Is it better to turn off data or airplane mode?

Turn Off Mobile Data, Not Airplane Mode, to Avoid International Roaming Charges

When venturing abroad, savvy travelers often seek ways to minimize expenses associated with mobile phone usage. International roaming charges can quickly inflate your phone bill, leaving you with a hefty bill to pay upon your return. While many assume that turning on airplane mode is the best solution, this article will explain why it is more advantageous to disable only mobile data instead.

The Benefits of Disabling Mobile Data

Disabling mobile data while keeping your phone powered on allows you to continue making calls and sending text messages without incurring roaming charges. This is because calls and texts are routed through Wi-Fi or your local carrier’s network, which does not incur international fees.

The Drawbacks of Airplane Mode

In contrast, enabling airplane mode disables all wireless connections, including mobile data, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. While this can effectively prevent international roaming charges, it also means that you will not be able to make or receive calls, send or receive text messages, or access the internet. For many travelers, this level of connectivity loss can be inconvenient and impractical.

How to Disable Mobile Data

To disable mobile data, follow these steps:

1. Open your phone’s settings.
2. Navigate to the “Network and Internet” or “Data Usage” section.
3. Find the “Mobile Data” option and toggle it to “Off.”

Conclusion

For travelers seeking to avoid international roaming charges while maintaining essential phone functions, disabling mobile data is the optimal solution. By leaving your phone powered on and connected to Wi-Fi when possible, you can make calls, send texts, and access the internet without incurring exorbitant fees. Remember, airplane mode may provide a complete block on all wireless connections, but it comes at the cost of sacrificing essential phone functionality.