Internet Connection Options
For travel internationally, there are options available for internet connectivity.
The best approach is to contact your local mobile carrier to inquire about international plans that can be added to your existing service. Many carriers offer travel packages that provide data, calls, and texts abroad at reduced rates. In some cases, certain destinations may even be included for free, depending on your plan. It's always a good idea to check in advance to avoid unexpected charges and ensure seamless connectivity during your trip.
Other Internet Connectivity Options:
Local SIM Card - Buy Your SIM Card on Arrival
Local SIM cards are available at airports, mobile network stores, fuel stations, convenience stores, street-side kiosks, and authorized resellers in a number of countries.
There will usually be more than one mobile network operator in each location, and the services, plans, and pricing do not differ much. For short visits, it is recommended to get a prepaid plan that includes data, voice, and text services.
Benefits of buying a local SIM card:
- Local Rates: Avoid expensive international roaming charges.
- Immediate connectivity to the internet and other services offered by the provider
- Flexible Plans: All providers offer several prepaid plans to suit your usage and budget.
- Wide coverage: The local networks will cover the entire country, and a local SIM will be useful, especially for visits where you will not be operating from one city only.
This ensures good connectivity even when there is no WiFi network available.
The SIM packs will usually include instructions on how to insert a SIM card, as well as a tool to use to eject an existing SIM card from a phone. The mobile phone retail shops will also assist in inserting the cards and having them ready for use.
Important notes:
- The SIM card will only fit in one direction. Check for the angled corner, which will guide how the SIM card sits on the tray.
- Most trays for SIM cards in the gadgets are able to accommodate different sizes of SIM cards.
- It is recommended to power off your mobile phone or tablet before inserting the SIM card.
- International SIM Cards MAY come with a different number - this number is assigned by the carrier that provides the SIM card, and it's typically based in the country where the SIM originates.
Mobile Data - Portable Internet Device
These are internet devices that use a physical SIM card and rely on cellular network signal strength. It allows for multiple devices to be connected to it, so it enables small teams traveling together to stay connected and set up a ‘remote office.’
These are usually sold by the mobile phone network providers.
- Travel eSIM
The eSIM is a digital, software-based SIM card that connects to a mobile network without a physical SIM card. The eSIM is growing in popularity and offers a more convenient way of staying connected as you travel to different destinations in the world. It is good for internet on the phone when traveling.
It has the advantage of being more secure than a physical SIM card because it cannot be removed from the device.
- Data roaming
This is feature that allows you to use your mobile phone’s data services—like internet browsing, email, and app usage—when you're outside your home network’s coverage area, typically in another country This is a more costly, but very reliable alternative for internet access as most providers still charge a premium to allow for roaming outside the normal coverage area. This may be pre-arranged or prepaid with your mobile phone service provider before commencing the travel.
- Public/Hotel WiFi
This may be available for free or paid for, and is available in places such as hotels, cafes, airports, shopping malls, and other public places. There are several disadvantages and risks, especially when it comes to your privacy and security. It’s important to take proper precautions to avoid falling victim to cyberattacks, as hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in public Wi-Fi networks. Please see the guidance here on Best Practices for Using Public Wi-Fi
- Satellite internet
Satellite internet is a type of internet service provided by companies that use satellites to deliver internet access to users. This pay-for-service can be costly, but it provides very reliable and fast speed connections even in remote areas.
This option would be most useful when traveling teams are setting up a temporary office in a remote location.
For satellite internet options, it is advised that travelers Contact the Global Hub for assistance on available satellite connectivity options in their destination before travel, as set up may take some time.
