A phone does more on a trip than any other thing you pack, and most of what makes it useful abroad is switched off by default. These seven settings take a few minutes at home and save hours on the road.
The short version
- Save an offline map and switch off data roaming before you fly.
- A travel eSIM can sit beside your home line for local data.
- Check In and Medical ID look after you when you are far from home.
Download a map before you lose signal
Where to find it: Maps, your profile picture, Offline Maps, Download New Map
Apple Maps can save a whole area to your phone, so directions and search keep working with no data at all. Choose the area while you still have hotel Wi-Fi, and leave automatic updates on. Offline maps are not offered in every country.
Turn off data roaming before the plane lands
Where to find it: Settings, Cellular, Cellular Data Options, Data Roaming
With data roaming off, the phone will not use mobile data on a foreign network, so a background app update cannot run up a bill. Wi-Fi keeps working, and you can switch it back on for one urgent search.
Add a travel eSIM without visiting a store
Where to find it: Settings, Cellular, Add eSIM
An iPhone XS or later can hold a travel eSIM beside your home line. Buy a data plan from a local carrier or a travel eSIM seller, add it on this screen while you are on Wi-Fi, then choose it for cellular data while you are away. The phone must be unlocked to use another carrier.
Read a menu in another language with the camera
Where to find it: Camera, point at the text, the Live Text button, Translate
Point the camera at a menu or a sign, tap the Live Text button when it appears, then tap Translate. The Translate app can also keep a language on the phone for use without a connection.
Let someone know you arrived without texting them
Where to find it: Messages, a conversation, the Apps button, More, Check In
Check In tells a friend when you reach the place you chose, and alerts them if you stop making progress and do not answer within 15 minutes. You and your friend both need iOS 17 or later.
Put your medical details on the Lock Screen
Where to find it: Health, your profile picture, Medical ID, Edit, Show When Locked
Emergency responders can open your Medical ID from a locked phone and see allergies, medications and an emergency contact. It takes two minutes, and it matters most far from home.
Save power on a long day out
Where to find it: Settings, Battery, Power Mode, Low Power Mode
Low Power Mode trims background activity, dims the screen and pauses some visual effects until you charge again. On iPhone 14 and earlier the switch sits directly under Settings, Battery. Add it to Control Center so it is one swipe away.
Questions travelers ask
- Does turning off data roaming stop calls and texts?
- No. Data roaming covers mobile data only. Calls and texts follow your carrier's own roaming rates, so read those before you go.
- Can I keep my home number while using a travel eSIM?
- Yes. Keep your home line on for calls and texts, and choose the travel eSIM for cellular data. FaceTime and iMessage keep working on your home number.
