When traveling abroad, you need to consider how much of your data is being used in roaming. You could face a large bill at the end of your trip if you don’t turn your data off when you’re not using it.

You could always buy a service package from your mobile carrier, but these are usually packages with limited GB. After exceeding the amount of GB specified, the broadband speed is significantly reduced which will slow down any tasks you’re trying to complete on your phone. You also need to account for how much MB you’re consuming, so you don’t exceed your package and end up getting your service blocked.

How Can You Reduce Your Mobile Data Consumption?

First, you should set up your smartphone to download any updates using Wi-Fi only. Then, you need to check which applications are regularly using background data on your smartphone. Be sure to turn the cellular data off for these apps so you can significantly reduce your data consumption.

To avoid exceeding your purchased service package, it’s best to use messengers for communication, sending photos, and reading emails. Be sure to avoid long conversations on Skype, Viber, and other messengers as well.

When you want to stream videos and movies or make video calls, try doing so in a hotel where free Wi-Fi is readily available. You can also use the Wi-Fi map app, which will help you find free Wi-Fi hotspots near you. Keep in mind, there are lite versions of popular apps (like Facebook Lite and Twitter Lite) which can also help you reduce your data consumption.

Controlling Your Mobile Data Consumption

There are tons of smartphone apps that can help you control mobile data consumption as well. My Data Manager and Traffic Monitor are just two great examples. With My Data Manager, you can control mobile data usage, roaming, and Wi-Fi. With the app, you’ll be notified once your data reaches the set limit, and you can protect your personal information. The Traffic Monitor app, on the other hand, will monitor and notify you when the mobile traffic limit you set is exceeded, and it’ll show a map of network availability for your mobile carrier.

Some people may prefer local SIM cards to avoid both restrictions on data usage and high roaming costs. However, being a foreigner, you may not be able to successfully buy a local SIM card in every country. In many countries, you could end up with hidden costs on your rate plan since you might not be warned about all terms and conditions in the local carrier’s office.

POND mobile SIM card

We all want to use the internet freely during our travels, without worrying about how much data we’re using or finding locations with free Wi-Fi. POND mobile wants to provide comfort to frequent travelers, offering coverage in 210+ countries around the world.

With our mobile SIM cards, you can select a rate plan, with a fixed monthly fee, that best fits your needs. Depending on the plan you select, you’ll get a certain number of GB, minutes for calls, and SMS. No matter which country you end up in, the rate won’t change—prices stay consistent across all countries. With our POND mobile SIM card, you’ll also get a U.S. number and the possibility of adding local numbers for 90+ countries!

Over the past year, the term “eSIM” has become a part of our lexicon. But not everyone knows what an eSIM actually is. It’s not an electronic SIM-card, as some of us think. An eSIM is an embedded SIM card inside of your smartphone. Actually built into it, or any other device that supports this technology. It’s easy to activate an eSIM, you just scan the QR code sent to you by your carrier.

It should become easier to travel with the arrival of eSIM technology. You won’t have to use international roaming on your home carrier anymore which may have some financial, traffic volume, and speed issues associated with it. You’ll also free yourself from an aggravating search for rate plans with local carriers in an unknown country. Now, you can arrange everything prior to your trip. Search and select rate plans on the website of the carrier’s website. After you pay online, you’ll get a QR code and go on your trip with an activated eSIM for travel.

How Ideal is an eSIM for Travel?

Even with all the convenience eSIM technology offers, is it an optimal solution for travelers? Is using an eSIM ideal compared to international roaming fees? eSIM technology is not available in all smartphone models. For this reason, not everyone can use it. Besides, if your smartphone is locked to a particular carrier, then it’s not possible to use a rate plan for eSIM–offered by other carriers. Moreover, not all carriers support this new technology. And, even in those countries where this technology already exists, there might be connection problems because not all equipment is properly set up.

Also, if your smartphone stops working, you cannot simply replace the eSIM card like you can with an ordinary SIM card. You’ll have to go into the office of a mobile carrier to restore your eSIM card, then activate it on another smartphone. Just imagine this happening during your trip. First, you’ll spend time searching for the office of a local carrier. Then, you’ll have to explain what happened and what you need. If you don’t know the local language, this task will become even more difficult. This new technology is still going through the setup process, so it’s better not to rush the usage of eSIM technology right now. Wait until it’s fully up and running before using it for international travel.

