Staying Connected Abroad

eSIM: the default choice for most trips

An eSIM is a digital SIM you install via an app or QR code before or during your trip, without swapping a physical card. Coverage is provided by a local or regional network, and most plans are data-only, which suits travellers who use messaging apps for calls. They're bought and activated in minutes, work across multiple countries on regional plans, and don't require finding a shop or protecting a tiny physical card. The main requirement is a phone that supports eSIM and is unlocked from your home carrier — check both before you travel.

• Buy and activate before departure so you land with data already working
• Regional plans covering several countries suit multi-country trips
• Data-only plans are fine if you use WhatsApp, iMessage or similar for calls

Roaming on your home SIM

Roaming has become genuinely reasonable within some regions (the EU's 'roam like at home' rules, for example) but can still be very expensive outside them. Check your provider's roaming rates for your specific destination before you travel — a plan that's free across Europe may charge steeply elsewhere. Roaming keeps your existing number active for calls and texts, which matters if you need to be reachable on that number specifically.

Local physical SIMs

Buying a SIM on arrival is often the cheapest option for data-heavy long stays, particularly in parts of Asia where prepaid SIMs are inexpensive and widely available at the airport. The trade-offs are needing an unlocked phone, sometimes needing ID or a local address, and losing your home number for the duration unless you keep a second phone or dual-SIM slot for it.

• Airport kiosks are convenient but usually pricier than shops in town
• Bring your passport — most countries require ID to register a SIM
• Useful for stays over two to three weeks where per-day eSIM cost adds up

Portable Wi-Fi and hotel Wi-Fi

A pocket Wi-Fi device shares one data connection across several devices, which suits groups or anyone travelling with a laptop and tablet as well as a phone. It's an extra device to charge and carry, and rental costs add up on longer trips, but it avoids per-device SIM costs entirely. Hotel and café Wi-Fi remains free and useful as a supplement, though it shouldn't be relied on for anything time-sensitive — speed and reliability vary hugely.

Offline maps: the one thing to set up regardless

Whatever connectivity option you choose, download offline maps for your destination before you leave home, not on arrival. Google Maps and Apple Maps both support downloading regions for offline use, including turn-by-turn walking and driving directions without signal. This matters most in rural areas, on hikes, and the moment your data plan runs out or a border crossing resets your roaming.

• Download the region, not just the city — coverage areas are often larger than expected
• Offline maps still give walking directions, saved pins and search
• Maps.me and Organic Maps are dedicated offline-first alternatives worth having as backup

Security on public and hotel networks

Public Wi-Fi in airports, cafés and hotel lobbies is convenient but not private. Avoid logging into banking or anything sensitive on open networks, and consider a reputable VPN if you'll be handling work email or financial accounts while travelling. This matters more in destinations with less regulated network infrastructure, but it's a reasonable habit everywhere.

Frequently asked

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