How to use an iPhone internationally

How to set up an iPhone before international travel

Preparing your iPhone for international travel involves several important steps to keep you connected and secure while exploring new places. Here are some iPhone international traveling tips to try out:

Check the unlock status 

First things first: To set up your iPhone for international travel, start by checking its unlock status. If your device is locked, using your iPhone overseas can be tricky. You can still use your phone abroad, but you'll run into a few limitations. These include relying on expensive international roaming plans from your home carrier or being restricted to using public Wi-Fi for internet access and apps.

So is your iPhone unlocked? To check, simply go to “Settings,” select “General,” then “About,” and scroll down. If you see “No SIM restrictions,” your iPhone is unlocked. An unlocked iPhone means you’re free to choose your service provider. Once abroad, you can pop in a local SIM card or set up an eSIM and start using cheaper mobile data.

If your iPhone is locked, however, you'll need to contact your carrier to unlock it before you head overseas. Carriers typically lock phones to their network to prevent you from switching to a competitor’s service.

Update your iPhone and apps

Before jetting off on your international adventure, update your iPhone to ensure it performs at its best and keeps your data secure while you're expanding your horizons. Fresh updates often bring not just improved functionality and new features but also critical security patches that protect your sensitive data. Go to “Settings” > “General” > “Software update” to see if a new version is available.

Also, make sure all your apps are up to date by visiting the “App store” and tapping on your profile to see which apps need updating. Updated apps run more smoothly and are less likely to encounter bugs or security issues.

Backup your data

Before you go on your trip, make sure to back up your iPhone to iCloud or your computer. Whether you lose your iPhone in the bustling streets of a city or it encounters an unexpected dip in the ocean, a recent backup allows you to quickly restore your contacts, photos, and documents to a new device. So remember to back up your data beforehand to enjoy your travels without worrying about data loss.

Free up storage space

Wondering how else to prepare your iPhone for international travel? Free up your iPhone storage beforehand, and you will thank yourself later. A phone with more free space runs smoother and faster. Plus, having ample storage space lets you download any apps you might need throughout your travels and capture photos and videos to your heart’s content.

To free up space, consider deleting unused apps or moving pictures to the iCloud or external storage. You can check your iPhone’s storage by going to “Settings” > “General” > “iPhone storage.” Generally, it's a good idea to keep at least 10% of your total storage free. So if you have a 64GB iPhone, try to keep at least 6.4GB free.

Turn on the "Find my iPhone" feature

The “Find my iPhone” feature is an excellent tool for locating your device if it ever gets lost or stolen. Set up this feature before your trip. First, link your Apple ID to your device. Then, head to “Settings,” tap your name at the top, and select “Find my.” Toggle “Find my iPhone” to activate it. 

Does “Find my iPhone” work internationally, though? Yes, it does if your iPhone is connected to the internet via cellular data or Wi-Fi. Just make sure your location services are on, and your phone has battery power.

Download apps to use offline

Even in places where internet access is spotty or non-existent, offline apps guarantee you're always equipped with the necessary information and tools. So set up your iPhone for international travel by downloading apps that you can use offline. For instance, you can download maps on Google Maps ahead of time. This makes it easy to navigate any new city, even without a reliable internet connection.

Minimize background cellular data

Apps running in the background can use up a lot of data. To minimize background cellular data usage, try these steps: Enable “Low data mode,” turn off cellular data when you don't need it, or disable cellular data for specific apps through your iPhone’s settings. To do this, go to “Settings,” select “Cellular,” and then choose which apps can use cellular data. By managing your data usage this way, you'll have better control over your data and avoid unexpected charges while traveling. 

Explore your cellular data options

When setting up your iPhone for international use, it's important to explore all your cellular data options to make sure you have a seamless experience while abroad. One effective way is cellular data switching, which allows you to toggle between different data plans depending on your location. This can be particularly useful if you purchase an international data plan that offers cost-effective rates in multiple countries. 

Set up an eSIM

Consider the convenience and affordability of using an eSIM. With an eSIM, you can get a local phone number, which makes local communications more cost-effective. Unlike traditional SIM cards, you can easily purchase and install an eSIM online with just a few clicks. This allows seamless connectivity across multiple countries without the need to switch out SIM cards, eliminating the hassle of searching for a local SIM card upon arrival or relying on potentially unsafe Wi-Fi hotspots.