Is There an Alternative to Using an eSIM?

The global operator POND mobile offers you a much easier solution than using an eSIM: World Phone rate plans with international roaming in 210+ countries around the world. With POND mobile, you can choose any SIM card and World Phone rate plan with a fixed monthly subscription fee. Depending on the plan you choose, you’ll get a certain amount of GB, minutes for voice calls, and SMS. No matter what country you go to, the rate will not change–it’s one for the whole world. You’ll also get a U.S. number with a POND mobile SIM card and the possibility of adding local numbers from 90+ countries. With a POND mobile SIM card, you’ll feel at home anywhere in the world.

Are you planning a trip to Italy in the near future? Enjoy your trip without a hitch, check out our tips on how to secure the best international SIM card for Italy!

What to Know Before Your Trip

When using a domestic SIM card abroad, you have to remember two things:

• 1. You need to unlock it internationally before leaving
  2. Certain international roaming zones have different pricing

At first glance, it may seem a bit complicated. However, some carriers connect automatically to European providers (e.g. T-Mobile).

If you don’t want to get into all the little details, just find the right international plan that covers your specific needs. The kind of plan which would benefit you not only in Italy but wherever you choose to travel!

Where to Buy an International SIM Card in Italy

If you weren’t able to buy a SIM card before your departure, you can easily find one in a service store near your hotel. In big cities like Rome, Milan, Naples, or Turin, this shouldn’t be a problem. However, if you have a long list of cities to check out and you didn’t look for the best deals in advance—try to find a card in the duty-free zone of the airport. It’s high time to acquire the best international SIM card for Italy and stop overpaying.

What Benefits Come With the Best International SIM Card for Italy?

Did you know that you don’t even need to worry about finding a Wi-Fi hotspot? Or be bound to only restaurants and cafes that can give you free internet access in Italy? An Internet SIM card will solve these issues in a snap! Enjoy your meal instead and, with an unlimited data plan, forget about ever being disconnected. Take that time which you would normally spend worrying and spend it savoring the best gelato, pizza, and pasta in the region.

In Italy, an Internet SIM is everything you’d need to keep in touch with people. Instead of calling, use popular messenger apps like Viber, Skype, or WhatsApp (the most common for Italians). While in Italy, a data SIM for tourists by POND mobile would be the perfect choice that won’t let you down—whether you just want to post some skyline city views on Instagram or get a full panoramic view of the Italian Alps live.

Don’t miss the opportunities global roaming can give you. To consistently stay in touch via texting, calling, and data, all you need is to add the best international SIM card for Italy into your cart before you take off!

Smart caller ID is a great way to reach new levels of professionalism in company relations. It’s also a way to build strong bonds with your co-workers and employees. With POND mobile you get the opportunity to have several numbers in one account and select local numbers from 90+ countries among them. With this unique technology, you can raise the levels of trust in your professional relationships.

What Came Before Smart Caller ID?

Before smart caller ID was created, there was just caller ID. Caller ID, or caller identification, was created to make our lives easier in a multitude of ways. Here are a few examples:

1. To save time and choose who you want or don’t want to hear from before answering the call.
2. To ensure privacy and avoid intrusive phone calls—for example, those annoying telemarketers or robocalls.
3. To identify the name of the caller on the spot
4. To see the caller ID while waiting or during a call with another person via phone.

Caller ID is simply the number you see when somebody is calling you. Sometimes you can even see a name instead of a number, which is possible if you voluntarily link your name to your number in the settings of your cell. With new and advancing technologies, it’s possible today to spoof caller ID (which is uh oh—illegal) or block it. This means fraudsters and scammers will still be able to reach you.

What is Smart Caller ID?

There is a special option provided by some carriers to smooth your communications with enterprise partners worldwide. Smart caller ID means the person you’re calling will see the local number you’ve chosen.

Features like this can work in two ways. First, it helps the person you’re calling identify your number as a ‘friendly’ one and avoid awkward situations. Second, smart caller ID apps help you identify who is calling and protects you from telemarketers and a whole range of scammers out there.

