When we’re at home, we’re pretty used to having internet access at all times. The price of mobile internet has dropped to a level where messaging over data is more common than SMS and, most likely, your dad even regularly video calls you at 9.00am on a Saturday. However, we don’t usually expect this kind of connectivity while overseas.

Travelling always includes some level of the ‘quest for wifi’, often consisting of loitering at a fast food joint, surrounded by the smell of capitalism, or sitting down at a cafe and pulling out your laptop only to notice one of those signs “We don’t have wifi, talk to each other!!!” Such is the life of a traveller who books flights, trains and hostels on the fly – a corresponding cost to the benefit of going with the flow.

New ‘Roam like at home’ wi-fi laws 

Since March this year, sniffing out wifi is a dying art – at least in Europe. This wonderful development is called ‘Roam like at home’, and it is exactly what it sounds like.

The new laws mean that if you have a SIM card from an EU country, there are no additional roaming charges when you use your phone in another EU country, and some providers have extended the deal to other countries such as Israel and the Channel Islands.

Roam like at home rules cover data as well as SMS and calls to home country numbers. For about $25 per month, you can get 5GB of data which is enough to regularly use maps, stream music, watch the occasional video and call home to ask your grandma for her pesto recipe.

Calls to EU countries not included in the scheme

Calls and texts to other EU country numbers are not included and can be expensive, but this can usually be circumvented by messaging and calling over the internet. There are data limits and a “fair use policy” which means that you cannot roam indefinitely. These are, however, aimed at preventing people from finding the cheapest plan in the EU and using it full time at home.

As with any consumer contract, it is important that you read the fine print and fully understand the inclusions and exclusions before going nuts with your calls and texts.

Benefits for your next Europe adventure

So how has this constant internet connectivity changed travel forever?

Well, your dad can continue his habit of video calling you at 9.00am on a Saturday morning no matter where you are in Europe. But the benefits don’t stop there. Say goodbye to buying a new SIM card every time you cross an EU border.

Getting lost is a thing of the past, as mobile internet gives you maps and step-by-step directions at your fingertips. Hungry? You can not only find a restaurant but also find one that does those skinny fries that you like. Book accommodation while you are on a bus on the way to the airport. Use mobile check-in for your flights and use your phone as a boarding pass. Share a sunset with your loved ones in real-time. Watch your nephew read the book you bought him online while waiting in line at the supermarket. If you’re one of those slashies (e.g. lawyer/entrepreneur/yoga teacher) running a business while you travel, you can bring your communication costs right down.

Downsides of hyper-connectivity

Some of the unknown element, mystery and excitement of exploring new places is gone as getting lost is a thing of the past.

Some of the most profound and challenging moments on the road happen when you have no idea where you are all your plans have turned upside down. If you have the self-control, you can just turn off your phone, leave it in your luggage and try to remember the sense of direction you gave away when you downloaded your maps app.

Other drawbacks include that feeling of despair for humanity when you look up from your phone and everyone in your line of sight has their head bent towards a glowing rectangle; your friends and family expect to hear from you several times a day and worry if they don’t; and you feel a weird twist in your gut when you see someone experiencing a sunset through a social media filter. 

These are not the only disadvantages of ‘roam like at home’.

The reduction in income from roaming will impact small telco operators more than large ones and, in some cases, the changes have driven the cost of phone contracts up.

EU initiatives such as this have alienated some sections of the British population, and many people voted for Brexit because they feel that their taxes and their higher phone bills are subsidising the lifestyle of wealthy people who zip around Europe as a matter of course. ‘Roam like at home’ has been called a publicity stunt and a gamble by a conflicted EU with the potential costs unknown. Of course, no one knows how Brexit will affect the UK’s participation in the scheme.

Despite the criticisms, ‘Roam like at home’ is here, and it will change your experience of travelling through Europe.

Just remember to look up every once in awhile.

More on BucketOrange Magazine

• Five Stages of Grief When Travelling Without Internet

9.2 million Australians left our wide brown land for a short-term jaunt overseas in the 2014-2015 period, with departures of Australians traveling overseas now exceeding arrivals of international travellers entering Australia.

The places we visit are diverse. The most popular destinations for young Australian travellers are New Zealand, Indonesia, the United States, United Kingdom and Thailand. China, Singapore, Fiji, India and Japan not far behind.

At the heart of it, travel is an adventure. So it’s easy to see why many young Australians get caught up in the excitement of exploring a new country and can forget that cultures, customs and laws differ significantly from what we know and understand.

A little planning, foresight and consideration from the get go will not only help ensure that you travel safe but also that your holiday is as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible.

