Heading Abroad? Here’s What You Need To Know About Staying In Touch

Your boxes are packed, the trucks are ready to be loaded — and you’re feeling apprehensive about moving out of the country for the first time. Those feelings are totally normal! While moving abroad can be a huge change for you and your family, one of the best ways to ease your nerves is by staying in touch with people back home throughout the process. 

There are many different ways to handle your cell phone plan when you move abroad. You must be aware of the different ways to stay in touch before you get to your new home, and you find yourself wondering how to text your best friend or check in with your extended family.

Let’s take a look at some of the critical things you need to do about your cell phone when you move abroad.

Visit Your Current Provider

It can be tempting just to stop paying your bill, since you’ll be out of the country anyway, and stopping in to see your service provider is one more thing to add to your to-do list. 

But, talking with your current service provider can save you some huge headaches down the road. They may offer service in the country to which you’re moving, or they may be able to waive fees associated with breaking your contract since you’re moving out of the country. 

Stop in, explain the situation, and see what they recommend moving forward. If they can’t set you up with a new plan abroad, they’ll likely be able to suggest some companies that provide service in your new home country.

Plan On Something for the Interim

No matter how well laid out your new cell phone plan is, you’ll likely have some downtime between the time your plane lands and the time that your new phone is set up and ready to use. 

While you’re waiting, try Google Voice. At $20 per month, you’ll be able to have your phone and text messages routed to the device of your choosing. This means you can stay in touch with friends and family back home while you get established in your new country. 

Skype is another fantastic option, allowing you to video chat with people back home anywhere that you have access to wireless. You can even give friends and family a tour of your new space!

Select a Plan Right for You

Once you’re moved in and feeling settled, head to cell phone plan providers in your new country to check out their services. Before you go, ask neighbors, your landlord, and other people you meet who their cell phone provider is and whether they’re happy with their service. If you plan on using your international cell service as a hotspot, be sure to ask them about this as well. This can give you a heads up on companies to get quotes from and who to steer clear of.

Moving Abroad

While figuring out how to handle your cell phone can be a stressful part of moving, don’t let it get you down. You’ll be able to figure it out one step at a time. In the meantime, Google Voice and Skype are there to help you stay in touch with the people you’ll miss the most as you get settled and enjoy your new home.