i don't travel local and overseas

Cross-Cultural Psychology

Afraid to travel internationally you’re not alone, a personal perspective: the many benefits of local travel..

Posted April 15, 2022 | Reviewed by Abigail Fagan

Paris. Venice. Tokyo. The Costa del Sol. Chile. Norway. It all sounds so wonderful — culture, beauty, food, architecture, the ocean, fresh sushi, music, fashion, gondolas. But maybe you are afraid to go to the destinations of your dreams because you've heard stories of cancelled flights, missed connections, travelers stranded, changing vaccination and test requirements, getting sick and being stranded far from home.

As a travel journalist, I hear from many travelers and get frequent updates on sites and online groups about the travel industry. Some people are traveling and in spite of hassles they are having marvelous and memorable voyages. Others have cancelled their trips and are waiting for a less fraught and turbulent time. You may also be one of the many who are fearful about flying far from home and frustrated because they can’t scratch their travel itch.

Before sharing with you a possible solution, I’d like to ask what your definition of “traveling” is. Does it entail flying to another country? Experiencing a different culture? Eating new foods? Does distance equal a great trip? Is a trip in your own country somehow lesser? Does it lack the caché of going abroad?

In my travels around the United States, I have had exotic experiences that matched those in remote locales. The trips have involved food from Korea, India, Venezuela, Italy, Japan, the Caribbean, and Africa.

The destinations included world class geological formations and hikes with stupendous views.

I have watched shepherds on horseback with their flocks.

I've attended spiritual ceremonies, art festivals, food events, wineries, gaped at architectural marvels, walked through ancient ruins, listened to world music, seen the fall colors and snow carpeting the earth, and watched butterflies arriving in the desert in spring.

I've witnessed spectacular sunsets ...and learned about birds and bees.

When people ask me if I’m frustrated that I can’t travel, I assure them that I am not frustrated because I am traveling. “But don’t you want to go out of the country?” “Sure, when the time is right.”

Somehow the idea of travel has been confounded or conflated with the idea that travel is only exciting if it’s far away. I have crisscrossed the globe many times and I can tell you that I feel excited, stimulated, and soothed by local and regional travel. I am not worried about being stranded. I am not throwing money at rising prices from inflation. My body is thankful that I’m not scrunched up in uncomfortable seats for 10 or 12 hours at a clip, and that I am hiking and walking every day and getting exercise and fresh air. I’m so free from travel worry that I can just be present and enjoy everything I am doing. I’m exploring new neighborhoods and restaurants, meeting folks of different ethnicities, cultures, ages, styles, with different cuisines and music.

I am marveling at the adaptability of refugees in a new land and culture.

I am not tense about missing flights, changing hotels, or the price of rental cars.

Am I traveling? You bet. I’m writing about it and turning readers on to what’s in their own state or region that they know nothing about. My husband is a photographer and he is getting glorious photos. I’m visiting sites with ancient pictographs, learning words in different languages, sampling foods from many immigrant communities and chefs honoring their ancestral cuisine, going to a santur concert (traditional Middle Eastern stringed instrument) and a flamenco recital.

I'm hiking through a slot canyon, meeting locals on a patio at a winery, buying crafts from South Africa, and hanging with barrel racers.

I'm going to a Native American sacred celebration, making collages, and listening to street music.

Will I travel out of the country again? Of course, when the time is right and I am ready. My nervous system thanks me for not sitting around, disgruntled, waiting for future travels but enhancing the quality of my life every time I set out to explore new things in my country and share them with others who think there is nothing to do if you can’t travel abroad.

Maybe we need to rethink what travel means and how our town, city, state, region and country are filled with delights just waiting to be sampled and savored.

Judith Fein is an award-winning international travel journalist who has contributed to 130 publications, the author of three books about transformative travel, an inspirational speaker, and an opera librettist.

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5 Best Ways to Use Your Phone When Traveling Abroad

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We live in an ultra-connected world. Most Americans are now accustomed to always being online, with a majority of Americans (53%) admitting to regularly using their phone in bed before going to sleep, according to a 2021 study by Contentsquare, an analytics company. For some, the thought of disconnecting to go on an international trip may seem like a dream, but that idea might be a nightmare for others.

Those who want to stay connected have many options for data and text messages while overseas — from using international cell phone plans to getting a local SIM or eSIM card. Here are our tips on the best ways to use your cell phone while abroad.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

1. Sign up for Google Fi

Google Fi is a virtual cell phone service provider. That means that rather than owning its own towers, it partners with local cell phone providers to provide cell, data and text services. And Google Fi didn't just stop at partnering with U.S. cell phone providers. Google Fi provides service in over 200 countries, making it incredibly convenient for frequent international travelers.

When you land in an international country, you can simply turn off airplane mode and use your phone just like you do at home. You'll get unlimited free texting, and data costs the same as when you're back home and using Google Fi. The only thing that can cost extra is phone calls. You'll pay 20 cents per minute when calling overseas or traveling overseas. You'll pay this same rate whether you're calling friends or family back home or calling a hotel in the next country on your itinerary.

The downside to Google Fi: depending on the plan you choose, data prices can be quite high compared to other cell phone service options while you're in the U.S.

» Learn more: What to know about insurance for electronics

2. Get free overseas data using T-Mobile and Sprint

The budget option for staying connected while overseas is to use T-Mobile or Sprint as your cell phone provider. Many plans offered by these providers come with free text and data while traveling overseas. However, you get what you pay for when it comes to data speeds.

T-Mobile customers with can get unlimited 2G data, unlimited texting and calls costing 25 cents per minute across 210 destinations if they have the following plans:

New Classic.

Select Choice.

Simple Choice.

Don't expect to be able to do much on 2G data, as it’s only around twice the speed of dial-up internet. If you want faster data speeds, you'll need to purchase an International Pass that includes a limited amount of data and unlimited calling over a set number of days.

Similarly, Sprint customers get free text messages and 2G data and 25 cents per minute calling when traveling to more than 200 destinations. As with T-Mobile, Sprint customers can purchase data packages that allow 4G/LTE data roaming for as little as $5 per day.

» Learn more: How to find cheap things to do in any city

3. Buy a local SIM card in your destination

Seasoned international travelers may remember when getting a local SIM card was the only way of staying connected while overseas. But even now, with all of the alternatives that we have, getting a local SIM card can still be a great option. Say you're staying in a country or region for an extended period. A local SIM card might be the best option to make local calls at affordable rates.

Depending on where you go, a local SIM card could be the most economical option. For example, when I visited Vietnam in January 2019, airport vendors offered local SIM cards with unlimited LTE data for just $8. This was cheaper than paying for even 1GB of data using Google Fi. So, I alternated between using this local SIM card for data and Google Fi for text messages.

Photo courtesy of JT Genter

4. Utilize an eSIM card

eSIM cards are a high-tech solution to getting a local number without having to hunt down a SIM card in your destination. Rather than getting a physical SIM card, you can purchase and download an eSIM on your phone to connect to cell networks and get data while overseas.

Tons of providers sell eSIMs online with options and prices depending on where you're going and how much you'll need to use your phone. So, make sure to dig around and check reviews before purchasing. But, let's take a look at one provider to show you generally how it works.

Airalo sells a variety of eSIMs that cover a combined 190+ countries and regions. You can search for eSIMs by country or region, or you can purchase a global eSIM that covers 87 countries.

Say you're heading to Europe and want to have data for navigating around the cities you're visiting. Airalo currently offers six European eSIM options:

1GB of data valid for 7 days for $5.

3GB of data valid for 30 days for $13.

5GB of data valid for 30 days for $20.

10GB of data valid for 30 days for $37.

50GB of data valid for 90 days for $100.

100GB of data valid for 180 days for $185.

As you can see, you can drop the price to just $4 per GB by buying 5GB of data or just $2 per GB by buying 50GB of data. That's very affordable compared to options like Google Fi — which can cost up to $10 per GB. However, you generally won't have access to SMS text messages through eSIMs. One option is to switch between using an eSIM for data and either Google Fi, Sprint or T-Mobile for text messages.

Airalo succinctly spells out the process that you'll need to go through when purchasing any type of eSIM. Generally you'll need to:

Download the provider's app.

Purchase the eSIM.

Install the eSIM.

Then activate the eSIM once you're ready to start using it.

One major restriction to this option: you'll need to have a phone that supports eSIMs. Also, you'll want to have some technical knowhow. As I've learned from experience, setting up an eSIM can be much harder than the Airalo screenshots make it seem.

5. Pay for an international plan add-on

If you want to use your phone number to call and text while overseas — and you don't have Google Fi, T-Mobile or Sprint — you're likely going to need to purchase an international add-on to your plan. The rates and options for these types of services are going to vary between cell phone providers. Let's look at Verizon's options as an example.

All unlimited Verizon plans include free talk, text and data in Mexico and Canada. Just beware that data speeds are reduced to 2G speeds after 0.5 GB per day. For travels outside the U.S., Mexico and Canada, you have two options:

For $10 per day, TravelPass will let you use your phone like you do at home with unlimited talk, text and data in over 185 countries. Get the International Monthly Plan for $100 per month to get a package of minutes, data and text messages for use overseas.

» Learn more: How tech can help you travel smarter

If you're looking for the best way to use your cell phone abroad

The right solution is going to depend on what cell phone service you use in the U.S., where you're going and how much data you'll need. If you just want basic data to keep up on emails and search directions, using T-Mobile or Sprint can save you from having to pay when traveling overseas.

However, if you want high-speed data, you'll want to look into options like eSIMs or purchasing a local SIM card. And for those who want the simplicity of using their cell phone just like at home no matter where they go, Google Fi or an international add-on plan can be an excellent option.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

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2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now

You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.

Do Not Travel to These Countries

Getty Images

Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.

In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.

Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .

In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.

On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.

The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.

About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.

So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.

Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:

Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen

Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.

Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.

Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”

Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.

Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.

Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.

Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.

Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.

Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.

Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.

Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.

Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.

Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline

Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.

South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.

Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .

Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”

Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.

Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.

Other Countries to Watch

Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.

The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.

On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.

China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.

Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.

In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.

Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.

Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.

Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.

France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.

The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.

Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.

In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.

Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.

