Keep Your Phone Bill Intact
One app download cost us $400 in roaming charges. Here's how to avoid the same shock when traveling abroad.
Your phone is a lifeline. Until it isn't.
A smartphone in Peru is invaluable—check your email, share moments on social media, find the best cevichería around the corner, navigate cobblestone streets with confidence. But the moment you land, your phone begins accumulating charges you can't see. Data packages don't work internationally. Even when you're not actively using your phone, it's collecting roaming charges in the background. One downloaded app, one auto-refreshing email, one moment of distraction—and you could face a bill shock that stings worse than altitude sickness.
Four Ways to Avoid Bill Shock
Smart moves before and during your trip to Peru.
Turn off data before you travel
Add international data plan ($25–$30/month)
Lock your keypad to prevent pocket dials
Three Lessons from the Road
How to protect yourself from surprise charges before, during, and after your trip.
Prepare Before You Leave
Download all the videos and music you want before traveling, then turn off your data package. If you don't need to stay in touch with the office and would like a break from social media and the internet, this will save you from unpleasant surprises. Alternatively, look into an international add-on package before traveling – AT&T offers this add-on for as low as $25 a month for 50MB and Verizon offers the same data for $30.
Stay Smart While Traveling
Make limited phone calls and lock your keypad to avoid any accidental pocket dials that can quickly rack up your cell phone bill. Remember: if your phone is on and collecting data, you will be charged. Even apps downloading in the background can cost hundreds of dollars, as we learned the hard way in Brazil.
Negotiate If Charges Appear
If you do return to insane additional charges, try to negotiate a credit or a refund – some companies are good at helping. Our carrier called us to notify us about the charge while we were abroad, and we were able to nicely negotiate and have the amount credited. Now on our way to the international airport, you will find my husband on the phone with our cell phone carrier, signing us all up for a data plan.
Prepare Before You Leave
Download all the videos and music you want before traveling, then turn off your data package. If you don't need to stay in touch with the office and would like a break from social media and the internet, this will save you from unpleasant surprises. Alternatively, look into an international add-on package before traveling – AT&T offers this add-on for as low as $25 a month for 50MB and Verizon offers the same data for $30.
Stay Smart While Traveling
Make limited phone calls and lock your keypad to avoid any accidental pocket dials that can quickly rack up your cell phone bill. Remember: if your phone is on and collecting data, you will be charged. Even apps downloading in the background can cost hundreds of dollars, as we learned the hard way in Brazil.
Negotiate If Charges Appear
If you do return to insane additional charges, try to negotiate a credit or a refund – some companies are good at helping. Our carrier called us to notify us about the charge while we were abroad, and we were able to nicely negotiate and have the amount credited. Now on our way to the international airport, you will find my husband on the phone with our cell phone carrier, signing us all up for a data plan.
Ready to Travel Smart