Cell Phones Abroad

Many of you may be wondering if bringing a cell phone is the best option for you when studying abroad. I highly recommend a cell phone but if you are like me, and don’t want to pay for international calling on my plan, there are other alternatives to consider.  The first thing to consider is whether or not your current cell phone is capable to being used abroad. If it is locked, look into unlocking it or if you have an upgrade, look for one that is already unlocked. This way you can use a SIM card abroad. When looking for a SIM card, try looking for a data only plan in the country that you are studying abroad in.  This way you can rely on mobile internet to communicate with others instead of a signing a contract.  I paid roughly 14 dollars a month for 2 GB of data on a data only SIM card in Japan off of Amazon.jp (it was a pay per month SIM card).  85% of the time I used wifi to prevent going over my monthly data allowance but it was very nice to have a backup way to communicate with others when I was not in an area with WIFI. 

  Of course some people prefer a phone plan regardless in case of emergencies, but most companies require a yearlong contract. This may be preferable for yearlong study abroad students.  For those of you studying abroad for half a year, I highly encourage you to consider data plans coupled with apps that will allow you to make phone calls. Make sure to do extensive research and consider all your options before leaving! I would also recommend not canceling or putting your current service on hold until AFTER you arrive abroad and have an alternative solution ready to go.