Check your cell phone plan Most US cell phone carriers will charge you for international roaming if you use your phone overseas.
Double-check your phone plan to see what they charge for international data and minutes. Some offer a certain amount each month for free, while others start charging when you turn your phone off airplane mode while abroad, sports fitness .
In most cases, it's best to change your SIM card while traveling.
View local SIM card My wife and I have been to the Republic of Georgia. When we booked a rental car, we chose the Garmin navigation system and thought that was enough.
It doesn't. The language uses a different alphabet, so our translations of the Latin alphabet vary widely. This trip tested our marriage as Garmin repeatedly failed to provide results for the street and business names we entered from Google.
We could have solved this problem by paying $25 for a SIM card and having real-time data and access to Google Maps.
In addition to navigation, having a wealth of local phone data can help you choose better restaurants and attractions. It gives you the flexibility to adapt on the fly, leaving room for your travels.
Once you arrive at the airport, you can usually buy a local SIM card at the airport. Alternatively, you can buy a SIM card that works in most countries around the world. When planning your trip, check out The Broke Backpacker's list of the best international SIM cards.