest: nowadays, it’s not practical or realistic to go on a trip and completely disconnect from your phone. Not only are there reasons you need to stay connected (airline updates, safety alerts and weather conditions, for example) but in this interconnected age, it’s fun to share your adventures with others. 

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Coming home to a gigantic roaming bill, filled with International texting charges among other activities, however, will make you think twice before logging on while you’re away. The good news? eSIMs have become one of the easiest ways to affordably stay connected, no matter where your travels take you. Never worry about how to avoid roaming charges ever again! Discover below how an eSIM from GigSky can help you avoid roaming fees while out-of-network. 

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In this blog post, we’ll discuss eSIM technology and how you can avoid International texting charges and roaming fees. 

What is an eSIM? 

eSIM stands for “embedded Subscriber Identity Module” or “embedded SIM.” It's a new technology that replaces physical SIM cards in many devices. And, unlike physical SIM cards that require manual insertion and removal, eSIMs can be remotely provisioned with different carrier profiles, allowing for more flexibility.

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This is good news for those who like to streamline their travel experience! 

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How to Avoid Roaming Charges

The simplest and most effective way to avoid roaming charges during your trip is to simply put your phone on “Airplane Mode.” This eliminates the chance you’ll accidentally use your home carrier while away. 

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But, for many travelers, this isn’t a practical solution. Many places require the use of a digital device – whether for showing entry tickets, scanning menus or checking updates for transportation. Thus, below are a few nuanced ways to avoid roaming fees. 

Monitor Your Data Usage

If you decide to run the risk of staying on your home carrier while traveling abroad, make sure you know the out-of-network usage fees before you go. Understand how much each minute of calling costs; how much you’ll pay per text; and the fees for data consumption. 

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In particular, understanding what activities consume data and how much data they consume can make a huge difference in how you use your phone. Limiting unnecessary activities – like checking social media or answering emails – can help ensure you only use data for important tasks. 

Opt for a Flexible Data Plan

While you can use your phone number and home carrier to call and text during your trip, you should prepare yourself for a shocking bill the following month. Most carriers will charge higher fees when their service is used in areas considered “out-of-network.” This looks like additional charges per minute for phone calls and per text. 

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If you want to skip the fees and simplify your travel experience, consider getting a cellular data eSIM plan. These plans allow you to stay connected while you’re away for an affordable rate. 

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Benefits of Having Cell Phone Service While You Travel

There are good reasons why you should unplug during your trip. However, here are some reasons why having cellular data at will is important. 

Safety

From locally-issued safety alerts to contacting emergency services to monitoring changing weather conditions, security and safety are the primary reasons you should be able to stay connected with ease. It’s also important to be able to give your emergency contact updates about your trip so they don’t worry. 

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Money, Passports & More

If you need to access your bank account or get help with an ID, you’ll need a cellphone. The ability to receive verification codes or contact banking or governmental institutions will make it easier to manage on your next trip. 

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Updating Your Travel Plans

Whether you make last-minute changes for fun or because you need to return home, having access to airline apps and customer service lines is essential. If you don’t have to worry about connecting to a stable Wi-Fi network, you can make these changes from anywhere. 

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Making Reservations or Checking Hours

Many local businesses have social media accounts or Whatsapp numbers, in addition to traditional phone numbers and websites. Accessing these platforms allows you to make reservations or appointments, check opening hours and ask questions before you visit – saving you time. 

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Tipping & Connecting with Others

When you make friends on the road, it’s nice to stay in touch! Whether you plan to meet up for dinner or want to exchange contact information, having access to cellular data makes this process easier. Additionally, more and more tour guides accept electronic forms of tipping – through apps like PayPal, Venmo and Revolut. A data plan allows you to tip in the moment without connecting to Wi-Fi or searching for an ATM. 

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Keeping Up with Emails

While you probably don’t want to check email while you’re on vacation, oftentimes a quick check-in makes for a smoother transition when you return. When you have downtime, an eSIM plan allows you to log in quickly and easily. 

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Save Time & Money: Get an eSIM Plan with GigSky

GigSky has a secret when it comes to how to avoid roaming charges: eSIM plans that provide you the flexibility to stay connected during your next trip. Our plans include cellular data and allow you to keep your phone number! Easily switch between your home carrier and a GigSky plan with just a few clicks.

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Plans start as low as $3.99 and offer a variety of data options in over 190 countries and regions. We offer data on land, at sea and in-flight! To learn more and determine if your next trip is covered by GigSky: 

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1. Visit https://www.gigsky.com/

2. Select “Destinations” at the top of the page and choose your desired data location. 

3. Select the country or region you plan to visit and browse the available plans. 

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How to Get Started with GigSky

If you’re interested in staying connected wherever your travels take you and you want to skip the high roaming fees, then here are your next steps: 

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1. Download the GigSky app on (iOS | Play Store) or check out the GigSky website.

2. Look up your destination and buy a plan a few days before you leave.  

3. Follow the easy, step-by-step setup instructions. 

4. When you arrive at your destination, switch your GigSky plan on. 

5. Immediately connect to a local service provider and have cellular access! 

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How to avoid roaming charges when you travel should no longer be a mystery. By utilizing an eSIM, you can easily stay connected no matter where your travels take you. Now you’re ready to use your phone from wherever without concern of a high bill when you return home. 

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