It took me YEARS of traveling to understand how to use a local SIM card. Then eSIMs started gaining popularity, and I had to figure out those. In the beginning, the easiest method of staying connected abroad for me was using my carrier’s daily roaming package, or a hot spot device like Skyroam.
WELL. I have LOTS to say about all of those now.
But I’m going to write it in a way that’s as easy as possible to digest and understand. I write a lot, so please bear with me!
Physical SIM Cards
I don’t care what anyone else says. As a FULL TIME traveler, nomad, and digital business owner, I 100% will say that physical SIM cards are still the best to use for connection abroad.
They are the cheapest option, they have the strongest reception, and they usually give you local calling in addition to data. Sure, they’re weird to figure out how to activate, but that’s what the people who work at the kiosks are there for.
PROS of Physical SIM Cards:
- Cheapest option for data, calling, and texting
- Strongest signal
- Gives you a local number but allows you to keep your regular number on Whatsapp
- Easy to activate
- Recommended most for people who need to work remotely
CONS of Physical SIM Cards:
- Don’t work unless your phone is unlocked
- Sometimes hard to find a kiosk (but not really, they’re always at the airport)
- Sometimes difficult to re-up data
- Have to get a new one each time (for those of us who travel to a ton of countries each year)
- NEW! If you buy an iPhone 14 in the U.S., you will no longer even have a slot for SIM cards! LAME!
e SIM Cards (AKA Virtual SIM Cards)
I’ve tried eSIM cards in about 15 or so countries, and they still are nowhere near as reliable or as cheap as physical SIM cards. But they do have convenience factors, especially if you’re only going to be in a country for around a week or so (or less).
Pros of eSIM Cards:
- Don’t have to physically go find them, they’re just on the apps
- Usually offer connection to main cellular services
- Fairly easy to install if you read the directions carefully
- You get service as soon as you arrive
- Can easily top up your data from the app (as long as you have data remaining or wifi)
- Still cheaper than U.S. cell service
Cons of eSIM Cards:
- Service isn’t as strong as a physical SIM
- More expensive
- Usually only gives you data and no calling (fine if you just use Whatsapp)
- Does not work either if your phone is not unlocked
- Not available in ALL countries
Be sure to carefully follow the instructions on how to install them. They’re a bit tricky, so I’ll make a post about that as well.
Portable Wifi Hot Spots
Before I learned about the ease and affordability of SIM cards, I used a portable Wifi hotspot like Skyroam. FULL DISCLOSURE, I was sponsored by them, and had a lot of free day passes. But once those were used up, I realized there’s no point in using them unless you’re working from somewhere with absolutely no wifi, or if you’re trying to provide wifi to a group.
Pros of a Portable Wifi Hot Spot:
- Can power multiple devices at one time with no extra cost
- Has strong 4G – 5G connection
- You can use it with a locked phone
Cons of a Portable Wifi Hot Spot:
- Expensive. Costs around $10/day, which is basically almost as much as a SIM card for 2 weeks.
- Battery dies every day and you have to remember to charge it
- You also have to remember to bring it with you everywhere
Global Carriers Like Google Fi (Allegedly)
When people started noticing my SIM card collection in my phone case on IG, a lot of people were like “Omg girl! Get Google Fi!” …unfortunately none of those people were full time travelers, nor expats, nor digital nomads, so I got it, but quickly found out it doesn’t apply for people who don’t live the majority of the time in the U.S.
However! If you DO live in the U.S. most of the time, but travel once a month-ish, this could be a great option for you!
Pros of Google Fi
- Starts at $40 a month for Unlimited data for one person
- Works in over 150 countries
- Switches networks automatically when you travel
- Includes coverage in the US
- You get to use your existing number for everything including calls and texts