iPhone vs Android: What is the best phone for international travel?

After more than a decade of nomad travel, Jedd and I have relied on both iPhone and Android phones while living and working across five continents.

These days, phones have become our lifelines. This post will walk you through what really matters when choosing (or using) a phone for international travel.

If you want step-by-step guidance on setting up your phone, installing the essential travel apps, and avoiding common tech pitfalls abroad, check out our Smartphone Savvy Travel course.

The best phone for travel is the one you’re comfortable using.

Let’s get this out of the way: there’s not really one “best” smartphone for travel.

Yes, there are pros and cons between Android and iPhone. But what really matters is how comfortable you are using it.

If you’re already using Apple products (an iPad or Mac computer) or if you message friends and family who have iPhones using iMessage or FaceTime, then an iPhone will probably be easiest for you.

Security-wise, iPhones generally have more consistent privacy and security updates built in.

If you prefer more control over your settings or want to save money, Android phones have more flexibility and customization and can often be found at a lower price point.

Some travel apps function slightly differently on Android vs. iPhone. Most of the time it’s not a big deal, but in countries with app restrictions, those differences could matter. For example, some commonly used apps in China are not available through the iPhone app store.

Both iPhone and Android can work great. But no matter what phone you use, knowing how to use it effectively is what will really make or break your travel experience.

What really matters for international travel

Regardless of the brand, there are some key features to check on your phone that will make your life a whole lot easier abroad.

1. A phone that’s unlocked

If you’re not sure whether your phone is unlocked or what that even means, that’s one of the first things I cover in our WorldWide Connectivity course.

An unlocked phone lets you switch SIM cards when you travel. A locked phone is not necessarily a deal breaker, but it’s important to know because it limits the international phone plan options available to you.

Some people use their home carrier’s international plan by default. But often people don’t realize that there can be more cost-effective alternatives, which would save a lot of money. 

These days, we always use eSIMs for our international trips, so we’ll talk about that next.

2. Look for eSIM compatibility.

Travel eSIMs are our go-to for affordable data abroad, and it’s going to be the best value option for 95% of travelers.

E-SIMs are often comparable in price to buying a local SIM card in the destination, but they’re easier (no language barrier when purchasing, no removing of a tiny chip that can get lost).

They’re also more convenient because you can set them up before you even leave home.

TIP: If you don’t know if your phone supports eSIMs or how to get started, there’s a full walkthrough in the WorldWide Connectivity course, also available inside our Toolkit membership.

3. Make sure your battery lasts.

You’ll likely use your phone a lot more while traveling. I’ve found that people don’t often anticipate this. If your phone is getting old and the battery life runs out quickly at home, take note. 

Here’s why. When you’re in an unfamiliar place, you rely even more on the map and directions throughout the day. You might use the phone for translating, messaging, checking your bookings, and especially taking all those photos and videos of the destination.

A dying battery in the middle of a city you don’t know is not a great feeling. Portable chargers help, but a decent phone battery is essential.

4. Have enough storage.

Between maps, offline app backups, and the hundreds of photos and videos you’re going to take, you need space. Running out of storage while traveling is a common frustration that’s completely preventable.

When to upgrade your phone for travel

If anything from the list above is causing you issues – if your current phone runs out of power quickly, or doesn’t support eSIMs – consider upgrading before your next big trip. 

I know a new phone is a big investment, but you don’t need something brand new. I never buy the latest model myself. (I tend to wait until a friend or family member upgrades so I can use their hand-me-down.) 

You can also get refurbished phones that are almost-new at a discount. Using a smartphone that’s one or two years old will be a significant improvement if your current phone is more than 5 years old, for example.

When it means fewer headaches, better safety, and the ability to stay connected anywhere, it can absolutely be worth it.

Real-world travel uses: Why your phone skills matter

I always tell my students: you don’t need to be a tech expert or use every fancy feature on your phone. But knowing a few essential skills makes a huge difference in how easy (and enjoyable) your trip can be.

Here are some examples of how we rely on our phones on a regular basis:

Call a ride without needing to negotiate or speak the language.

Apps like Grab in Southeast Asia let us type in the address and pay within the app so there’s no negotiating prices, no getting lost because we’re not familiar with the area, and no cash needed.

Translate street signs and instructions.

Google Translate saves us from getting fined, or simply embarrassed, because we misunderstood a local parking sign or didn’t know what rules to follow.

Navigate even when we lose service.

Using Google Maps offline data has helped us get un-lost more times than I can count. 

A student once shared that they ran out of phone data in a bit unfamiliar city after dark where they didn’t speak the language. Had they known to download offline maps, they would have found their way home without wasting hours wandering.

Chat with Airbnb hosts or tour guides.

WhatsApp is a commonly used communication app in many countries, even for businesses. When we’re going to be late or can’t find our way to the meetup point, we can still send messages without exorbitant roaming fees.

Stay connected even when the Wi-Fi cuts out.

With a travel eSIM, we can continue to work online if the internet drops. And with offline app backups, we can use many functions on our phones even in remote locations without service.

TIP: If you’re a Toolkit member or have my Smartphone Savvy Travel course, there’s a step-by-step video tutorial on setting up the four essential apps – Google Maps, Translate, WhatsApp, and rideshare – and using them confidently. WorldWide Connectivity fills in the gaps about phone plans and other offline options.

Pre-Trip Phone Prep Checklist

If you want to avoid those “oops” moments that cost you time, money, or sanity, I created a free checklist to help you prepare your phone for an international trip.

The checklist has 12 things to do with your phone before traveling abroad. It’s one of our most-downloaded resources because it’s easy to use and prevents all kinds of common headaches.

👉 Download the free phone checklist here

Need help mastering your phone for travel?

If you want more step-by-step guidance, Smartphone Savvy Travel is your next step.

It’s our practical, traveler-tested course that walks you through how to:

✔️ Set up your phone for international travel
✔️ Use essential travel apps with confidence
✔️ Stay safe and connected without surprise fees

You’ll get simple, short video lessons (no tech expertise required) that take you from unsure to confident.

Who it’s for: Ideal for travelers who didn’t grow up with today’s technology and want simple, easy ways to improve their trips.

“These tutorials are so easily approachable with succinct tips. It’s like a good friend sitting next to me to help me learn useful tips to improve my next travel experience.” 
– Linda A.

Take the Smartphone Savvy Travel challenge here >

If you’re eager to level up your travel skills, you can get ALL our courses (including Smartphone Savvy Travel) through our Intentional Travelers Toolkit. By joining the membership, you also get a wealth of additional resources and insider updates that we don’t share anywhere else. All to help you travel smarter.

The Toolkit membership is an investment in yourself and your future travel experiences.

Whether it’s mastering Google Maps, saving big on accommodations, staying connected abroad, or just navigating the inevitable challenges of international travel, our membership equips you with the tools you’ll need to thrive.

Our Toolkit membership registration only opens a couple times per year.

Be sure to join the wait list to get notifications the next time registration opens.

Even if you’re not ready to dive deeper into our travel tutorials, don’t forget to grab your copy of our Pre-Trip Smartphone Checklist to ensure your phone is ready for international travel.

Sign up for your free copy via the form below.

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Simple Tech Tips for Travelers Who Didn’t Grow Up With Smartphones

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