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.
Coming home to a gigantic roaming bill, however, will make you think twice before logging on while you’re away. The good news? eSIM has become one of the easiest ways to affordably stay connected, no matter where your travels take you. Discover below how an eSIM from GigSky can help you avoid roaming charges while out-of-network.
What is an eSIM?
eSIM stands for “Embedded Subscriber Identity Module.” 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.
This is good news for those of you who like to streamline your travel experience!
Skip the Roaming Fees – 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 roaming 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.
If you want to skip the fees and simplify your travel experience, consider getting a cellular data eSIM plan. These plans will either offer you a global number (or let you keep your own!) allowing you to stay connected while you’re away for an affordable rate.
Benefits of Having Cell Phone Service While You Travel
There are definitely 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 is the primary reason 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.
Money, Passports and More
If you need to access your bank account or to get help with an ID, most of the time you’ll need a cellphone. The ability to receive verification codes or reach out to banking or governmental institutions directly will make it easier to manage on your next trip.
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.
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, to check opening hours and to ask questions before you visit – saving you time.
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 to simply exchange details, having access to cellular data makes this process easier. Additionally, more and more tour guides are accepting electronic forms of tipping – through apps like PayPal, Venmo and Revolut. A data plan allows you to tip in the moment without having to connect to Wi-Fi.
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.
Save Time & Money: Get a Global Plan with GigSky
GigSky’s eSIM plans provide you the flexibility you need 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.
Plans start as low as $4.99 and offer a variety of data options in 200 countries. We not only offer data on land, but also at sea and in the air! To learn more and determine if your next trip is covered by GigSky:
1. Visit https://www.gigsky.com/
2. Select “Solutions” at the top of the page and choose your desired data location.
3. Select “Shop Our Data Plans”
4. Search your destination to see available offers.
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:
1. Download the GigSky app on (iOS | Play Store) or checkout 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 set up 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!
Now you’re ready to use your phone from wherever without concern of a high bill when the trip is over.
