Taking a trip out of the country? You're going to want access to navigation apps and the communication tools your smartphone offers. Unfortunately, international roaming charges can add up quickly. Preparing your smartphone can help avoid unnecessary expenses and keep you in the loop even while abroad.

SECURE INTERNATIONAL ROAMING

Before your trip, contact your wireless provider and find out what their international roaming policy is. Standard rates can be expensive, so check to see what kind of international travel options your wireless provider offers before your trip.  Also note that  international roaming is often deactived by default on devices to avoid surprise charges when you are near an international border.

Sprint's Global Roaming program makes it easy to stay in touch when you are out of the country. You'll get free text and basic data in more than 200 worldwide destinations. Phone calls are just 25¢, and high speed data access is available at an affordable daily or weekly rate.

Sprint's Global Roaming program is included with each Sprint wireless plan, no sign up required!

IS YOUR PHONE UNLOCKED? USE A LOCAL SIM CARD

Most recent phones will support calls, text and data internationally, but not all of them are unlocked to work with an alternative service provider. With an unlocked phone, you can purchase a temporary SIM card from a local company wherever you are travelling.

The new SIM card will probably only cost a few dollars. According to TripSavvy.com, $20 worth of credit will probably be enough to cover your voice, text and data service for a few weeks.

Depending on how long you are out of the country, taking advantage of an unlocked for international phone might be the most affordable option. Unlocked phones are capable of working with various cellular service providers by swapping out the smartphone's SIM card.

Most iPhone models have a SIM card slot that's unlocked for international service. Research your specific phone model to find out if it is unlocked. If it isn't, contact your phone carrier to see if they will unlock the phone for you.

Note that cellular providers operate on two primary mobile technologies. Sprint, Verizon and US Cellular use a system called CDMA, which isn't widely available outside the United States. AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM technology, which is more common internationally. If you purchase an international SIM card for your unlocked phone, it will need to be compatible with your smartphone's specific technology.

USE OFFLINE MAPS

Avoid data consumption by navigating with offline maps. Besides avoiding the expense of international data usage, you'll also have peace of mind knowing that your maps will work in data barren areas. Google  Maps has an offline maps feature but there are plenty of competitors in the offline map app space. Take a look at this guide to offline map apps from Geoawesomeness.com.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF Wi-Fi

Try to communicate using Wi-Fi enabled services to avoid using a cellular connection at all. Many hotels, cafes and airports offer free or affordable Wi-Fi, and apps like Facebook Messenger, Skype and Google Voice and email all work over Wi-Fi, keeping you in touch without the expense of international roaming or calling cards.

Does your cellular company make international travel simple like Sprint? Sprint's Global Roaming program comes automatically when you sign up from Sprint! Plus, Sprint will pick up the bill for your AAA membership renewals each year. Switch now to get great features like Hulu and Tidal with Unlimited Plus.

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