Staying Connected When Traveling with Pets Abroad

Traveling abroad presents one with the perfect opportunity to visit new places, meet new people, and have unforgettable experiences. And what can make that even better? Well, it’s bringing your pet along.

Your furry friend can make your adventure even more special. Its wagging tail or contented purr can bring you a sense of home wherever you are in the world. And to make your trip with your pet even better, you’ll need to stay connected.

Staying connected ensures that you can access online pet services from anywhere in the world. It can help you access online pet services, communicate with your veterinarian, and much more. Keep reading to learn how you can stay connected when traveling with pets abroad.

Source: Pexels

Planning ahead: How to avoid data roaming surprises

As mentioned above, staying connected while traveling abroad with your pet is essential. That’s because you may need to research pet-friendly locations, access your pet’s digital health records, or track your pet’s microchip data.

But how can you stay connected effectively? The traditional methods of using data roaming can quickly add to your travel expenses. So, the best thing you can do is to avoid data roaming to ensure you don’t have any surprise data bill shocks.

Below is how you can avoid data roaming:

Choose a reliable connectivity method

You don’t have to rely on roaming to access the internet while abroad. There are other methods you can use. For example, if you are traveling to the UK, the best SIM card for the UK, that is, the eSIM, can be more convenient and cost-effective.

This card does not require you to manually insert it into your phone. Instead, all its processes are online. And best of all? It incurs no roaming costs, as the eSIM connects to the local networks of your country of destination.

Turn off roaming

Another way to avoid roaming is to simply turn it off in your device’s settings. Please note that you should turn off roaming before boarding your plane. This will ensure that you don’t get any surprise data costs.

Using eSIM to share itineraries with pet sitters or vets

As mentioned above, the best way to stay connected without incurring expensive costs is through an eSIM. The eSIM lets you activate a local data plan online right after landing in a new country. This means you can immediately use messaging apps or email to share your updated travel itineraries, destination details, and pet-friendly Airbnb info with pet sitters.

Also, if your pet needs medical attention or you’re coordinating with a vet, the eSIM will let you upload and share vaccination records, pet passports, or treatment schedules via email or cloud storage. This reliable access to a vet is useful in case of an emergency or if paperwork is requested on short notice.

Therefore, an eSIM ensures that two-way communication can effectively take place. That means your pet sitter or vet can reach you easily, and you can express your questions or concerns effectively no matter where you are in the world. This helps to keep your pet care uninterrupted during your travels.

Checking device compatibility before leaving home

Source: Pexels

To ensure you can use an eSIM, your device must first be compatible. Note that not all devices support the eSIM technology. Therefore, before you leave home, check for compatibility by doing the following:

• First, verify your phone’s unlock status. If your phone is locked, eSIMs or other international SIMs won’t function. On the other hand, if it’s unlocked, the eSIM will work on your phone.
• Then, check for eSIM compatibility. You can do that by going to device settings under Mobile Networks or Cellular Plans to confirm the compatibility. Note that most of the latest iPhone and Android devices support eSIM.
• You can also dial *#06# on your phone. If an eSIM ID (EID) number appears among the device identifiers, your phone is eSIM compatible.

Switching profiles for multiple destinations smoothly

If you are planning on visiting multiple destinations with your pet, you need to manage your connectivity well using an eSIM. And the best thing about using an eSIM is that it lets you manage multiple eSIM profiles.

So, you can easily switch connectivity as you travel between countries with your pets in tow. Below is how you can switch profiles for multiple destinations smoothly:

• First, download and activate the eSIM profiles for each destination you intend to visit with your pet before you leave home.
• Then, assign clear and unique names, such as France, Japan, the UK, or Bali. This can help you easily identify which profile to activate as you cross borders.
• Switch profile on iPhone. You can do that by going to Settings, then Cellular. There, you’ll find a list of SIMs or cellular plans. Tap the one you want to activate and toggle Turn On This Line. Then, deactivate others to prevent mix-ups.
• Switch profile on Android. You can do that by going to Settings, then Network & Internet, then SIM cards. Once there, choose the profile you want, activate it, and set it as your data or call line as needed.

Digital maps vs offline options: tips for pet-friendly routes

Choosing the right navigation method is essential while traveling abroad with your pet. That is more so if you want to search for pet-friendly routes, parks, rest areas, or pet facilities. You have two main options for navigation, namely digital maps and offline options.

Each of these options has its own benefits.  For example, digital maps ensure that you can have real-time updates on traffic conditions, road closures, or unexpected detours. These real-time updates can be helpful when searching for the nearest pet-friendly cafe, vet, or dog park in a new city.

Also, digital maps allow you to  filter or search specifically for pet-friendly options, such as accommodations. The filtering gives you a head start on planning your pet’s comfort. What’s more, you can use digital map services to download offline maps.

The offline maps function without internet access. They are essential if you want to explore countryside trails, remote beaches, or national parks with limited cell service. Therefore, digital maps are best for urban areas and live updates. On the other hand, offline maps are great for remote areas.

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