Your business partners will receive a smart call showing a local number for you if you turn on the option of SMART Caller ID from POND mobile. Take advantage of this unique opportunity and bring those partnerships to a whole new level!

When selecting the best data-geared package from your mobile provider, you might think you’ll get the most out of your money. After all, it’s not that important to have unlimited calls and texts when you can have unlimited data. People don’t call each other often enough these days, and sometimes it’s just easier to send a text anyways. Plus, you can get a lot of work done on your phone during your travel commute. It’s no wonder why people look at the amount of data as a deciding factor when selecting a mobile phone plan.

What Uses the Most Data on Your Plan?

So, where does all of that unlimited data on your cell phone actually go? It may surprise you but surfing the Web doesn’t take as much data as you’d think (up to 2.5MB to download one web page). Therefore, you may ask yourself whether your provider is deceiving you and what exactly consumes all of your mobile data.

Videos. YouTube and TikTok, as the top free video platforms today, rank first in our list of applications that consume the most mobile data. Even when you’re watching HD videos or reducing the resolution to the bare minimum, YouTube and TikTok still take a lot of your time and data. People of all ages are used to watching videos during their free time, whether it’s on the way to school or work, during breaks, or in long lines.

Streaming platforms. Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and other streaming platforms take as much traffic as videos from YouTube, especially when they’re loaded and watched in their entirety.

Music. Music apps that allow you to listen to music online, and even those that allow you to download songs can be big culprits of data consumption. Apps like SoundCloud, Apple Music, Spotify, and Google Play Music, hold the top positions for iPhones and Androids.

Online games. Both simple games (like Diamonds, Candy Crush, or Pokémon Go) and more complex ones (like Fortnite and Minecraft) play a big role in the lives of young people. They also play a big role in using up your mobile phone data.

Social networks. Apps for communication and sharing, like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter also consume a lot of data. Skype, Snapchat, Facebook Messenger, Viber, and WhatsApp download or store all the videos and photos shared through them. These VoIP apps also enable you to call a person by using data rather than your plan minutes.

Tip #1. Many providers offer these so-called unlimited data packages. You get a certain amount of data (30-50GB on average) which may seem endless initially. However, after you hit your data limit for the month, your Internet speed will be throttled. Be sure to read all the conditions of your mobile phone plan very carefully.

Tip #2. Using your mobile phone as a hotspot for other devices may reduce your remaining data significantly. Try to use Wi-Fi whenever possible to avoid extra charges and untimely data termination.

What Uses Data on iPhone?

Among the top data consumption apps for iPhone, you’ll find Google Maps, Spotify, as well as many social networking and photo and video editing apps. To check the amount of data you’ve used, go to Settings >Cellular or Mobile Data.

Here are some ways to reduce data consumption on iPhone:

• 1. In settings, you can limit your app download and update options to using Wi-Fi instead of data. Go to Settings >General >Software Update.
  2. You can control the updates and synchronization of background apps by going to Settings >General and by adjusting each app.
  3. You can also set the video quality for YouTube to minimize data losses. The data usage will be low by default, but it’ll be enough for watching funny videos on your phone.

What Uses Data on Android?

Social networking applications, like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter hold the leading positions in Google Play Market. To check the amount of data you’re using, go to Settings >Wireless Networks/Networks and Internet >Data Usage or Mobile Data. You can also check by going to Settings >Connections >Data Usage. You can set time alerts when reaching a certain data limit. You can also download various data-compressing apps for Androids and switch off background data usage.

To reduce data consumption, we also recommend that you:

1. Pay attention to mail synchronization.
2. Not leave GPS and navigation turned on all the time. You can download an offline map from Google Maps.
3. Use mobile versions of websites.

Unless you have an actual unlimited data package, find out what uses most of the data on your phone and learn how to save it right now. Use our tips for Android and iPhone to save data on your device and get the most out of your plan.

It can be intimidating trying to understand mobile phone technology. To make things easier, we’ve created this article comparing and contrasting Android features and those of Apple’s new iOS 14.

Apple has introduced a massive update for iOS 14 unveiling many new features, some of which have long been present in Android devices.

Home Screen Widgets

After 13 years of keeping the iOS home screen static, Apple has finally allowed users to add Home Screen interactive widgets. Widgets appeared in Android’s OS with the release of their very first phone. Google continues to expand this feature, giving users the ability to customize their home screens even further.

