Travelling abroad without a smartphone

QrizB

When this thread started, Argos were listing the Moto E14 for £50. I see they've since replaced it with the E15 for £70.

Either of those would be adequate, IMO, provided you don't want/need NFC for contactless payments (as they don't include NFC).

My late-teenager has the G22 (next step up the Moto model ladder, but three years older) and is happy with it.

Indout96

Life will be far easier with a smartphone as more transport systems move on to it you will end up paying more for everything unfortunately.
We are just back from Vienna and booking underground tickets was more expensive on the station machines than on the app. Plus you can also save a fortune on taxi fares but using Uber or cheaper still in many countries Bolt.
With many budget airlines you can check in and print out boarding passes at home (for now) but most of the Major Airlines you can only book in 24 hours before your flight so again far easier with a smartphone.
Remember you don't need a £1300 I-phone for this, you can buy plenty of cheap(ish) smartphones.

Albermarle

but most of the Major Airlines you can only book in 24 hours before your flight so again far easier with a smartphone.
Especially if your are in a hotel with no access to computer/printer.

Remember you don't need a £1300 I-phone for this, you can buy plenty of cheap(ish) smartphones.
Very true, but I think Iphones are a bit more user friendly and generally more glitch free than many Android phones, especially the really cheap ones.
So are probably better for an inexperienced user, if they are prepared to pay a bit more, and as so many people have them, you can easily find someone to help you out if you get stuck.
Also most are not £1300.
New Iphone 16e - £550
3 year old Iphone13 ( still with at least 4 years of updates) £300
5 year old Iphone 11 £175

Indout96

Good points 
I was using the £1300 as most young people seem to think you have to have the top of the line.
I-phone 16 Promax goes from £1199 to £1599 depending on storage so I was close 
Personally we have 13's bought new from Apple two years ago for £750 each I may change mine next year for a new 15 Plus if prices have dropped enough (Its £799 at the moment) as I prefer a bigger screen.

jno

Indout96 said:

We are just back from Vienna and booking underground tickets was more expensive on the station machines than on the app. 

You're right, I live near Vienna and use the underground (u-bahn) every now and again and didn't know this so many thanks! Just did a bit of research and standard ticket price at machines is (example, single ticket 'Einzelfahrt') €2.40 and €1.20 on the WienMobil app. 

Appreciate the info but I don't agree with the principle.

Vitor

£200ish would get a phone with the essentials for travelling inc. NFC to tap-in/out on automated barriers using Google Wallet. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G or Pixel 6a for example.

QrizB

Vitor said:

£200ish would get a phone with the essentials for travelling inc. NFC to tap-in/out on automated barriers using Google Wallet.

That's more than twice the price you need to pay. Samsung and Google phones are expensive for what you get (they're also the two biggest brands of Android).

Try the Moto G24, £90.

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/4429285

jamesperrett

QrizB said:

That's more than twice the price you need to pay. Samsung and Google phones are expensive for what you get (they're also the two biggest brands of Android).

Try the Moto G24, £90.

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/4429285

A few years ago I would have agreed with you but, having bought a refurbished Pixel 6a, I have found it so much more responsive than the £100-ish phones that I had before (from Huawei, Samsung and Nokia). There's no need to go for something really expensive but a cheap Pixel is really worth it.

twopenny

I've never used a smart phone to travel (though I may eventually be pushed into it) but a lot depends on where you travel to.
If you want towns, cities and major attractions it's probably a good idea to have one.
I'd go for a cheapie as it's undesirable to opportunistic thieves, not a disaster if it's dropped or lost. Just make sure it's the latest OS.

I do make sure I print everything off as well and send it to my email. Belt and braces. I've seen too many travellers desperate when a ticket vanishes.

It's reminded me though to get one if I do cities again.
I tend to head to small towns and villages or head up the Amazon 😉

Remember to check rates for international call rates with whichever provider you choose.
And store numbers for your credit cards and phone in hard copy somewhere so if you loose the phone you can contact them easily 

missile

Soon Ryanair will not accept paper boarding cards

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