Travel brings me an enormous amount of joy—but it also takes me far away from the people I love.
For some travelers, going abroad means going quiet. International calls are expensive, texting can add up quickly, and before you know it, you’re limiting communication just to save money. That’s never been acceptable to me. I want to explore the world and stay connected to the people back home—without breaking the bank.
And it’s not just about travel for us. Jon and I also have two Italian “sons,” along with friends and family living abroad. We need an easy, reliable way to communicate whether we’re in the United States or halfway across the world.
So how do we do it?
The answer is simple: WhatsApp.
Why I Recommend WhatsApp to Every Traveler
When people ask me for travel advice—especially for Europe—this is one of the first tools I tell them to download. Some of my friends rely on FaceTime, but I’m an Android user, and I wanted something that: works across all devices, is free (or very close to it) , is widely used internationally, and is easy to use. WhatsApp checks every box.
With some cellular plans charging a minimum $10 per day just to use your phone abroad—and others charging per minute—talk is definitely not cheap. WhatsApp changes that entirely.
What You Can Do with WhatsApp
WhatsApp isn’t just texting—it’s your all-in-one communication tool while traveling. You can:
- Send messages instantly
- Make voice calls or video calls
- Send voice messages (very common in Europe)
- Share photos, videos, and documents easily without it taking all day
- Communicate across Android, iPhone, Mac, and PC
It uses your phone’s internet connection, which means you should use Wi-Fi whenever possible, or get a data plan/eSIM for seamless access. No international texting fees. No expensive calls. No stress.
Why WhatsApp Is Essential in Italy (and Europe)
Here’s something many American travelers don’t realize: WhatsApp isn’t just helpful in Europe—it’s often expected. Unlike in the U.S., where SMS and iMessage dominate, WhatsApp became the standard across Europe due to historically high texting costs. Today, it’s the primary way people communicate. That means you’ll use it for everyday travel logistics like: Airbnb check-ins (receiving door codes and instructions), restaurant reservations at local trattorias, communicating with taxi drivers or private transfers, and other travel communication. I’ve personally had hosts message me directions, restaurants confirm bookings, and drivers coordinate pickup times—all through WhatsApp.
If you don’t have it, you may find yourself scrambling. It is normal in Italy, and the rest of Europe, to use WhatsApp. It’s so accepted that many websites put their WhatsApp number on their site and companies put it on the business card. Honestly, once you get used to it, it’s incredibly efficient. I love it so much that I’m now annoyed when I have to use regular SMS text.
Breaking the Language Barrier
Another benefit? Communication is easier—even if you don’t speak the language. You can translate messages quickly, copy and paste responses, and take your time crafting replies. It’s a lot easier than making a phone call and trying to speak a foreign language. It removes a lot of the stress from interacting with locals.
How to Set Up WhatsApp Before Your Trip
- Download WhatsApp from your app store.
- Register using your phone number.
- Add a profile photo (helpful for hosts and drivers).
- Make sure your friends, family, and travel contacts have it installed.
That last step matters more than you think—convince your people ahead of time!
A Few Etiquette Tips for Using WhatsApp Abroad
Communication styles can be a little different in Europe. A few tips:
- Start messages with a polite greeting (buongiorno or salve).
- Avoid all caps or overly abrupt messages.
- Don’t expect instant replies—especially from small businesses.
- Be ready for voice memos (they’re very common in Italy).
Why I Still Use WhatsApp After All These Years
We’ve been using WhatsApp for many, many years now—and it’s still my go-to. It’s faster than SMS. It works seamlessly between Android and iPhone. I can send photos and videos without hassle. And it works in every country we’ve traveled to.
Most importantly—it’s free. No international fees. No outrageous phone bills. No complicated setup. Just simple, reliable communication.
And the rest of the world is already using it! In many ways, the United States is behind on this. Across Europe—and much of the world—WhatsApp is the standard. It’s how people communicate every day.
So if you’re planning a trip abroad, do yourself a favor: Download it. Set it up. Get your people on it. You’ll save money, avoid headaches, and stay connected—both to the people back home and the ones you meet along the way.
P.S. I receive no compensation from WhatsApp—I just genuinely think it’s one of the best travel tools out there.
Amy French, Ph.D., is the voice behind Roaming Historian. A professional historian and seasoned traveler, she shares stories that blend history and travel to give readers a deeper understanding of the places they explore.
My Favorite Europe Tour Companies
After more than a decade of traveling to Europe and months at a time spent there, I’ve learned that the right tours and accommodations can completely shape your experience. These are the companies I personally use when I travel—and the ones I recommend to readers.
LivTours
If you want a more personal, in-depth experience, this is my top recommendation. Their semi-private tours (max 6 people) are ideal if you actually want to engage with the history rather than just follow a crowd. I’ve used LivTours multiple times in Italy and consistently had excellent guides and experiences. They’ll break the language barrier for you and create an amazing time.
Book here: https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61
Save 10% with code AMYRH10 (on 2+ tours)
The Tour Guy
A great option for first-time visitors who want engaging, story-driven tours of major highlights like the Colosseum or Vatican. Their guides are knowledgeable and make complex history easy to follow. Browse tours: https://tidd.ly/3J78sNi
Viator
Perfect if you want to compare a wide range of tours, read reviews, or find unique experiences and day trips…often at affordable prices. Make sure you pick a highly-rated option (or one with their “badge of excellence). Third party travel sites offer great options and exposure to local travel experiences that you might never know about, but each experience needs to be evaluated for its own ratings. Explore options: https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector
GetYourGuide
Best for flexible planning and last-minute bookings, with lots of free cancellation options. Great for keeping your itinerary flexible. Make sure you pick a highly-rated option. Third party travel sites offer great options and exposure to local travel experiences that you might never know about, but each experience needs to be evaluated for its own ratings. Check availability: https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher
Don’t Skip Travel Insurance
It’s easy to overlook, but I always recommend having travel insurance—especially for international trips. You can compare options through my travelinsurance.com affiliate link before your trip. https://www.travelinsurance.com/?utm_source=pap&a_aid=65590b3a60c44
Traveling Soon? Trusted Tour & Travel Partners
Planning your trip? Here are our trusted travel partners — thoughtfully chosen for quality, reliability, and exceptional experiences.
- LivTours (high-quality semi-private and private European tours led by expert guides)
Save 10% with code AMYRH10 (valid on two or more tours).
https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61 - The Tour Guy (engaging small group & private European tours)
https://tidd.ly/3J78sNi - Viator (compare thousands of tours, day trips, and experiences worldwide)
https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector - GetYourGuide (flexible booking options for tours, attractions, and local experiences)
https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher - Shore Excursions Group (high-quality shore excursions with lower prices and return-to-ship guarantees.)
https://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1634209&data=roaminghistorian@gmail.com - Expedia (flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages)
https://expedia.com/affiliate/p7ZcFsz - Hotels.com (book hotels globally and earn free nights through their rewards program)
https://www.hotels.com/affiliate/rdDAFaG - VRBO (private homes and unique stays ideal for families and longer trips)
https://vrbo.com/affiliate/KvF3nms - Travel Insurance.com (compare policies side-by-side to protect your trip at no extra cost)
https://www.travelinsurance.com/?utm_source=pap&a_aid=65590b3a60c44
Affiliate Disclosure
Roaming Historian may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the research and storytelling that go into every article. All opinions are always our own.
