Guide to mobile Internet and telephone packages when traveling abroad
Introduction
Traveling abroad is an exciting adventure, a chance to discover new cultures, languages, incredible landscapes, different traditions, and much more. However, one of the main challenges modern globetrotters often face is staying connected to the Internet without breaking the bank.
During our road trip, we crossed 7 European countries, 2 non-EU countries, and an African country, and we noticed that managing phone subscriptions abroad can be costly and/or complicated.
Whether it’s for work, sharing unforgettable moments on social media (yes, in our case, that’s the same thing, work), staying in touch with loved ones, or planning the next steps of the trip, Internet access is essential.
To address this common travel dilemma, we decided to explore the different solutions available in this detailed article. As usual, each solution comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. We’ll even share a coupon code for Holafly, an online eSIM service.
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What Are the Different Solutions for Internet Access Abroad?
There are various ways to stay connected to the Internet during your international travels. Each option has its own pros and cons, and the choice will largely depend on your specific needs, the length of your stay, the network coverage in the visited country, and your budget.
We’ll analyze three main solutions: using a French operator offering data abroad, purchasing a local subscription in the visited country, and using an online eSIM service.
Solution 1: Home Country Operator with International Data
The first solution we explore is using a home country operator that offers international data services. Providers like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Vodafone offer international plans, allowing you to use a certain amount of data in various foreign countries. This can seem like a convenient and cost-effective option at first glance, as it avoids the hassle of buying a new SIM card for each trip.
However, there is often a data usage cap, and exceeding this cap can result in quite high additional fees. Additionally, the service quality can vary depending on the provider and the country visited.
Home Country Plans
We haven’t tested all providers, so to stay objective, we won’t discuss every provider in our article. From what we’ve seen in other countries, the home country (e.g., the US or UK) generally offers decent phone plans.
Another discovery we made at the start of our road trip: the more data a provider offers in their home country, the less they tend to offer abroad compared to other providers. This might change by the time you read this article..
US Mobile
Price: Varies
Internet: US Mobile offers international eSIM plans that cover various destinations. These plans provide different data allocations tailored to travelers’ needs. View available plans
T-Mobile
Price: $35 for 5 GB/10 days, $50 for 15 GB/30 days
Internet: T-Mobile offers International Passes with high-speed data for staying connected while traveling. These passes cover many popular destinations. Explore options
AT&T
Price: $10/day
Internet: AT&T’s Day Pass allows the use of your regular plan, including calls, texts, and data, for $10 per day in many international locations. Passport plans are also available for extended stays. View more details
EE
Price: £10/month for 500 minutes to 50 countries
Internet: EE offers the Roam Abroad Pass, which lets you use your UK allowances in the USA, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and New Zealand for an extra £25 a month. For broader coverage, EE provides different roaming options that might be suitable depending on your destination and needs. Explore EE’s roaming options
Vodafone
Price: Starts at £3/month for 100 international minutes
Internet: Vodafone’s Roam Free service allows usage of your UK allowances in 48 destinations at no extra cost, with additional Roam Further options for broader international coverage at £6.85/day. Vodafone’s international plans are highly customizable, catering to a wide range of needs. View Vodafone’s international plans
Three
Price: £5/day for Go Roam
Internet: Three offers the Go Roam service, which covers 71 destinations worldwide, including popular locations like the USA and Australia, for £5 per day. This plan is ideal for travelers who need extensive coverage. Learn more about Three’s Go Roam
Advantages:
Using your existing plan is the best option for short stays, especially within the EU. This is the solution we adopted in several European countries we passed through quickly. For short stays, it’s the most obvious choice.
When it comes to the provider, we must admit that Vodafone often performs best among our neighbors. If you need reliable internet for work, this is a crucial factor to consider. For leisure use, T-Mobile currently seems to offer the best value.
For those in the UK, EE offers great performance, particularly if you need consistent connectivity. In the US, AT&T’s Day Pass provides excellent coverage and ease of use. If you’re already an AT&T subscriber, it’s an even better deal, offering extensive data without the need to switch plans.
If You’re American:
For Americans, using your current plan with an international option is often the simplest choice. Providers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon offer various international plans and passes that make staying connected abroad easy. T-Mobile’s Magenta plans, for instance, include free international roaming in over 210 countries, making it an excellent option for frequent travelers. Verizon’s TravelPass and AT&T’s International Day Pass are also convenient, allowing you to use your domestic plan’s data, calls, and texts for a daily fee while traveling.