The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.

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Tags: Russia , Ukraine , Travel , Coronavirus , Travel Tips , Israel , Gaza , violence , Civil War , crime , kidnapping , international relations

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How to Use Your Phone Internationally Without Charges

If you’re going to travel, you need to know how to avoid international roaming charges. There are so many sneaky things our phones are doing in the background that can rack up data usage and create hundreds of dollars in roaming charges. Ain’t nobody got time for that.  

It can feel really daunting and complicated to figure out how to use your phone internationally without charges. It’s tempting to throw your hands up and resort to not using a phone at all while abroad. You start trying to rationalize it by thinking things like, “It’s ok, I can just use my camera to take photos and upload a month later”, or “I’ll have email to connect to people when I’m on my laptop”, and “I’ll get really good at using those big paper maps if I can figure out how to fold them.”

While those are totally viable options (we believe in you), it doesn’t have to be that way. Let’s face it, we all want access to our phones abroad. How else are we going to let our loved ones know we arrived safely, post stunning pics of our travels, or have a lifeline in case of an unexpected or murky situation?

The best way to avoid international roaming charges may technically be to lose the phone altogether, but it doesn’t have to come to that. We have some tips that will teach you how to avoid roaming charges overseas so you can keep us up to date on that Insta story while abroad. ? 

How to avoid international roaming charges FAQ

1. does mobile data cost money abroad.

Yes, it sure as heck fire does! And it can cost way more than your typical bill if you’re not careful due to international roaming fees. But don’t worry, there are ways to work around exorbitant data charges.

You may be wondering, “Should I turn off mobile data when abroad?” While that’s not a bad idea, you have to remember that you won’t be able to use your phone unless you connect to WiFi. However, if you are willing to rely on only WiFi for phone use, just turn off that data and don’t worry about it.

If you’re trying to figure out how to avoid data charges abroad, you should look into your cellular carrier’s options for international travel. Some carriers have specific international plans you can add on, while others, like T-Mobile, come equipped with international ability with certain domestic plans . 

TL;DR: Mobile data DOES cost money abroad, but it’s possible to cut the cost with an international plan or by avoiding data usage altogether through airplane mode. 

2. How much does data roaming cost?

Quick lesson in mobile technology: When you get a cellphone, you also have a service plan. You have a contract with a carrier like Verizon, T-Mobile, or Sprint, and you essentially pay to access a certain amount of data each month.

When you are using your phone outside a provider’s coverage, it latches onto a local network and uses that instead. Major carriers have roaming agreements so that you can still tap into that sweet sweet data, but you have to pay an extra fee for that right to use it. Here’s a helpful blog about Data Roaming by Lauren Hannula .

It definitely adds up when you’re traveling because the networks aren’t the same overseas. In the US, you may have a plan with Verizon. But as soon as you land in India, Vodafone is the top dog and Verizon is nowhere to be seen. 

So how much does data roaming cost? It really depends on the carrier and your plan. It’s very possible to be charged hundreds of dollars for mobile roaming charges. There was a man who was charged $62,000 because he downloaded a movie abroad . Pro tip: Don’t do that.

TL;DR: Data roaming can cost boatloads. Learn how to avoid roaming charges overseas so you don’t get a hefty bill! 

3. Should I turn off mobile data when abroad?

A lot of people are asking the question “Should I turn off mobile data when abroad?” Simple answer, yes. If you don’t want to mess around with changing your cell phone plan or getting a local SIM card abroad, just turn off mobile data when abroad and use your phone as a mini computer via WiFi.

Just get used to the fact that you won’t be able to make calls, use apps, or do… most anything without WiFi. But never fear! There are ways to use your phone without data. 

• If you’re not using data, you can still text and call on WiFi. Use apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Skype, or Google Voice to connect with friends and family while abroad.
• There are a surprising number of apps that work without any type of connection (data or WiFi). Look for conversion apps, translation apps, and maps that work offline. Google maps has an option to download sections of maps, but CityMaps2Go, maps.me, and HereWeGo have more options. 

TL;DR: If you’re wondering how to avoid international roaming charges, just don’t use mobile data. Boom. Done. If you’re still confused and want to know, “But like… why does mobile data cost money abroad?”, see #2. 

4. If my phone is on airplane mode will I get roaming charges?

Nope . Definitely the best way to avoid international roaming charges while abroad is to simply switch to airplane mode. Don’t freak out when WiFi and Bluetooth stop working, you just need to switch them back on manually. 

TL;DR: Really? No way was that too long. If you want to know how to avoid data charges abroad just turn on flight mode, yo!

5. Are there any special Android or iPhone settings for international travel?

If you’re planning on learning how to use your phone internationally without charges seamlessly, you’re going to need to dive into the settings. There are some things your phone does in the background that you can switch off the save data while traveling abroad. There are subtle nuances between Android and iPhone settings for international travel when it comes to navigating the device, but the end result is the same. 

When you’re using Airplane or Flight mode, you don’t need to worry about data use. So before you even get off the plane, make sure these settings are turned on (or off). Even if you decide to get a local SIM card, these tips will help you out by saving data abroad. 

• iPhone: Settings > General > Cellular > Data Roaming > toggle off/white.
• Android: Settings > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming > toggle off/white
• iPhone: Settings > General > Cellular > Cellular Data > scroll down and toggle/white apps you don’t use
• Android: Settings > Data Usage > App Data Usage > tap app you want to turn off > toggle background data off/white 
• iPhone: Settings > [your name] > iTunes & App Store > Use Cellular Data > toggle off/white. Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > toggle off/white 
• Android: Google Play> Hamburger icon top-left > Settings > Auto-update apps> do not auto-update apps 
• iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Scroll to bottom and tap Reset Statistics
• Android: Settings > Wireless & Networks > Data Usage > Billing cycle and tap reset

TL;DR: If you still don’t know the answer to “Should I turn off mobile data when abroad?”, go back and just read. It’ll help your wallet and your travel anxiety, we promise.  

6. What is the best way to avoid international roaming charges?

Hands down best way to avoid international roaming charges is to not use data abroad. But like we’ve gone over before, that just seems silly. Instead, set yourself up for success by learning how to avoid data charges abroad before you go. 

If you want to use data abroad instead of relying on WiFi, first thing to do is call your carrier and see if they have any good deals for international plans. It’s typically a daily add-on where you pay $5-$20/day (depending on your carrier) and have a bit o’ data to work with. That way you can just use your phone as you normally would; just pay attention to how much you use so you don’t go over your limit.

Another option is to use a local SIM card. Most smartphones have the ability to function globally, as long as they are unlocked and set up to function with Global System for Mobiles (GSM) . Here’s an article about the difference of CDMA and GSM .

Most phones these days are set up to work globally, so you shouldn’t have to worry about this. Just call your carrier and ask two things: “ Is my phone unlocked?” And, “ Will it work with another SIM card? ”. In some countries you’ll only pay $10 to $20 for a decent amount of data (like in Southeast Asia), so think about how much you want to pay to use data abroad. 

Avoid roaming charges overseas—use FundMyTravel!

Just because you know how to use your phone internationally without charges doesn’t mean travel is free. Does mobile data cost money abroad? Yes. Do you need to pay extra for it? Nope! Use FundMyTravel to alleviate some of the global mobile fees you’ll run into . Raise some extra cash to buy a local SIM, get an international plan, or for juuuuust in case you use a little more data than had you planned to. 

Now you know how to avoid data charges abroad

That’s right, now YOU are the expert! When your friend asks you, “How much does data roaming cost?” you can tell them the horror stories of people being charged hundreds, even thousands of dollars. But you also know exactly how to avoid roaming charges overseas, so as long as they listen to your sage advice, they won’t need to worry about that. 

Our phones are amazing tools that help us connect with people, navigate the world, and learn new things. If you’re ready to go abroad, you’re going to need to get that baby ready, too! Sift through all those pesky Android or iPhone settings for international travel, call your carrier, and get your show on the road.

For more tips and tricks on how to save and raise money for your adventures abroad, go to our homepage and sign up for the FundMyTravel Newsletter !

This article was written by Rebekah Glebe .

Comments (4)

very good advice, well written and most useful for Novice/s who need to learn fast. Thanks.

wow.. it’s just fantastic ideas to avoid data charges via international calling. Using these tricks, we can do internationally calls without any data roaming. I will surely try these tricks. Keep sharing your ideas!

Hi there this is a very helpful article for me Thanks

Thank you for this. One less stress to worry about especially in this time of financial challenges.

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The Truth About Meeting Locals Abroad

It wasn’t until my third visit to Sweden that I felt I finally got a sense of the country’s culture.

During that visit, I watched a giant bonfire ceremony for Valborg, the Swedish celebration of spring, I received a lesson in red and green working days and got schooled in Swedish fashion (black, unsurprisingly, is the color of choice), and I spent Swedish Easter at my friend’s grandmother’s house, where I went on an egg hunt (Grandmother insisted) and played a game called “tipspromenad.” (It’s a trivia contest combined with a scavenger hunt — incredibly fun, though I didn’t know any of the answers).

That three-week trip provided me with more insight into the Swedish culture than any of the past ones combined.

Because locals welcomed me into their private lives and became my guides.

In my years on the road, I’ve made friends from around the world.

I can go to countless countries and stay with friends ( locals ) who are happy to show me around, friends who will take me to Easter at Grandmother’s house, an impromptu town BBQ event, a birthday party, or Christmas at their in-laws. It’s easy for me to get a taste of local life because I have many people willing to show it to me. It’s the same for anyone who has traveled — you’re going to meet people from all around the world that you can visit .

But, when you’re in a new destination and don’t know anyone, how do you , the intrepid newbie, do that?

Travel writing is often filled with stories of chance encounters in subways and cafés that end up with the writer jetting off to some event or celebration that opens a window into local life that other travelers rarely get to see. While these are great stories, they create a romantic picture that makes people think that all travel is like that.

And they are mostly bullshit stories.

It’s true that locals want to show the best their country has to offer, so they give advice, converse, and share a few pints at the bar.

But that is different than being brought into their personal space. Bonding over beers with some guys you meet at the pub is different than being asked if you want to join the family for dinner on Sunday. One is in a public space, the other private.

