The best way to avoid accruing thousands of dollars in roaming charges while abroad is to manage your phone settings to only use Wi-Fi or purchase the correct data plan.
You can set your iPhone or Android device to stop receiving data over a cellular network but permit phone calls and text messages over Wi-Fi.
iPhone
- Turn Airplane Mode on via Settings
- Turn Wi-Fi on via Settings
Android
- Turn Airplane Mode on via Settings
- Turn Wi-Fi on via Settings
Technical difficulties
If you have technical difficulties using your mobile device while traveling outside the U.S., contact your carrier directly.
- AT&T: +1-916-843-4685
To access the plus sign (+) on most devices, press and hold the 0 key. - Sprint: 1-888-226-7212, option 2
- Verizon: Dial the exit code for the country you're in, then dial 908-559-4899
