Using your phone when traveling internationally

When I travel out of the country, one of the first things I think of is how to use my phone without it costing a small fortune. It’s hard to forget those surprise bills of hundreds of dollars when traveling internationally in the early days of cellphones. One of the best options has been to use T-Mobile with free worldwide access, albeit with some data speed limitations. It was such a good deal that I had a T-Mobile phone line when I traveled frequently to Asia.

Today our carriers are offering more reasonable options. Verizon offers daily passes in most countries that let us use our phone for a 24-hour period for $10 or $100 for a month. They also let you accrue one free pass each month for the account owner, so when I was in Argentina for a week, my 8 passes that I had accrued meant I paid nothing for using my phone for data and local calls. And recently Verizon has added an Ultimate phone plan that includes international roaming for $65 per month, similar to GoogleFi, the phone service from Google that has been one of the best options for international calling. You can even step up to this plan before a trip and go back to a lesser plan when you return.

AT&T also offers a day pass for $12 per day. A second traveler with you on the same account pays $6 if they use it at the same time.

When I traveled to Greece and Spain last year, I experimented using Airalo data eSIM cards that offered plenty for $5 to $15 for each country. Most of the newer phones let you download additional eSIMs, eliminating the need for a physical SIM. But I had trouble using the eSIM in Greece and Airalo’s customer support replied to me weeks after I had returned home.

The other issue is using the SIM’s own phone number means not being able to get text messages on your regular line. WhatsApp, on the other hand, can work with a temporary number. More and more it seems WhatsApp is the preferred method of communications, including my Argentinian tour guide and restaurants to confirm reservations. It’s today’s version of Skype.

I had cars meeting me at several airports, and they were not able to reach me on my normal phone number I had given them when I booked, so I missed some of their messages because my normal SIM was turned off to allow the new SIM to work. On most phones, you cannot use more than one eSIM at a time, even though a phone can store a half dozen or more.

On the other hand, my friend Andy Abramsom, who frequently travels internationally for business, prefers local SIM cards for the higher speeds, useful for Zoom meetings and exchanging large files. Here are his recommendations:

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The Benefits of Buying a Local SIM Card  – Andy Abramsom

When it comes to staying connected while traveling, especially for extended periods, opting for a local SIM card can offer significant advantages over using international roaming services like Google Fi. While Google Fi is convenient for frequent travelers, purchasing a local SIM card from a mobile operator in the country you are visiting can provide better connectivity and cost savings, particularly for shorter trips.

Improved Connection Speed and Performance One of the key benefits of using a local SIM card is the enhanced speed and performance of your connection. By accessing a local point of presence from a mobile operator, you can experience faster data speeds and smoother communication, especially when using voice over IP services or participating in online meetings and conference calls.

 This local connection can make a significant difference in the quality of your communication and data transfer, particularly when dealing with large files or engaging in activities that require a reliable and fast internet connection. 

Ideal for Working Professionals and Influencers 

 For individuals who rely on consistent and high-quality connectivity for work purposes, such as remote work, conference calls, or social media engagement, having a local SIM card can be crucial. Working professionals like Phil and I can benefit greatly from the reliability and speed offered by a local connection, ensuring seamless communication and efficient data transfer during their travels. 

Options for Local SIM Cards in Europe

 In regions like the EU/UK purchasing a local SIM card can be especially advantageous, as one plan can often provide coverage across multiple countries within the region. This not only simplifies the process but also offers cost-effective solutions for staying connected while traveling across different European countries. 

Considerations for Travelers While international

The  roaming services can be convenient for some travelers, but speeds will vary and often you are getting only 3G not 5G like Google Fi or the local operators provide so for those who prioritize speed, reliability, and cost-effectiveness may find that buying a local SIM card from a local operator is a better option, especially for shorter trips or work-related travel. 

I also found that Services EasySIM, which leverage networks of local points of presence, can also provide reliable connectivity and performance similar to local operators, offering additional options for travelers seeking optimal connectivity during their journeys.