Tips for Using Your Cell Phone on an Overseas Golf Trip

The final countdown to a golf trip across the pond brings plenty of excitement. It also brings a number of last-minute questions. Some would like to know what to pack for a golf trip to Scotland. Others are curious about hiring and tipping caddies. Two topics, we should note, that are covered extensively in the pre-departure materials shared with our travelers. But a common question that we receive before departure is one that was unthinkable when our company was founded in 1991...

How do I use my cell phone overseas?

It’s easier than ever to remain in touch with family, friends, and associates back home while you’re traveling abroad. But we’ve all heard horror stories of the friend who traveled internationally and returned to an enormous phone bill. If you’d like to avoid that sort of souvenir, here are a few tips for using your phone and other devices while across the pond.

Check with Your Carrier

Many cell phone plans offer convenient options for using your device while traveling abroad. For example, the Travel Pass from Verizon and the International Day Pass from AT&T both allow you to use your phone overseas for a daily fee (currently $10 per day). These features often require activation on your account before you can use them, so we suggest checking the international options with your carrier prior to departure.

Stay in Airplane Mode

If you’re one of those travelers who flicks the phone out of Airplane Mode the moment the landing gear hits the runway, you’ll want to think twice before doing so overseas. As soon as you turn off Airplane Mode, you’ll either trigger the international features mentioned above or worse… International Roaming. Trust us, you don’t want to know about International Roaming. If you’re unsure about the international features of your plan, the best way to avoid any surprises on your next bill is to stay in Airplane Mode and remember….

Wi-Fi is Your Friend

From hotels and restaurants, to clubhouses and ancient castles, accessible Wi-Fi is ubiquitous across the pond. If the network requires a password, just ask your server or an associate to share it. It’s virtually unheard of for them to decline. If you’re in a pub, you’ll usually find the password is written somewhere behind the bar. By sticking to Wi-Fi, you’ll be able to skip those pesky daily fees on your phone bill. Especially if you note the following tip…

Stick to the Messenger Apps

Although the international cell plans allow you to send text messages and make phone calls, there are less costly ways to stay in touch with everyone back home. All you need is Wi-Fi and one of a number of messaging apps. Facebook Messenger and What’s App are common messenger apps that allow you to text, plus make voice and video calls, for free over Wi-Fi. Even better, if you and the person you’re contacting are on Apple devices, you can text using iMessage and FaceTime with just a Wi-Fi connection.

Download Content and Apps Before Departing

Even though Wi-Fi is pretty much everywhere, it may not offer ideal speed for downloading or streaming content. If you’re binging the latest season of your favorite show and just can’t wait until you get home to finish it, we suggest downloading the episodes before you depart. The same goes for any movies that you might want to watch on the flight home.

Don’t Forget Your Adapters

Of course, your device is no use to you overseas unless it’s charged. When you’re putting together your packing list for the trip, don’t forget adapters for the overseas power outlets. Many include USB and traditional plugs in a single adapter, allowing you to charge multiple devices at once. While adapters are commonly found at grocery and drugstores overseas, you might pay dearly for them. Don’t leave home without it.