Top Tips to Travel with Ultra Mobile

Whether you’re visiting family, going for work, or just going for fun, traveling can be a wonderful experience, but also stressful. Luckily, we put together travel tips to make travel as Ultra-smooth as can be and help you stay connected wherever you go on your journeys. Read on to learn more.

Domestic Travel Tips

Heading somewhere in the U.S.? Here are our top tips for travelers for easier domestic travel:

• Check-in online or via the airline’s app: Most airlines allow you to check in 24 hours before takeoff, so take advantage of this and avoid long queues at the check-in counter at the airport or having to rush to a kiosk before your flight.

• Use a carry-on instead of checking your luggage: If possible, travel as light as possible and opt for carry-ons instead of checking your bags. Checking in a bag can be time-consuming and also runs the risk of the bag getting lost before you get to your destination.

• Prep your essential documents: If you are traveling domestically, you only need your license for TSA. Make sure you also have any important emails and documents related to your travel itinerary on you or ready to go on your phone. You may also want to screenshot them just in case.
  
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes: Choose an outfit that’ll allow you to relax and make sure you’re wearing shoes that are easy to slip on or off when going through security.
  
• Get there early: Arrive at least an hour before your flight. It gives you enough time to go through security without stressing.

Domestic Travel Phone Checklist

Before you head out, here are some ways to prep your phone for the journey to make sure you stay Ultra-connected. Luckily, we have you covered with Unlimited Talk & Text across the U.S. so you never need to worry about running out of minutes or messages. We also have Unlimited Talk & Text in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands with coverage on the T-Mobile 5G network.

Now, here’s what to do before you set out:

• Make sure your connection is Ultra-strong
  • Set up Wi-Fi Calling. Wi-Fi Calling is a convenient feature that can keep you connected via Wi-Fi when you hit areas with lower network coverage.
    
  • Check to see if Data Roaming is enabled. Data Roaming allows you to hop on partner networks when you’re outside our coverage zone.

• Check Data Usage effortlessly via the Ultra Mobile App
  
  • Download the Ultra Mobile App
    
  • From there, you can view your remaining data on the dashboard (a.k.a. the home screen) or under the Balances tab
    • Checking your data balance ahead of time allows you to add more data to your plan if you anticipate higher data usage.

• Download and save important pages like maps ahead of time if you’re about to head into a remote area
  
• Make a packing list in your Notes app
  
  • Keep track of all the essentials you need to bring, like chargers or toiletries.

International Travel Tips

Heading abroad? Here are our travel tips and tricks to prepare for an overseas trip:

• Check-in online or via the airline’s app: Just like with domestic travel, most airlines allow you to do this 24 hours before takeoff, so take advantage of this and avoid long queues at the airport or kiosks.

• Opt for a carry-on or track your checked bag: While a carry-on only is always best for easier travel, it’s not always possible with international travel. If you check a bag, make sure to add an Airtag inside it so you can keep track of it.
  
• Get there early: For international travel, it is always suggested to arrive at the airport at least 2 to 3 hours before your flight.
  
• Prep your essential documents: Make sure you have your passport, visas, travel insurance, lodging accommodations all readily available and downloaded on your phone. You may also want to take screenshots, just in case!

• Do your research: Make sure to research your destination to optimize your experience, whether that means creating an itinerary or downloading all the apps you’ll need for your journey.
  
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes: On those long flights, it’s even more important you choose a comfortable outfit and shoes that are easy to slip on or off when going through security.

International Travel Phone Checklist

Before traveling the globe, make sure you take advantage of Ultra’s features, including Free Talk & Text to 90+ International Destinations, Unlimited Global Text and Unlimited Talk & Text in Mexico & Canada, for any travel planning before you leave the U.S. Call your hotel in Paris, for example, or set up a tour in China. Learn more about making international calls by clicking that link.

Now, here’s how to prep your phone for all your jet setting: 

• Make sure your connection is Ultra-strong
  • Just like with domestic travel, it’s important to set up Wi-Fi Calling. Wi-Fi Calling is a convenient feature that can keep you connected via Wi-Fi when you hit areas with lower network coverage.
    
  • Check to see if Data Roaming is enabled. Data Roaming allows you to hop on partner networks when you’re outside our coverage zone. Here’s how to check:

If you’re on an iPhone:

1. In the Settings app, tap Cellular or Cellular Data
2. If your device has a single SIM card or eSIM, turn on Cellular Data, then tap Cellular Data Options.
3. If your device uses Dual SIM or Dual eSIM, turn on Cellular Data, tap the number you want to modify, then tap Cellular Data Options
4. Turn on Data Roaming

If you’re on an Android:

1.  Open the Settings app
2. Tap connections
3. Tap Mobile Networks
4. Tap the switch to activate or deactivate Data Roaming

• Purchase International Roaming Credits for calls, texts and data
  • Going to Canada or Mexico? Talk & Text is free while you’re there. If you’re going to Mexico, you can get 5GB of data roaming for 30 days with our $5 Mexico Data Roaming Pass! But if you’re going elsewhere, make sure you purchase INTL Roaming Credits ahead of time. Here’s how:

If you’re using the Ultra Mobile App:

1. Visit the “Balances” tab and click on INTL Roaming
   • This is also where you can purchase your Mexico Data Pass
2. You can add increments of $5, $10, or $20
3. Complete checkout

If you’re using your online account: 

1. Login to their account at my.ultramobile.com
2. Click on Add-ons
3. Click on International Roaming
   • This is also where you can purchase your Mexico Data Pass
4. You can add increments of $5, $10, or $20
5. Complete checkout

• Download and save important pages like maps ahead of time if you’re about to head into a remote area 

• Get a travel data eSIM if you think you’ll need it
  • If you are in a country you don’t know, you may use more data to search for information and use apps. So while Ultra’s included International roaming credit can help with the occasional phone call or text, a data-only eSIM will cover any extra data you need, like Airalo or Nomad.

Ready to Travel?

As you prepare to embark on your next adventure, whether exploring the hidden gems within your own country or venturing into the vibrant cultures abroad, remember that thoughtful preparation can turn a good trip into a great one. Armed with these practical tips and tricks, you’re now equipped to navigate the complexities of travel with confidence and ease.