What Is the Best Way to Stay Connected Abroad?
Staying connected internationally has gotten dramatically easier in the last few years. Travelers now have four main options: eSIM, local SIM card, international roaming on your home plan, and pocket WiFi devices. Each fits different scenarios.
eSIM (best for most travelers)
An eSIM is a digital SIM downloaded directly to your phone. Buy a data package through an app, install in 5 minutes, use the local network without changing your physical SIM.
Best providers: Airalo (most countries, easiest interface), Holafly (unlimited data plans), Nomad, Saily.
Costs: USD 5-15 for a few GB to use over a week or two. Significantly cheaper than international roaming, more convenient than local SIMs.
Compatible with most modern phones (iPhone XS and newer, recent Samsung Galaxy and Pixel models). Check your phone”s eSIM compatibility before buying.
Local SIM cards
Buy a physical SIM at the destination country”s airport or major shop. Insert into your phone, get full local plans (sometimes very cheap relative to data).
Best for: stays of 2 weeks or longer, where the unit cost of data drops to local levels.
Downsides: requires unlocked phone, requires physical swap (you lose home SIM service temporarily unless you have dual-SIM), language barrier at small shops.
International roaming on your home plan
Most major US carriers now offer international roaming plans at USD 10-12 per day. T-Mobile includes free 2G data and texting in 200+ countries on most plans.
Best for: short trips (3-5 days) where convenience matters more than absolute cost. Calculating: USD 10/day x 5 days = USD 50, vs eSIM at USD 15 for the same period.
Verizon”s TravelPass and AT&T International Day Pass both work similarly; rates and inclusions vary by current promotions.
Pocket WiFi devices
Rentable devices that create a personal WiFi hotspot for multiple connected devices.
Best for: family travelers with 4-5 devices to keep online, or business travelers with team members in the same hotel.
Less popular than eSIMs now because most travelers have phones that can serve as hotspots themselves on local data plans.
Public WiFi caution
Hotel and cafe WiFi is convenient but increases your security exposure. Use a VPN (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN) when connecting to public networks for any sensitive activity (banking, email).
Avoid logging into important accounts on shared/library/airport networks without VPN protection.
By trip type
Short trip (3-5 days), one country: international roaming on home plan (convenience).
Medium trip (1-3 weeks), one country: eSIM (best balance of cost and convenience).
Long trip (3+ weeks): local SIM card if available; otherwise eSIM with extended package.
Multi-country trip: eSIM regional or global plans (Airalo offers Europe-wide and Asia-wide options).
Group of 4+: pocket WiFi or one local SIM with phone hotspot active.
What to do before you leave
Test your eSIM at home before flying (it activates on landing in destination country, but installation can be done in advance).
Save offline Google Maps for your destinations.
Download offline language packs in Google Translate.
Note your home country”s emergency contact numbers.