Cell phone smarts from an expert

Thanks to Greg Lehman from SpikeMobile for contributing this post to GoGirlfriend. We’re a community-based travel blog and we welcome submissions from everyone. Whether you’re a budget-baller or a first class only kinda traveler, we’d love to hear from you. Visit our Writer’s Guidelines and learn how you can share your travel advice, stories and adventures!

Greg is passionate about his cell phone - but he's also got a lot of good information to share about cell phone security while traveling. I have more than one cell phone horror share under my belt and hopefully Greg's advice will help you from one! 

Smartphone Travel tipsMobile phones have become more than just a way to connect with the world. For some of us, they are our world. We take them with us everywhere and feel naked when they aren't close by. It's little surprise that more people than ever are travelling with their cell phones. They can stay connected to everything that's important, even when they're a world away.

A little bit of effort can go a long way to preventing unpleasant surprises. The same is true when travelling with your cell phone. Spend a few minutes before you leave to prepare and you'll have peace of mind while you're away.

Practice cell phone security

Being safe means preventing having your phone lost or stolen. It also means being prepared in case that does happen. Here are some simple things you can do to be more prepared:

• Before you leave - backup your data. Your smartphone comes with desktop software so that all of your important information is stored somewhere other than just your phone.

• Whatever type of smartphone you use, there are plenty of apps you can download which will help you to track the whereabouts of your device using GPS. Some of these apps even allow you to erase the data your phone as well, so your personal information stays safe and not in the hands of a stranger.

• Being prepared for pickpockets is also a key part of travelling. Take a look at these pants by Clothing Arts and these Tilley tote bags to give you an idea of what's available to protect you and your cell phone from thieves.

Avoid excessive roaming costs with your cell phone

Call your service provider before you leave and ask specifically how much it costs you to call and text outside of your local zone. Consider upgrading to an international cell phone plan if you travel often, but if you don't, here are some other options to ensure you don't come home to a surprise phone bill.

• Be aware of roaming chargesRent or buy a phone in the country you're visiting. This can save you a lot of money in roaming fees instead of using the one you brought from home.

• There really is an app for everything. You can download apps that let you call and text using internet data instead of using the plan you have on your phone.

• If you do want to use your phone while travelling, first make sure that it's unlocked. Then you'll be free to buy a pay-as-you-go SIM card in the country you're visiting. This is great to track exactly how much you're spending while you're away.

Safe travels!

Greg Lehman, Spike|MobileGreg Lehman is one of the founding members of Spike|Mobile, a mobile marketing company based out of Waterloo Region. When he's not talking about mobile marketing with business owners, you'll find him lost in the forest with his Alaskan Malamute/Golden Retriever, Dakota. He also enjoys cooking, travelling and writing about himself in third person. Connect with him here at GregLehman.com or follow him on Twitter.

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