The Ultimate Travel Checklist & International Roaming Guide

From Passport to Roaming: The Ultimate Travel Checklist

The excitement of international travel often comes with a whirlwind of planning. From securing travel documents to figuring out how you’ll stay connected on your trip, there’s a lot to organise before you even step onto that plane. To ensure your well-deserved getaway is seamless and stress-free, a comprehensive list is your best friend. 

Whether it’s your passport or your international roaming setup, this guide will ensure you don’t forget anything important. 

Pre-Departure Document & Financial Essentials

Before you get into holiday mode, it’s worth making sure you’re well-prepared for the trip. These essentials will help you avoid airport stress and mid-trip surprises:

1. Passport & Visa

Double-check your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. You should also research visa requirements early, as some destinations require advance applications. Just in case you can’t get a signal at the airport or misplace your documents (touch wood!), keep both digital and printed copies on hand.

2. Flight & Accommodation Bookings

Confirm all your bookings (flights, hotels, tours, etc.) ahead of time and store them somewhere safe and accessible. Save this information in your phone or email inbox, or even print it out (our suggestion) for easy reference. Screenshots are also helpful to have in case you lose WiFi access on the go.

3. Travel Insurance

Protect yourself from unexpected events with comprehensive travel insurance plan. Choose a plan that covers medical emergencies, flight delays, cancellations, and potential baggage losses. Once sorted, store your policy number and emergency contact details both digitally and physically for quick access.

4. Money Matters

Let your bank know you’re travelling to avoid card blocks while abroad, and make sure your cards are enabled for international use. And of course, bring some local currency just in case.

Health, Safety & Personal Comfort

Staying healthy and safe abroad is just as important as packing the right outfits. A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a smooth, worry-free trip:

1. Medication

If you need regular prescription medications, bring enough for the entire trip, plus a little extra in case of unforeseen delays. Pack it in the original packaging or a labelled pill case, and bring a doctor’s note to be safe. It’s also smart to carry essentials like plasters, painkillers, and motion sickness pills.

2. Vaccinations

Some destinations may have specific vaccine requirements or recommended routine immunisations. Check online or consult your doctor or a travel clinic to see what’s required for your travel destination.

3. Emergency Contacts

Prepare a list of important contacts like your family members, the local embassy hotline, and travel insurance emergency number to save on your phone. If your phone dies or goes missing, having them written down on paper as backup can be a real lifesaver.

4. Local Laws & Customs

Before you go, take a few minutes to read up on the local rules, etiquette, and regulations. Cultural norms vary widely around the world; some things that are common here may be frowned upon elsewhere.

Staying Connected Abroad: Your Roaming Blueprint

From navigating the streets of a new city to keeping your loved ones at home updated with your adventures, mobile connectivity plays a huge role in making your trip the best it can be. But staying online abroad comes with its own set of challenges.

The Connectivity Dilemma

Buying a local SIM card in a foreign airport can be time-consuming, or simply inconvenient. Add to that, losing access to your home number (especially for things like OTPs or banking), and it’s easy to see why travellers struggle to find the right data solution.

That’s why more Malaysians are turning to international roaming plans for their phones and devices that offer a balance of flexibility, reliability, and ease.

Maxis Roaming: Your Seamless Solution Abroad

With Maxis, you can activate overseas data roaming before you leave and enjoy instant connectivity as soon as you land. Maxis Roaming offers options that are flexible, affordable, and designed for travellers like you.

Some benefits of Maxis roaming include:

Convenience: No need to change your SIM. Keep your Malaysian number active to receive calls, texts, and OTPs.

Peace of Mind: Skip the WiFi hunt. With an overseas data plan, you're connected as soon as you touch down. You can even schedule when your roaming starts to maximise coverage.

Cost-Effective Plans: Choose from a variety of overseas data roaming passes (available for 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30 days) and pick the plan that best suits you.

Wider Coverage & Top Networks: Maxis partners with top global networks—either the number one or two operators in every country. Roaming is available in over 150 countries, with unlimited roaming in 100 countries.

How to Get Maxis Roaming

It's truly seamless and convenient to get connected abroad. Simply log in to your Maxis app, purchase a roaming pass by selecting the right overseas data plan, and activate it (or schedule its activation before your flight). Ensure roaming services on your phone are enabled. If you're likely to forget any of these steps, add them to your travel checklist!

For more information on Maxis Roaming, check out our FAQs on international roaming and data roaming.

Smart Packing & Tech Prep

From the right overseas data pass to essential tech tools, a little planning and smart packing go a long way when you’re on the move:

Clothing: Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly. For example, layers for chilly evenings or light fabrics for tropical heat. Don’t forget to consider the local customs!

Universal Adaptor & Power Bank: Bring a universal adaptor and power bank to keep your devices charged throughout the day.

Offline Maps & Apps: Download offline maps, translation apps, and entertainment to stay prepared even without a stable signal.

Final Checks Before You Lock Up

Before you roll your luggage out the door, here's a list of last-minute things to prepare to ensure everything at home (and online) is safe and sound while you travel:

Home Security: Lock up, unplug appliances, and consider timers or help from a neighbour if you'll be away for long.

Inform Loved Ones: Let close family or friends know your travel itinerary so they can reach you in an emergency.

Digital Backups: Back up important travel documents, ID scans, and trip photos to cloud storage for easy access on the go.

Get Ready for Take-off with Maxis

With this ultimate travel checklist, you’re not just packing bags; you’re packing confidence for a truly worry-free international adventure. From documents to data, every detail counts.

Ready to ensure seamless connectivity from the moment you land? Explore Maxis Roaming Passes and start your worry-free journey today!