Disadvantages:
This solution is only viable if you frequently travel back and forth from your home country. Most providers have a fair usage policy, and exceeding your data allowance abroad can lead to additional charges. Providers may become less lenient if you consistently use your entire plan’s data abroad, potentially flagging your account.
For long-term stays or expatriation, this is not the best option. You might need to return to your home country periodically to reset your usage.
For the UK: Providers like EE, Vodafone, and Three have specific allowances and potential extra charges for extended use abroad. For example, EE offers a daily roaming charge in European countries, and Three has a fair usage cap on its Go Roam plan.
For the US: Similar to the UK, providers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have international plans that work well for short trips. However, for longer stays, you might incur high costs due to daily usage fees or data caps. AT&T’s International Day Pass and T-Mobile’s Magenta plans include daily fees for extended international.
Solution 2: Subscription in the Visited Country
The second solution is to purchase a local SIM card or a temporary subscription in the country you are visiting. Buying a local SIM card can be a practical way to avoid using your home data plan and benefit from local rates. By purchasing a SIM card in the visited country, you can enjoy internet access without worrying about roaming charges or data limits.
Getting one is simple (provided you speak the language!). Visit kiosks, telecommunications stores, or even airports to find prepaid SIM cards. Make sure to check the different offers from local operators, including data rates, network coverage, and the validity period of the SIM card. Once you have your local SIM card, insert it into your phone and follow the activation instructions. This will keep you connected and allow you to fully enjoy your trip using local telecommunication services.
This is what we did when we traveled to Switzerland, the UK, Portugal, and Morocco.
Practical Cases We’ve Experienced
Internet Plan in Switzerland
In Switzerland, we used SwissCom. Switzerland is not an EU country, and although some providers allow connections there, unexpected charges can occur if you don’t read your contract carefully. Expect to pay around 70€/month ($76 or £60) for unlimited data. Switzerland is as beautiful as its prices are high! – No contract, auto-cancellation if the next month’s bill is not paid.
Internet Plan in the UK
For the UK, we chose O2. No need to change providers between England and Scotland, and we even crossed the border between the two while live-streaming on Twitch without interruption. – No contract, auto-cancellation if the next month’s bill is not paid.
Internet Plan in Portugal
In Portugal, where we usually stay for extended periods, we use Meo. It offers unlimited data with great speeds for less than 35€ ($38 or £30), making it perfect for work. – No contract, auto-cancellation if the next month’s bill is not paid.
Internet Plan in Morocco
In Morocco, we chose Inwi. Upon arrival in Tangier, we went to a store. The catch with this provider is that you need to cancel the plan right after purchasing it, sometimes even while still in the store. This will save you from unexpected charges. – Requires cancellation one month before the end.
Advantages:
If you plan to stay in a country for more than three weeks and intend to work while traveling, or if the country is outside the EU, we highly recommend getting a local SIM card. This will give you peace of mind and prevent you from constantly monitoring your data usage to ensure an app isn’t updating in the background. (Yes, we’ve been there)
Disadvantages:
Buying a SIM card abroad can involve facing language barriers when purchasing the SIM card or plan, setting up your phone, or troubleshooting technical issues. Additionally, this option might not be viable for short trips or itineraries involving multiple countries.
Device Incompatibility: Your phone or 4G modem must be unlocked and compatible with the frequency bands used in the local country to use a local SIM card. The SIM card size might also be an issue.
The following issues should be considered if you use the SIM card in the same phone (or if your phone doesn’t have multiple SIM slots):
Losing Your Original Phone Number: When you insert a local SIM card into your phone, your original phone number becomes temporarily unavailable. This can cause problems if you are expecting important calls or messages on your original number.
Frequent SIM Card Changes: If you travel to multiple countries, you may need to buy and change SIM cards at each destination. This can be tedious and lead to additional long-term costs.
Loss of Familiarity: Using a new local SIM card means you will have a new phone number, which can make it difficult to communicate with your usual contacts. Additionally, you will need to familiarize yourself with local operators, their policies, and procedures.