In order to be invited into a local’s private space, you will probably have to meet the person a few times before an invitation is extended. People like to know the person they are inviting first. Yes, a first-time invite can happen, but it is the exception, not the rule.

Think about your own life. How often do you invite the stranger you gave directions to your family dinner? Probably not very often.

So why would someone else do that?

While it’s not as easy to make friends with locals, it’s a lot easier than it used to be. Thanks to the Internet, there are ways to overcome the difficulty of meeting a nice local who will invite you to Sunday dinner — besides asking your friends if they know anyone there (which you should be doing).

Here’s how I meet locals (and other travelers) when I’m abroad:  

1. Embrace Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a great app for finding free accommodation. It’s a cultural exchange platform where you can connect with locals who have free places to stay. Sometimes, these are entire rooms while other times it’s just a spot on the couch.

But where Couchsurfing really shines is its app. If you want to meet locals but don’t want to sleep on someone’s couch, you can use the Couchsurfing app to meet locals to grab a coffee, go to an event, visit a museum, etc. Moreover, there are all kinds of groups and events you can join on the app (such as language exchanges and traveler meet-ups).

I’ve used Couchsurfing a bunch over the years, including one time when I attended a Couchsurfing meet-up in Denmark that ended up with me at a family’s weekly dinner. Sadly, the site isn’t as used as much now that it’s behind a paywall but there’s enough activity there to make it a worthwhile option.  

2. Use Meetup.com

Meetup.com is another great site for meeting people. Though more “formal” than Couchsurfing, there are a wide variety of groups on this site where you can meet those with the same interests as you.

Love wine? Why not go to a wine lovers’ meet-up in France ?

Want to do crafts in Australia ? Go to a knitting meet-up.

Interested in meeting business people in Hong Kong ? Find a business-related event and go!

This way, you find people who are interested in the same subject as you are, which helps lower the awkward barrier. Plus, how cool is it to meet someone from across the world with the same interest? I love Prohibition-era bars , and if I met someone from Sydney who did too, I would want to chat about the scene in Sydney for hours!  

3. Attend Language Exchanges

Every major city has an expat community and those expats likely have a language group. Try to attend language exchanges during your trip. Not only will you get to connect with people who live in the destination but you’ll get some insider tips and advice about the language, allowing you to better engage with locals as you explore.

Additionally, don’t hesitate to join language groups while you’re at home. It’s a great way to meet people who have recently moved to your city (as well as travelers just stopping by). Not only will you help people hone their language skills but you’ll make connections with people from all around the world — people who might be able to help you have a local experience when you visit their homeland.  

4. Try Bumble BFF

Bumble is a dating app but they also have a feature called Bumble BFF . Just download the app, make a quick profile, and browse for people who have similar interests as you. Make plans to grab a coffee, visit a museum, or do whatever else you want to do. While this feature is predominately used by solo female travelers, there is an option for men to use it too.

5. Join Facebook Expat Groups

Facebook is a great resource for finding expat groups in cities all around the world. Not only are these groups useful for getting tips and information but most groups hold regular meetups too. Expats who have been in a city for a while know the best places to eat, and the best hidden gems to see, and will likely have language tips to help you fit in and explore.

Simply search Facebook for “expats in X” and you’ll get plenty of groups. This is a great option if you’re staying in a destination for a long time.  

The rise of the sharing economy in the last few years has made it super easy to get to know locals. This has been a boon to budget travelers — not only do you save money but you get to hang out and meet locals in a wide variety of settings.

When I left to travel the road, I had visions of interacting with locals everywhere, but that didn’t happen as much as I wanted. It’s not impossible to have that chance encounter on the street but it’s also not that common. However, the number of social platforms out there now has made it a lot easier to find out about events and meet people in other destinations, thus making connections that will eventually lead to those invitations to Easter dinner.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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The Dos & Don’ts of Using Your Phone Overseas

Our smartphones make our everyday lives much easier, providing us with a constant stream of communication and knowledge at our fingertips. Overseas, your phone can be an equally powerful tool to maximize your travels and stay connected with loved ones back home.

There are a few best practices to keep in mind so you can stay safe and connected while you travel. Here are our top tips for using your phone overseas.

Do: Turn Off Data Roaming

Before you get on that plane (or train) to leave the country, turn off both data roaming and cellular data on your phone. This will prevent your device from connecting to towers or networks along your journey, leading to pricey roaming charges from your carrier.

At least…in theory. Some third-party apps , particularly those with automatic data syncing (like Google, iCloud, and Dropbox), can turn cellular data and data roaming on by themselves. Comb through your app list while you’re packing to make sure you’ve uninstalled or restricted data access for these types of apps. 

While you’re at it, reset your data usage statistics before you leave and monitor the graph while you travel. If something is still using data even after you’ve turned everything off, it’ll show up right away.

Don't: Rely on Airplane Mode.

Airplane mode doesn’t actually turn off data roaming and cellular data. One family learned that the hard way, returning home to a $13,470 bill thanks to “offline” apps quietly updating software and refreshing ads in the background (yikes!).

Airplane mode turns off all your phone's radio connections (cellular, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi), but apps that don’t require an internet connection will continue to use data. Your best bet to avoid expensive roaming charges is to turn off data roaming or — even better — use a prepaid data plan .

When you check your roaming bill...

Do: Get a Prepaid Data Plan

Avid travelers typically opt for local SIM cards or else just remove their SIM cards and rely on WiFi hotspots, but better options exist. If your phone has eSIM support, you can access cheap, convenient mobile data plans on demand from a marketplace like  Airalo .

Depending on where you’re going, a mobile data plan can be a godsend. Whether you need maps or to connect with local resources, a functioning phone may mean the difference between a frustrating and blissful trip.

If your phone was manufactured after 2018 and it’s not a cheap burner phone, there’s a chance it has eSIM support. Here’s a list of devices that have it.

Don't: Rely on Wi-Fi

Don’t hope that Wi-Fi is available everywhere you go. Relying on Wi-Fi for international travel is a common bit of advice for travelers on a budget, but only about 59% of the world has internet. While that number is substantially higher in the developed world and tourist hotspots, it says nothing about connection stability or speed.

A better option is to have data access at the ready. With a prepaid eSIM plan, you can connect to data no matter where you are in the world. It’s as simple as downloading and activating a data pack and topping it up as you go. That means no more spotty Wi-Fi and instant access to an internet connection.

Do: Refresh Your Phone's Security

If there’s one thing you’re most likely to lose on your trip, it’s your phone. Research shows that smartphones are the most commonly misplaced and stolen devices during travel. Prepare for this by revisiting your phone’s security measures before you leave. 

We recommend that you:

• Update multi-factor authentication steps so they’re accessible if you can’t receive calls or texts.
• Get a VPN for when you’re connected to public WiFi abroad.
• Use a password manager.
• Check for security patches or updates before leaving.
• Set up a phone tracker app in the event that your phone goes missing.

Don't: Leave Your Phone Case Behind

Electronic data security matters, but so does physical security. Don’t leave home without a solid phone case and possibly a screen protector (if you’re the adventurous type, you’ll thank us!). It’s easy for your phone to slip out of your hand or pocket while you’re climbing the next peak or sprinting to catch the next train. Protecting your device on all fronts will save you the stress (and tears) of a cracked screen or dislodged component.

Do: Back Up Your Phone

Backing up your phone to the cloud keeps your data safe while you’re traveling. To maintain your privacy, you should strongly consider performing a factory reset as well to remove your personal information from the device

There are two main reasons for this. First, border agents and customs can search your phone – both at the US border and abroad. Some reports suggest that certain countries, like China, may install tracking software on your phone that downloads your data, texts, and even your social media activity.

Second, airport WiFi is of increasing interest to hackers, thanks to open (unsecured) WiFi and waiting crowds connecting to it. Even if you’re using a VPN, you have no idea who may be eavesdropping on your connection.

If you don’t want to perform a factory reset before you leave, then definitely perform one when you get back. You will likely encounter questionable WiFi connections while abroad, so assume your device has been compromised and take proactive steps to minimize that threat.

Don't: Trust Open Wi-Fi Connections

Don’t leave automatic Wi-Fi connectivity on while you travel. It might seem obvious not to trust open connections in cafes or hotels, but you don’t even need to be knowingly connected to a network for your data to be stolen.

To turn off your automatic Wi-Fi connection on an iPhone:

• Go to “Settings”
• Tap “Wi-Fi”
• Choose “Ask to Join Networks”
• Switch it on

On an Android:

• Tap “Network & Internet”
• Tap “Wi-Fi Preferences”
• Switch off “Connect to Open Networks” 

Using your phone abroad to stay connected and on track is entirely possible with a few preparations. From knowing your options regarding mobile data to securing your device from hardware to operating system, make sure you’re laying the groundwork for a fun, connected, stress-free vacation.

Need mobile data while you travel? You’ve got options. Check them out in the Airalo marketplace .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is data roaming.

Data roaming is a feature that allows you to connect to a mobile network outside of your carrier's coverage area. Although data roaming allows you to continue to access mobile services, doing so is significantly more costly than using data within your home network.

Should data roaming be on or off abroad?

It's best to turn data roaming off when you are abroad to avoid incurring roaming charges from your carrier. However, if you have an eSIM or data roaming plan, you may need to turn data roaming on to continue to access your mobile services abroad. 

Can I use my phone overseas without roaming?

Yes, it is possible to use your phone overseas without roaming by taking advantage of eSIMs, local SIM cards, Wi-Fi, or international plans. For example, you can use an eSIM to add a local or international plan to your phone without physically changing your SIM card. This enables you to use mobile services abroad without worrying about unexpected roaming charges from your provider.

What is airplane mode?

Airplane mode is a feature available on many electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, that allows you to quickly disable wireless communication functions. When airplane mode is activated, it turns off your device's radio-frequency transmission capabilities, including cellular networks, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The purpose of airplane mode is to ensure that the device does not transmit signals that could potentially interfere with the communication and navigation systems of an airplane during flight.

Does airplane mode use data?

