Internet Abroad

These days you need internet constantly on a trip: to call a taxi from the airport, find a restaurant, show your booking at reception, translate a menu. So it’s better to sort out connectivity in advance rather than at an airport counter after a night flight.

Option 1. Roaming

The simplest option: you don’t need to buy anything and you keep your number. But mobile data in roaming can be expensive, especially without a special package.

What to do before the trip:

• check with your operator how much data, calls and SMS cost in your destination;
• activate a travel package if one is available;
• check that data roaming is enabled in your phone settings.

Roaming works well as a backup and for receiving SMS codes from banks and services.

Option 2. eSIM

A digital SIM card that you buy online and install on your phone with a QR code or an app. It is usually a data package for a certain amount and period, sometimes covering several countries at once.

Pros:

• you buy it in advance, and the internet works as soon as you land;
• your main SIM card stays in the phone;
• convenient for trips across several countries.

Cons:

• doesn’t work on every phone model;
• often data only, without a local number;
• the phone must not be locked to a carrier.

Tip: install the eSIM at home and switch it on when you board or land. Don’t delete the eSIM profile until the end of the trip: it can be hard to restore.

Option 3. A local SIM card

Worth it if you’re traveling for a long time or need a local number, for example to contact your hotel, guide or a delivery service. It is sold at airports, mobile stores and shops, and you usually need your passport to buy it.

Buying a SIM at the airport is more convenient, though sometimes pricier than in town. But you’re connected right away.

Option 4. Wi-Fi

Almost every hotel, café and shopping center has Wi-Fi. But speed and stability vary, and you shouldn’t enter banking details on public networks. Wi-Fi is a supplement, not your main way to stay connected.

Countries with restrictions

Some countries restrict access to certain messengers, social networks and services. In China, for example, many familiar apps don’t work, and everyday payments go through local mobile wallets. If you’re going to such a country, prepare in advance: see our guide to the China visa, which has a section on practical everyday details.

Paying abroad

Connectivity and payments go hand in hand: payment confirmations often come by SMS or through your bank’s app.

• Check with your bank whether your card works at your destination.
• Make sure confirmation codes will reach you in roaming.
• Take some cash in a currency that is easy to exchange.
• Find out which payment systems and mobile wallets are common in the country.

What to download before you fly

• offline maps of the city and region;
• a translator with an offline pack for the language you need;
• the taxi app popular in the country;
• your airline and bank apps;
• copies of your documents and bookings on your phone.

A short checklist

1. Check whether your phone supports eSIM.
2. Decide whether you need your main number to stay reachable.
3. Buy an eSIM or activate roaming.
4. Download offline maps and a translator.
5. Pack a power bank in your carry-on.

The rest of your preparation is in our pre-flight checklist.

Staying connected as a family

If you’re traveling as a family, you don’t have to buy a package for every phone. You can turn on hotspot mode on one phone and share the internet with the others. It’s convenient, but it uses data and battery faster, so a power bank is doubly useful.

Security

Don’t use open networks without a password to log into banking apps. Turn on screen lock and two-factor authentication for important accounts. If your phone gets lost, this will help keep your data and money safe.

Want someone else to think through the details of your trip? Send a request or message us on Telegram @GlobalDestination1, or call +998 99 760-82-88: a manager will find a tour and tell you what to keep in mind for your specific country.