You’ve finally escaped work in and you only get limited time away to explore exciting new countries. But, even when you’re abroad sipping cocktails and soaking up the sun you need to stay up to date with the world and connected to those you’ve just escaped from.
Nobody roams anymore, this is the 21st century, technology can ensure we’re connected to back home at affordable prices. I have collated and will now outline my useful tips for staying connected when you’re traveling abroad.
I'm going to be straight up. The best international sim card is NOT BUYING ONE but getting one in the country you are going. Cheaper, better connection, and everyone can help set it up and fix it.
I have done this in hundreds of countries, the only places that I found it hard was in China (2 hours) and in Togo west Africa.
I have tested a few, and you will find my recommendations at the end of this post
Buy a Sim card
Sim cards today are cheap and cheerful; you can pick one up for between $1-$2. Once armed with a sim card you can purchase a bundle of data at competitive prices, because unfortunately WIFI just isn’t reliable enough yet.
But firstly ensure that you take an unlocked phone so any sim card will work in it. You may also want a sim card cutter handy in case you need to create a nano-sim for the phone.
When you do buy a sim card ensure it is from a reputable shop instead of a street stall. They will be more reliable and will be able to advise you on the best data deals.
Buying sim cards at most airports is a complete rip-off. Avoid it if you can.
Load your new sim with data
You would be amazed at how cheap data is abroad these days. It’s probably cheaper than at home.
In developed countries the infrastructure is sound and the data signal strong. You can get 1 GB of data for $14 dollars in Switzerland. But forget Switzerland, book your holiday to Malawi where 1 GB of data will only cost $2. You could afford to send a thousand snap chats a day if you went on holiday to Malawi! But on average, expect to pay somewhere between $2-$6 for 1 GB of data. When you purchase data from a shop, stay in the shop until it’s working!
You don’t want an expensive taxi return to the shop the next day when you’ve had technical difficulties for the last 12 hours.
WIFI Hotspot
Another way is the have a WIFI hotspot, the GlocalMe Mobile Hotspot device works worldwide with a high-speed connection. Nice if you need a quick and simple solution.
If you must get a international sim card, I recommend the following:
Rider, designer, and hustler. Adventurer and vagabond. Beer connoisseur. Conqueror of Africa, a survivor of bandits and anti-malaria crusader. I have been on the road for 15 years, traveling to far-flung lands on bike, horse or backpacking. Today, running a number of online ventures in the motorcycle industry. – Currently, Traveling in Asia.
