If I leave home and want to use my phone, computer, do banking etc away from home , what do I need to know?

The following is a series of questions you can discuss at the next BMUG meeting - in the library at Leopold - this time - not in our usual meeting room.

There are certain situations that are different in answer if you are overseas from within Oz, but the issues are usually the same.

 You might want to download and try some apps before you leave and become dependent on them .

Here are some of the best international travel apps that could save you time planning, or help you out in a hurry abroad:

• Currency
• Instagram
• Google Flights
• Airbnb
• What's App
• Rome2Rio
• Kakao
• Google Translate
• Hostelworld
• Google Maps

 This list is from https://www.internationalteflacademy.com/blog/15-best-phone-travel-apps and they tell you about them all on their website. We wuuld say these are for travellers - people who want to be in control of their travel, not so much for those whose travel is organised but they need to stay on the phone etc.

Do you need to think about having podcasts and movies available offline? You might want to check out this option at

Best Apps for Long Flights

If you're travelling in the US, things can be a bit messy so you might want to download MyTSA at: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mytsa/id380200364

Phones

Using your Australian phone overseas can be an expensive hobby. Below are suggestions for how to maintain your usual experience but why not take the time to work differently while you are away? Perhaps leave a message that says you will respond by text or email so please send a text or email. This way, at no cost, you can get messages instantly when necessary and respond appropriately.

Otherwise, here is some pretty comprehansive information for you:

https://www.whistleout.com.au/MobilePhones/Guides/taking-your-phone-overseas

Don't forget, 

How to Use Your Phone Overseas Without Being Charged - from SimsDirect

Use Wi-Fi. One of the easiest ways to avoid international roaming charges is to connect to Wi-Fi networks. Most hotels, cafes, and restaurants have them.

Note that wifi in hotels ete is not the same as wifi in the street - and is much safer.