It’s hardly possible these days for tourists and travelers to leave their phones behind when going on an overseas trip. It’s what helps them stay in touch with family and friends to update them of their trip, as well as a means for finding their way around their destination. It’s not surprising then why many travelers find themselves charged with enormously huge phone bills upon their return.

So, how do you keep phone bills from welcoming you home? To help you, here are smart ways you should follow to avoid surprise phone charges on your next trip.

Turn off your data roaming

Most travelers access apps and the internet via data roaming when they travel abroad, not knowing they may incur high charges. While it may help them with various tasks, such as communicating with and updating their travel insurance provider and sending business updates to colleagues, it can also mean they’d be welcomed with large phone bills when they get home. One of the easiest methods to avoid racking up huge charges is by simply turning off data roaming.

Download free messaging apps

One way to save on phone charges is to take advantage of free messaging apps. Some of these apps such as Apple’s FaceTime are built in to phones so there’s no need to worry about downloading them. There’s also WhatsApp and Skype that can be used across various platforms. WhatsApp lets you send and receive messages but without the standard charges of overseas texts. Skype, on the other hand, lets you call people for free and even use video chat.

Use Wi-Fi

With data roaming not in use, there’s no way you will be able to access the internet on your phone. The only solution then is to find Wi-Fi hotspots to surf the net. With a Wi-Fi connection, you can still catch up with family and friends, share photos of your trip and the like without being charged with hefty bills. Surely, there’d be no establishment these days that don’t offer free access. Try cafes or restaurants that offer free Wi-Fi access. However, be wary on the sites you visit and the information you access with free internet as it may pose some security threats. Some hackers may get your personal information and use it for fraud.

Apply for a phone travel package

If not using data roaming and having to rely on Wi-Fi access seem inconvenient to you, then you can always apply for a travel package from your phone service provider. With a travel package, you will be able to use your phone as usual. You may be required to pay a fixed rate daily for phone calls and texts, as well as for data use. This would also make sense if you’d be travelling for a few months.

Aside from your travel essentials and travelers insurance, your phone can be one of most valuable things that can aid you in your travel. But to make sure that you make the most out of it without spending a fortune on phone bills, keeping these suggestions in mind would surely be wise.