5 Useful Accessories That Make International Travel With Your Phone Easier

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The modern world is remarkably interconnected, so much so that you can still access most of the data and apps on your phone, even on the other side of the planet. However, you are likely to encounter some problems when traveling abroad. Your phone might not be able to connect to local wireless networks without roaming, different plug formats might cause issues, your battery might drain on the road, and more. That’s why, when traveling abroad, you’d be wise to have some useful accessories with you, like a tracking device and a prepaid eSIM.

International travel is a pretty big effort in itself, but if you don’t prepare your phone properly, it could become exponentially more complicated as you struggle to find connection points or keep your device powered on. Finding the right accessories on Amazon will help make your trip as smooth as possible, so you can focus on experiencing all the cool things the world has to offer.

A SIM card is an important device found in every smartphone that allows it to access local wireless networks, so you can make calls and use mobile data. If you visit another country with a US SIM card, you may incur data roaming charges. Regardless of your feelings on the eSIM vs. physical SIM debate, the prevalence of eSIMs on modern phones makes it easier to switch to another country’s network. If, for example, you’re traveling to Japan, you’ll want to purchase something like the Nippon SIM Japan Prepaid Data eSIM, available on Amazon for $15.90.

It can be scanned by any eSIM-enabled smartphone, allowing you to instantly switch your device’s network to the Japanese Docomo service. It comes preloaded with 10GB of high-speed 4G LTE data, rated for trips of around 15 days. This should be enough for using services like Google Maps or WhatsApp, as well as browsing the internet for general purposes for the duration of a trip.

Amazon shoppers traveling to Japan gave this eSIM a 4 out of 5 stars, liking the good level of data for two-week trips. One user used it extensively to point other devices while traveling with his family, with the service following him around every city he visited. Another user, however, warns that this eSIM only provides data, not a calling service.

If you’ve only lived in one country your whole life, you may not know that other countries have electrical outlets with different sized holes and standards. If you bring a US phone charger to another country, it won’t work without an adapter, like the $23 Ceptics Universal Travel Adapter. This adapter features deployable prongs for four different types of power outlets, allowing you to use it in the US, EU, UK, Japan, Canada, Australia, Mexico and more.

In addition to the main input and deployable pins, it is also equipped with two USB-C ports and three USB-A ports, all of which can be used alongside the main socket, allowing you to charge up to six devices at once. The only problem is that it is not a volt converter and should not be used with power-hungry appliances like a hair dryer. Travelers rated this adapter 4.7 out of 5, with one buyer using it across the EU to keep their phone charged without issue. Another user gave similar praise, while adding that the 45W power isn’t powerful enough for charging laptops.

Although Samsung phones aren’t MagSafe compatible, iPhone users have access to this useful feature, and if there’s one thing you could benefit from on a long international trip, it’s modular charging that you know will stay attached to your device. For extra power capacity on this front, try the Anker MagGo MagSafe Power Bank, available on Amazon for $79.99. This power bank attaches to the back of your iPhone (or a MagSafe compatible iPhone case), keeping a firm, magnetic grip.

It’s compatible with iPhone 12 and later, providing 15W of wireless charging thanks to its 10,000mAh battery. Highlights include a metal frame and airgel thermal insulation intended for cool operation. This MagSafe charger is both an Amazon’s Choice product and generally well-liked by users, who gave it a 4.4 rating. One reviewer noted heavy use while visiting sporting events on the road and recording videos, with the charger keeping his phone constantly topped up. Some have noted that the bank gets a little warm with long periods of use, but not to a worrying extent.

If you don’t have a MagSafe-compatible smartphone or need to charge multiple types of devices at once, a single magnetic power bank won’t be enough for international travel. In this case, you would want a portable gadget that can charge multiple types of devices. Something like the Iniu Fast Charging Portable Charger, for example, sold on Amazon for $23.99. Despite Iniu’s claims that this charger is 40% smaller than comparable power banks, it packs 45W of high-speed charging from a 10,000mAh battery.

This would be enough to charge an iPhone 17 Pro Max from 20% to 76% in 30 minutes. It comes with a detachable braided USB-C cable, two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, which can be used simultaneously to charge devices. Iniu’s power bank is also TSA compliant, so you shouldn’t have a problem carrying it on a plane. Amazon shoppers have given this little charger a 4.5 out of 5 stars, and it deserves the Amazon’s Choice badge. Reviews highlight the usefulness of this accessory, which easily fits in carry-on luggage and easily charges multiple devices during long flights.

Even if international travel becomes easy, there will always be a risk of misplacing your belongings in transit. So it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your bags, ideally via your smartphone. To help you do this, check out the $30 Life360 Tile Slim Tracker.

This flat tracking card can fit in wallets, passports, luggage and other belongings you travel with. Using the companion smartphone app, you can locate the Tile tracker on a map. The app can also ping the tracking device and make it emit an audible tone to make it easier to find. This also works in reverse; Pressing a button on the tracker will send an SOS to a trusted contact in the event of a dangerous situation.

Whether they’re traveling or just losing their wallet, Amazon users love this Life360 tracker, giving it a 4.4 out of 5 rating in addition to the Amazon’s Choice badge. One user with a history of losing his wallet appreciates the easy setup and credit card-like profile, and notes that the distinctive ping tone helped him find it at home several times. Another buyer points out that the Tile device is not very durable and therefore may not be suitable for keeping in a wallet in the back pocket of your pants.

The last thing you want is to buy an accessory for your phone and then fly halfway around the world just to find out it doesn’t work. To avoid this nightmare scenario, we have selected these international travel-friendly products from the phone accessories available on Amazon with a user rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars to ensure consistent quality and reliability.