App Library

The App Library is one of the first innovations of iOS 14. It resembles the Google Apps List. Unlike Android’s app list, Apple’s App Library automatically sorts apps and games into categories.

Default Browser and Mail Application

Android users have always had the freedom of setting various browsers and mail apps as their default. Apple could’ve implemented this feature more than 10 years ago but chose not to. iOS 14 will finally allow users to choose their default mail app and browser over Apple’s Mail app and Safari.

New Dialer

With the introduction of iOS 14 calls won’t take up your entire screen and can be minimized if necessary. In comparison, the new design of the “compact dialer” appeared in Android devices back in 2014.

App Slice vs App Clips

One of the most interesting features for application developers is Apple’s App Clips. This allows you to run “light” versions of programs to test them out. You can use these apps with limited functionality on iOS 14 without having to install them. This great idea was also introduced by Google previously. The App Slice feature, which debuted on Android’s OS back in 2018, had similar capabilities.

Bicycle Paths On Maps

With Bicycle paths on maps in iOS 14, Apple added new cycling features to the Maps App. These features include displaying bike paths and creating special routes based on stairs and ascents. This innovation is available in some major cities. Google Maps implemented this feature back in 2010 and it’s available worldwide.

Translator

Translator is another Google service. Its counterpart has been introduced into the Apple iOS 14. Like Google Translate, Apple’s new application allows you to translate typed and dictated phrases. It also offers integrated Safari support for translating entire web pages. Unfortunately, Apple’s Translate app is limited to 12 languages.

Picture-in-Picture

Apple has introduced the picture-in-picture functionality in iOS 11 for its iPad. However, iPhones will only get this video playback mode in iOS 14. This happened two months before the announcement of a similar option found in Android 8.0

Password Monitoring

Password monitoring is another feature first introduced by Google. In late 2019, Chrome received an update that alerts an end-user when their password is compromised by a data breach. Now Safari can do the same.

Setting a Password

While newer Android phones offer numerous biometric methods for unlocking, every phone still requires one of three traditional locking methods: pattern, PIN, or password.

Better Privacy

Now you can review permissions for installed apps. Remove apps you no longer use and consider replacing some with ones that require less personal information.

Battery Consumption

Switch your phone into power saver mode, which will automatically cut back on functions that consume battery life. You can also activate Adaptive power saving mode, which sits on top of your other power settings and helps you manage battery usage based on when you use the device and when it’s in your pocket.

As you can see, both Google and Apple have borrowed features from one another and will most likely continue to do so with future updates.

A hotspot is a physical location where people can access Wi-Fi through a wireless local area network (WLAN). The WLAN is connected by a router and the router is connected to an Internet Service Provider.

Wi-Fi was first created to be a technology built around one basic service — data transmission. It was located almost exclusively in areas where there were many inactive subscribers. However, over the past 10 years, there has been one big change in the generation of Wi-Fi standards. The modem.

All international business travelers want to know where the best mobile hotspots are located and how to select the best international mobile hotspots.

International Bands: The Ones That Matter the Most

There are 3 LTE bands that are widely used throughout the world. This is essential if you hope to have LTE coverage while traveling internationally.

• Band 3 – 1800 MHz, used in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, Caribbean, Europe, Middle East, Oceania
• Band 7 – 2600 MHz, used in South America, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Australia
• Band 20 – 800 MHz, used in Africa, Europe, Middle East

Digital nomads are restricted to working in areas where their technologies operate properly. Finding a decent Wi-Fi hotspot in every area of the country you’re located in is a difficult thing. People assume there’s Wi-Fi on every corner, but a poor connection is always a possibility, and using public Wi-Fi is not always a safe option either.

Traveling to a new location without securing a reliable connection can be costly. There might be a chance of dropped calls, failed uploads, and increased stress levels.

Research the Wi-Fi situation before you arrive. This could mean contacting your accommodations and asking for speed tests (yes, you can do that).

The Cost Of Freedom

Digital nomads often find themselves caught off-guard by international roaming charges because they don’t know how these charges are applied. They’ll spend a few days using their devices, as usual, thinking they’ll be charged the same as always and not for international roaming.

If you’re not paying attention, global roaming charges will sneak up on you with some astronomical increases to your monthly cell phone bill.

