We've all heard the horror stories — travellers returning home to find mobile bills in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars due to international roaming charges. Here's how to avoid becoming the next cautionary tale.
The most common mistake is leaving data roaming enabled on your primary SIM. Before departing, go to your phone's settings and disable data roaming for your main carrier. This prevents any accidental data usage at premium roaming rates.
The smartest solution? Purchase an eSIM data plan for your destination. With providers like Hypr eSIM, you pay a flat rate for a set amount of data — no surprises, no hidden fees. Plans start from just a few dollars for short trips.
If you must use your regular carrier abroad, check their international roaming packages before you leave. Many carriers offer daily or weekly roaming add-ons that are much cheaper than pay-as-you-go rates.
Download maps, music, and entertainment before you leave home. Offline content means you'll use less data abroad, stretching your eSIM plan further.
Finally, take advantage of Wi-Fi whenever it's available. Hotels, cafés, and restaurants often offer free Wi-Fi. Use these connections for data-heavy activities like video calls and large downloads, and save your eSIM data for on-the-go navigation and messaging.