If you've ever lost your post-holiday glow to a shocking phone bill, I’ll never forget my $2,108 phone bill. Fortunately, roaming costs are on a downtrend, with more ways than ever to minimize and avoid roaming fees. 

FREE Wi-Fi Networks

For starters, I am amazed how easy it has become to rely strictly on Wi-Fi - even in under developed countries. Free Wi-Fi is increasingly available everywhere from airports, restaurants, shops, hotels, cafes, lounges, libraries, and tourist and information centers. During a trip to the Philippines, I only connected when I could connect to free Wi-Fi networks. And during that trip, I didn't feel cut off from the online world at all. Here's what to do:

1..Before your trip: Get the 'Free Wi-Fi Finder' app and download the free-Wi-Fi map to your phone. You can now lookup nearby free Wi-Fi hotspots even when you are offline.

2..When leaving: Turn off your primary carrier and the roaming function.

3..While abroad: Limit your online activity to when you are connected to Wi-Fi.

* Caution: Unless you take precautions to protect your privacy, hackers can see your online activity on public Wi-Fi connections. Here are ways you can protect yourself:

• Ask Wi-Fi providers for their network name so you don't inadvertently use a hacker's network.
• Use applications live VPL and Easysurf to safeguard your online activity from hackers.
• Don't view personal or sensitive information when using public Wi-Fi connections.

Swap SIM Cards

Next, ask your carrier if your phone is unlocked. If it is not, your carrier can unlock it, and may charge a nominal a fee to do so. If you are in Canada, consumer protection regulations require carriers to unlock phones at no charge.

The benefit to unlocking your phone is that you can use any SIM card from any phone carrier. Each SIM card comes with it's own phone number. Now you can buy a pre-paid SIM card abroad at just about any mobile retail outlet and convenience store. I like that you cannot be charged for overages, as your financial commitment is limited to what you pre-pay.  

If you do this:

1..Ask your mobile carrier what APN setting (access point name) must be on your phone for it to work. You can change the APN setting in your settings menu but may have to ask your phone provider how to do it as functionality varies from phone to phone.

2.. Leave a voice message on your regular line saying you are away and he best way to reach you during this time is via e-mail.

Portable Wi-Fi Hotspots

Traveling somewhere remote, yet need to stay connected? Meet the Skyroam Solis, a portable, wireless Wi-Fi hotspot that sells for $150 U.S. and can be activated for a flat rate of $9/day or $99/month. Be it a cruise, campsite, mountain top, road trip, or an around the world escapade the SkyRoam Solis gives you remote access to a 4GB for up to 5 devices and a 16+ hours battery life.

By Country

U.S. Travelers: T-Mobile One has the best overal international plan with unlimited text and data in 210+ countries in their base plan. If you are looking for coverage while on a cruise, Click Here, and enter your ships' name for coverage and rates.

AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint all have plans that include North America roaming (Canada and Mexico), and if your specific plan doesn't have this option, you can have this feature added for $2-5/day depending on your carrier. For overseas and South America travel, you can get the same plans for a about $10/day. For longer term travel, some carriers have weekly and monthly international plans that work out to a lower cost per day than daily rates.

A cheaper alternative to the major carriers is the new mobility player Google Fi which caps their plan costs at $80/month, and gets you unlimited Wi-Fi worldwide. Caveat - the speed slows down until your next billing cycle if you exceed 6GB's of data in a month. You can get a free SIM card at Fi.Google.com, and keep your existing phone number.

Before You Do This:

• This is a permanent plan (not an add-on) meaning you'll cancel your plan with your existing carrier.
• Google Fi isn't compatible with ALL phones. Their website shows compatibility by model. 

Canadian Travelers: When visiting the U.S. & Mexico: RoamMobility.com will mail you a SIM card for $10 with an international phone number that’s yours to keep. Once you have your SIM card, purchase a pre-paid plan online before your trip, and insert the SIM into your phone as you arrive at your destination. Rates are comparable to plans offered by local carriers and you can extend or top up your plan anytime from anywhere by going to their website. I love that all my apps, data and pictures are still available on my smartphone even after I swap my SIM card. But this might not be the case with all phones.

Roam Mobility: Affordable U.S. Phone Plans for Travellers from Roam Mobility on Vimeo.

If your carrier is Rogers or Bell: Both offer U.S.A  travel plans for about $7/day, and ~$12/day for overseas and South America. These fares are subject to data caps, and you need to notify your carrier before your first trip abroad. Contact your carrier for details.

*Top Tip: Stick to data only. There's no value in paying for talk or text, when you can do it all using free Wi-Fi, be it Skype, Facetime, What's App/social media/email/etc...

There you have it! You can now stay connected abroad, and not have to worry about returning to hefty roaming fees.



Once feeling unable to afford to travel, Russell Hannon uses lean principles to travel at a fraction of the going rate. He has been featured on CNBC, FOX, America Tonight, CBS, CTV, CBC, the National Post, Around the World Travel TV and nationally broadcast lifestyle and personal finance shows. He is the author ‘Stop Dreaming Start Traveling: The Ultimate Guide to Traveling More & Spending Less'.



FREE GUIDE: Download 'Beat the Best Online Fare - Every Time, Every Flight' at BreakTheTravelBarrier.com.