When you use your cell phone overseas, you’re typically using towers that belong to a mobile carrier other than the one you signed your contract with. These network providers have a commercial agreement with your regular service provider that allows you to connect to their towers.

This agreement works out great for your home provider because they get to keep you as a customer and make a little extra money in the process.

For you, it doesn’t work out so well. It offers the convenience of being able to use your devices in a way that appears hassle-free.

But, this convenience comes at a price.

Thinking About Becoming a Digital Nomad? Here’s What You Need to Know

What if you could work from anywhere in the world? The so-called “laptop lifestyle” allows you the ultimate freedom to decide when and where you work. The digital nomad movement has exploded recently and it’s not going away anytime soon. In fact, it’s only going to continue to grow as technology makes it possible for more and more jobs to be done remotely.

If you’re looking to find location-independent work, your first place to start is usually with remote job boards. Sometimes it may feel like a needle in a haystack situation trying to find the right digital nomad job that you might qualify for AND is actually interesting.

Choose Your Location Wisely

Choosing a country or even a city can be unnerving, especially if you’re looking at a longer stay. Your ideal spot will depend on your preferences. Generally, digital nomads tend to care more about affordability, the right climate, high-speed internet, and a remote worker community.

If you’re ready to take your remote job on the road, the next step is finding the best visas and countries for digital nomads. Finding a long-term visa can be a difficult process. If you want to stay in a country longer than a typical 60 or 90 day stay, you’ll need a long-term visa. Or, you’ll have to leave the country after the allotted time period. ‍

Have the Correct Technology

A phone and reliable internet is a digital nomad’s lifeline. It needs to work wherever they go, which means they need a plan for roaming the globe. But more importantly, they need a provider that will support their evolving needs.

Travel SIM cards or Roaming SIM cards can get expensive very fast. You need to select the right one for your destination because some providers have limitations. Using your provider from your home country is a great option for the short-term, however, your service will be stopped for excessive roaming after a while.

The Importance of an International SIM Card

Being able to receive calls while traveling overseas from a local domestic phone number is very important. International unlimited data and global roaming data are the standards for being more reachable by friends, family, and colleagues.

An international SIM card gives you great convenience and flexibility when you’re traveling. You stay connected with the world no matter where you are. Plug the international SIM card into your phone and you’re all set to call, use data, text, and more. POND mobile offers flexible roaming options for today’s global economy.

This type of SIM card rescues you from all the worries of having to change and set up phone service from scratch again and again.

A More Simplified Lifestyle

Many digital nomads feel more freedom and have a less stressful work environment. Being away from the everyday hustle and not having to commute or needing a professional wardrobe can all contribute to a better work environment. Focused, uninterrupted time can allow you to complete your work in a more creative manner.

Working from anywhere is a dream for many people. Plus, experiencing new cultures and making new friends is fantastic for broadening your mind.

10 Natural Wonders of the Caribbean Islands.

Without a doubt, you’ll find everything on the Caribbean Islands. From music and local cuisines to the pure beauty of nature with deep green wild forests on the mountains to white beaches with crystal clear ocean water. This permanent festival of diverse cultures and natural wonders is ready to take you and fully dip you into the joyful atmosphere of island life.

In this article we’ll go through the astonishing Caribbean Islands that have been preserved for quite some time.

Most Famous Caribbean Islands.

Choosing Caribbean Islands for your trip can be overwhelming with the abundance of options out there. It may be better to start with the popular destinations first and then head to the unknown cozy places.

Jamaica

Aside from the obvious reggae style hangout, you can add Jamaica to your list if you want to get exciting experiences from pristine nature. Visiting Seven Mile Beach is an absolute must. Don’t forget to make time for exploring the hidden lagoons and hiking the mountain trails to see the beautiful waterfalls in the deep rainforests. For those fond of extreme activities, river rafting and cave tubing would be a perfect complement. You can also try out swimming with horses, a new popular entertainment here. Come on, where else could you do that?

The Bahamas

The luxurious escape on the Bahamas includes pictures from the most beautiful Caribbean beaches. World famous pink sand and gold rock beaches are waiting for your footsteps, and why not take some amazing pictures for your friends and family to see on your Instagram and Facebook feed? On top of that, make a stop on the secluded beach of Rose Island to dedicate one day to exploring the secret of the Caribbean Islands. Dive into the crystal clear ocean to see the spectacular and mysterious water world.

