On a recent three-month work trip in Europe, I used eSIM cards and free Wi-Fi to stay connected on a visit to Malta.
As a full-time traveler, my top priority is finding a hassle-free way to stay connected while abroad to work remotely and keep in touch with friends and family. I typically spend my winters in Southeast Asia and split my spring and summers between Europe and the U.S.
In this post, I share a variety of methods I’ve used to have internet access over the past decade of traveling nonstop to help you find the option that works best for you and your budget.
Affiliate links are used in this post. If you make a purchase, I earn affiliate revenue at no cost to you, which goes toward blog maintenance costs.
International Plans and Data Roaming from your Mobile Carrier
Best for business travelers
The three main U.S. cellular carriers offer international roaming options for hefty fees. Both Verizon and AT&T offer a $12/day pass with unlimited talk/text. Verizon offers a $6/day plan in Canada and Mexico. (I tried to use this unsuccessfully twice!) Verizon also offers a $100/month option, while T-Mobile typically includes roaming in premium monthly plans.
This option is convenient, especially for business travelers who need their phone number to work. The downside is that it can get very pricey quickly. Be sure to check data limits and speeds before signing up for any travel plans.
Search for Free Wi-Fi
Best for budget travelers
Free Wi-Fi was my lifeline when I first started traveling for financial reasons. I’d hop on the airport Wi-Fi on arrival to map out my route to my accommodation and download offline maps to use for navigation. It was also a simple cost-cutting measure that helped me stay off my phone and be more present.
Nearly all cafes, museums and accommodation have Wi-Fi. While seeking out free Wi-Fi can save money, it’s not always convenient. I once spent an hour trying to meet a friend at a Barcelona metro station that had multiple entrances because neither of us had phone service and kept going to different entrances.
If you go this route, consider using a VPN for extra security, especially when logging into bank accounts. I dig into more details about VPNs in my post about two-step verification and travel.
Install an International eSIM card
Best for convenience and seamless connectivity across multiple countries
I had great connectivity with eSIM cards while traveling around Sicily’s main sights, including the Valley of the Temples.
An international eSIM card is a digital SIM card that provides cellular data abroad without the hassle of swapping SIM cards and costly roaming fees. Nearly every new smartphone has eSIM capability. (Apple removed SIM trays on U.S. models starting with the iPhone 14, making eSIMs the only option.)
eSIM providers, like Holafly, offer unlimited data plans in country-specific or regional eSIMs in over 200 destinations for a fraction of the cost of paying for international roaming plans. While country-specific plans are often cheaper, regional plans are more convenient for trips with multiple destinations. As an added perk, Holafly’s Always On benefit provides 1GB/month of free backup data as long as the eSIM is installed, which can save the day with flight delays. eSIMs also have hotspot capability to connect to a laptop, a bonus for remote workers.
eSIM cards are only as good as the brand’s partner network, so make sure you buy a plan based on the strongest network. Keep in mind that most eSIM cards don’t provide a phone number, making it difficult to make calls. Use code TRAVELLIKEANNA for 5% off any Holafly eSIM or 10% off on Holafly Plan subscriptions .
Buy Physical SIM Cards
Best for rural locations & older model phones
For long stays in a single country, physical SIM cards can be one of the cheapest options for those with phones that still have SIM card trays. Since it can take remote locations a while to catch up on technological advances, I’ve been traveling with my old iPhone 13 Pro as a backup for the past two years in case I couldn’t find an eSIM card option with a strong data connection. Surprisingly, I haven’t needed to buy a physical SIM card, despite visiting places like Namibia and Laos, because local network eSIMs were available.
It’s always cheaper to buy physical SIM (and local eSIM) cards outside of the airport. Depending on the location, convenience stores and brick-and-mortar cellular network stores are the best options.
Rent a Portable Wi-Fi Device
Best for business travelers and groups
I’ve used both eSIM cards and portable Wi-Fi devices while traveling in Japan, including a visit to the floating torii gate in Miyajima.
On my first trip to Japan in 2013, I rented a portable Wi-Fi device to use as a private hotspot for my phone and computer. While it worked with no issues, it was annoying to carry around another device 24/7. Renting a pocket Wi-Fi device is still very popular in Japan due to the lack of free public networks.
The main benefit of these devices is the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously, making them a popular choice for groups or business travelers. Data limits are often higher than physical and eSIM cards with unlimited and large monthly limits. Prices are often calculated by day or month. If you decide to go this route, look for options with free delivery.
Splurge on Satellite Internet Access
Best for off-grid locations with no cellular coverage
If you’re heading out on a remote expedition on a boat, RV or any area with no cell towers, then consider satellite internet access. All you need is a clear sky view for a connection. Popular satellite internet providers include Iridium, Inmarsat and Starlink Roam. (I haven’t tested any of these, so I can’t provide a recommendation.) Additional equipment is needed for access and varies by provider. Since the data is transmitted through space, it’s more secure but can be slower.
Subscribe to a Monthly International Internet Plan
Best for frequent travelers, digital nomads and remote workers
If you’re on the road frequently, consider a reliable international internet service provider. Holafly offers a monthly eSIM subscription service in over 160 destinations worldwide starting at $64.90 USD/month. There are two plan options: the lite plan (monthly 25GB limit) and an unlimited plan that includes a phone number and unlimited hotspot data.
This is a huge benefit because most eSIM providers have a fair-use data limit of 3-5 GB/day max. Both plans include the free Always On benefit of a 1GB/month of backup data. To save 10% off on Holafly Plans subscriptions, use code TRAVELLIKEANNA.
