Travelling abroad can be an exciting adventure, but staying connected with your loved ones back home can be challenging and expensive. While many people prefer to use their smartphones when travelling, roaming charges and international calling rates can quickly add up, leaving you with a hefty phone bill. Fortunately, there are several cheap phones for international travel that can help you stay connected without breaking the bank.
What to Look for in a Cheap Phone for International Travel
When looking for a cheap phone for international travel, there are a few factors to consider:
- Unlocked phones: look for phones that are unlocked, so you can use them with any carrier.
- Dual-SIM phones: phones with dual-SIM slots allow you to use two SIM cards from different carriers simultaneously, which can be useful if you need to use a local SIM card for cheaper access to data or calling rates.
- Compatibility with local networks: make sure the phone you choose supports the local networks in the countries you’ll be visiting.
- Battery life: a phone with a long battery life can be helpful if you’ll be spending long periods of time away from a charging point.
- Price: of course, the price of the phone is also a key consideration, especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option.
5 Cheap Phones for International Travel
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly phone for your next international adventure, here are five options to consider:
1. Nokia 1.4
The Nokia 1.4 is an affordable smartphone that offers decent specs for the price. It features a 6.51-inch display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 processor, 1GB or 2GB of RAM, and 16GB or 32GB of storage. It also has a large 4000mAh battery that should last all day. The Nokia 1.4 is compatible with GSM networks and comes unlocked, so you can use it with any carrier.
2. Samsung Galaxy A01
The Samsung Galaxy A01 is another budget-friendly option that offers good value for the price. It features a 5.7-inch display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 processor, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of storage. It also has a 3000mAh battery and supports dual-SIM cards. The Samsung Galaxy A01 is compatible with both GSM and CDMA networks.
3. Motorola Moto E6
The Motorola Moto E6 is a solid choice for travellers who need a reliable phone with a long battery life. It features a 5.5-inch display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of storage. It also has a large 3000mAh battery that can last up to 29 hours on a single charge. The Motorola Moto E6 is compatible with both GSM and CDMA networks and comes unlocked.
4. Xiaomi Redmi 9C
The Xiaomi Redmi 9C is another affordable smartphone that offers good value for the price. It features a 6.53-inch display, a MediaTek Helio G35 processor, 2GB or 3GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage. It also has a large 5000mAh battery that can last up to two days on a single charge. The Xiaomi Redmi 9C is compatible with GSM networks and comes unlocked.
5. Alcatel Go Flip 3
If you’re looking for a basic flip phone that can keep you connected without all the bells and whistles of a smartphone, the Alcatel Go Flip 3 is a good option. It features a 2.8-inch display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 processor, 512MB of RAM, and 4GB of storage. It also has a 1350mAh battery and supports 4G LTE connectivity. The Alcatel Go Flip 3 is compatible with both GSM and CDMA networks and comes unlocked.
Conclusion
Travelling abroad doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune on phone bills. By choosing a budget-friendly phone that meets your needs, you can stay connected with your loved ones back home without breaking the bank. Consider the factors mentioned above and check out the five cheap phones for international travel we’ve recommended to find the best option for your next adventure.
Phone Model | Display Size | Processor | RAM | Storage | Battery Life | Network Compatibility | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nokia 1.4 | 6.51 inches | Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 | 1GB or 2GB | 16GB or 32GB | 4000mAh | GSM | $99.99 |
Samsung Galaxy A01 | 5.7 inches | Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 | 2GB | 16GB | 3000mAh | GSM and CDMA | $89.99 |
Motorola Moto E6 | 5.5 inches | Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 | 2GB | 16GB | 3000mAh | GSM and CDMA | $129.99 |
Xiaomi Redmi 9C | 6.53 inches | MediaTek Helio G35 | 2GB or 3GB | 32GB | 5000mAh | GSM | $119.99 |
Alcatel Go Flip 3 | 2.8 inches | Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 | 512MB | 4GB | 1350mAh | GSM and CDMA | $99.99 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a phone for international travel?
While it’s not essential to have a phone when travelling internationally, it can be helpful for staying connected with your loved ones back home, finding your way around, and making emergency calls.
2. Can I use my current phone when travelling internationally?
It depends on your current carrier and the countries you’ll be visiting. Some carriers offer international roaming services, while others may require you to purchase a separate travel plan or SIM card.
3. What is an unlocked phone?
An unlocked phone is one that is not tied to a specific carrier or contract. This means you can use it with any carrier that supports the phone’s network type.
4. What is a dual-SIM phone?
A dual-SIM phone is a phone that has two SIM card slots, allowing you to use two SIM cards from different carriers simultaneously. This can be useful if you need to use a local SIM card for cheaper access to data or calling rates.
5. How can I avoid high phone bills when travelling internationally?
To avoid high phone bills when travelling internationally, consider using a cheap phone for international travel, purchasing a local SIM card, using messaging apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger for calls and texts, and connecting to Wi-Fi whenever possible.