Australians now rely on their mobiles when travelling

Mobile phones are now an essential accessory for how Australians manage safety while travelling, new research reveals. 

Nearly one in three Australian travellers would feel unsafe abroad without access to mobile data, new research from travel eSIM provider Saily reveals.

The survey of 7,861 people found that 32% of Australians who travelled internationally in the past two years would feel somewhat or very unsafe without mobile data. 

“Mobile data used to be something travellers relied on for convenience," says Vykintas Maknickas, CEO at Saily. 

"Today, it is how they navigate unfamiliar places, access reservations and boarding passes, translate conversations, contact family, or call a ride. 

"When all of those tools disappear at once, being offline can quickly feel less like a digital detox and more like losing a safety net.” 

Australians reported slightly more concern than the global average across the eight countries surveyed, where 29% of international travellers said they would feel unsafe without mobile data. 

Across eight countries surveyed, 29% of international travellers said they would feel unsafe without mobile data. 

Younger travellers feel the most exposed without a connection

Even travellers who arrange mobile data in advance should be prepared for low-signal areas, technical issues, or a dead phone battery.

Maknickas recommends:

* Downloading offline maps for the destination before departure.
* Saving accommodation details, tickets, and emergency contacts directly on the device.
* Taking screenshots of essential booking information and directions.
* Carrying a charged power bank.
* Setting up mobile data or an eSIM before traveling rather than relying on airport or hotel wifi after arrival.
* Agreeing in advance on a meeting point when travelling with others in case someone loses connectivity.

“Travelers do not need to choose between staying connected and being prepared to go offline," he said. "The safest approach is to arrange reliable connectivity before the trip while also keeping essential information available offline.” 

Image: Andrii Shablovskii, Scop.io