How to Deal With Phone Issues While Abroad
It doesn’t matter where in the world you are. Whether you’re cruising the streets of Paris on a tandem bike, strolling through the narrow alleyways of Prague, or simply sitting in the house that you grew up in.
Regardless of where you are, chances are that your phone is right there next to you. In this world of ever-increasingly technological forms of communication, it is imperative now, and more than ever, that we are able to be in constant communication with our peers. Not only that, but we now rely on our mobile devices for almost everything, including navigation, media, news, taking and sharing photos, and countless other purposes.
While we may take this technology for granted from time to time, we never truly realize how lucky we are to have our phones until something goes wrong, especially while traveling in an unknown place far away from home. For better or worse, during our time abroad, we will run into unforeseen obstacles. More likely than not, these obstacles will involve complications with the one item that never leaves our sight -our phones. For the novice traveler to the seasoned explorer, here are some examples of the issues -and solutions- that one may come across during their time overseas.
Issue: Lost Phone
Solution: Backup, Research, and Communicate
So you’re having a lovely time at the Spanish Steps and become so entranced by the velvety pigments in the floral arrangements lining the stairs that you don’t notice th
-in-a-lifetime moment, you realize it’s gone. So what does one do? Well, the first advisable step in anticipation of this possibility is to backup your phone regularly. Plug your phone into your laptop once every few days to ensure that all of your new pictures, contacts, and information are stored in a reliable place. That way, if you happen to lose your phone towards the end of your time abroad, you’ll have all of the information you’ve gathered ready to transfer to another device.
Now, because you’ve already backed up all of your media and contacts, all that’s left to worry about is obtaining a replacement phone. Because going out and buying a completely new phone is probably going to be somewhat pricey, check with friends and family before you go abroad for old, retired phones to bring with you. An added bonus is that if it is the same model phone, such as an older iphone replacing your shiny new –and now forever lost- one, you can take the older phone into the nearest Apple store and have them restore all of your previous info. Many androids will also give you this option, provided you can find a retailer which carries it.
However, if your only option is to buy an entirely new phone, then internet research is the next step for you. Before frantically traveling from store to store trying to find a phone and plan that works for you, do some behind the scenes investigating. Find the nearest carrier and make an appointment. More times than not, showing up without reservations at the phone store in Europe will result in a frustrating conversation in a foreign language you may not understand with little answers. Instead, go online to set up an appointment or make a call and ensure you can speak to someone who knows English. Even if you are semi-fluent in the language of your host country, it’s important to understand all information being exchanged regarding purchasing a new phone, and finding an employee who speaks English will ensure you leave with a new, working phone with the least amount of complications.
Issue: Battery Life is Waning
Solution: Backup Charger
Although one should appreciate living in the moment whilst being abroad, there are only so many mental snapshots one can take. And not everyone enjoys hauling around a heavy DSLR camera. At some point, you’re going to want to whip out your phone and capture the amazing things you’re seeing in a tangible way that lets you share them with your loved ones back home (as soon as you can find some wifi, of course). In addition, as you walk around and explore, you’re evidently going to be using Google Maps and other navigation-based apps on your phone as to ensure you don’t wind up somewhere in Siberia while your friends are back at the hotel. As it goes, the more you use your phone, the less dependable your battery will become. You shouldn’t be surprised in finding that while at one point you could go twelve hours without having to charge your phone, now you can barely make it three without it shutting down on you at the worst possible moment.
To avoid being stranded somewhere without a location-based map, or even more serious, at a historic site without the ability to take some pics to make yourself the envy of all your friends, be sure to carry a backup charger with you at all times. Small, portable, and lightweight, you can keep a backup battery that your phone can easily plug into on-the-go at any given time. With battery life that lasts for up to a few weeks in one single charge, a backup source of power is a necessity when it comes to the technologically-driven traveler. While it’s safer to purchase one before you board the plane overseas, these devices are pretty common and can be bought at nearly any electronics store in your destination country. Just don’t forget to charge the backup battery every now and then, or you’re stuck with two dead pieces of technology!
Issue: Expensive Communication
Solution: WiFi, Apps, and FaceBook
After a few days of settling into your new home, you’ll begin to meet locals and fellow students who start to shape and define your experience abroad. Just like you would at home, making plans and communicating with your newfound friends is a vital part of your after-school and weekend life. Sounds simple, but here’s the catch: money. Depending on what cell phone carrier you have, communicating through texting and calling can tend to get pretty pricey, especially if you’re talking with someone who doesn’t have an American phone. Usually, it’s about 50 cents to even send a single text message. Factor in entire conversations, and you’re starting to break the bank!
In addition, Facebook is a very powerful tool for communication. Most of the time, if you’re trying to establish communication with someone who lives where you are studying, they will already have added you on Facebook. (Europeans are very into posting and messaging on Facebook, lucky you!) As long as you’re on WiFi, you can talk as much as you want -for free!
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Don’t get caught without your phone -your lifeline while abroad. Doing so could be very frustrating, stressful, and in some cases, downright dangerous! Take good care of your phone, be wary of pickpockets in crowded places, and follow the advice provided here and you should be good to go!
Do you have any other tips about how to best deal with phone issues while abroad? Leave a comment below!
[accordion_tab title=”Collegiate Correspondent: Lizzy Spock” default]
