Setting up your smartphone for international travel
As iPhone allows multiple home screens, I tend to go ahead and set up a Home Screen specifically for each trip. Now that I’m home from Ciudad de Mexico, I thought I would share what that looked like on this trip.
1: Airalo Widget
Airalo is an e-sim provider that allows you to skip using your regular phone plan while you are traveling internationally. As of this writing, 10 gigs costs about $42 usd. I am a heavy data user, so it is well worth it to me, but be sure to check your regular plan and comparison shop.
If you do decide on Airalo, you can use referral code MARION1623 for a small discount. The best Airalo setup video is HERE. It is important to know that you will need wifi or cell service to set up your Airalo e-sim. If you forget to turn it on before you arrive, both the CDMX airport and public parks have free wifi.
The widget allows you to track your data consumption as you go, without having to open the app.
2: WhatsApp
In many countries, this is the best way to communicate with businesses as well as individuals. I am able to schedule my housekeeper, massage appointment, and even to ask the medical supply company if they have the item I need.
3: Moovit
It is easy to find the apps that handle the major bus /metro lines for Mexico City, but the smaller neighborhood ones are a little trickier. Moovit handles both, and even gives step by step directions to get from where you are to the bus stop.
4: Uber & Didi
I prefer public transportation, but my spouse prefers door to door service. So we keep Uber on deck as well as Didi. You can comparison shop between them to get the best rates. Having tipping available in-app is also a nice feature, as it avoids the endless fumbling with foreign money.
5: Uber Eats & Didi Food
Beyond getting dinner delivered, you can also order groceries! I tend to pack light, since I have to manage assistive devices, and so I just have shampoo, soap, etc delivered when I arrive at my Airbnb, as well as any unmet kitchen needs. On this stay, I had to order pepper and washcloths, too!
6: Google Translate
Google Translate seems obvious, but this might not: in order to use the app offline you need to download the language packs. Not just the one you are translating to, but the one you are translating from! In this case, that meant I had to download both Spanish AND English!
7: Currency Converter App
Especially when I am tired, conversions can be challenging. It is much easier to have an app at the ready, especially if you ensure it will work offline.
8: Apple Maps
I particularly use this in conjunction with my watch. Rather than walk around staring at my iPhone, I can ask Siri to set a course, and the turns come up on my wrist.
9: Photo App
When you want to take a pic, best to make it quick and get your phone tucked away again. Keeping it on your Home Screen or using one of your exterior “action buttons” can make it quick and painless.
Hope your next trip goes just a bit smoother by using this strategy!