Your smartphone is the perfect travel companion. It’s your all-in one map, camera, language translator, restaurant and destination guide, and your trusty phone ofcourse. But there’s nothing more annoying that coming home from a vacation and learning that you have a bill shock.

With a few steps of preparation, you can stay connected while travelling at a relatively low cost.

If you are unaware of these few things, you can end up with a huge phone bill.

Use your phone and SIM card

This is the most expensive option yet the most convenient. There are network providers that offer overseas data plans at different prices. If your network has affordable plans that fit your budget and data needs, you’re good to go.

Buy a local prepaid SIM card

This is a popular option among frequent travelers and people who are traveling in groups. To do this, you have to make sure that your phone is not locked in your network, otherwise this is not a possible option. Contact your network if you can open your line and know if there are charges involved. Normally, your network offers an internet-only plan and another option that includes SMS and calls.

Rely on free WiFi

The last option would be to connect via free WiFi in hotels, cafes, or malls. If you opt for this method, make sure that you turned off your roaming data and cellular data because this will skyrocket your bill. To disable data connectivity on your iPhone or iPad, simply go to Settings and toggle your roaming and cellular data off.

Have you ever experienced a bill shock? Tell us about your experience.