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How to use a phone abroad

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Siena chapter.

In our society it is alarming to think that you’ll go abroad without a phone for four months. Luckily for you, that this does not have to be the case. 

If you plan on using your phone abroad you have three options:

1. Getting an international SIM card to have all of the calling and data capabilities.

·      Call customer service and ask them to unlock your phone for international use. This allows your phone to use an international SIM card.

·      Purchase a mirco SIM card abroad. (They come in different sizes such as regular, micro, and nano. The iphone takes mirco). These usually cost between $5-20. In Italy you  could go with an Italian SIM carrier (Tim), or a general European one (Vodafone) that will recharge your data or minutes in more countries than just Italy. Keep this in mind if you’ll be traveling to other countries.

·      Purchase extra credits or data that might not be included on your SIM card.

·      Put in the SIM card and extra credits or data you have purchased.

2. Adding global service to your plan

·      Call your service and ask them what global services they offer.

3. Buy a phone in the country you’ll be living in

·      Go to a phone store in the country you’ll be living in and get a new phone. This will allow you to contact other study abroad students.

Logan is a senior English major with a Writing minor at Siena College. In her spare time, she writes for both Her Campus Siena and her own blog The Peculiar Porter. This spring she is heartbroken to graduate but knows eventually she'll have to enter the real world. She loves Mexican food, has a weird obsession with cacti and candles, and enjoys traveling to quirky places. You can follow her on twitter or Instagram (@thepeculiarporter) to get a glimpse into her life.