Stay connected without coming home to a nasty surprise

• Check your carrier's roaming policy before leaving. International roaming can become expensive quickly, particularly when background apps continue using data.

• Consider an eSIM. For compatible phones, a destination or regional eSIM can provide local data without physically changing your SIM card.

• Turn off cellular data roaming when you don't need it. Apps can quietly use data in the background even when you aren't actively using your phone.

• Download offline maps. Save your destination in your mapping app before leaving Wi-Fi. It's invaluable when you're lost somewhere with poor reception.

• Download languages for offline translation too. Translation apps can be extraordinarily useful — but much less so when the words you desperately need are “Where is the train station?” and you have no signal.

• Save important addresses as text, not just links. Keep your hotel name and street address available offline. It's also useful to have it written in the local language to show a taxi driver.