International Travel Tips
I have travelled around the world for my job and pleasure — 50+ countries on five continents. One year I flew around the world five times. It’s exhausting. Over the years I’ve developed some tips and sharing them below.
Phone
So much of what we do nowadays is with our phones, so this key. First choice is a phone within international plan like T-Mobile. It just works.
Otherwise you’ll need a) and unlocked phone, b) a phone with eSim capability, and c) an eSIM for the country or region you’re going to. I use Airalo, but there are others. Download the eSIM and install before you arrive so it’ll activate upon arrival. If your phone is locked, get it unlocked or buy an unlocked phone. If you don’t have a phone with an eSIM, you’ll have to buy a Sim card when you get overseas which is a hassle. I once had to buy a SIM card in India, which was really bizarre and took half the day. So get a newer phone with an eSIM. Whatever you do don’t use the AT&T or Verizon international plans because they’re super expensive and eSIMs are super cheap.
Carry your charging cable and plug with you, along with a plug converter when you are out and about. Or a battery pack. Charge at coffee shops.
Credit/debit cards, cash
You’ll need a credit card with no international fees. Cap1 has this. Add the card to your phone’s wallet, but using the actual card doesn’t drain your phone’s battery.
Take two credit cards. Leave one in the hotel room safe and take one with you. Leave your debit card in the hotel safe. The idea is that if odd things happen, you can go to the airport with your passport and a credit card, buy a flight, and go home.
Set notifications on your credit card for international purchases. This is for peace of mind and to know how much things actually cost.
I used to use debit cards and get cash from the ATM, but now I don’t. Too many ATMs are hacked. Now I take $100/week cash and and change it at the airport. Some hotels will change money, but it’s increasingly rare. It’s fairly easy to charge most things, so the cash is really a backup.
Download a currency exchange app onto your phone. I use XE, but there are others. Check it before you land so you know the exchange rate.
Taxi
Decide how you’re going to get from the airport to your hotel so that you don’t have to do that when you are jet lagged upon landing. If possible, I select a hotel that is near the airport train or bus. Sometimes the best way is taxi, so download the local taxi service app before your go - Bolt in Europe, Uber in many places, BlueBird in Indonesia. It also depends on what time of day/night you land.
Maps
Download on offline map in GoogleMaps when you are on wifi. This saves data and phone battery.
Download a travel guide like Rick Steves or Lonely Planet or Rough Guide. Each cater to a different audience. Highlight cool things and plot them on the GoogleMap. The idea is to maximize efficiency, see as much as you can, and minimize battery life on your phone. GoogleMaps does a really good job of identifying routes via bus or train.
Don’t forget music clubs and performances. I’ve seen some really amazing shows with really good local talent playing local instruments and dancing in traditional costumes.
I rarely hire a guide, but sometimes it is more convenient, especially in countries that do not see a lot of tourists, or where the government is more oppressive, or you don’t have a lot of time to pre-plan.
Try to do things early in the morning when crowds are lower. Then take a nap before you go out for dinner.
Try and find restaurants that are not in the tourist area which don’t have a lot of English on the menu. You’ll have a better time and a better meal.
Travel like a local! You can see a lot of a city taking the bus, tram, or street car.