Top 3 Cell Phone Connectivity Options When Studying Abroad
These days, we rely heavily on our phones—not just for staying connected, but also for information, news, online studies, navigation, and searching for random facts. We’re here to reassure you that you don’t have to worry about leaving your phone behind while enrolling in a study abroad program. Studying abroad is a rewarding and enriching experience for students, and having a smartphone with affordable data and a calling plan on hand can be useful when staying in abroad.
The good news is that staying in touch with loved ones while studying abroad is really easy thanks to advanced and flexible cellular technology. You have two choices: sign up for a short-term international plan through your U.S. service provider or purchase a local phone plan in the nation you are visiting. For example, if you are planning for higher studies in Israel, you can easily get a local Israel SIM card for students for many service providers as per your requirements and goals.
Although your home country’s operator probably provides international plans, these are costly and might cost you a lot if you exceed your data and texting allotments. Think over the advantages and disadvantages of each of these possibilities and learn how to comprehend international phone plans so you can select a plan that satisfies your particular requirements.
Get a global plan through your current service provider
A simple solution is to sign up for your U.S. carrier’s international plan, which will enable your phone to function just as it does at home in your new country. Your phone number is yours to keep, and calling you won’t set your friends and family in your native country back any further away. Consider that the price of an international plan will be more than that of your home cell phone plan.
Get a local SIM card and phone plan in your new country
Getting a phone plan in the nation where you’ll be living is a less expensive choice. Anyone who contacts you from home will be dialing an international number because you’ll require a new local phone number. The good news is that it will be less expensive to call anyone in your new nation.
Before you insert a new SIM card, you must ensure that your phone is unlocked and that it is compatible with a carrier frequency in the country you are going. If your phone doesn’t meet these requirements, think about getting a cheap prepaid phone when you are there. Prepaid phones are simple to obtain and are available in many convenience stores and the majority of airports.
At GroupSIM, we provide Israel SIM cards for students with a phone rental and affordable cellular plans as per their requirements during their stay. They can pick from unlimited data, calling, and text plans to meet their communication needs. We also give the flexibility to get a local USA number and keep their Israel SIM card for any future travel plans.
Utilize VoIP and WiFi apps
Utilizing WiFi as frequently as you can is one approach to reducing your data expenses. Find out in advance whether there is free WiFi available where you will be staying or studying. Use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) programs with voice and video capabilities, such as Apple’s FaceTime, Microsoft’s Skype, or Google’s Duo, to contact home if you can rely on WiFi. You may prevent racking up additional text message fees by using messaging apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and iMessage on an iPhone.
These are the top 3 ways to stay connected with your loved ones when studying abroad. We advise you to combine the third option with either of the two to keep control over your expenses. Getting a local Israel SIM card for students is your best bet when you planning higher studies in the country and are confused between an international plan with your current provider and phone plans from a local service provider.
