Save $ Using Technology When Traveling Overseas |

Technology when traveling can be a little intimidating—especially if you wouldn’t call yourself “tech-savvy.” However, when you’re traveling or living abroad, it can save you a significant amount of money and help you stay connected with the people you love. And honestly, who doesn’t want that?

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Keeping Your U.S. Phone Number Abroad

Years ago, before we left Arizona for Italy, we decided to keep our U.S. phone numbers. It’s just easier when dealing with banks, online accounts, or two-factor authentication codes.

Back then, T-Mobile allowed us to put our account on a seasonal hold for just $3 per month, which was ideal. Unfortunately, that’s no longer the case. As of now, the seasonal hold option starts at $10 per month per line, and it no longer includes international features like texting or calling. It’s still useful if you want to keep your number, but it’s not quite the bargain it used to be.

Other options? Some people port their number to Google Voice (a one-time setup fee with no monthly charge), but that comes with its own quirks and limitations, especially when it comes to verifying identity with certain U.S. services. So it’s a trade-off, depending on your needs.

Getting a Local SIM Card in Italy

Once we arrived in Italy, we signed up with TIM, one of the major mobile providers here. We purchased Italian SIM cards and a basic monthly plan that includes data and calling within Italy. It works great for making restaurant reservations, chatting with new Italian friends, or contacting hotels.

A heads-up: not all Italian plans include SMS texting, but honestly, we haven’t missed it. That’s because most of our communication happens through messaging apps—which brings us to the real tech heroes.

Free Apps That Keep You Connected

Skype

Skype has been around forever, but it’s still a solid choice for voice and video calls. If both parties have the app, the call is free over Wi-Fi. You can also pay a small fee to call landlines or mobile numbers directly if needed.

Most people have heard of Skype and it is for Android users. Facetime is for iPhones. Both you and the other party both need to have the app (application) downloaded. There is a message capability with this program but we don’t really use Skype for that. So again, free phone calls (or video calls) when both parties are using Skype. Great!

If you’re only going to download one app before heading overseas, make it WhatsApp. It’s free, reliable, and used almost everywhere in Europe. It’s what we use and almost everyone we know.

With WhatsApp, you can:

Send texts and voice messages
Share photos and videos
Create group chats (we have a family group chat that’s active daily)
Make free voice and video calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data
We use it constantly—especially for sending those little “good morning” voice notes to the grandkids. And when they send back photos or short videos? Priceless.

Other Technology When Traveling

FaceTime (for Apple users)

If you and your loved ones are all on Apple devices, FaceTime is seamless. It works right from your contacts list, and like Skype and WhatsApp, it’s free over Wi-Fi. We’ve used FaceTime just as much as WhatsApp, depending on what the kids prefer.

Facebook Messenger

Another easy option—especially for friends who aren’t on WhatsApp. You can send messages, make video calls, and share pictures. It’s not our go-to, but it’s handy and integrated with Facebook, so many people already have it.

Other Travel Tech That Actually Helps

Voice Translation Apps

We always have a voice translator app ready on our phones. You speak in English, it speaks in Italian. Super handy when you’re ordering in a restaurant or explaining something at a pharmacy. Many apps now work offline too, which helps if you’re in a small town with spotty service.

Directional Maps

CityMaps2Go (Offline Navigation) This app lets you download maps before you leave Wi-Fi and use them offline while you’re out exploring. It’s easy to search for places, get walking directions, and save favorites. Google Maps now offers offline features too, but we’ve found CityMaps2Go a bit more intuitive when we’re in sightseeing mode.

Final Thoughts About Technology When Traveling

You don’t need to be a tech genius to use these tools. With a little setup and Wi-Fi access, you can call home, message loved ones, share photos, and navigate Italian towns without racking up international charges.

These apps and tools have helped us feel close to our family even from thousands of miles away—and they’ve definitely saved us money in the process. If you’re getting ready for your own overseas adventure, take a little time to set these up. It’s worth it!

And if you’ve found any other helpful apps or tricks for staying connected while traveling—drop us a message. We’re always happy to learn something new!