In today’s interconnected world, the modern globetrotter needs a good phone to securely access their online accounts and stay connected while on the road.
As an expat myself, I experienced the pain of not upgrading my phone to a dual SIM cell-phone. And so, each time I had to access my bank account, I would have to switch in my Spanish Vodaphone SIM card to get the 2FA code.
Needless to say this got anxiety inducing especially when you have to buy a buss ticket on the Flixbus.
Fortunately, after reading this article you will never repeat my rookie mistakes because I’ve interviewed my traveling friends, expats, and tech experts to identify the best phones for traveling internationally or atleast one you can rely on while you escape your high cost of living country in 2024.
Now, this list is not based on what phone ‘looks good’. Oh no. In my conquest to find you the top travelers’ cellphone, I used these criteria forged from my own experiences, my expat friend’s experiences, and countless travel bloggers inputs as well. From this advice I put together the criteria for this list bellow:
Finding The Best Phones for Traveling Criteria:
- Dual SIM or E-SIM Capability
- Ingress Protection Rating of IP66+
- Expandable Micro SD Storage
- 8 Hour Battery Life or More
- Shock Resistant and Indestructibility are a Bonus
Now let’s take a look at which phones are the best for you.!
Disclaimer, this article may contain affiliate links where we receive a commission.
Google Pixel 7 – The Best All Round Travel Phone
Blazing its way to the top spot, the Google Pixel 7 isn’t just another smartphone—it’s a traveler’s dream. Its battery life is nothing short of spectacular. Picture this: you’re on a whirlwind adventure, and your Pixel 7, fresh off the charger, is ready to tackle a full 24-hour day alongside you. That’s right, 24 hours of uninterrupted, on-the-go connectivity.
And for those extra-long journeys or when you’re conserving every bit of power, the Extreme Battery Saver mode is a godsend, stretching your phone’s life up to an incredible 72 hours.
Imagine being lost in the captivating beauty of Taiwan’s jungle roads, reliant on Google Maps to navigate the twists and turns. The last thing you want is a dead phone when you’re about to reach that hidden waterfall or a quaint village café. With the Pixel 7, that’s one less worry on your mind.
Furthermore, the Pixel 7 also supports a micro SIM and ESIM so you can keep your local sim card and activate one in your new country to keep access to all of your 2 factor authenticated accounts and devices.
E-Sim’s are a new technology but are quite useful for travelers, but please note that not all countries and providers have access to it. So, check this article out here for more information on who’s offering an ESIM.
Nokia XR21 – The Travel Tank
The Nokia XR21 isn’t just living up to the legendary Nokia durability; it’s redefining it. This phone is an absolute tank in the best way possible, making it a top contender for globetrotters. When we say this phone is tough, we mean it. It’s not just about surviving a drop or two; the XR21 is built to accompany you through the most extreme adventures. With a battery life that lasts up to 48 hours, this phone is like a trusty sidekick that refuses to quit, whether you’re navigating through a bustling cityscape or trekking in the remote wilderness.
And let’s talk about its resilience. The Nokia XR21 boasts an IP69K dust and water resistance rating, which is just a fancy way of saying this phone can handle pretty much anything you throw at it—sandstorms, torrential rains, accidental dips in the river, you name it. It’s the kind of phone you can confidently take with you as you ford streams, traverse scorching deserts, and face the unpredictable elements of the world’s toughest climates.
The Nokia XR21 may not have the marketing budget or sleek design like apple and iphones do, but travelers know, a Nokia will stant the test of time due to it’s superior build quality. However one downside is that it’s processor is a tad bit underpowered due to it’s price point. However, if your not mining bitcoin on it or heavily multitasking, then you’ll love this phone for traveling.
Samsung Galaxy S24 5G – Your AI Powered Travel Assistant
The S24 isn’t just a phone; it’s a powerhouse masquerading as a sleek, pocket-sized device. Dubbed as the “supercomputer pocket rocket” for good reason, this flagship Samsung cellphone of 2024 is a cut above the rest. It’s the perfect blend of high-tech sophistication and practical functionality, catering to content creators and business professionals who are constantly on the move. The innovative AI features and the beastly Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 CPU chip don’t just promise performance; they deliver a tailored, seamless experience that adapts to your personal and professional needs.
With the S24, you’re not just carrying a phone; you’re carrying a personal assistant, a creative studio, and a business hub all in one. It’s equipped with a whopping 256GB of internal storage, ensuring that space is never an issue, whether you’re storing 4K travel videos, extensive presentations, or a vast library of apps. The IP68 dust and water resistance rating means it’s ready to accompany you on beachside meetings or dusty trail hikes without skipping a beat.