Research local laws & customs before you go

The internet is your best friend when it comes to planning your trip, and that goes beyond booking flights and researching hotels.

Your first stop is Smart Traveller. You can quickly and easily check travel advisories from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for each country on your itinerary, as well as visa requirements and anything else you may need to look out for.

Your next stop is to arm yourself with facts by scanning travel forums such as TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet and relevant travel blogs to learn from the experiences of other travellers, as well as any local customs, cultural differences and applicable laws you may need to be aware of.

Register your trip before you leave Australia

Once you have booked your flights and checked relevant travel advisories, make sure you register your travel plans with Smart Traveller before heading off.

It is a quick and easy way to ensure your safety while you travel. Registering your itinerary makes it easier for the Australian Government to contact or locate you in case of an emergency.

It is also worth subscribing to email notifications for the duration of your trip.

Make sure you have everything you need to travel legally & safely

Make a checklist which can include:

• A valid Australian passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining
• Any necessary visas, or the correct currency to pay for them on arrival
• Up-to-date vaccinations, travel or otherwise
• Any medications you need. Be sure to check that it is possible to take your medications into the countries you are visiting, and carry all relevant supporting documentation. This can include a letter from your doctor, a prescription, or a letter from the relevant embassy
• Travel insurance. Make sure you have the appropriate level of cover and understand your coverage
• Double check that you are not travelling with anything prohibited. For example, foods, medications, vitamins, media (magazines, books, video, music), religious materials, alcohol or cash.

Are You A Dual National?

If you hold dual nationalities, you are a citizen of Australia and another country.

For example, your parents are nationals of another country, or you marry someone of another nationality.

If you are a dual national, there may be implications if you travel to the country of your other nationality. For example:

• you may be liable to complete military service
• you may be liable for prosecution for offences under the laws of that country, even if they were committed elsewhere
• the Australian Government may be limited in its ability to provide you with consular assistance if you seek it.

Always depart and re-enter Australia on your Australian passport

All Australians, including dual nationals, are advised to leave and enter Australia on their Australian passport. If you have a passport from another country, you can use this once you have left Australia.

Laws abroad may surprise you

Many countries have unexpected rules and regulations which can catch unsuspecting travellers. For example:

• In Singapore, it is illegal to import chewing gum
• The legal drinking age in Bali is 21
• Sharia law is in place in parts of Malaysia
• Sex outside of marriage is punishable by imprisonment in Dubai
• It is illegal to deface or step on the Baht (local currency) in Thailand
• Pseudoephedrine and codeine-based medications are illegal to bring into Japan
• You must carry your passport with you at all times in China
• Homosexuality is a criminal offence in India

When in Rome, do as the Romans do

Making sure you respect cultural differences and customs is a good way to avoid drawing unwanted attention and accidentally landing in trouble with the authorities.

Some common things to consider:

• Eye contact – In some parts of the world, such as China and Japan, prolonged eye contact is considered rude and akin to staring. In other countries such as the United States and Canada, however, eye contact is considered essential and a way to demonstrate that you are interested and engaged in the conversation.
• What not to wear – In Dubai, for example, it is important to cover your shoulders and back and wear garments that end no higher than the knee. In Barcelona, it is illegal to wear swimwear in any locations other than the beach, and streets very close to it.
• To tip or not to tip – In some countries tipping is expected. But in others it is frowned upon. For example, it very rude to tip in Japan. In the United States, on the other hand, tipping makes up a significant portion of income for many industries – so expect to tip 15%-25% for meals, drinks, and cabs.
• Physical contact – Different parts of the world consider differing levels of physical proximity appropriate, and public displays of affection may be encouraged, tolerated, frowned upon, or even illegal depending on where you travel.

Dealing with local authorities if something goes wrong

Although it is uncommon, in some cases gross injustices are done when victims of sexual assault have been imprisoned after reporting the crime to police.

If you are a victim of crime while traveling overseas, the most important thing is to get yourself to safety and contact someone you trust. Get in touch with the nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate.

Report the crime to the local authorities as soon as possible, however, your first port of call should be Australia’s 24-hour consular emergency service.

Further Information

For 24 hour consular assistance visit the SmartTraveller 24 Hour Emergency Assistance tool or contact:

• 61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas)
• 1300 555 135 (from within Australia)
• 61 421 269 080 (for SMS)

To register your trip visit:

•  SmartTraveller

For passport information visit:

• Australian Passport Office

To be the first to hear about official government advice when travelling sign up via:

• SmartTraveller’s Sign Up Form

For more resources to visit before you travel visit:

• DFAT’s Guide for Travellers – What To Do Before You Go
• SmartTraveller Travel Advisories