Burner Phone for International Travel: 5 Practical Uses

Written By:

Burner Team

Reviewed By:

Joshua Sosin

Many travelers interact with their Internet-enabled devices while making travel decisions — including where to visit and what to buy — in real time. If you’ve traveled abroad in the last five to 10 years, you’ll likely know that, to do any of the above, you have to purchase a local SIM card or add an international plan to your current plan at home.

Opting not to use data while traveling and assuming you can rely on local WiFi hotspots is a big no-no, unfortunately. Simply put, data is a crucial component of 21st century traveling; it’s necessary to ensure you’re in contact with friends and family and that you’re able to really get the most out of your trip abroad.

While you can use your current SIM card and ask your carrier if they offer international plans, it’s often cheaper to plan on purchasing a local SIM card at the airport or once you’ve reached your destination city.

Swap out your old SIM card and use the data from the local SIM card while you’re out and about. Not sure what that means in terms of calling or which number you’ll give out to anybody you meet? For that, there’s Burner!

5 practical uses for a Burner phone number while abroad

1. REDIRECT SPAM MESSAGES

We know how annoying spam is, and once certain businesses or sellers have your number in their databases, it feels as if you’re constantly being bombarded by texts and spam calls to persuade you to do something. Receiving any type of spam while on vacation is annoying (to say the least.) If you’re traveling and you need to provide a number to your hotel, tour guide operator, or while participating in any paid excursion, use a Burner phone number!

2. AVOID ROAMING CHARGES

We’ve already mentioned the importance of having a phone that’s connected to data while traveling abroad. But, if you’re not tech-savvy and you simply turn your phone on when landing in a foreign country, you run the risk of being hit with roaming fees. Avoid this altogether by using a local SIM card with your Burner phone number.

3. PROTECT YOUR EXPENSIVE SMARTPHONE

If you’re worried about carrying your expensive smartphone around while you’re traveling but want to keep in touch with friends and family, use the Burner app with an older phone. This is a common traveling tip, especially if you’re going to an area with high incidences of pickpocketing or petty theft.

4. MAKE NEW FRIENDS

Traveling is an enriching experience that allows you to engage in new customs and cultures while meeting locals. It’s never a good idea to give out your real phone number when meeting anybody new. When traveling and meeting friends via guided tours, excursions, or at your hotel, give them a Burner number. This prevents them from finding out personal information about you.

5. REDIRECT WORK CALLS

The last thing you want to do when you wake up in Paris or are planning a beach day in Sydney is to check your phone and see missed calls from your boss or coworker. When on vacation, Burner’s Do Not Disturb mode is probably one of the best features for travelers. If you’re using your regular number for personal use, create a Burner number for work purposes. This allows you to mute work-related calls while enjoying your vacation.

How to get a Burner phone number for travel

Planning travel later in 2025? Get a Burner number now so you can learn to use all of Burner’s features. You can sign up for a free phone number and try it for 7 days just to play around with the features first.