While traveling overseas one thing that raids our pockets in this phone-glued era is internet roaming charges. Let’s face it – you can’t survive without the internet. On the one hand the service providers take full advantage of this opportunity, and on the other hand it’s necessary to keep our usage in check to avoid expensive phone bills. So, we’ve compiled a set of tricks from avid travelers and digital nomads.
Whether you’re buying an International SIM card, local SIM or going with an international roaming plan on your existing number—here’s what you need to follow to save data so that it suffices throughout the trip.
1. Preinstall the apps you think you will need while traveling
Downloading apps consume a lot of data. Ensure you preinstall the apps you think you will need (based on the country you’re traveling) before leaving your home. Download most commonly used apps such as Airbnb, Viber, Google Translate, and Tripit. We’d also encourage installing emergency app and cab booking app. Updating apps is as good as installing one. So turn your automatic apps update to WIFI mode only.
2. Use Offline maps
Maps eat up lots of data and battery. Every time you go on Google Maps, it loads titles which require data transfer. When you quit the app, the cache is cleared. Re-opening it leads to reloading. This consumes data. So, save all the places you’re planning to visit on Google Maps and use them while offline.
3. Avoid streaming of videos on YouTube
It’s a no-brainer that the easiest way to dry up your cellular data is to stream high quality videos on YouTube, its better to check internet speed test before viewing. It’s difficult to resist temptations of watching videos while on the plane or when you’ve got nothing to do. You can save some videos offline before leaving, and save some more whenever you find WIFI while traveling.
4. Turn app-notifications off and the data hogs
App notifications consume data. You can turn off notification of apps which are not important like eCommerce apps, and news app. Your notifications can wait while you’re enjoying your trip. Also, turn off the data hog apps like iCloud.
5. Add per day data limit
Be thrifty while using data every day. Divide the data you’ve with the number of days you’re traveling and add a little more data limit for the rainy day. This option ensures you don’t overuse your data.
6. Use Opera Mini
Safari and Google Chrome gives you the richest experience. Browsers like Opera Mini compresses images and a few other scripts. If you’re ready to compromise a little on your UX, you can save a little data. The only smart way is to use data for information purpose only.
7. Just Turn off data while you’re not using your phone
When you’re not using your phone – simply turn off your data and enjoy your trip. It’s simple yet many users leave their data on and because of which many apps in the background consume data.
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