NCRO IT Team How-To Guides: Simple Steps for Staying Connected

1. Preparing Your Smartphone for Domestic and International Travel

Before your trip, take a few minutes to prepare your smartphone:

Update your device

• Install the latest software updates for your phone.
• Update important apps, including your airline, hotel, banking, and navigation apps.
• Updates often include important security improvements and new features.

Protect your information

• Make sure your phone has a screen lock using a PIN, password, fingerprint, or Face ID.
• Turn on “Find My Device” for Android phones or “Find My iPhone” for Apple devices in case your phone is lost.
• Back up important photos, contacts, and documents before traveling.

Plan for international travel

• Check with your mobile provider about international calling, texting, and data options before leaving.
• Consider using Wi-Fi calling or travel plans to avoid unexpected charges.
• Bring a charging cable, wall adapter, and portable battery if needed.

2. Using Translation Apps, Maps, and Travel Tools

Technology can make unfamiliar destinations easier to navigate.

Translation apps

• Use translation apps to help communicate in another language.
• Many apps allow you to download languages in advance so they work without internet access.
• Voice translation features can help with conversations, menus, and directions.

Maps and navigation

• Download offline maps before traveling so you can access directions without a data connection.
• Save important locations such as your hotel, airport, and family addresses.
• Use navigation apps to find restaurants, attractions, and transportation options.

Travel apps

• Download airline and hotel apps for digital boarding passes, reservations, and updates.
• Keep confirmation emails and travel documents organized in one location.

3. Staying Secure When Using Public Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi at airports, hotels, restaurants, and other public locations can be convenient, but it’s important to use caution.

Follow these safety tips:

• Avoid accessing banking or financial accounts while connected to public Wi-Fi.
• Do not enter passwords or personal information on unfamiliar websites.
• Turn off automatic connections to unknown Wi-Fi networks.
• Use your phone’s cellular connection when handling sensitive information.

Before connecting, ask:
“Is this network trusted, and do I really need to use it?”

A little preparation before you travel can help protect your personal information while allowing you to enjoy the convenience of today’s technology.

Safe travels from the NCRO IT Team!

WhatsApp is a free messaging app that allows you to send text messages, photos, videos, and make voice or video calls with family and friends around the world.

Steps to Get Started:

1. Download WhatsApp
   
   • Open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android).
   • Search for WhatsApp Messenger.
   • Tap Install or Get.
2. Create Your Account
   
   • Open WhatsApp.
   • Tap Agree & Continue.
   • Enter your mobile phone number.
   • Enter the verification code sent by text message.
3. Set Up Your Profile
   
   • Add your name and a profile photo if desired.
   • Allow access to contacts so you can easily find family and friends who use WhatsApp.
4. Start a Conversation
   
   • Tap the message icon.
   • Select a contact.
   • Send a message, photo, or video.
   • Tap the phone or video icon to make a call.

Helpful Tip: WhatsApp is especially useful when traveling internationally because it can work over Wi-Fi without traditional texting or calling charges.

FaceTime allows Apple users to make free audio and video calls with family and friends using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Steps to Make a FaceTime Call:

1. Open the FaceTime app on your Apple device.
2. Tap New FaceTime.
3. Enter the person’s name, phone number, or email address.
4. Tap the Video button for a video call or the Audio button for a voice call.
5. When finished, tap the red End Call button.

Helpful Tips:

• Make sure FaceTime is turned on in Settings > FaceTime.
• Use Wi-Fi when possible, especially while traveling.
• Keep your device charged before making longer calls.

Before You Travel: Prepare Your Smartphone

Video messages are a fun way to share vacation memories, greetings, or updates with family and friends.

Steps to Send a Video Message:

1. Open the Messenger app.
2. Select the person or group you want to message.
3. Tap the camera icon.
4. Press and hold the record button to capture your video.
5. Review your video.
6. Tap Send.

Helpful Tip: Avoid sharing personal information such as your travel schedule, home address, or account details in public posts or messages.