And let’s talk about connectivity. The S24 elevates the game with its dual SIM capability, allowing you to juggle two different phone numbers from two different carriers simultaneously. This feature is a godsend for those extensive international trips, offering unparalleled flexibility in communication. Plus, with e-SIM support, you can opt to use the extra SIM slot for even more storage, should you need it.
So yes, the S24 might come with a premium price tag, but it’s an investment in a travel tool that’s as versatile as it is powerful. This isn’t just a phone you’re buying; it’s an experience, a companion, and a statement of what a true travel-friendly smartphone can be. Just remember to keep it close; after all, it’s not just a device, it’s your gateway to the world.
Moto G 13 – Best Budget Travel Phone
The Moto G13 is a game-changer for budget-conscious globetrotters. Priced at an accessible $150, this phone is a testament to the fact that great things can come in affordable packages. With its dual physical SIM card slot and expandable storage via an SD card, the G13 offers the kind of flexibility and functionality often reserved for phones with a much heftier price tag. It’s the perfect companion for those who need reliable connectivity without the bells and whistles (or the hefty price tag) of more expensive models.
Durability and battery life are where the Moto G13 really shines. This phone is built to endure the rigors of travel, ready to be packed, tossed, and carried through all your adventures. The robust battery life means you can go longer between charges, crucial when you’re navigating unfamiliar streets, snapping photos, or needing to hail a taxi in a pinch. The G13 won’t leave you stranded when you need it most, proving that reliability isn’t exclusive to high-end devices.
Despite its budget-friendly label, the Moto G13 doesn’t skimp on the essentials. The screen and camera quality are impressive for its price point, offering clear visuals and decent photography capabilities. It’s a practical choice for travelers who want a phone that covers the basics well, without the need for extravagant features.
Asus ZenPhone – Best Price to Power Ratio
Next up on our list we have the ZenPhone by Asus. Originally made for gamers, its beefy and fast CPU, strong structure, and beautiful video taking capabilities have made it loved by travelers. And with good reasons.
The ZenPhone rivals the IPhone and Samsung flagship models with it’s high-quality internals at a more modest price point. Perfect for the shrewd traveler. Furthermore, its high quality gimbal-stabilized lenses from Sony are sure to produce perfect pictures.
The Dual SIM feature on the Asus ZenPhone is a game-changer for international travelers. It enables users to maintain active phone numbers from different countries simultaneously, which is a huge convenience. This means you can keep your home number active for important calls and texts, while using a local SIM for more affordable data and calling rates in the country you’re visiting.
Apple iPhone 14 – The Flashy Travel Buddy
The Apple iPhone 14 isn’t just a travel phone; it’s a symbol of luxury and high-tech prowess on the go. Likened to the Rolex of cellphones, its steep price tag is indicative of its premium status. But it’s not all about the label – this phone backs up its cost with some serious perks that make it a favorite among travelers who prefer the finer things in life. In a pinch, its high resale value can also come to your rescue, offering a quick financial fix if you ever lose your wallet on the road.
When it comes to features, the iPhone 14 doesn’t hold back. It comes equipped with an IP68 Inverness rating, ensuring it’s robust enough to handle unexpected splashes or dust encounters. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the dual 12-megapixel cameras, capturing travel memories in stunning detail. These cameras aren’t just for snapshots; they can record in 4K at 24 frames per second, allowing you to create videos with cinematic quality – perfect for aspiring nature documentarians or capturing those once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences.
But the real jewel in the iPhone 14’s crown is its performance. Powered by Apple’s proprietary chip, it offers blazing speed within the secure iOS framework. This, combined with the dual SIM and eSIM capabilities, makes the iPhone 14 a powerhouse for global connectivity. Whether you’re navigating busy city streets or attending virtual meetings from a remote beach, the iPhone 14 ensures you do it with unmatched style and efficiency. It’s not just a phone; it’s an investment in a seamless, luxurious travel experience.
Wrapping Up: Should You Upgrade Phone for Travel?
Whether you’re an expat, a globe-trotting adventurer, or someone who frequently travels for business, the importance of having a reliable, feature-rich phone cannot be overstated. Remember, the best phone for you is the one that not only meets the technical criteria but also aligns with your personal travel habits and preferences. For my and many others it’s a phone with 2 SIM Cards, expandable storage, and wireless charging encase a cable is lost.
Either way, As you embark on your next journey, armed with the knowledge from this article and a phone that ticks all the right boxes, you’re not just traveling smarter; you’re also ensuring a more seamless, enjoyable, and connected travel experience. Safe travels and happy connectivity!
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