Before smartphones and travel apps, part of the adventure of exploring new places abroad was getting lost. Relying on paper maps or directions from locals, trying to decipher foreign public transport systems, and miscommunication with taxi drivers due to language barriers were just everyday occurrences.
These days, travel apps like Uber, Google Maps and Booking have made traveling around so much easier. With the proper apps, you can easily check in your flights, find the best places to eat, book your hotel accommodations, find transport to get around, meet up with locals, get discounts and coupons, reserve tickets to attractions without lining up. You basically have all the travel tools you need right at your fingertips for a hassle-free getaway.
READ MORE: 10 Useful Apps for Travel
Traveling abroad is now a lot easier and more convenient with RoamFree, Smart’s groundbreaking app that lets you connect to your favorite travel services without data roaming charges. Designed as a one-stop portal, RoamFree gives you free instant access to up to 21 partner apps at your destination, even if you haven’t subscribed to a roaming data package.
The app is now available for use in 26 destinations, including the United States, Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and United Kingdom. It is also accessible for free in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Albania, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Malta, Portugal, Romania, and the United Arab Emirates.
One-stop travel portal without data charges
To use the portal, simply download the RoamFree app on Google Play Store for Android or iTunes if you have an iOS device. Once abroad, just turn on your mobile data and open the RoamFree app to access your accounts on various partner sites and services – without worrying about data charges.
Through the app, you can sign in to your account and book rides on Uber, reserve your accommodations through AirBNB, Agoda, or Booking; and navigate your way around the city using Google Maps. You can also check in your flights ahead of time on PassnFly; get valuable local tips on Musement; pore over recommendations from fellow travelers on TripAdvisor and Triip; or get together with locals who share your passions via Meetup.com.
You can also book tours on Klook and Tiqets; order food or reserve a table in top restaurants via Foodpanda, OpenTable, and TheFork; and snag deals on Groupon, KeyFlow, andViator. You also have practical travel apps at your fingertips, such as Google Translate, XE Currency Converter, and ATM Finder.
Smart World for hassle-free getaways
“Staying online while traveling abroad makes for a hassle-free travel experience, but unfortunately, many travelers still choose to go offline out of fear of racking up enormous data roaming charges. The RoamFree app addresses this by allowing you to freely connect to relevant content and services that make for a travel experience like never before,” said Kat Luna-Abelarde, PLDT Global Corp. President and CEO.
“Working with key players in the digital travel space, we are able to deliver sponsored data to cater to the growing number of overseas travelers, and reinforce our thrust to connect Filipinos wherever they are. In the same way that we are expanding and improving our nationwide network, we are continuously enhancing our global services to give our subscribers the best mobile experience – whether they are in the Philippines or abroad,” said Eric R. Alberto, Chief Revenue Officer of PLDT and Smart.
Track your online activities abroad
Among Smart World’s innovative solutions is the Data Roam Manager, a one-stop portal that lets you buy data roaming packs, and keep track of your data usage while on the go. Accessible to all Smart Prepaid and Postpaid subscribers traveling in over 130 countries, the Data Roaming Manager pops up when you open your mobile browser, such as Google Chrome or Safari, after turning on your mobile data and data roaming.
The Data Roaming Manager lets you monitor your active subscription, so you never have to worry about going over your set data package and racking up unwanted charges. It gives you specific details, such as your running data volume consumption, as well as the start and expiration of your subscription, so you can take full control of your roaming experience.
Smart’s biggest data roaming pack
Smart World has also introduced GigaRoam, its biggest data roaming pack, providing 1GB data valid for 7 days for only Php999.
GigaRoam lets you enjoy all your online activities as you travel, whether its video streaming, downloading, surfing, or updating your social media accounts.
To give travelers utmost flexibility, the RoamFree App and the Data Roaming Manager also allow users to register to data roaming packs perfect for their needs – whether its GigaRoam, Surf Abroad or Chat Abroad.
Surf Abroad lets you enjoy 24-hour data roaming for a flat-rate of Php550 per day, while Chat Abroad, lets you stay connected to chat apps like Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram, Line, WeChat, and Viber for only Php150 per day.
To know more about the Smart’s RoamFree app, Data Roaming Manager, and the data roaming packs perfect for your needs, visit smart.com.ph/world and follow Smart’s official account on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SmartCommunications), Twitter and Instagram (@LiveSmart).