Do You Need a Burner Phone for Travel? How to Keep Data Private and Avoid Snooping Border Agents

https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/traveling-abroad-get-a-burner-phone-to-keep-your-data-private/

Do You Need a Burner Phone for Travel? How to Keep Data Private and Avoid Snooping Border Agents

Especially if you're crossing into the US, a basic phone might be the best bet for protecting your data.

Palash Volvoikar
July 7, 2025 11:42 a.m. PT

International travel is filled with complexities like which suitcase to bring and how to stay connected while abroad, but now there's an additional headache: protecting your private information when crossing borders. According to recent reports, US Customs and Border Protection agents are increasing the frequency and intensity of device searches, even for American citizens returning home. Such searches are legal, but intrusive, so one option is to carry a "burner" phone that doesn't contain all your valuable data.

But a burner isn't just for crossing borders. It can also be a useful tool for everyday situations where you want to stay connected without sacrificing privacy or convenience. Whether you're trying to cut back on screen time, protect your personal details or just want a break from the constant ping of notifications, a no-frills device can help. Conan O'Brien swears by his for staying focused. If you've ever felt like your smartphone knows a little too much, it might be time to consider giving it a vacation of its own.

Read more: Best Prepaid Phone of 2025
(. https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-prepaid-phones/ )

Although carriers have offered prepaid phones since the '90s, the term "burner phones" or "burners" essentially became popular in the 2000s because of their use in the celebrated HBO series The Wire, in which characters use burner phones to avoid getting caught by the police. Although often portrayed as such, burners are not only popular among criminals. With privacy concerns rising, you might consider using a burner phone yourself.

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