When I’m on the road, wi-fi hotspots are essential to my work and they’re relatively easy to find. However, these hotspots are horrifically insecure unless you use a VPN. Most people know they shouldn’t log into their bank accounts or transmit personal information over public internet connections, but frankly that’s only half the battle. Simply checking your …
What is a VPN (and Which VPN is Best for Travelers?) Read More »
As an American, it blows my mind that Chinese businesses accept neither credit card nor cash after a long history of counterfeit money. They only accept mobile, electronic payment — WeChat Pay or AliPay. That alone isn’t really an issue, except for the fact that it’s impossible to set up a WeChat Wallet without a …
Foreigners Can Use WeChat Wallet With This Workaround Read More »
I’m always looking for the next big thing and I thought Google Fi international might be it. Google’s new cell phone service, Google Fi (formerly Project Fi), offers free high-speed data and texting in more than 170 countries worldwide — and with WiFi calling, you can even make phone calls abroad (with your normal phone …
I Tried Google Fi International (and Had Mixed Feelings) Read More »
There’s never been a better time to sign up for T Mobile international roaming. Their “ONE” plans include unlimited texting and data in 210+ countries at no extra cost. I travel every month, so I thought I’d put T-Mobile international data to the test. Since June 2014, I’ve tested it in 18 countries on 4 continents and …
It’s True: T Mobile International Roaming Gives Free Data and Texting Abroad Read More »
When T-Mobile first came out with free international roaming, it was game-changing for travelers. I made the switch without hesitation and recommended it whole-heartedly to other travelers. At least, until Project Fi came out. Then there was another player in this field — and possibly one who did it better. These days, it’s a battle …
Project Fi vs T Mobile for Travelers: International Roaming Comparison Read More »
Keeping in contact with family and friends while traveling isn’t the challenge it used to be. In fact, cell phone plans with T-Mobile and Project Fi even include international data at no extra charge! However, there are times when a Facebook message just isn’t enough and a phone call is necessary. Dialing international numbers is as simple …
I originally purchased my Amazon Kindle solely for travel: as much as I love the feel of physical books, it just isn’t practical to carry several books in my suitcase. I figured I’d “make do” with the Kindle while traveling to save valuable space and weight in my carry on. These days, I have my entire book collection with …
Why the Amazon Kindle is the Best Travel Gadget I Ever Bought Read More »
Years ago, I can remember sitting in hotel rooms writing out postcards to send to my grandmother and other relatives. I’d lovingly pick out “the best” pictures from the postcard rack, write a short note, and hope that my mother remembered to pack an address book (she always did). Over time, I started sending fewer and …