Travel Tips and Technology


Phones, computers, and email don't work the same way everywhere. Before traveling, consider the following technology-related issues:

Contents

 

Mobile Devices

Voice

If you have a University mobile phone, you most likely have a national plan that allows you to stay connected during domestic travel. Many mobile phones are capable of roaming internationally, but you must set up this feature before you can use it. Before traveling internationally, submit your request to add international roaming to your phone and how long you will need it. Your contract will be amended to add this feature, and you'll be given more details on available plans and their costs.

For assistance while roaming internationally, call 0 + 1 + 916.843.4685 (Password is Chicago). You must already have International Dialing on your phone before you contact this group. Visit AT&T's International Calling website for more information and suggestions when traveling.

Commercial calling cards provide an alternate way of making calls from off campus. See AT&T's Prepaid Minutes websites for available domestic and international calling cards.

Data

Accessing mobile internet while abroad may not be covered by your existing data plan. If you need to access your email or other online resources on your phone while traveling internationally, consider signing up for a global data plan through your service provider. You can also consult your mobile phone's user manual to learn how to monitor or control your data usage while abroad.

If you have a University smartphone, it is recommended that before traveling internationally, submit your request to add international data roaming to your phone. You'll be given more details on available plans and their cost. Your contract will be amended to add your selected data feature.

Your Computer Connection

Most business buildings and hotels in the United States provide some form of internet connection. However, it is always best to call ahead. Before traveling internationally, you should contact any and all hotels, residences, or places of business where you will need an internet connection to ensure that you will have service. Many places of business, particularly restaurants and stores, have Wi-Fi available to their customers. Simply ask an employee for the Wi-Fi password to gain access. However, to protect your data, you should use the UChicago Virtual Private Network (cVPN).

Accessing UChicago Resources

Most UChicago resources you will need to access are available by simply visiting the site. However, if you need to use restricted file shares or other more protected resources, you will need to connect your computer to the cVPN. Don't forget to set up and test the VPN before you leave. Reading the Virtual Private Network (VPN) FAQ will assist you with getting started.

Email

You can access your University email via Outlook on the Web (Microsoft 365 online) or UChicago Gmail. If you need support, contact IT Services or your departmental IT group.

Accessing the Wireless Network via Eduroam

Eduroam (education roaming) is a free and secure global wireless access service for the Research and Education sector. It's currently available at about 3,500 institutions worldwide. Faculty, students, and staff of the University will be able to use their CNetID to log in to wireless when visiting universities and research institutions that participate in eduroam. Conversely, visitors to Hyde Park from an organization that participates in eduroam will be able to log in to wireless at the University of Chicago using the credentials provided to them by their home institution.

When you are visiting an eduroam-enabled campus or conference, your wireless device will detect the presence of eduroam and automatically log you in using your UChicago email address and password. Follow the instructions on Join Eduroam to set up your wireless via the configuration tool. You will then be able to test eduroam on our campus by rearranging the order of the wireless networks.

Restrictions on Encryption Software

Transporting a computer that has encryption software installed is subject to a number of controls. The United States Department of Commerce and the Department of the Treasury both have rules designed to control the movement of encryption technology out of the United States. The Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) within the Department of the Treasury accept applications for licenses to export encryption products and technologies. The Departments of Defense, Justice, and State also have the right to review license applications. The review can take 90 days or more.

Encryption is controlled or restricted in many countries. Some countries ban or severely regulate the import, export, or use of this technology as it is treated the same as munitions or weapons. Taking your laptop with encryption software to certain countries could lead to your imprisonment or cause your laptop to be confiscated. If you are not able to meet the import or export requirements, you should remove the encryption software. It may be safer to remove the software and all sensitive data from your laptop or mobile device than to risk violating compliance requirements in these countries.

If you need assistance with this, the Safety & Security website maintains resources to help.

Countries with Encryption Import and Use Restrictions

Note: This is a partial list. Check the US Department of State website before traveling to verify that the information is still current.

Security Tips

Before Traveling with Your Laptop or Other Electronic Device

Consider bringing a clean device that contains only the data and programs you plan to use while traveling. If your device is lost, stolen, or confiscated, you will be in far better shape than if you were using your personal device with your full content of data on there.

The following are some helpful tips to protect your data in the event your device falls into the wrong hands:

While Traveling

Before connecting to a wireless network, take these steps to protect your data:

If you decide to use a public machine (for example a hotel lobby computer, library, or internet cafe), you should avoid entering sensitive information and make sure to use encrypted sites. Be sure to log out of any sites that you've accessed, and remember to fully exit any browser. You may also want to clear your browser history. If you are at all suspicious of the security of the computer you are using, it is strongly suggested that you change any passwords you entered the next time you are at a secure machine.

Power

If you are traveling internationally, you should consider what power needs for electronic devices while abroad. Each country has specific electrical systems and sockets that may differ from those in the United States. Travelers can safely charge a range of equipment while out of the country with accessories such as a socket adapter for plugs and a power converter/transformer. Make sure you check power requirements for devices before you leave.

Passport Photos and International Identity Cards

If you need passport photos for visa application or other documents where a picture ID is required, they are available at the ID & Privileges Office in the lobby of the Regenstein Library. Passport photographs are 2" X 2" color prints.

International travelers should also consider obtaining an International Student ID Card (ISIC) or International Teacher ID Card (ITIC) from the Identity & Privileges Office before departure. Benefits of the International Student Identity Card include:

Support

Please contact IT Services with your concerns and for technical support.