Having internet abroad is no longer a luxury, it’s almost a necessity. From checking Google Maps, booking a taxi, paying at restaurants, or even accessing your hotel room, connectivity makes traveling smoother and often less stressful.

Over the years, I’ve tried almost every option to stay connected during my travels: roaming, local SIM cards, pocket Wi-Fi, and, more recently, digital eSIMs. Each comes with advantages and drawbacks, and depending on your travel style, one might be better than the others.

Here’s a detailed guide based on my personal experience.

Using data roaming with your home carrier

The first option most travelers think of is simply using their existing SIM card abroad. It’s the most straightforward choice because you don’t need to buy anything new or change settings: just land and keep using your phone as usual.

Pros:

• The easiest option: you don’t need to change SIM cards or set up anything new.
• You keep your regular number, so you can receive calls and SMS as usual.

Cons:

• Costs can be shockingly high. Even with “travel packs,” data is often limited and expensive.
• I’ve personally forgotten to switch off roaming a few times and ended up with very unpleasant phone bills.

Best for: Very short trips when you only need minimal data.

Buying a local SIM card

This used to be my go-to solution when I traveled. Local SIM cards can give you great amounts of data for a relatively low price.

Pros:

• Usually cheaper than roaming.
• You get local rates and good coverage within that country.

Cons:

• The process can be inconvenient, especially after a long flight. Arriving in India, for example, I remember waiting a long time to register and activate my SIM: it wasn’t exactly the most relaxing start to a trip.
• At airports, you often have to queue at small kiosks, sometimes for an hour, just to get set up.
• If you don’t buy one at the airport, you need to find a local shop in the city.
• You lose access to your regular number unless you have a dual-SIM phone.

Best for: Long stays in one country, when you have time and patience to set it up.

Digital eSIMs

This is by far my favorite solution now. I started to use Holafly digital eSIMS a few years ago and this has totally changed my way of traveling in a better and easier way.

 eSIMs are virtual SIM cards you can buy online and install on your phone simply by scanning a QR code. No need to insert or swap physical SIMs.

I first tried an eSIM in China, and it was a lifesaver. In China, most things (payments, restaurant menus, even access to tourist attractions), are done via apps.

Without internet, I would have been completely stuck. Thanks to the eSIM, I was online the moment I landed and could use Alipay, order a Didi (the Chinese Uber), and navigate the metro without problems.

More recently, during my trip to Baja California Sur, Mexico, internet access wasn’t always reliable. Wi-Fi wasn’t available everywhere, especially in remote areas like beaches or small towns. Having an eSIM allowed me to stay connected, use Google Maps for long drives, and even share my trip in real time.

Pros:

• Instant activation: you can set it up before departure and be connected the moment you land.
• No need to look for shops, queue at airports, or fill out endless registration forms.
• Flexible plans: single-country or regional (perfect if you’re traveling through several countries in Europe or Asia).
• No extra devices needed.

Cons:

• Not all phones support eSIM (though most newer models do).
• You don’t keep your usual phone number for calls/SMS (but you can still use WhatsApp, Messenger, etc.).

Best for: Solo travelers, frequent flyers, and anyone who wants a stress-free, modern solution.

-Tip for readers: I offer an exclusive 5% discount on Holafly digital eSIMs.

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Portable wi-fi devices (pocket wi-fi)

Also known as pocket wi-fi, these are small devices that connect to local networks and create a personal hotspot you can share across multiple devices.

Pros:

• Ideal for groups or families, since one device can connect several phones, tablets, and laptops.
• You can usually order it in advance and pick it up at the airport.

Cons:

• You need to carry and charge an extra gadget.
• If you lose it, fees can be high.
• Rental costs add up, especially for longer trips.

Best for: Families, groups of friends, or business trips with multiple devices.

So, what’s the best way to stay connected abroad?

Short city break: Roaming could be enough, but double-check the costs.

One-month stay in one country: A local SIM gives you the best value, if you don’t mind the hassle.

Group or family trip: A Fly/pocket Wi-Fi makes sense since everyone can connect at once.

Solo trips and multi-country travel: A digital eSIM is the easiest and most flexible option.

Final travel tips

• Always check if your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible before traveling.
• Compare single-country vs. regional plans if you’ll be moving around.
• Download your eSIM or book your Fly device before you leave, so you’re connected as soon as you arrive.

Don’t forget my 5% discount link to save a little extra on your Holafly eSIM.

Traveling without internet can make even simple things unnecessarily complicated. With the right option you can explore the world stress-free and stay connected wherever you go.

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