I’m a Tech Expert. Here’s How I Prep My Devices for an International Trip

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/...1932&user_id=c383821527c441214d07ce6e4a6ba12a

Relying on your current carrier when you travel overseas is convenient, but it’s rarely the cheapest way to stay connected. A local SIM card usually costs a fraction of what your wireless provider would charge you, and it’s easier than ever to buy one — modern phones support embedded SIM cards, or eSIMs, which means you don’t have to swap physical SIM cards.

n addition to preparing ahead of your trip, you should get your phone ready for the return home. US Customs and Border Protection agents have always been able to ask to search your phone upon your return, but those searches are on the rise. Whether you choose to unlock your phone is your own decision (more on that below), but if you would prefer to keep some things private, you can take a few steps to secure your phone before you return to the US.

But Budington said those features offer “pretty rudimentary protection.” If you’re concerned that your device will be confiscated, it’s best to delete any files, apps, or messages you want to keep safe, then restore them when you return home.

No one uses cash in China - it's the closest thing to a cashless society as there is. (in comments)

I’ve had three friends get their devices searched heading into the US over the last month. Luckily they followed what I told them: deactivate Facebook (it’s temporary and takes seconds to turn back on), set all other accounts to private/hidden, and remove the apps from the device. Obviously, screenshots and photos you don’t want anyone seeing need to be deleted from the device and from Google Photos if you’re on Android, or iCloud if you’re on Apple.

Use a different backup service like OneDrive, temporarily disable it, log out, and make sure your device doesn’t have the password saved. Unless you’re an actual security threat, this is usually enough to protect your privacy.

I also recommend something like Sally eSIMs. You can set everything up before you leave, and it won’t activate until you land and your phone sees a local tower. With most carriers, you can still receive texts and even calls if your phone is in aeroplane mode with Wi‑Fi enabled. It’s the cheapest way I’ve found to keep full access to banking and transport apps without getting stung by roaming fees.

The US is the only place I take extra precautions with my privacy and do it before applying for a visa! , especially for those of us who can’t help but laugh at the political circus over there.

Never had a device searched, but anytime i travel it is a cleanly formatted laptop, usually a spare lying round, with encryption on. And one trip I went as far as to reset my mobile device to remove anything, more so for passing through the U.S.