Save $ Using Technology When Traveling Overseas

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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

 

 

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:

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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.

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!

 

For more information about travel, see this post:

Top 12 Important Things Before Traveling Overseas

_{Editor’s Note: This post was initially published in 2016, and revised in June 2018. Recently updated in August 2025 for accuracy and additional information.}