No, airplane mode does not use data. When you activate airplane mode on your device, it disables all wireless communication functions, including cellular data, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. While you can manually enable Wi-Fi after turning on airplane mode, the device won't use mobile data unless you disable airplane mode or turn on mobile data separately.

Does airplane mode prevent roaming charges?

Yes, activating airplane mode can help prevent roaming charges while you are abroad. When you turn on airplane mode, it disables all wireless communication functions on your device, including cellular networks. This means that your device won't connect to any mobile network, and you won't incur roaming charges for voice calls, text messages, or mobile data.

Can I use Wi-Fi on airplane mode internationally?

Yes, you can use Wi-Fi while in airplane mode internationally. When you activate airplane mode on your device, it turns off cellular networks, including voice, data, and text messaging; however, it does not disable Wi-Fi. You can manually enable Wi-Fi while in airplane mode, allowing you to connect to available Wi-Fi networks without incurring international roaming charges.

Ready to try eSIMs and change the way you stay connected?

Download the Airalo app to purchase, manage, and top up your eSIMs anytime, anywhere!

Use Your Free Credit.

You can earn US$3 Airmoney credits by sharing your referral code with friends.

Use eSIM while traveling internationally with your iPhone

Learn about the options and benefits for using eSIM while traveling abroad.

Learn about the benefits of traveling with eSIM

eSIM is more secure than a physical SIM because it can't be removed if your iPhone is lost or stolen.

With eSIM, you don't need to obtain, carry, and swap physical SIM cards (which can also be lost), or wait for them to arrive by mail.

You can have two eSIMs active on supported iPhone models at the same time. This could, for example, include one eSIM for your home and another eSIM for the place you're visiting.

You can swap which of your stored eSIMs are active simply by changing your selections in Settings. This might be helpful if you travel regularly to the same places.

What you need

An iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later

A wireless carrier or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM

Your iPhone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network*

If your iPhone has a SIM tray, you can use both a physical SIM and an eSIM while traveling internationally

Learn more about eSIM on iPhone

eSIM on iPhone isn’t offered in China mainland. In Hong Kong and Macao, some iPhone models feature eSIM. Learn about using Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards in China mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao . For travelers visiting China mainland who wish to use an eSIM for prepaid data plans, these are offered by many worldwide service providers .

Roam internationally with your existing carrier

Carriers might include international roaming on select data plans without additional fees.

Alternatively, your carrier might offer affordable travel passes or plans that you can purchase ahead of time to use at your destination.

International roaming with an eSIM works the same as roaming with a physical SIM.

Your carrier might offer the ability to digitally manage your eSIM plan and add more data as needed.

To learn more, contact your carrier.

Learn more about cellular data roaming options for traveling internationally

Purchase an eSIM from a local carrier in the country or region you're visiting

Find carriers around the world that support eSIM on iPhone .

If your iPhone is locked to a carrier, it can be used only by that carrier. You can add multiple eSIMs and plans through that carrier. To check if your iPhone is unlocked, go to Settings > General > About. If your iPhone is unlocked, "No SIM restrictions" appears next to Carrier Lock. Learn how to unlock iPhone for use with a different carrier .

Many carriers offer prepaid plan options that you can purchase from the carriers' websites or apps before you arrive, or in person after arrival, through a carrier kiosk at the airport, carrier store, or other location. Carriers will provide steps to activate your eSIM digitally, like with a QR code or carrier app. Depending on local regulations, you might be asked to show identification (like your passport) to purchase. These prepaid carrier options might offer more affordable local plans for data, voice, and text. Check with individual carriers for details.

In addition to purchasing a prepaid eSIM plan, you might wish to get a postpaid account if you plan to be in another place for an extended time.Carriers around the world that support eSIM offer postpaid plans. Depending on the country or region, you might need proof of local residency, an established local bank account, or credit card.

On your iPhone, you can store eight or more eSIMs, which can be used as needed. On supported iPhone models, you can use two eSIMs at the same time . Carrier fees might apply. Contact your carrier for information.

Purchase a prepaid data eSIM from a worldwide service provider

Many worldwide service providers offer prepaid data plans . These plans allow you to stay connected in over 190 countries and regions when you travel. Carriers offer plans that differ by the amount of data and duration. You can also purchase a plan before you travel.

Apps that offer data only eSIM plans are available on the App Store on your iPhone .

While you're abroad, you can use a data-only eSIM as your secondary line and have two active eSIM plans on supported iPhone models.

The capabilities on your primary line will continue to work when you add a data-only eSIM for cellular data. For example, you might keep your primary line for your home and set up a data-only eSIM plan as your secondary line while traveling.

To choose your data line, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. You can continue to use FaceTime, iMessage, and other apps to make VoIP calls or send messages while you're traveling.

You can also turn data roaming on and off on your home line in Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. Carrier fees might apply.

If you purchased an iPhone 14 model or later in the United States but will use it while living in a different country or region

You can activate an unlocked iPhone 14 model or later that you purchased in the United States with over 400 carriers in 100 markets worldwide that support eSIM on iPhone . Contact your carrier to confirm that they support eSIM on your cellular plan. Also, check iPhone cellular band support for country compatibility.

Many worldwide service providers also offer prepaid eSIM data plans for long-term use in countries and regions across the world.

* iPhone 14 models and later that are eSIM-only can activate without a Wi-Fi network.

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Travelers Ask, Cash, What’s That?

In a transition hastened by the pandemic, increasingly you can travel abroad and barely ever handle a physical bill or coin, whether pounds, kroner or euros. A guide to going cashless overseas.

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By Beth Harpaz

On a recent trip to England, Andrew Dodson, 35, and his wife, Erin, 32, who live in Traverse City, Mich., had an unexpected problem: No matter how hard they tried, they couldn’t spend the 700 British pounds they’d brought along.

“We traveled all around the country, including many small towns in the Lake District and the Cotswolds, and even the tiniest of pubs took cards,” said Mr. Dodson, a content marketing manager for TentCraft, a manufacturer of customized tents and accessories. “Many wouldn’t even accept cash. As we approached the end of our trip, we went to a nice dinner at this Indian restaurant where we hoped to spend off some of the cash we converted, only to be told they don’t accept cash anymore.”

Finally, their London hotel let them pay their balance with cash so they wouldn’t have to bring the pounds home and reconvert them to dollars.

For American vacationers, traveling overseas used to involve the ritual of obtaining local currency, whether from a bank at home before heading off, or from an A.T.M. or currency exchange at their destination. But in a transition hastened by the pandemic’s preference for contactless payment, increasingly you can travel abroad and barely ever handle a physical bill or coin, whether pounds, kroner or euros.

“I’ve had the same 10 euro in my purse for weeks,” said Julene English, 62, a Fairfax, Calif., retiree on her first international trip since the pandemic, a three-month sojourn with her husband in Italy, France and Britain.

Consumers and the travel industry are both playing a part in the trend toward cashless trips. Travel suppliers and service providers have “adopted technology to facilitate online transactions and payments,” while consumers have become “more familiar and comfortable with contactless payments,” said Charuta Fadnis, a senior vice president for research and product strategy at the travel industry research firm Phocuswright . “Paying with a tap of their cards or phones is a behavior that is expected to persist.”

Of course, the move to cashless travel didn’t start with the pandemic. The increased use of digital payment options and mobile wallets is a long-term trend that’s been going on for the last 10 years in Asia and the last three years everywhere else, said Michael Orlando, the chief operating officer of the global payments company Yapstone .

“But there’s no question that the pandemic helped shift that trend into high gear,” said Matt Schulz, the chief credit analyst at LendingTree , the online loan company. Not only did consumers start ordering more things online and by cellphone when the pandemic started, but there was an aversion to handling physical money, especially early on when less was known about how the virus spread. “People just felt more comfortable handing over their plastic or using things like QR codes and mobile pay apps than using cash,” he said.

If you’re heading abroad this summer for the first time since the start of the pandemic, here’s what you need to know about when you’ll need cash (tips, restrooms), when you won’t (shops, restaurants), and how to optimize your credit card, bank card and digital payment options.

Tap, don’t swipe

These days, many vendors outside the United States only accept contactless cards. On his trip, Mr. Dodson said he kept trying to “insert the chip or even swipe on a mobile card reader that the waiter would bring by, only to be reminded that ‘You must tap.’”

Ben Soppitt, the C.E.O. of Unifimoney, a digital wealth management platform, said contactless technology has been the “de facto standard for almost a decade” in many places outside the United States. Indeed, Mastercard reports that half its transactions worldwide are now contactless.

Check your cards before you head overseas and if they don’t have the contactless payment symbol (a series of four curved lines), call your credit card company for a replacement before you travel.

Make sure any card you take abroad waives foreign transaction fees, since you don’t want to replace the currency exchange commission with an even higher credit card fee, which can run as high as 3 percent of every purchase. If you need a new card to avoid fees, Nick Ewen, the director of content at the Points Guy, a website that covers reward travel and related issues, said the Capital One VentureOne is a good choice.

And if you’re asked whether you prefer to be charged in local currency or in American dollars, choose local currency to avoid paying “steep conversion fees,” counsels Max Jones, a travel adviser with the Virtuoso Network and owner of the concierge agency Change Travel.

An added benefit with contactless cards is that they can be used for bus and train fares in many places (including New York City). No more paying extra for a transit card, no more guessing how much money to load on it, no more navigating confusing instructions at a kiosk. Combine the ease of contactless fares with directions from an app, and you’ll be using public transit like a native.

Have a digital backup plan

Nicole Gustas, 51, of Somerville, Mass., the marketing director for International Citizens Insurance, which sells travel and other overseas insurance, said she was “caught flat-footed more than once” in New Zealand and Australia because her credit cards weren’t contactless and merchants couldn’t process them. To get around the problem, she installed Google Pay on her phone.

In fact, it’s not a bad idea before your next trip to set up a digital wallet (like Google Pay or Apple Pay) connected to your bank account or debit card and become familiar with how it works in case you need a credit card alternative.

Jenny Ly, 29, a California-based blogger for the travel guide site Wanderly, said she was surprised to find “we don’t accept cash” signs on a trip to South Africa this year. “Many countries were already heading toward a cashless world before the pandemic, but Covid has expedited the usage of contactless payments via QR codes at checkout,” she said.

