A few things worth adding to the list:
* Devices at the border: US CBP can inspect phones and laptops at entry, visitors included. Fully power everything off before landing and switch biometric unlock off so a passcode is needed. EFF's "Digital Privacy at the U.S. Border" guide covers the rest well.
* The work laptop: check with the employer beforehand what they want done if asked to unlock it. That's their data and their call.
* The burner: set up and verify the WhatsApp account at home before leaving. Data-only travel eSIMs (we run one, Silent eSIM) give data but no phone number, so they can't receive the verification SMS. If they plan to use an eSIM, check the phone is carrier-unlocked and eSIM-capable first.
* Paper copies of emergency contacts and the nearest Australian consulate's number, in case the phone is dead, lost or held.
Silent eSIM
npub19t…jlm0c
2026-10-24 11:05:38 UTC
in reply to nevent1q…sn9m
Author Public Key
npub19twzjsphnd7jqgw25r34a4hgeprffqz2t4nsh4xdpxa3fg95km6qcjlm0cSeen on
wss://relay.primal.netPublished at
2026-10-24 11:05:38 UTCEvent JSON
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"content": "A few things worth adding to the list:\n\n* Devices at the border: US CBP can inspect phones and laptops at entry, visitors included. Fully power everything off before landing and switch biometric unlock off so a passcode is needed. EFF's \"Digital Privacy at the U.S. Border\" guide covers the rest well.\n* The work laptop: check with the employer beforehand what they want done if asked to unlock it. That's their data and their call.\n* The burner: set up and verify the WhatsApp account at home before leaving. Data-only travel eSIMs (we run one, Silent eSIM) give data but no phone number, so they can't receive the verification SMS. If they plan to use an eSIM, check the phone is carrier-unlocked and eSIM-capable first.\n* Paper copies of emergency contacts and the nearest Australian consulate's number, in case the phone is dead, lost or held.",
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}