I should start by saying, if you’re going overseas for your Working Holiday Visa, you NEED to take your iPhone. Get it unlocked at home and buy a local sim in the country you’re going to. Don’t get talked into getting a global sim – they’re fine if you’re travelling but if you’re sticking in one place, a local sim will save you a fortune. Particularly if you get one that has cheap overseas calls (I used GoTalk in Australia and I know Vodaphone do a great one that includes data).
Ok, so what about if you’re travelling to more exotic places? Well there are pros and cons, and I have personally experienced both sides. I took my iPhone to Asia and was happy I did because most guesthouses and restaurants in Southeast Asia have free wifi access. Something that is like gold dust to a backpacker. Let’s face it, we live in a tech-savvy world and we want to check into a full moon party of Facebook. I hate myself for saying that but it’s true. But it’s great to see where your new travel buddies are, to arrange meet-ups with them, and of course you want to Skype home and update the blog. It’s worth mentioning internet is readily available all over Southeast Asia in the internet cafes but I just like to use my iPhone. And sometimes it practically acts as your travel guide.
I also found that it gave my family peace of mind for me to have my phone on me. Not that I could call from it (I didn’t want a global sim after the one I took to America drained my budget). But there were times such as when there was the Japan Tsunami in 2011 and I was tubing in Laos with no regard to time or date, didn’t go online and my mum was worried. Her geography isn’t great! But the point is she was able to contact me. Although I was almost too inebriated to reply coherently… but you get my point.
Oh and your iPhone is also a boredom buster on long journeys. Not only do you have games to play but there are lots of places in Asia where someone will put a load of films and TV shows on your phone for a few quid. 18 hour bus rides fly by.
So now for the cons – theft. Mine was stolen on an overnight bus from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. It was a scam bus where they go through your backpack under the bus, give you lots of room and comfort so you go to sleep, and go through your handbag. Thankfully they only took my iPhone and some cash and not my camera. Photos aren’t replaceable. But I was gutted my iPhone was stolen. And literally one week before I was flying to Australia as well. But shit happens.
So should you or shouldn’t you?
Personally I think the pros outweigh the possibility of a con. I would take it but be aware of the scams and keep it on your body . If you’re on a bus, sleep with your bag around you and enjoy the benefits of free wifi.
It’s your call.
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