Once the QR code is scanned via your phone’s camera, you complete the payment with a digital wallet or by entering credit card information. But be careful, Ms. Ly said: “Malicious QR codes can be used to divert money, steal sensitive information and install malware.”

You might want a little cash

Despite the ubiquity of cashless payments, you may still end up needing some physical currency. “It really depends how far from the beaten path you’re going,” Mr. Jones said. “If you’re in a city, in London, for example, or if you’re on a group tour, you should be 100 percent OK relying on a card. But if you’re backpacking or going to small stores, small restaurants, no matter where you are in the world, there’s a decent chance you might have to use some cash.”

It also varies by country. Germany was a mostly cash economy until the pandemic, Mr. Jones said, but many previously cash-only vendors there now “have signs out that say ‘We prefer contactless payments.’” In contrast, Scandinavia, Australia and New Zealand have “been super pro-card in the last 10 years.” Spain and France, like Germany, remain a mix, he said.

And having some loose change on hand can be helpful. To use a restroom in the train station in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, Hana Pevny, 60, who owns the Waldo Emerson Inn in Kennebunk, Maine, was “forced to get euros out of an A.T.M.” on her otherwise cashless trip to that country, Hungary and the Czech Republic.

Using a car can also trigger a need for cash. Toll roads don’t always accept U.S. debit or credit cards, and parking may require coins. Theola Tinny, 28, a co-founder of the tech start-up VinPit , who lives in New York, recently traveled to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Credit cards were widely accepted in restaurants and stores, but when she and her family drove outside Kuala Lumpur, they had to “withdraw money and buy a can of Coke in order to get small change for the parking ticket.”

Another use for cash: “There might be some places where tips are very much appreciated, where you can only do it in cash, so it’s important to have $100 in small bills for the maid in your hotel room or somebody who helps you with your luggage,” said Pauline Frommer, the editorial director for Frommer guidebooks and website.

Beware of A.T.M. fees

In case you do end up needing an A.T.M. abroad, find out in advance “if your bank has any international partnerships that will waive A.T.M. fees,” said Mr. Ewen of the Points Guy. “Bank of America has partnerships with banks around the world, for example.”

Mr. Jones advises his clients to open a free Charles Schwab account, deposit a few hundred dollars, and use Schwab’s debit card for A.T.M. withdrawals abroad. Schwab reimburses A.T.M. fees, and this way you’re protected against bigger losses if your data is stolen by an A.T.M. skimmer.

Beth Harpaz is a copy editor at the Forward, a Jewish news site.

52 Places for a Changed World

The 2022 list highlights places around the globe where travelers can be part of the solution.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places for a Changed World for 2022.

An earlier version of this article included an incorrect title for Michael Orlando of the global payments company Yapstone. He is the chief operating officer, not the chief executive officer.

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Making Calls While Travelling: A Guide to Local and International Calls

A guide to the best options for making calls while travelling abroad. Calling locally, and calling back home, this guide includes the good and the bad for each of the 5 best options for travelling and staying in touch.

Included in this guide to making calls while abroad:

• Part 1: Calls to the current country ( local calls )
• Part 2: Calls to other countries ( international calls )

I travel a lot for work. This means making many phone calls to clients, family back home, hotels, restaurants, taxis, and often my next destination. Sometimes these people want to call me back. My favourite setup is to use a local data SIM card combined with Skype ; in this guide, I’ve discussed what other options are available too (including what I used to use).

This guide is based on my research and my experience travelling all over the world while keeping in touch for business and with those I care about. In this guide I’ve included:

• How to make calls to the country you’re in while travelling (I prefer a local SIM card with data),
• How to make calls to other countries while travelling (I prefer using Skype over a data connection),
• Costs involved, and how to get started

Part 1: How to Call Locally, to the Current Country

When travelling abroad, there are typically 5 options available for making calls to the same country:

• Local SIM card
• Roaming using a SIM card from home (or another country)
• Apps, such as WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger
• Other VOIP providers

I ranked these options above according to my preferences when I travel. When I reach a new country, I want to pick up a local SIM card and use it to make calls. Occasionally roaming or using an app are a good option (apps are usually good for calling other countries, which I talk about further below). Skype is also a good option if the others aren’t available or too expensive. Lastly, I hardly ever use VOIP these days - it’s hard to get working on my phone and has many of the downsides of the other options.

1. Calling locally, using a Local SIM Card

Buying a local SIM card is like buying a bottle of water, it can be refilled but often it's simply tossed away

The best way to make calls to the country you’re in is like a local, using a local SIM card.

✔ Cheap ✔ Easy for locals to call you

❌ Can be inconvenient to buy ❌ Requires unlocked phone

Having a local SIM card opens up the other options in this guide; I always get a local SIM card when travelling. Usually the local SIM cards I buy are for data. With data I can use apps, Skype, or VOIP to make phone calls. Preferably though,

How much do local SIM cards cost : Local SIM cards typically cost between $8 USD and $40 USD to get a reasonable amount of data and some calls to local phone numbers.

The cost depends of course on the country. Some of the cheapest SIM cards I’ve found were in Australia and Malaysia; the most expensive I’ve found in Canada and New Zealand.

Where they work : Some countries I’ve experienced where buying a local SIM card is a good option for local calls:

• Hong Kong, Singapore
• UK, Ireland

Where they don’t work : The only countries I’ve been to where this doesn’t work are where calls are expensive or are not as preferable due to cultural reasons. An example of this is China, where WeChat should be used instead.

How to get a local SIM card : Local SIM cards are usually available at airports or convenience stores nearby when arriving in a new city. For the countries I mentioned above (and many more), I’ve written guides on where to find a SIM card when arriving in that country. The guides can be found here .

2. Calling locally, using Roaming

Roaming, the convenience store of mobile phone use

✔ Convenient, feels like using the phone at home

❌ Expensive, calls may be charged at international rates ❌ Expensive for people who return the call (they get charged international rates too!)

How much roaming costs : Roaming to another country, and then making calls to that country, can add $1 USD per minute to a call. Many providers offer daily roaming packs that include calls, though these are often more expensive than a local SIM (e.g. AT&T Day Pass for $10 USD , Optus Data Roaming for $20 AUD )

Where it works: There are some countries that offer cheap or free roaming packages for travelling. Usually this is charged per day, so short trips may have it be more cost effective to roam with a package rather than buy a local SIM card.

Amongst European networks, “roaming” is usually not charged extra. More information about the Digital Single Market and roaming charges can be found here .

Where it doesn’t work: When people need to call you back. An international number will show up to anyone who receives a call from someone roaming. When making a call while roaming, their caller ID will show your number from back home. This is great (but expensive) for calling home, but not great if that taxi driver is trying to call to find out where you are.

How to roam and make local calls : To roam, turn the phone on as normal in another country. Roaming may have to be activated before leaving home, some providers will offer an SMS activation once a phone is connected in a foreign country. Settings on the phone may also have to be switched to allow roaming.

3. Calling locally, using Apps

Using an app is like attending an event for the free food, it's only fun if you have someone to speak to

✔ Free ✔ Calls are usually better quality ✔ Video calling often available

❌ Both parties need the same app ❌ Only widely acceptable to make local calls using an app in some countries ❌ Another app means creating another account

How much apps cost to make calls : Making calls using an app is generally FREE . I’ve personally used WhatsApp, Line, Kakao Talk, WeChat, and Signal and all have been free to make phone calls

Where it works : There aren’t many countries where it’s acceptable to use an app in place of a local phone call. China is the place I’ve been where it’s common to call anyone by app. Booking restaurants, taxis, hotels, and speaking to anyone can be accomplished via an app. Apps are good for talking to friends, but in China apps are used to talk to anyone.

I’ve never seen app-calling as widely used as in China, but other countries I visit seem to have popular apps you can count on people having:

• Korea, use Kakao Talk
• Taiwan, use Line
• Singapore and Hong Kong, it’s WhatsApp

I’ve found the people in many countries to prefer traditional phone calls or SMS rather than apps. This is the case in the likes of the UK and Australia for example: The preferred communication method is by phone call (or email).

Where it doesn’t work : The rest of the world. Traditional calls and SMS text messages are still popular and a preferred method of communication in much of the world. I found it hard to convince people in the UK or Australia to use an app, they preferred calls and SMS.

Another app also means registering another username and password that will only ever be asked when you get a new phone.

How to make calls with an app : To call locals using their app of choice:

• Install the app
• Get the other person to install the app
• Add each other on the app
• Make the call

4. Calling locally, using Skype

Skype is like catching the metro, there's a fee for use but it's convenient when it works

✔ Convenient: Keep the same account and same credit everywhere, and pay in one currency

❌ Requires good data connection ❌ Can be expensive ❌ Difficult for people to call back

Skype is my preferred way to make local phone calls when I buy data only SIM cards.

How much it costs : Costs vary based on the country that the call is being made to (and not the country you’re currently in!). Examples of this include (prices in US cents per minute):

• United States, UK, Australia, from 2.3 cents
• India, 1.5 cents
• China, 2 cents

Where it works: Skype works wherever there is a reliable data connection that doesn’t block Skype. I’ve found this in nearly every country I’ve been to. Skype will often work over 3G or 4G mobile phone connections, hotel Wi-Fi, and even some public Wi-Fi is reliable enough to support Skype.

Where it doesn’t work: Anywhere the internet connection is unreliable: Poor signal strength, censored internet (that blocks Skype), or congested Wi-Fi can all stop Skype from working.

How to use it : To use Skype to make local calls:

• Download and install the app, create an account when prompted
• Dial a number using the +xx international dialling pattern (it may not be necessary, but I like to make sure Skype knows who I really want to call).

I find Skype to be easier to use than traditional VOIP providers, particularly as I already have a Microsoft account and everything is linked.

5. VOIP, for Local Calls

VOIP is like using a VCR, complicated to set up, saves money in the long run, and many people don't know what it is

✔ Can be cheap ✔ Can be convenient (if already set up)

❌ Requires set up of account and apps ❌ Relies on a good data connection ❌ VOIP provider might not have good connection in this country

VOIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol and is a way of making phone calls using an internet connection.

