How to get cheap data while traveling internationally
Skip international roaming fees by using an eSIM app like Airalo or Holafly before you leave home. If your phone is locked or older, buy a local physical SIM card at the airport or a dedicated carrier store immediately after arrival.
- Check if your phone is unlocked. Call your home carrier before you leave. If your phone is 'locked' to their network, it will reject any other SIM card, foreign or domestic. Ask them to unlock it for international travel.
- Check for eSIM compatibility. Google your phone model + 'eSIM'. If it supports eSIM, you can download a data plan digitally without swapping physical cards. This is the cheapest and most convenient method.
- Download an eSIM app. Install an app like Airalo, Nomad, or Holafly. Purchase a plan for your destination. Follow the app instructions to activate the eSIM profile on your phone settings before you board your flight.
- Buy a local physical SIM (The manual method). If you don't have eSIM, wait until you land. Avoid the first kiosk you see at the arrivals terminal, as they are often marked up 200%. Walk to a branded store for a local carrier (e.g., Vodafone, Orange, Telcel) in the city center.
- Register with your passport. Many countries legally require photo ID to activate a SIM card. Have your physical passport ready when purchasing at a store.
- Will I lose my WhatsApp or iMessage?
- No. Your phone number for apps like WhatsApp stays linked to your account, not the SIM card. You will keep your chat history and contacts regardless of which SIM is active.
- Is public Wi-Fi safe?
- Public Wi-Fi is rarely secure. If you use it, always run a VPN. Having your own data plan is significantly safer as you don't have to rely on open networks.