The previously mentioned solutions focus on physical SIM cards. If you want to know what type of equipment to use for these SIM cards when traveling in a van or RV, I invite you to read this article on the different types of modems for getting internet everywhere during a road trip, van, or RV.
Solution 3: Holafly eSIM Service
The third solution we explore is using an eSIM service like Holafly. An eSIM service such as Holafly offers a new approach to international connectivity. Holafly provides eSIMs preloaded with data plans for various countries, allowing travelers to stay connected without managing multiple SIM cards or worrying about costly roaming fees.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (Embedded SIM) is a digital or virtual SIM card. Unlike traditional SIM cards, an eSIM does not need to be physically inserted into your device. Instead, the eSIM information is downloaded and stored directly on your device.
This way, you can combine multiple SIM cards in your phone—one or two physical cards depending on the number of SIM slots you have—and install several eSIMs on the same phone (up to 8 on an iPhone, for example).
How Holafly eSIM Works
Using Holafly is simple and quick. Just purchase the eSIM data plan for your destination country on their website. Once the purchase is complete, you will receive an email with a QR code. Simply scan this QR code with your compatible device to set up the eSIM. Then, activate data roaming in your device’s settings, and you are ready to browse the web, use your favorite apps, send emails, and more.
Advantages:
Global Coverage: This type of service is available in a significant number of countries. In my experience, all the tests I conducted were successful.
Holafly’s rates are often competitive compared to traditional operators’ roaming options. You can choose from various plans tailored to your data, duration, and destination needs. Whether you need data for just 7 days to find a local SIM card or a longer-term plan, Holafly offers flexible options.
Holafly’s eSIM can be easily activated without visiting a store or dealing with paperwork. You can manage your eSIM directly from your mobile phone.
Immediate Connectivity: With Holafly, you can connect as soon as you arrive at your destination, without searching for a local SIM card or waiting for a new subscription to activate.
Lastly, when you’re far from home, having customer support is a relief. Holafly offers responsive customer support to answer your questions and assist you when needed.
Inconvénients :
Compared to buying a local SIM card in each country visited, using an eSIM can be more expensive in the long run. Holafly’s rates may be slightly higher than those of local operators, especially if you travel frequently or for extended periods.
Holafly’s eSIMs typically come with specific data limits based on the plan you choose. If you have heavy internet usage or need an unlimited connection, eSIMs may not be the best option for you. Check the plan details for your destination, and if you find an unlimited option, go for it.
Not all mobile phones are compatible with eSIMs. Before choosing Holafly’s eSIM service, ensure your device supports this technology.
Conclusion
In two and a half years of road-tripping, we have experimented with all three options: using roaming included in our French mobile provider’s plan, buying a local SIM card in the country we visited, and the quick, easy, and effective purchase of an eSIM.
There is no magic solution (and even Starlink is not currently one for vanlife, as I explained in this article). This is why this article exists: depending on your situation, each technology will have its own advantages and disadvantages.
FAQ
What are the different solutions for getting internet abroad?
There are several solutions for getting internet abroad: using your home country operator’s international data service, purchasing a local subscription in the visited country, or using an online eSIM service like Holafly.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Vodafone, EE, and Three plans for traveling abroad?
Plans from providers like AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon (USA), Vodafone, EE, and Three (UK) allow you to use a certain amount of data in various foreign countries. However, there is often a data usage cap, and exceeding this limit can result in additional fees. Additionally, the quality of service can vary depending on the operator and the country visited. For instance, AT&T’s International Day Pass and T-Mobile’s Magenta plans are convenient but can be costly for extended use, while Vodafone and EE in the UK may offer better local performance but still have limits and fees outside Europe.
What is an eSIM, and how does the Holafly eSIM service work?
An eSIM (Embedded SIM) is a digital or virtual SIM card. The Holafly eSIM service offers preloaded eSIMs with data plans for various countries, allowing travelers to stay connected without managing multiple SIM cards or worrying about roaming fees.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a local subscription in the visited country?
Buying a local subscription can be a practical solution to enjoy local rates and avoid roaming charges. However, this may involve facing language barriers, frequent SIM card changes if traveling to multiple countries, and ensuring your device is compatible with the local frequency bands.
What is the best solution for getting internet abroad during a road trip?
The best solution depends on your specific needs, the length of your stay, the network coverage in the visited country, and your budget. Each solution has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to evaluate them based on your specific situation.