Dominicana

The Dominican Republic is one of the most loved Caribbean Islands by tourists. But don’t worry! It’s also the most superbly blessed beach island too, having more than 1000 miles of white sand paradise-like beach lines. So whether you’re alone or with plenty of company, you’d definitely find a spot for action. You can also choose from the numerous water activities the island is ready to offer: kiting, rafting, snorkeling, diving, and many others.

Cuba

While Cuba isn’t a secret Caribbean Islands spot, it’s definitely one of the brightest and most unique places to hit up. The rich cultural heritage is well complemented with the grandeur of nature. Miles of mountains followed by the tobacco fields, and of course perfectly white beaches. It’d be really hard to choose between the old city of Havana with its vivid architecture, old vintage cars that never go out of style, iconic cigars, and the famous beaches of Varadero promising you the most relaxing beach vacation of your life.

Barbados

If you’re looking for consistent surfing opportunities, visit the fascinating island of Barbados, also the birthplace of world famous singer Rihanna. The island and its surroundings are nature spectacles themselves, full of exotic wildlife both underwater and on land. Edged with coral reefs, the island beautifully stands out of the water welcoming the visitors with postcard-like landscapes.

The Secluded Caribbean Islands

By exploring the unknown Caribbean Islands we’d recommend starting with the well known, but yet to be explored Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico

The small rocky island of Vieques offers an out-of-this-world wonder on Earth. Imagine a beach sparkling up at night like the millions of stars in the sky and you’ve got the Bioluminescent Bays of Puerto Rico. You’ll feel the magic of the Avatar movie in real life. It’s definitely a must-see miracle.

Spend a day on Flamenco Beach on Culebra, often called the second most beautiful beach in the world. Plunge into the deep blue water and swim through the soft rocky waves. It’s a dazzling place for snorkeling and diving.

British Virgin Islands

Virgin Gorda, one of the British Virgin Islands is mostly covered with natural magnificence. Here you’ll spot large national parks with exotic flora and fauna. Explore The Baths beach, a popular local attraction with blue lagoons and beautiful cozy caves hidden in between the cliffs. On the British Virgin Islands, you’ll find some of the quietest untouched beaches of the Caribbean Islands.

Saint Lucia

The vacay on Saint Lucia can be quite extreme for those itching for risky business. In addition to the common cultural heritage tour, you can have an exhilarating getaway into the untamed wild. To get this thrilling experience, book an adventure tour and just go! Traveling in an open aerial tram or on a zip line literally through the jungle, say hello to the monkeys passing by and jumping from one vine to another.

Trinidad and Tobago

Visit these Caribbean Islands to enjoy the reluctant pace of an island life. Feel Robinson Crusoe’s inspiration in this total escape from civilization. The most exciting part, and one of the most spectacular views in your life, will be the sunrise while kayaking around the island. Make sure it’s on that bucket list of yours!

Curaçao

The welcoming island of Curaçao looks like the ideal decorations for Wes Anderson movies with its Dutch-style pastel-colored houses in Willemstad. One of the unknown Caribbean Islands is also nature’s gifted treasure that offers plenty of opportunities to explore the local wildlife. On top of that, you’re more than welcome to try out the diverse beach options.

Connecting With Home

To keep in touch and cover your thrills in the Caribbean, check for unlimited international calling plans. We don’t really recommend changing SIM cards on each island. First off, you’ll quickly get tired of it and nobody wants to lose time, right? Who knows when you’ll next visit the Caribbean? Second, they belong to different states. That means you can unknowingly be in danger of hidden roaming charges. You can escape the trouble and save yourself a whole lot of hassle if you’re prepared.

POND mobile specializes in international roaming and offers great deals on unlimited international calls and data plans. Feel at home even when you’re abroad in the most exotic parts of the secluded Caribbean Islands. You’ll stay covered and get the all-inclusive beach pleasures you desire.

So whether you’re going for a lazy beach vacation or want to experience new water adventures and explore the local wonders of nature, plan in advance. Only then will you have time to fully discover the hidden Caribbean treasures to the fullest!