We understand that the mobile phone is an essential part of our everyday lives; we rely on technology for everything from communication to entertainment, and whether you’re travelling or living abroad, this doesn’t change. When you’re away from loved ones virtual communication becomes paramount for keeping the homesickness at bay; this is why we offer a range of mobile and data solutions- so you can have access to cheap and fast data wherever you are in the world.
Here are 5 ways your phone can help you to stay connected:
- Messaging – it is now easier than ever to use instant messaging abroad, just like you would at home.
iMessage is available on all Apple products; iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac. Like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp (which are perfect for Android as well as iPhone), it comes with features such as voice notes, document sharing, photo and video sharing and if you’re too busy to reply to a message, you can simply like or react to it.
Email is also important for staying in touch; apps such as Gmail will make your life a whole lot simpler with notifications to your phone and with our fast data it’s easy to read, reply and compose messages anywhere.
- Video calling – often messages and phone calls aren’t enough and a familiar face is all you need!
Skype is perfect for whenever you’re apart; text, voice and video make it simple to share experiences that matter to you, as they happen. Talk with friends and family or even hold a meeting with work colleagues. You can use Skype on your iPhone or Android or if you fancy a bigger screen it works on a range of computers and tablets.
FaceTime is the iPhone only alternative, available on iPhone, iPad and iPod. You don’t even have to download an app, it’s already installed in your device with your Apple ID!
Facebook video call is another great option. Especially due to the split screen feature; you can conveniently chat to a group chat (max 50 people), all from different locations.
- Social media – it’s impossible to message/call/video chat every person in your contacts, that’s why social media is important for notifying your wider circle of friends of your whereabouts.
Uploading photos of your travels on Instagram is the perfect way to gain followers. Whether it’s a beautiful landscape or a delicious meal, be sure to post wherever you are and make all your pals just the right amount of jealous.
Facebook offers everything from status updates, location updates and instant messaging to live streaming, photo and video uploads… the best ways to let everyone know what you’re up to.
Snapchat is another fun photo sharing app. With pictures that delete after 10 seconds and stories that last up to 24 hours, Snapchat is great for short daily updates to show everyone you’re alive and well.
- Music – With our fast data SIM cards it’s never been easier to stream your favourite tunes wherever you are.
Apple Music or Spotify are essential for helping you settle into a different environment. There’s nothing more comforting than listening to your favourite artist on repeat and with Spotify streaming this is available anywhere! Spotify’s daily mixes and recommendations are also amazing for introducing new music into your life.
- Phone calls – a simple phone call home never fails to reconnect you and your family.
The best ways to avoid extortionate international roaming bills (the cost of using your home server abroad) include; buying a prepaid SIM card that works in your destination country, renting a phone with connections to the local network and using smartphone apps.
Messaging apps such as Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, Skype and FaceTime offer a calling feature. They also work on WiFi or data instead of network calling, therefore allowing you to hear a familiar voice at a lower cost.
Using data abroad has the potential to become extremely expensive as well. We want you to enjoy your travels without the worry and fear of phone bills. 0044 offers a range of data solutions with international SIM cards that cover over 34 countries so you can use data the same way you would at home, find out more on the 0044 website.
Alternatively, check out Cellhire for a variety of travel devices including a European and International data SIM cards and MiFis.
Extra money saving tip: We recognise that family need you just as much as you need them; whether it’s asking how a washing machine works or how to cook a unique meal just the way you do, they need to be able to call you at a minute’s notice. We can help you make sure home can reach you from a UK landline wherever you are in the world, at a lower rate. 0044 offers fantastic solutions for international calls; make calls from 1p per minute and save loved ones 90% on landline calls. They simply have to dial your country’s cheap calls access number provided on our website, wait for the tone and then dial your number. See for yourself online.
