Smartphone

A smartphone is a versatile device, the successor to the mobile phone, capable of a multitude of function which can be very very useful to hitchhikers. As of 2017 smartphones and mobile network coverage are ubiquitous in modern society in first-world countries, the consequence being that the average cost of the device as well as communication and mobile internet have fallen to the point of being a worthwhile investment for someone planning to hitchhike, if they don't owe one already. This article intends to show all the uses, most of which have no cost, a smartphone can give in hitchhiking.

Why get a smartphone?

Specifically, why get one instead of just the cheapest cellphone? Well, for the price of a cellphone, you can get a used smartphone from anywhere and all its functions. With a cellphone you still need to buy a SIM card to be able to make calls, whereas with the smartphone you have that and plenty of ways of contacting people without a SIM card, such as Skype, Whatsapp or Gmail. Most smartphones, except the ones made by Apple have the operating system - Android - developed by Google, and the main standard that people develop programs for, so there isn't a risk of it being rendered useless by lack of updates. This means that, though your phone may not be very powerful (if it was cheap), all apps will work on it, if a bit slowly. Some more advanced apps may not work properly, but those are really superflous for hitchhiking. The basics work fine. This means that your parents' or friends' old phone, which they don't use anymore since it's "too old and slow" can really help you out.

Where can I charge my phone?

That's an important question, if you're hitchhiking, then you are, at least temporarily, homeless. Smartphones can consume batteries relatively fast. For anyone who remembers their old monochrome cellphone lasting a whole week without charging, times are different. Most smartphones, with regular use, barely last through the day. Here, there is an advantage to having a less pricey phone as its components, notably the processor and the LED display, will be less power-hungry, increasing battery life. Most smartphones have also, somewhere in the settings, a Saving Mode option, limiting the use of the resources of the phone. If you turn this on at full battery, it could last twice as long. Of course the best way to increase battery life is simply not to use the phone unless you have to. Remember, you need to save it for when you really need it. While in the car with someone you will usually have a chance to charge your phone if you really need it since most drivers nowadays have a cellphone charger in their car.

Powerbank

An investment you could look into is getting a powerbank. This is portable battery you can use to charge your phone if you have no way of connecting it to a socket anywhere and really need it. They have different capacities. To find out what it can do for your phone you can check how many "mAh" it has, and how many "mAh" your phone's battery has (which is written on your battery or you can find it online.) Example: If your phone has 2500 mAh and the powerbank has 10000 mAH, that means you'll be able to fully charge your phone 4 times with it. This can save time on your trip, since you won't be forced to sit somewhere waiting for your phone to charge.

Solar charger

There are also such things as solar chargers, which charge your phone with light from the sun. It could be worth it to get one if you plan you staying long periods in the sun, or if you camp in a tent and leave it outside charging. The charging tends to be slow and is of course dependant on how much light is outside, so if it isn't summer or if you're not in a usually sunny location it can be useless. Before taking these gadgets on a trip it would be wise to test them out first to see what you can count on and if they're worth bringing along.

McDonalds

Of course, no battery lasts forever, so you'll need a place to charge it. Most restaurants and coffee shops will be fine with you charging your phone there, provided you spend some money there. You don't have to worry about this though if you head to the nearest McDonald's. Now, everyone knows giant corporations are evil. But a consequence of them being so huge is that their image is more important than tiny losses in profit. Which means that mostly - except for that one McDonald's in Avignon - you can walk into any McDonald's, sit down for as long as you want without ordering anything, connect to the internet, even use the bathroom without anyone kicking you out. Another advantage is that there is a McDonald's practically everywhere, in your own hometown as well probably. And in big cities, there is one McDonald's strategically right in the center, so you know you will find one there if you need it. Of course, if not there are many other places people will let you charge your phone if you ask nicely or buy a coffee there.

Wifi

Another thing in society that is everywhere in modern society is internet, but more usefully, Wifi (wireless internet) and free Wifi internet hotspots are everywhere. That means in many places you need only ask for the password of the internet of the establishment you're in to get access. Good news for hitchhikers is that free wifi is common on gas stations on European highways and, once more, in any McDonald's. Internet is useful for hitchhiking mainly to check Hitchwiki for a good spot in the city you're in, or to check Google Maps (bundled with most phones) for your location. Furthermore, don't need a SIM card to take advantage of this. If you're dropped off somewhere in a city you don't know, simply ask people around for the nearest McDonalds (everyone will know where it is) or just head towards the city center - one will be there for sure.

Android

Roaming Google Maps Hitchwiki Maps Trustroots Powerbank Solar Charger McDonalds