How much it costs : From 1.5 cents (US) per minute, depending on the country.

Where it works : Wherever there is a data connection available. Sometimes a good international data connection is needed (even when calling locally), and the quality can suffer if this is not available.

Where it doesn’t work : VOIP is very hard to set up on a phone. I had to:

• Sign up for an account, and prepay some calls
• Download an app
• Enter in special server details (which my provider didn’t make easy to find)
• Then dial a number, but only by using the app (and not the normal keypad on my phone)

My account was registered in Australia. While it works anywhere in the world, I couldn’t find an easy to setup account for Americans. Let me know if there are any good quality paid accounts for personal use based in America.

How to use it : As above, download the app, enter in details, and then use the app to dial a phone number. The calls will get charged to the account registered in the app.

Emergency Calls

In most countries, a standard emergency number of 112 can be dialled to reach emergency services. This is in place of 999, 991, 000 or any other combination.

Emergency numbers can typically be dialled even without a SIM card in a phone. A full list of emergency numbers for each country can be found here .

Part 2: How to Call Internationally, to Other Countries

The same 5 options are available for making calls to other countries while travelling:

This is my order of preference when I travel. Upon reaching a new country, I try my best to pick up a data SIM so I can call other countries using apps or Skype. If that SIM card I buy also includes international calls, I’ll use them instead (since I’ve already paid for it!). Some SIM cards have good roaming packages, and occasionally these are worth trying out (such as when buying a SIM card in Singapore). I rarely use VOIP these days at all.

1. Calling other countries, using Apps

Convincing your family to use an app is like teaching them to ride a bike, once they understand it's great but it's a struggle to get there

✔ NO international call costs ✔ Easy to return missed calls

❌ Need to convince family back home to use it ❌ Both parties need the same app ❌ Another app means creating another account

How much apps cost to make calls to other countries : Calling another person who has the same app is usually FREE . I’ve never paid for calling someone using the same app.

Where it works : Wherever there’s a good data connection, and you can convince the other person to use the same app. In some countries, businesses also accept calls by app. For example, I’ve booked:

• Massages in Hong Kong, using WhatsApp
• Dinner in China, using WeChat
• Business meetings in Singapore, also using WhatsApp

I was in another country when I used the app to arrange these engagements.

Where it doesn’t work : Anywhere the data connection isn’t great. I’ve never found free public Wi-Fi good enough for making phone calls, for example.

People in many countries are hesitant about using apps as well; it can be a bit informal. Apps often aren’t available for anything even slightly formal or business related, such as booking a restaurant.

How to set it up :

• Convince the other person to use the app
• Download, install, and set up an account
• Add the other person
• Call for free

2. Calling other countries, using Skype

Skype is that questionable friend, they've got your back, but they'll charge you for it too

✔ Can reach pretty much anyone with a telephone number ✔ Calls landlines or mobiles in most countries ✔ Cheaper than traditional international calls

❌ Cheap er doesn't mean cheap, charge is by the minute and long phone calls can get expensive ❌ Needs a good data connection between the country you're in and the country you're calling

Skype is the preferred way I call my parents back home. My parents are happy with their landlines, and using Skype that’s how I can stay in touch with them.

How much it costs : Costs start from 1.5 cents per minute and depend only on the country the call is being made to . This means if you’re in US calling Canada, it costs the same as if you’re in Australia and calling Canada. Examples of this include (prices in US cents per minute):

Where it works : Skype also relies on a good data connection. The country the call is starting from, and the country the call is being made to need a good data connection between them.

For example, in my previous experience, a call from Singapore to Australia works better than a call from Hong Kong to Australia due to the better undersea cable connectivity.

Where it doesn’t work : When the data connection isn’t great, the call quality won’t be good. The call is also difficult to reconnect if it drops out due to data if the other person is receiving the call on a landline or mobile phone (the other provider might think the drop in data is a call disconnection).

How to use it :

• Dial a number using the +xx international dialling pattern.

3. Calling other countries, using a Local SIM Card

Using a local SIM card to call overseas feels like a free lunch, use it because it's there but at the back of the mind is the knowledge that somehow you paid for it

✔ Easy to use (once set up) ✔ Can be cheap, particularly if SIM card includes international calls (which might have already been paid for as part of a bundle)

❌ Hard for people to call back, it's probably an international call for them ❌ May need to be activated ❌ Not many SIM cards have international calls included

How much it costs to call other countries with a local SIM: In many countries it can be a free inclusion with a tourist SIM card or as part of a prepaid bundle (starting from a few USD). Most places charge it as an extra though. Some examples from my travels:

• In Singapore, a tourist SIM card can come with 30 minutes of calls to other countries
• In New Zealand, a plan for travellers includes 200 minutes of calls to select countries
• In Canada, some plans include calls to the States
• In South Africa, cheap international calls can be purchased by bundle for a few Rand.

Where it works : Calling other countries while travelling using a local SIM card works best where there is a bundle or inclusion of international calls that includes the country you want to call. Some examples I’ve experienced are:

• Countries that include it as part of the SIM card bundle: Singapore, New Zealand, Australia
• Countries where international calls can be added on: South Africa

Where it doesn’t work : Then there are countries that don’t include international calls at all. Calls can are charged at a normal per minute rate. Countries I’ve been to with this include:

The calls are not necessarily expensive, only that they’re not in a bundle.

How to set it up : Some SIM card providers require a number to be dialled as prefix to the number being called; others allow an easier to use +<country code> style. A positive credit balance and/or activation may be other requirements of calling to other countries.

I’ve written many guides for finding SIM cards in foreign cities, check them out here .

4. Calling other countries, while Roaming

Roaming, like catching a taxi, in some countries it's cheap and a good idea, in others it's expensive or unreliable

✔ Easy for people in that country to call you back ✔ Usually shows your caller ID ✔ Convenient

❌ Expensive ❌ May need to be activated ❌ You often get charged when someone calls you

How much it costs : Roaming typically costs $1-2 USD per minute , applying to making and receiving calls to or from any country. Some providers give discounts for calls to/from the home country, or discounts if the roaming is in a neighbouring country. Discount or bundle packs can be available with some providers to reduce this rate.

If in Europe with a European SIM, roaming costs are vastly reduced under the single digital market scheme.

Where it works : Roaming works in nearly all countries, and even on planes and cruise ships. Prices vary however, and it can get more expensive in lesser travelled places or where it’s harder to provide signal.

Where it doesn’t work : If staying more than a day or two in a country, it’s often cheaper to pick up a local SIM card.

How to make calls when roaming : Once activated (if need be), roaming calls are simply made by dialling a number using the + <country code> <number> format. This convenience is the best reason in favour of roaming.

5. Calling other countries, using VOIP

VOIP is like a car phone, most people understand the concept, but hardly anyone's ever touched it

✔ Once set up, it's easy to use

❌ Relies on a good data connection ❌ Hard to set up ❌ May be blocked on some internet connections

How much it costs : From 1.5 cents (US) per minute, depending on the country the call is being made to.

Where it works : Wherever there is a data connection available. Sometimes a good international data connection is needed, and the quality can suffer if this is not available.

How to use it : Download the app, enter in details, and then use the app to dial a phone number. The calls will get charged to the account registered in the app.

I travel a lot for work, and occasionally for fun. This is what I do ensure I can make local and international calls while travelling:

• Get a prepaid SIM card for the country I’m travelling to; it needs to have data but doesn’t need to have local calls
• Use Skype if I want to call landlines or mobiles, in any country (even the one I’m in)
• Use WhatsApp where possible

Tags: sim-card roaming

• ← Finding a Tourist SIM card in Darwin: Map Included
• SIM Cards at Zurich Airport: A Guide for Arriving Travellers →

Written by Chris who travels frequently for work and understands what it can be like to arrive somewhere new and unfamiliar.

I wrote Landing Last Minute to help the hurried traveler get necessary information about any destination.

Best ways to travel without knowing the local language

Traveling in a foreign country can be daunting to begin with, but even more so if you don't speak the local language. It can be stressful to consider getting into a precarious situation -- or any situation at all -- in a country where you can't communicate.

Getting lost, not being able to find a toilet or explain food allergies to wait staff can seem insurmountable in a foreign country where you don't speak or understand the language. Even the thought of sounding silly by mispronouncing words in a different language is enough to stop people from traveling abroad.

But a possible miscommunication or the thought of discomfort shouldn't stop you from exploring the world. The below tips will ensure you can travel safely and easily to different countries around the world, even if you aren't multilingual.

Use a translation app

Luckily, technology has caught up with monolinguists and there are many excellent translation apps you can use while traveling. While you'll find a whole slew of translation app options to choose from, TPG has a few select favorites.

• iTranslate : One of the highest-rated translation apps out there, iTranslate even has a special version for Apple Watch so you can translate directly on your wrist. Choose from a basic version (free), offering things like a phrase book with pre-defined, useful phrases and translations in more than 100 languages. The Pro version ($6), features offline translation, website translation (including a Safari extension), camera translation, voice-to-voice conversations and verb conjugations.
• Google Translate : We know, you've heard of it. But are you aware of all the features you could be using, but probably aren't? This app offers typing translation in 103 languages -- and 59 of them are available offline. Handwriting translation (drawing or writing characters) is available in 95 languages, instant camera translation in 90 languages and two-way instant speech translation in 43 languages.

Besides the aforementioned apps, there are others that specialize in things like Asian languages ( Papago ), translating slang and colloquial terms ( TripLingo ) and having two-way voice conversations on the fly ( Speak & Translate ).

Have offline versions of translation and map apps

Before traveling, plan to download some of your most useful apps , such as Google Maps (especially the offline map of your destination) and any translation apps (for example, Waygo only translates between English and a few select languages, but it's available entirely offline), or even ahead of time. This will ensure that if you get lost or need a translation but are without mobile coverage, you have access to useful digital tools that can help without having to ask someone (in a language you don't speak, of course) or where to find Wi-Fi and connect.

