Moving out of the US? Here’s How To Deal With Your Cell Phone

Moving can be a considerable change, especially when you’re leaving the United States and heading to a new country. One of the best ways to stay connected and alleviate homesickness is to chat with friends and family back home regularly. In some countries, this can be more easily said than done. Cell phone plans differ across the world. You may need to make some changes to stay in touch with the people you love. 

Let’s look at some different ideas for managing your communication with people back home once your big move is underway.

1. Call or stop in to see your current service provider. 

Your current provider may also serve the country to which you’re moving. They may be able to provide a simple switch for getting you set up in your new home. 

If they aren’t able to keep you under their service, they may allow you to terminate your contract for free, given that you’ll no longer be residing in the area they serve. If you’d like to retain your current cell phone number, be sure to express that to your service provider. While that won’t be possible in every situation, many service providers can offer solutions to allow you to stay connected with the same number you’ve always had.

2. Try Google Voice and Skype.

Google Voice allows you to pay $20 per month to have your phone and text messages routed to the device of your choosing. This is a great way to stay in touch with friends and family back home while you get established in your new country. Skype is also a great option. It allows you to video chat with people back home anywhere that you have access to wireless.

3. Know how you can connect.

 

Before you get to your new home, research nearby libraries, coffee shops, and other areas that offer wireless. It helps to sit down with your computer to check messages as you get set up with your new cell phone plan.

4. Explore other app choices.

While you’re waiting to figure out what makes the most sense for you in your new home, use other ways to get in touch. You don’t have to have your cell phone figured out before you get to your new home. Using Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp are great ways to communicate while you get settled in your new home.

5. Research a new service.

Once you’re moved in, head to a cell phone plan provider in your new country. Be prepared for the sticker shock. The price of a cell phone plan in a different country can be much different than what you paid in the United States. 

Ask the provider about data, messaging, and other fees that you can expect to see on your monthly bill.

Congratulations On Your Move 

Moving can be exciting, but it’s also a huge adjustment. Take one day at a time, and don’t be afraid to put your phone down and take a few moments to breathe and adjust to your new surroundings.