'Tis that time of year when millions of us return home for the holidays.
It’s a special season filled with good cheer, and a chance to get some much needed quality time away from the daily hustle and bustle.
That said, if you live abroad, you need to stay connected with your life while you’re home for the holidays. Whether it’s with your friends on group chats, occasional work emails, or staying in touch with a significant other, your holiday vacation shouldn’t mean scrambling for Wi-Fi connections, easy-to-lose SIM cards, or financially crippling roaming fees.
In the spirit of giving, we’d like to present you this overview of all the ways you can stay connected while home for the holidays, while gently highlighting our preference.
(Spoiler: It's 4. Try it free.)
1. International Roaming
We have all heard those data roaming horror stories. You know, that stomach-turning moment when you see your monthly mobile bill and the post-vacation bliss is shattered by an international roaming charge nightmare?
What it is
International roaming is when a carrier provides a costly data service that allows you to continue using your mobile phone to call, text, browse, search, etc., while visiting other countries. The foreign network sends charges to your provider, which get passed on to you. If you haven't paid for these roaming services in advance or if your provider doesn't have any agreements in place with the mobile networks of the country you're visiting, you could be on the hook for hundreds (maybe thousands) of (select your currency).
Why people use it
It’s all about convenience. Roaming can provide a seamless connectivity experience while travelling, but (as mentioned) it can come at a steep price.
The problem with it
Roaming can be very expensive and unpredictable. Unexpected roaming charges happen way too often. Plus, you may experience unreliable coverage as local users typically get network priority. (Remember this part. It's important for later.)
2. WiFi
Using only your mobile’s WiFi can be very tempting because it presents the most wallet-friendly option when travelling. But is the endless hunt for free WiFi signals worth it?
What it is
WiFi, aka wireless fidelity, is the ubiquitous option to connect your mobile device to a local internet signal. This is usually free of charge, though sometime hotels and transportation (trains and planes) will charge for the service.
Why people use it
The bottom line is that it can have minimal impact to your bottom line. WiFi signals are usually free, and widely available in urban locations.
The problem with it
Wi-Fi availability varies widely from country to country, and you’re not always guaranteed to find a strong (or secure) connection. It might be free, but you often find yourself wasting precious time with detours to find public Wi-Fi.
3. Travel SIM Card
Does the act of slotting in a SIM card to your mobile make you feel like a secret agent in a spy movie? Sure, it looks cool, but it’s become increasingly unnecessary much like other forms of physical media.
What it is
Travel SIM cards are small, transferrable cards that we insert into our mobile devices to connect to local cellular networks when travelling.
Why people use it
SIM cards offer a convenient way to stay connected while travelling; a popular alternative to expensive roaming fees. Many people like buying local SIM cards as soon as they arrive at their destination because it connects them to the same networks locals use at affordable rates. Local SIMs usually perform better than roaming services too because roaming speeds often get throttled during busy times of the day.
The problem with it
The travel SIM card is one of the go-to solutions for connectivity abroad. However, it involves finding a store, purchasing the card, and physically swapping it with your current SIM—an unwanted amount of effort when you're trying to enjoy your trip.
4. Travel eSIM
Travel eSIMs present the technological evolution of SIM cards. They offer all the convenience and benefits of a SIM card, but without the pitfalls of trying to slot in that tiny physical card and accidentally dropping it into your latte.
What it is
The eSIM is integrated into your device to remove the need for a physical card. It allows you to switch between mobile networks using your device settings rather fiddling with a physical SIM card.
Why people use it
The eSIM allows travellers to download plans from different networks straight to their mobile device without requiring a physical SIM Card. This offers benefits like uninterrupted connectivity, zero roaming fees, no contracts, affordable plans, and quick setup. Like local SIM cards, eSIMs connect you to the local networks of your destination country, so you can unlock the same networks locals use... at local rates.
The problem with it
Some older mobiles might not be compatible with eSIM. You can use our compatibility checker to confirm whether or not yours is. You also must have a phone that is unlocked from its provider. Why not check out our free trial? It's probably the fastest way to know whether your phone is unlocked and eSIM ready.
How to download an eSIM from Sim Local
A travel eSIM unlocks the same fast, reliable connection you expect at home. No need to find a store or worry about roaming charges. Simply download a prepaid plan for 4G/5G connectivity in over 150 countries! Simply enter your destination, download a plan, and connect instantly!
It only takes a couple of minutes to find your plan and get connected. Here's what the next steps look like:
1. Go to the Sim Local website (or download the app)
2. Select your destination (from 150+ countries)
3. Choose your data plan (or visit the Find My Plan tool for the best recommendations in seconds)
4. When you purchase a plan, you’ll receive guided instructions and a QR code. (Or you can set up in one click on the Sim Local app.)
5. You'll automatically connect to the local network when you arrive at your destination. Now you can search, browse, and chat on the go, wherever you go!
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