Phone & Internet: Staying Connected While Traveling
8 min read
30+ phrases
Staying connected while traveling is essential for navigation, communication, and sharing your experiences. Whether you need to buy a local SIM card, connect to WiFi, or troubleshoot connection issues, this lesson gives you the vocabulary and phrases to stay online wherever you go.
Different countries have varying approaches to mobile data and internet access. Understanding your options helps you choose the most cost-effective way to stay connected during your trip.
Buying a SIM Card
Getting a local SIM card is often the cheapest way to have mobile data abroad:
You
Hello, I need a prepaid SIM card for my phone.
Shop Assistant
Sure. How long will you be in the country?
You
About two weeks. I mainly need data for maps and messaging.
Shop Assistant
I recommend our tourist package. It has 10 GB of data and 100 minutes of calls for 25 dollars.
You
That sounds good. Is my phone compatible? It is unlocked.
Shop Assistant
Let me check. Yes, it will work fine. I will set it up for you.
SIM card
Chip that connects your phone to a network
Prepaid / Pay-as-you-go
Pay in advance, no contract
Unlocked phone
Phone that works with any carrier
Data plan
Internet allowance for your phone
Top up / Recharge
Add more credit to your account
Coverage
Areas where the network works
"How much data is included in this plan?"
Asking about internet allowance.
"Can I keep my number when I leave?"
Asking about number portability.
Connecting to WiFi
WiFi is available in many hotels, cafes, and public spaces. Here are useful phrases:
"Do you have WiFi here?"
Asking if WiFi is available.
"What is the WiFi password?"
Asking for the network password.
"Is the WiFi free or do I need to pay?"
Asking about WiFi costs.
You
Excuse me, could I have the WiFi password?
Staff
Of course. The network name is CafeGuest and the password is coffee2024.
You
Is that all lowercase?
Staff
Yes, all lowercase, no spaces.
Security Tip
Be careful using public WiFi for sensitive activities like banking. Consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to protect your data on public networks.
Mobile Data and Roaming
If you keep your home SIM card, you may use international roaming:
Roaming
Using your phone on foreign networks
Roaming charges
Extra fees for using phone abroad
International plan
Package for using phone overseas
Data cap
Maximum amount of data allowed
"I want to activate international roaming on my account."
Requesting overseas phone service.
"How much does data roaming cost per megabyte?"
Asking about roaming data prices.
Connection Problems
When technology does not work as expected, these phrases help:
"I cannot connect to the WiFi. Can you help?"
Asking for technical assistance.
"The internet is very slow. Is there a problem?"
Reporting slow connection speeds.
"My phone says no service. Is there coverage here?"
Asking about network availability.
"The connection keeps dropping." - Intermittent connectivity
"I have run out of data. Where can I buy more?" - Needing a top-up
"The password is not working." - Login problems
"Is there a stronger signal somewhere?" - Looking for better reception
At an Internet Cafe
While less common now, internet cafes still exist in many places:
Internet cafe / Cyber cafe
Place with computers for public use
Hourly rate
Price per hour of use
Print / Scan
Services often available
Headphones
For audio without disturbing others
"How much is it per hour to use a computer?"
Asking about internet cafe prices.
Phone Calls and Messaging
Even with data, you may need to make traditional calls:
"Can I make international calls with this SIM?"
Asking about calling abroad.
"What is the country code for calling the US?"
Asking how to dial internationally.
"Do you have a phone charger I could borrow?"
Asking to charge your phone.
Technical Vocabulary
4G / 5G / LTE
Types of mobile network speed
Hotspot
Sharing phone data with other devices
Bandwidth
Amount of data that can transfer
Download / Upload
Receiving / Sending data
Signal strength
How strong the connection is
Airplane mode
Setting that turns off all wireless
Data Saving Tip
Download maps for offline use before your trip. Apps like Google Maps allow you to save areas for navigation without using data. Also download entertainment for flights and train journeys.
With these phrases, you can stay connected throughout your travels without communication barriers. In our next lesson, we will cover health and pharmacy vocabulary for handling minor health issues abroad.