However, if you wish to use an eSIM from a different carrier than your original provider, make sure that your iPhone is eSIM compatible and unlocked. An unlocked iPhone means it isn't tied to any specific carrier, giving you the freedom to switch services and take advantage of local carriers wherever you travel.

Staying connected abroad: eSIMs vs. international roaming

eSIM technology is gradually becoming more popular because it has clear benefits over traditional international roaming. With an eSIM, you can connect to the internet as soon as you land, without swapping SIM cards. It’s usually cheaper, and you can switch between service providers with just a few taps. 

Moreover, you can install an eSIM before traveling and arrive at your destination country worry free. This makes staying connected during your travels both easy and cost-effective. Apple's eSIM works just like any other eSIM technology, essentially allowing your device to connect to a mobile network without the need for a local prepaid SIM card and a new phone number. Click here to find out if your iPhone is eSIM compatible.

International roaming, on the other hand, often costs more and is less flexible. When you travel with a traditional SIM card and rely on international roaming, you’ll likely face higher charges for phone calls, texts, and data usage. These fees can add up quickly, especially if you're not on a specialized roaming plan.

Some of the main differences between eSIMs and international roaming include:

Choosing the best way to stay connected on your travels really comes down to what works best for you and your budget. If you're after simplicity and convenience, an eSIM is a great choice. You can get online as soon as you land, without the hassle of switching SIM cards. 

On the other hand, if you already have a good international data usage plan with your local carrier, sticking with international roaming could make more sense. Both options will keep you connected, so it’s just a matter of choosing the one that fits your travel style and budget best. 

Essential offline apps for using iPhone internationally

When you're gearing up for international travel, some apps can really make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. But keep in mind that you won't always have cell service. So it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with apps that can run on Wi-Fi or entirely offline to avoid racking up hefty data charges.

Calling and messaging apps

Downloading apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Voxer, or FaceTime before traveling internationally can be a game changer, especially if you're looking to save on roaming costs. These apps allow you to make calls and send texts over Wi-Fi, helping you bypass expensive data roaming fees.

Translation apps

Imagine you’re attending a conference in Germany and need to interact with other attendees in German. Translation apps like Microsoft Translator allow you to download a German-language dictionary for offline use, so you can translate conversations and presentations in real time, even without internet access or no data service. Other offline translation apps include Google Translate, TripLingo, iTranslate, and TripLingo.

Travel guides and maps

Let's say you're hiking the scenic trails of Cinque Terre in Italy, where phone service can be unreliable. Having an offline travel guide like Maps.me on your iPhone can be incredibly helpful. This app can give you access to offline maps and help you navigate rugged paths, find local landmarks, or spot the best places for panoramic views — all without needing an internet connection and saving on data roaming fees. Other apps you might want to consider include TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet, and Pocket Earth.

Entertainment apps

If you're facing a long flight or layover, downloading your favorite music, shows, or movies beforehand can be a fantastic way to keep entertained. Apps like Apple Music, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, and Audible let you download content for offline viewing. 

A quick recap

Before heading overseas with your iPhone, equip it with essential tools like offline maps, translation apps, and travel guides to easily navigate, communicate, and explore without relying on constant internet access. Opt for eSIM services to access local data usage rates and skip expensive data roaming packages.

Keep data roaming off unless necessary, monitor your data usage, and whenever possible, use free but protected Wi-Fi hotspots. Use apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime over Wi-Fi to cut down on call and text charges. Update your iPhone’s software, and back up your data. Finally, tailor your preparations by researching eSIM providers and data plans specific to your destination.

Stay connected with Saily

Choosing a data-only eSIM plan from Saily can be a smart move for international travelers with eSIM-capable iPhones. eSIM plans are typically more affordable and allow you to use popular apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and FaceTime for all your calls and text messages. This helps you save money by dodging expensive data roaming fees.

With Saily, you can activate local data plans right on your device, skipping the hassle of physical SIM cards and expensive data roaming charges. This means enjoying cheaper rates, dodging steep data roaming fees, and effortlessly managing your plan settings. It's an easy, super convenient, and cost-effective solution that keeps you connected wherever you roam.