Technology

Review these guidelines 4 weeks before you travel as arrangements may be necessary. Consult your Local Support Provider (LSP) for specific information and recommendations related to your devices and Penn services.

• International Calling Plan/wireless coverage: Depending on your planned usage, you can compare the usage rates among these three options: international plan, international roaming, or renting a device. 

• International dialing codes: International calls require country codes which can be found on this website.

• Power voltage varies between countries and may require power adapters for your electronic devices.

• Remote access to Penn Systems and Services: Check with your LSP for requirements to access systems remotely.

• Computer repair overseas: Check the warranty status of your computer as warranties provide access to support services including repairs or technical support.

• Consider purchasing a burner phone and a local SIM card to eliminate high international calling and texting costs.

• Be aware, at the border of some countries (air or land), the customs and border staff may ask to access your mobile device data. At your return, the U.S. border and customs staff may also ask to access your mobile device data.

Get a travel briefing from your School/Center IT support staff on keeping your equipment and tool safe and secure.

Consult with your LSP if you require IT services or facilities beyond support for personal devices and connectivity.

• If you have reliable Internet services overseas, it may be more cost effective to leverage services hosted at Penn.

• If you need IT infrastructure or facilities on site at your location, consult with IT staff familiar with your work who can translate your functional needs into specific technical requirements.

• If you are affiliated with an organization while you’re overseas, the organization may be able to provide the IT services or facilities you need.

• If you don’t need a device, don’t take it with you. Consider taking a clean laptop and external flash drive. Talk to your School/Center for a possible loaner laptop with only needed to work tools installed.

• Taking a device out of the US may be considered an export, therefore talk to your School/Center IT support staff about export encryption rules and exceptions.

Access to knowledgeable IT support is essential. Penn staff may be able to provide support with reliable Internet service and/or you can bring a Penn staff for on-site support. 

Department of Commerce: Country Guidance

Federal Bureau of Investigation: Safety & Security Abroad for Professionals

US Department of State: Know Before You Go