Packing a smartphone in your bag can help enhance your travel experience. You can use your phone to book hotel rooms, access local maps, and read reviews of cafés and major sights at your next destination. However, choosing the right smartphone can present a unique challenge. There’s a wide range of different phones, providers, and network technologies to sift through. The right option will depend on several factors, including your budget, security needs, contract obligations, and where you’ll be travelling. It’s helpful to keep the following tips in mind as you get started.
Choose a Network Compatible with your Destination
One of the first factors to consider is whether or not your network will work abroad. You may see an advertisement for a brand new phone with a high quality camera, satellite navigation, and other travel-friendly features; but if it won’t get any service on your travels it won’t be of much use. Most countries use the GSM network, so if you choose a service contract that is compatible with this you should fine that your phone works abroad. Some providers use the CDMA network, however, particularly those in the United States or Canada. If you plan on travelling within these locations, a CDMA phone would be ideal. On the other hand, phones on a CDMA network wouldn’t work in Europe, South America, or Asia. Fortunately, there is a happy medium between these two, called a “global phone.” These devices work with both CDMA and GSM networks, although you may need to switch the SIM card when you travel to a country on a different network.
Compare Different Phone Features
In addition to thinking about the type of payment plan and network to choose, another decision to make is what features to look for on your smartphone. Most travellers will want to choose a phone that comes equipped with a long battery life, along with GPS, Wi-Fi connectivity, and apps like Skype or Google Voice. It’s also ideal to have a high level of storage for media files along with a good camera to capture moments as you travel. It’s best to think about your travel plans to compare and contrast features. Will you need to work on the road or update your blog? Do you plan to use your phone for local phone calls or to dial internationally?
These are just a few factors to consider as you start comparing options to find the perfect smartphone for your travels. With such a wide range of options on the market today, you stand a good chance of finding something that will fit within your budget while suiting all of your needs.