Although international phone calls can be made via many instant messaging apps like WhatsApp, WeChat and Line, many travelers still need a stable, fast, and economical local mobile network service. A few options are providing local network connectivity, but they vary in terms of price and usage.

For data roaming and overseas calls, fees can vary widely between in-country mobile operators. If you’re using a particularly large amount of data, the carrier may slow down your access speed if you exceed its fair usage policy. Generally speaking, data roaming is usually more costly and is not recommended unless you have a pretty lenient expenses department.

Local SIM cards

A local SIM card is one of the options and is easy to obtain at the airport upon arrival. You may be asked to present your passport and expect to wait in line.
Before purchasing, you need to check if your mobile device is compatible with the local network system. Sometimes you may also need to deal with some network settings after installing the card, which may cause difficulties for the less tech-savvy. Alternatively, some travelers just activate their data roaming function when they travel abroad, but that usually incurs much higher fees.

Mifi solutions

Then, there is pocket WiFi, a small portable gadget that transforms 3G or 4G mobile networks into private WiFi signals. The handy device, also known as a “MiFi”, allows its signal to be shared with multiple devices (even 10 devices at the same time). There’s a one-off deposit and fees are charged daily, and there’s typically a minimum rental period of three or four days or even more.

For single travelers, a local SIM card is the most convenient solution to stay connected abroad, because you don’t need to pay a deposit or worry about returning it. A Handy phone definitely saves you extra time and money looking for other options, but you need to check in advance if the hotel you are going to stay at provides this smartphone – and you’ll have to put up with advertisements.

If you are traveling with several companions, it’s best to rent a pocket WiFi so that all the travelers can share not only the WiFi signal, but also the rental fees. (Although if you need to split up at any time for separate meetings, there will obviously be a problem.)
You will also need to go to the airport or designated stores in the city you’re visiting to pick up the device and return it afterwards; the alternative is to pay for an express delivery service to return it to the store. A deposit is charged at the same time.

There is also wi-fi which is insecure and can not be found everywhere and when you need internet.

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Stay ahead of the curve in mobile connectivity by following all the latest and most important eSIM news.

At the end… you can forget about roaming costs… there are Alertify SIM cards that can be delivered to your home before departure or at your hotel.

Alertify SIM cards offer great plans for more than 170 countries and prices start from €9!  You can choose your plan according to your travel plans: EU, Asia, US or global SIM card. You can choose between SIM cards without expiration, unlimited data or daily packages!

Depending on your needs, you may choose between data-only SIM cards or data+voice offers, unlimited options (once your full speed allowance is over (1, 3, 5 or 12 GB), you can still enjoy unlimited Internet at reduced speed (128kbps).

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