Your iPhone is a camera, a wallet, a boarding pass, a translator, a GPS and even, shock of all shocks, that curious gadget once used to hold actual conversations (still the go-to move for mums who use emojis incorrectly). When you travel, your iPhone can unlock the very best of a destination and then help you rightly brag about it to the poor sods stuck at home. With so much packed into one device, the smart move is knowing the hacks that bring out its best tricks while keeping it safe from mishaps.
These tips, the first five of which were compiled by Telstra’s device experts, reveal lesser-known tricks every traveller should know.
How to use the calculator for quick conversions
Gone are the days of downloading random apps or googling clunky converters—your iPhone’s calculator is now a built-in travel wizard.
- Open the Calculator app
- Tap the Calculator Mode button (bottom left)
- Enable “Convert”
- Choose from currency, time, or other units
- Swipe through categories
- Enter values to see live conversions
How to share live flight updates plus auto arrival alerts
Keep loved ones in the loop without a flurry of texts—your iPhone can do the updates for you.
- Open the Messages app
- Create a new iMessage to your chosen recipient
- Type the flight number from your boarding pass
- A clickable, trackable flight-status link will appear
For automatic arrival update:
- Open the Messages app
- Tap Compose
- Tap Apps → More → Check In
- Tap Edit
- Choose “When I Arrive” to send an update on arrival
How to translate text and convert currency using your camera
Menus in a foreign language? Price tags that make no sense? Your iPhone camera can decode it all like magic.
- Open Translate
- Tap Camera
- Select your target language
- Hold your phone over text
- The app overlays translations and price conversions
- Tap the Translate Camera button to pause and zoom as needed
How to find an iPhone that’s powered off
Lost phone, dead battery, no problem! Your iPhone still whispers its location through the Find My network.
- Open Settings
- Tap Apple ID
- Tap Find My
- Tap Find My iPhone
- Turn the slider ON for Find My Network
How to stop thieves switching on Airplane Mode using Face ID
Pickpockets love Airplane Mode as it hides your phone from tracking. One Face ID setting keeps them out.
- Open Settings
- Tap Face ID & Passcode
- Enter your passcode
- Scroll to “Allow Access When Locked”
- Enable Control Centre
How to grey out your Apple account details to prevent changes
Stop anyone from tinkering with your Apple ID while you’re on the move. A thief might try to change these details to lock you out of your own device and make it harder to recover.
- Open Settings
- Tap Screen Time
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions
- Toggle Content & Privacy Restrictions ON
- Select Account Changes
- Set to “Don’t Allow”
How to lock your SIM card quickly
Even if someone grabs your SIM, they can’t use it if it’s PIN-protected.
- Open Settings
- Tap Mobile Data (or Cellular)
- Tap SIM PIN
- Turn it on and set a code
How to pre-load essential travel phrases for offline use
No wi-fi? No drama. Have your phrases ready before you land.
- Open Translate
- Tap the menu
- Tap Languages
- Download the packs you need
How to disable automatic wi-fi connections to protect data
Your iPhone doesn’t need to befriend every café router on the planet.
- Open Settings
- Tap Wi-Fi
- Toggle off “Ask to Join Networks”
How to enable low-light camera improvements for dim restaurant photos
No more mystery blobs, your iPhone can shine in low light.
- Open Settings
- Tap Camera
- Toggle “Night Mode” or “Auto-Low Light”
Apple also offers free in-store courses to help you take the best travel photos and videos. It’s another way to squeeze even more out of the device that rarely leaves your hand.
KARRYON UNPACKS: These iPhone tips show travellers how to get more from their devices, making them safer, smarter and easier to use on the road.