Further reading: 9 best translation apps for travelers

Plan logistics ahead

Being a spur-of-the-moment backpacker offers the ultimate freedom, but you may want to save this type of happy-go-lucky holiday for a trip to Australia where the general population speaks English. Wandering around in an unfamiliar country late at night searching for a hostel, airport transfer or even a bar or restaurant isn't ideal if you can't speak the local language -- and not to mention it could be unsafe in some foreign destinations.

Organizing important logistical details, like a hotel, airport transfers and restaurant reservations before you travel is key. At a minimum, have the first few nights of accommodation safely secured and depending on your destination, your first airport transfer. Facing unscrupulous taxi drivers when you don't speak the language and are dealing with jet lag can be stressful -- and open you up to being cheated or scammed.

Get a business card for your hotel

Many years ago during a trip to Thailand, I hopped in one of Bangkok's pink taxis and told the driver the name of my hotel in English. He didn't understand. This occurred before the days of smartphones or ride-hailing services, and I had no way to explain where I was going in Thai. I ended up having to get out of the taxi and find the nearest local BTS Skytrain station. Needless to say, it took me quite a while to get back to my hotel.

Further reading: How to avoid the most common travel scams in Europe

If this had happened now, I could have simply put the hotel name into a translation app, or Googled the hotel to find out how to say the name in Thai.

But, an easier option is to take a business card for the hotel, which usually has the name and address in the local language as well as English. I usually snap a photo of the card on my phone, but also carry it with me in case my phone runs out of battery so I can show taxi drivers if necessary.

If you'd prefer to stay entirely digital, apps for some online travel agencies like Booking.com also show the name of the hotel in both the local language and English -- and you can download your reservations to appear offline too.

Utilize ride-hailing services

One of the most perilous language moments you can have in a foreign country may just be with a taxi driver (see above) -- and not to mention that being unfamiliar with a language and destination can open you up to scams and cheating. The best way to avoid having to explain where you're going to a taxi driver is to use a ride-hailing app instead. This way, you can enter your destination directly in the app, know ahead of time how much your trip will cost and have minimal communication with the driver.

Try to learn the language ahead of time

This one is tougher, but you can always try to learn some keywords or phrases at home before traveling. Even if it doesn't provide you with as much travel ease as you hope, it's still nice to participate in the local culture as much as possible.

And you may surprise yourself. Attempting to learn a few keywords in Spanish before a trip to Mexico years back inspired a fascination with the Spanish language that led to me seek out language classes and later move to Spain permanently, eventually becoming fluent. You never know what a bit of foreign vocabulary might lead to.

While learning a few select words won't inspire everyone to move abroad, it will still help you during your travels. Some of the most useful words/phrases to know in a foreign language are things like:

• Good morning
• How are you? I'm fine.
• You're welcome
• Where is the loo?
• How much is it?
• Numbers from 1 to10
• Beer/wine/food/water
• Can you help me?
• Do you speak English?

These phrases and more can be learned ahead of time at home with apps such as Duolingo , which offers short lessons in speaking over 30 different languages including obvious contenders such as Spanish, French, Italian and Russian as well as more obscure ones like Hungarian, Navajo and Welsh.

Speak slowly and clearly, but don't shout

When you're used to everyone around you speaking English, you don't always realize how fast you speak, or how colloquial. It's possible that the person you're speaking to in another country actually does speak a bit of English but won't understand when you quickly spout off slang.

So, make sure when speaking English to locals that you speak slowly, clearly and carefully, using easy words and phrases. For example, instead of spilling out, "Excuse me, can you please tell me the easiest and quickest way to get to the market?" instead slowly say, "Hi. Where is the market?"

And remember, shouting doesn't help. You can repeat your statement slowly and with a smile but don't raise your voice. No one enjoys getting shouted at, even if you have the best of intentions.

Consider a guide

If it's in your budget, consider hiring a guide. Not only will this likely enrich your experience from a cultural and tourism standpoint, but it will make logistics like finding attractions and navigating a new destination much easier. Instead of having to barter at the market, search for a bathroom or ask for a bottle of water in a new language, a guide can help you with those types of interactions.

The biggest hindrance you may encounter in a foreign country is yourself. You may feel silly attempting to speak a foreign language, stuttering over unfamiliar sounds, words and pronunciations. After living in Spain for 12 years, I've had numerous locals stare at me, laugh at me and even had really embarrassing moments where I've accidentally said something wildly inappropriate but didn't realize what it really meant. And don't even get me started on the language faux pas I've made in France.

Further reading: 20 best travel apps to download in 2020

You simply have to let go of any shame, panic or fear you feel and try your best. For every local that may giggle at you, seem confused or not understand you, there will be another that will smile, help you and be pleased you've made the effort.

And, pay it forward when in your home country. If someone is attempting to speak English to you, be kind, friendly and helpful toward them. Speaking a second language is harder than it looks.

Those with food allergies or intolerance can travel too

Traveling with food allergies or intolerance can be stressful -- because a mistake could actually be seriously detrimental to your health, causing illness or even death in severe cases. According to Allie Bahn of Miss Allergic Reactor , a blog for those traveling with food allergies, the most important thing is to source a chef card in the local language before traveling. Chef cards are small cards you carry with you to denote in the local language (and often with photos or pictures) the things you are unable to consume.

Bahn explained to TPG that "handing a translated chef card to the manager at a restaurant in a non-English speaking country is essential for anyone with severe food allergies or dietary restrictions that impact their health."

You can make your own cards or order them online -- just make sure to do so before you travel. Plan to show your card when dining out, flying, at hotels or anywhere else you may be eating. For more information on how to fly with food allergies, click here .

Bottom line

Don't be scared or nervous to travel to countries where you don't speak the language. By following the above tips on the best ways to travel even if you aren't multilingual (yet), you can have a safe and fun holiday -- and maybe even learn a few words of the local language while doing so.

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How to Use Your Phone Overseas Without Being Charged

Are you planning to travel overseas but worried about getting a huge phone bill? Using your phone abroad can be costly due to international roaming fees, data charges, and other hidden costs. However, there are ways to use your phone overseas without being charged a fortune. In this article, we will explore various methods to keep your phone bill low while traveling internationally.

Table of Contents

Why is it expensive to use your phone abroad, check your phone plan, buy a local sim card, turn off data roaming, download maps and entertainment, use messaging apps, consider international plans.

When you use your phone abroad, you are not using the same network as your home country. Instead, your phone will connect to a local network in the country you are visiting. This is known as international roaming. International roaming can be expensive due to the following reasons:

• Different network providers charge different rates for international roaming.
• The network in the country you are visiting may not be compatible with your phone.
• Data usage can quickly add up when using apps, browsing the web, or streaming videos.

Before you leave for your trip, check your phone plan to see if you have any international roaming options. Many carriers offer international roaming plans that allow you to use your phone overseas for a set fee. Some plans may even include unlimited data usage in select countries. If you are traveling frequently, it may be worth upgrading to a plan that includes international roaming.

If you are traveling to a country for an extended period, it may be worth purchasing a local SIM card. This will allow you to use a local network and avoid international roaming charges. Local SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or at local phone shops. Before purchasing a SIM card, ensure that your phone is unlocked and compatible with the local network.

One of the easiest ways to avoid international roaming charges is to connect to Wi-Fi networks. Most hotels, cafes, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. You can also purchase a portable Wi-Fi device or use a local SIM card that includes data usage. When using public Wi-Fi, be cautious of security risks and avoid accessing sensitive information.

To avoid unexpected data charges, turn off data roaming on your phone before you leave your home country. This will prevent your phone from automatically connecting to a local network and using data. You can still make calls and send texts over Wi-Fi, but you will not be able to use mobile data.

Before you leave for your trip, download maps and entertainment to your phone. This will allow you to use them offline without using data. Many navigation apps, such as Google Maps, allow you to download maps of the area you are visiting. You can also download movies, music, and books to your phone to keep yourself entertained during long flights.

Instead of sending traditional SMS messages, use messaging apps that allow you to send messages over Wi-Fi. Popular messaging apps include WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Skype. These apps allow you to send texts, make calls, and even video chat with friends and family back home.

Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help protect your privacy and prevent security breaches when using public Wi-Fi networks. A VPN encrypts your data and masks your IP address, making it more difficult for hackers to intercept your information. VPNs are also useful for accessing content that may be restricted in certain countries.

If you travel frequently, consider upgrading to an international plan. These plans are designed for people who travel frequently and include international roaming, unlimited data usage, and other benefits. International plans can be costly, but they may be worth the investment if you travel often.

Thanks for visiting our blog, are you planing to travel to the US? Check out our USA SIM card before you take off.

Before you take off make sure to check with local government of the travel status.

Using your phone overseas can be expensive, but there are ways to avoid excessive charges. Checking your phone plan, buying a local SIM card, using Wi-Fi, turning off data roaming, downloading maps and entertainment, using messaging apps, using a VPN, and considering international plans are some of the methods you can use to keep your phone bill low while traveling abroad. By following these tips, you can stay connected without breaking the bank.

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10 DOs And DON'Ts When You Travel Abroad

Being a tourist is, on the whole, safe—providing you take common-sense precautions about where you go and how you conduct yourself. Some parts of any city are more dangerous than others, just as some cities and countries are more dangerous than others.

See: 10 Least Dangerous Countries for Tourists

Read up before you go on what you are likely to find when you get to wherever it is you are going, so you don't arrive as unprepared as São Paulo police think some tourists visiting the FIFA 2014 World Cup in Brazil will be. Once at your destination, blend in as best you can. Stand in the middle of the street in Mogadishu wearing a Hawaiian shirt and brandishing $100 bills and you are asking for trouble.

Our travel tested rule of thumb is that if any situation starts to feel uncomfortable, just apologize and walk away sooner rather than later.

