Which Of The Following Is Not A Best Practice For Traveling Overseas With A Mobile Device
Traveling – When you’re jetting off to a foreign land, your smartphone is likely to be your best ally. It’s your map, translator, entertainment hub, and lifeline to the world back home. But to ensure it serves you well without causing any issue, it’s essential to know what not to do. Here, we talk about what practices you should avoid while traveling overseas with a mobile device.
Not Checking Your Carrier’s Roaming Policies
Probably one of the most costly and common mistakes is not checking your mobile carrier’s roaming policies before departure. Some travelers realize too late that they’ve racked up exorbitant fees as a result of not understanding their coverage. According to a survey by uSwitch, Britons paid around £390 million in roaming charges in 2016.
Avoiding the Use of Local SIM Cards
Many travelers either rent mobile devices upon arrival or stick to international roaming, neglecting the financial and connectivity benefits of local SIM cards. Local SIM cards usually offer better coverage and cheaper rates compared to international roaming services.
Neglecting Security Measures
Travelers often overlook the importance of securing their devices when traveling abroad, leading to higher risks of theft and cyberattacks. Around 15% of travelers have experienced some form of cyber theft while traveling.
Ignoring Offline Options
Over-reliance on Wi-Fi or mobile data can leave you stranded in locations with poor reception. Hence, it’s not a best practice to neglect offline options for essential travel apps like maps, translation services, and local guides.
Diverse Perspectives on Mobile Use While Traveling
Let’s now take a look at some diverse views on this subject by different advocacies.
The Tech Advocacy
Tech enthusiasts promote the efficient use of devices while traveling, emphasizing the importance of preparation like installing necessary applications in advance, planning for a local SIM card, and investing in reliable security measures.
The Minimalist Travelers
This group advocates for limiting mobile device usage overseas, encouraging immersion in the travel experience. They recommend offline options and usage breaks promoting less screen time, more explorations.
The Security First Advocacy
This group comprises cybersecurity experts who stress the importance of securing your personal and financial data while using a mobile device abroad. They recommend using VPNs, regular software updates, and encrypted messaging apps.
Using a mobile device while traveling overseas can be incredibly convenient. Yet, it’s essential to be aware of potential pitfalls in order not just to save money but, more critically, to ensure your personal data does not fall into the wrong hands. By checking your carrier’s roaming policies, considering a local SIM card, emphasizing security, and exploring offline options, you can avoid common issues confronting many international travelers today.