Here are 10 DOs and 10 DON'Ts that should serve any traveler well:

• Don't carry and flash large sums of cash, nor exchange money at dubious-looking places or with individuals on the street.  
• Don't look like a tourist by dressing like one, appearing lost or consulting a map in public.
• Don't walk with a bag slung loosely over one shoulder, and keep your bag on the opposite side of you from the road to forestall a thief on a bike from snatching it.
• Don't carry a backpack that looks like luggage.
• Don't visit dangerous locations, or walk in unfamiliar, isolated or dimly lit areas, especially at night.
• Don't leave valuable items in public view; that includes your passport as much as your iPhone.
• Don't drive an obvious rental car, the more nondescript the better; keep maps and travel brochures out of sight in the glove compartment.
• Don't park anywhere but a well lit place, don't leave valuables in sight (lock them in the trunk), and don't pick-up hitchhikers.
• Don't keep your vehicle and house or hotel keys on the same key ring.
• Don't store cash, jewelry, medicine or other valuables in your luggage, and never leave your luggage unattended, even for a brief moment.
• Do be aware of your surroundings, and watch for suspicious people or vehicles.
• Do use cash substitutes such as traveler's checks or credit cards, and only carry as much money as you immediately need.
• Do lock up valuables you are not taking with you in a safe in your room or use your hotel's safe-deposit box services to store them; and lock the windows and doors your hotel room when going out.
• Do make a note of your passport number; if it becomes lost or stolen, knowing the number will speed up getting a replacement.
• Do make a note of your credit-card numbers and the phone number to call in case you need to report it stolen and cancel it.
• Do dress appropriately for your surroundings as much as you can; looking more like a local makes you less of a mark than looking like an obvious tourist.
• Do put a band around your luggage as a safeguard against pilferage while in transit; suitcase locks are no barrier to a professional thief.
• Do travel with companions while sightseeing or shopping; there is safety in numbers.
• Do keep vehicle doors locked and windows rolled up when driving.
• Do be alert for staged distractions, such as someone bumping into you, spilling a drink on you, dropping something in front of you or causing a loud commotion; an accomplice can steal your valuables and walk away while you are momentarily distracted.

One final piece of advice: Don't become a tourist offender. Don't solicit prostitutes, buy illegal drugs, or attempt to smuggle goods out of the country. 

Travel safely.

A Flight Attendant’s Guide to Seat Reclining Etiquette

By Niccolo Serratt

Flying is a stressful ordeal, and when it's possible—especially on a long-haul flight—people want to kick back and relax . But in today's tightly packed plane cabins, one passenger's comfort is often another's discomfort.

The moment a passenger decides to recline their seat on a plane, they will unavoidably take away some, if not most, of the personal space from the passenger sitting behind them. As a flight attendant with six years' experience working for a major international airline, I regularly deal with passengers arguing over when it's appropriate to exercise this right to recline.

I remember flying from Bangkok to Sydney when a passenger got up and began whacking the passenger in front of them with a rolled-up in-flight magazine simply for reclining their seat. Ask any flight attendant; we all have similar horror stories. (It doesn't help that recent years have seen an increasing number of disruptive passengers, according to Federal Aviation Administration data .)

Flight attendants take resolving any form of disruption very seriously: the well-being and safety of passengers is our top priority. In this case, for reclining seats , it really depends on what elements you have at play. Sometimes a conversation with both passengers suffices; other times you remove the offended passenger to a separate seat. Occasionally, you just have to put your foot down and remind everyone that certain types of behavior are simply unacceptable.

In my experience, a lot of the time, it’s rarely about the reclined seat—there are underlying motivations for the stress, and the reclined seat simply serves as a trigger. Traveling can be tiring and stressful , and sometimes people just need an excuse to vent their frustrations.

With the increase in disruptions related to seat reclining, more airlines have eliminated the ability to recline entirely (which also doubles as a cost-cutting measure). Nowadays, most low-cost carriers don't have seat recline, and airlines like Delta have reduced the seat recline pitch from four to two inches. Some passengers have even taken matters into their own hands by using devices that impede seat reclining, called “'knee defenders.” While this may appear to be a fun travel hack, we don’t recommend using the controversial gadget, which is banned by many airlines. (In 2014, it even caused United Airlines Flight 1462 from Newark to Denver to be diverted to Chicago after a fight erupted between two passengers over the use of such a device.)

Perhaps the best solution so far has been the introduction of shell seats to premium economy cabins. Used by airlines like Air France, Japan Airlines, and China Airlines, shell seats allow you to recline forward into your legroom instead of encroaching backward into the passenger behind you.

There are pros and cons to every potential solution, and the debate over seat reclining is unlikely to be resolved soon. There is a delicate balance between personal comfort and collective courtesy—as flight attendants, we ask passengers to navigate this balance with empathy and understanding.

When and how to recline your seat on a plane

Airplane seat recline has become a heavily polarized debate, with few people occupying middle ground. Some people don't care if you recline your seat because they will likely recline theirs, too. Others will make sure you know just how unhappy they are with your choice.

"Sure, you paid for the seat and its functionality, so yes, by all means, recline. However, passengers need to listen to the safety spiel and erect it when told to do so, like for meal service, taxi, take-off, and landing," says Jamie, a flight attendant for a Middle Eastern carrier.

To minimize disruption, there are three golden rules to seat reclining etiquette that passengers can follow:

• Be courteous and ask:   Just as every door has a knob to open it, every seat has a button to recline it. Think of the recline button like a door knob; before you use it, “knock on the door” by asking the person behind you if it's okay to recline your seat.
• Don't recline during meal service:  If you find someone's seat recline annoying, wait until you try eating with your back hunched and the meal tray pushing against your abdomen. Believe me, it's not pleasant. Respect your fellow travelers and keep your seat erect during meal service.
• Use your judgment:  Not all flights require reclining, especially if it's short. No matter the length of the flight, my top tip is always to take a peek and find out who's sitting behind you. Maybe it's a mother traveling with an infant on her lap, or someone who's very tall, or a business traveler working from their laptop on the tray table. Some people won't mind, but for others, it makes a big difference. Put yourself in their shoes, and remember they, too, want to travel comfortably.

“Passengers need to be mindful of their recline and assess the situation. Recently, a passenger hastily reclined his seat and broke the passenger's laptop sitting behind him,” says one flight attendant working for a major European carrier. "These incidents can be avoided by asking and being mindful."

So, the next time you reach for that recline button, take a moment to think about the person behind you. A small courtesy can go a long way in making the skies a more relaxed experience for fellow passengers and flight attendants.

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Watch CBS News

Trump may face travel restrictions in some countries after his New York conviction

By Kathryn Watson

May 31, 2024 / 7:09 PM EDT / CBS News

Former President Donald Trump, whose administration imposed multiple versions of a travel ban against people coming from Muslim-majority nations, may now face restrictions on his own international travel, following his felony conviction in New York Thursday. 

At this point, Trump faces no specific travel restrictions from Justice Juan Merchan, who presided over the "hush money" criminal trial in New York, in which the former president was found guilty of 34 felony counts. His sentencing is scheduled to take place on July 11, four days before the Republican National Convention, which will formalize his nomination to the presidency. Trump, who's in the middle of a presidential campaign and has  three other criminal trials pending, has announced no international travel plans. 

The U.S. doesn't allow foreigners with felony convictions to enter the country, and neither do a number of other countries. Allies including the U.K. and Australia have strict restrictions on traveling there as a convicted felon, according to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. Canada, which will be hosing the G7 summit of world leaders in 2025, also has strict requirements for visitors with a criminal history. And felons are banned from entering China. 

But it's possible international leaders would make exceptions for Trump if he wins the presidency again. Former President George W. Bush had to apply for a special waiver to enter Canada on an official state visit, because he had pleaded guilty decades earlier to a 1976 drunk driving charge. And that was a misdemeanor offense, not a felony. 

Trump has plans to renew and revamp travel restrictions to the U.S., if he's president again. Last year, he said he would bring back a travel ban "even bigger than before," alluding to his administration's restrictions on travelers from several countries that have largely Muslim populations. 

The Supreme Court eventually upheld a version of his travel ban, 5-4, in 2018. Chief Justice John Roberts, wrote in the majority opinion that presidents have substantial power to regulate immigration. "The sole prerequisite," Roberts wrote, is "that the entry of the covered aliens 'would be detrimental to the interests of the United States.' The President has undoubtedly fulfilled that requirement here." He also noted that Trump had ordered an evaluation of every country's compliance with the risk assessment baseline and then issued the findings.

When he talks about the spike in numbers of undocumented migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, the former president also regularly paints them broadly as "criminals."

"So we are moving criminals out of our country, and we are getting them out in record numbers, and those are the people we are after," the former president said toward the beginning of his term during a 2017 interview with the Associated Press. 

As he awaits his sentencing in the "hush money" case, Trump maintains he did nothing wrong. 

"I'm willing to do whatever I have to do to save our country and to save our Constitution. I don't mind," he said in remarks at Trump Tower on Friday. 

• Donald Trump

Kathryn Watson is a politics reporter for CBS News Digital, based in Washington, D.C.

More from CBS News

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10 African countries with the weakest passports mid-way into 2024

The most obvious effect of a weak passport is that it restricts travel options. Certain parts of Africa have seen a high prevalence of the passport issue. Strong passport-holding nations can enter many other nations without a visa or with one upon arrival, making travel easy for their citizens.

• Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 African countries with the weakest passports mid-way into 2024.
• This list is courtesy of Henley and Partners.
• First on the list is Nigeria, as it was during the start of the year.

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Citizens whose passports are weaker than others have difficulties applying for visas, they sometimes have to pay more for travel and have to wait longer to visit more destinations.

Furthermore, weaker passports might affect people and countries' economies. Limiting travel can hinder the expansion of tourism industries by reducing the number of international tourists and their economic impact on host communities.

SEE ALSO: 10 African countries with the weakest passports in Q1 of 2024

Moreover, those with limited options for travel could find it challenging to explore new markets, which would hinder entrepreneurial endeavors and the expansion of businesses.

Henley & Partners , a corporation focusing on residency and citizenship by investment, has updated its passport index since the first quarter of 2024.

The update shows that passport strength across the globe has fluctuated. When compared to the 10 African countries with the weakest passports in Q1 of 2024 published in January, there have been some notable changes and some persistence.

For example, Nigeria still has the weakest passport in Africa, however, its current index of 1.5% is slightly better than the 1.475% reported at the start of the year.

With that said, here are the weakest passports currently.

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