How to Get Internet While Travelling Abroad

Staying connected has become one of the most important parts of modern travel. Whether you're checking Google Maps, boarding a flight, booking a hotel, translating a menu or messaging family back home, reliable internet can make travelling significantly easier.

Fortunately, getting internet abroad is easier than ever. Instead of relying on expensive roaming charges or hunting for Wi-Fi everywhere you go, travellers now have several different ways to stay connected.

This guide compares the main options—including travel eSIMs, international roaming, local SIM cards, pocket Wi-Fi and public Wi-Fi—so you can choose the best solution for your next trip.

Quick Comparison: Best Ways to Get Internet Abroad

Option	Best For
Travel eSIM	Most international travellers
International Roaming	Short trips with a good existing plan
Local SIM Card	Long stays in one country
Pocket Wi-Fi	Groups and multiple devices
Public Wi-Fi	Occasional internet access

Each option has advantages depending on your destination, budget and travel style.

Option 1: Travel eSIM

For many travellers, a travel eSIM is now one of the easiest ways to get internet abroad.

An eSIM is a digital SIM profile that can be installed directly onto a compatible smartphone without needing to replace your physical SIM card.

Many travel eSIMs can be purchased before departure, allowing you to get online shortly after arriving.

Why travellers choose eSIMs

• Buy before travelling.
• No physical SIM card to swap.
• Keep your normal SIM on compatible phones.
• Useful for multi-country trips.
• Prepaid data helps avoid unexpected costs.

If you're new to eSIMs, our complete Travel eSIM Guide explains how they work in more detail.

Option 2: International Roaming

Using your existing mobile provider's roaming service is often the simplest option because there's nothing new to install.

However, roaming costs vary significantly between providers.

Before travelling, check:

• Which countries are included.
• How much data you receive.
• Whether daily charges apply.
• If speed restrictions or fair-use policies exist.

For some travellers, roaming works perfectly. For others, a travel eSIM can offer better value and flexibility.

Read our comparison of Travel eSIM vs Roaming.

Option 3: Local SIM Cards

Buying a local SIM card after arriving is another popular option.

This can work well if you're spending several weeks or months in one country.

Pros

• Often competitive local pricing.
• May include a local phone number.
• Suitable for longer stays.

Cons

• Requires replacing your SIM.
• You may need to find a mobile shop after arrival.
• Less convenient for multi-country travel.

If you're travelling through several countries, repeatedly changing SIM cards can become inconvenient.

Option 4: Pocket Wi-Fi

A pocket Wi-Fi device creates a portable hotspot that allows multiple devices to connect simultaneously.

This option can work well for families, groups or travellers carrying several devices.

Advantages

• Connect multiple devices.
• Useful for group travel.
• Can provide consistent internet without changing phone settings.

Disadvantages

• Another device to carry.
• Requires charging.
• Can involve deposits or rental fees.
• Returning the device may be required.

For solo travellers, a travel eSIM is often the simpler solution.

Option 5: Public Wi-Fi

Hotels, cafés, airports, train stations and restaurants often provide free Wi-Fi.

While convenient, public Wi-Fi should be treated carefully.

Best practices

• Avoid accessing sensitive accounts on unsecured networks.
• Use trusted networks whenever possible.
• Consider using a VPN for additional security.

Public Wi-Fi works well as a supplement but shouldn't always be your only internet option.

Which Option Is Best for Different Types of Travellers?

Holidaymakers

Most holidaymakers benefit from either:

• a travel eSIM, or
• a good roaming package.

Both allow you to use maps, messaging, transport apps and travel information throughout your trip.

Backpackers

Backpackers often cross multiple borders.

A regional travel eSIM can remove the need to buy another SIM every time you enter a new country.

Our Southeast Asia eSIM Guide explains this approach in more detail.

Digital Nomads

Remote workers often need:

• reliable backup internet,
• hotspot support, and
• larger data allowances.

If you regularly use your phone as a hotspot for a laptop, pay close attention to data limits.

Families

Families travelling together may prefer:

• a pocket Wi-Fi device, or
• individual travel eSIMs for each compatible phone.

The better option depends on how many devices need internet access.

How Much Data Do You Need?

Your ideal data allowance depends on how you use your phone.

• Light usage: 1GB–3GB
• Moderate usage: 3GB–10GB
• Heavy usage: 10GB–20GB+
• Remote work: 20GB+

Maps, messaging and browsing generally use much less data than video streaming or hotspot usage.

For a detailed breakdown, see our guide to How Much Mobile Data Do You Need When Travelling?.

How to Save Mobile Data Abroad

Whatever internet option you choose, these tips can help your data last longer.

• Download offline maps.
• Download music and podcasts before travelling.
• Use Wi-Fi for large downloads.
• Disable unnecessary background app refresh.
• Reduce automatic video playback.
• Monitor your data usage.

Can You Keep Your Home Number?

Many modern smartphones support dual-SIM functionality.

This can allow you to:

• keep your normal phone number,
• receive important calls or verification codes, and
• use a travel eSIM for mobile data.

Always check your phone's SIM settings before travelling.

Do You Need Internet Immediately After Landing?

Many travellers need internet as soon as they arrive for:

• finding transport,
• opening hotel bookings,
• using maps,
• contacting accommodation, and
• checking travel updates.

This is one reason many people choose to install their travel eSIM before departure.

How to Choose the Best Internet Option for Your Trip

Ask yourself:

• How many countries am I visiting?
• How long am I travelling?
• Do I need hotspot support?
• Will I have reliable hotel Wi-Fi?
• Do I want to keep my home number?
• How much data do I normally use?

Your answers will help determine whether an eSIM, roaming, local SIM or another solution makes the most sense.

Check Travel eSIM Options

If you're looking for a simple way to stay connected abroad, use the VagaPay eSIM widget below to compare available travel eSIM plans for your destination.

You can compare coverage, trip duration and data allowances before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to get internet abroad?

The cheapest option depends on your destination and trip length. Travel eSIMs, local SIM cards and roaming packages can all offer good value depending on your circumstances.

Can I use my phone normally overseas?

Yes. You can usually continue using your phone abroad through roaming, a travel eSIM or a local SIM, provided your device is compatible and unlocked where necessary.

Is a travel eSIM better than roaming?

It depends on your existing mobile plan. Many travellers choose eSIMs for their flexibility and prepaid data, while others already have suitable roaming included.

Can I use WhatsApp abroad?

Yes. WhatsApp and other internet-based messaging services generally work normally as long as you have an internet connection.

Can I keep my home phone number?

Many dual-SIM phones allow you to keep your normal number while using a travel eSIM for mobile data.

Do I need internet before leaving the airport?

Many travellers find it useful for navigation, transport, accommodation and communication, which is why installing an eSIM before departure can be convenient.

Is public Wi-Fi safe?

Public Wi-Fi can be useful, but avoid accessing sensitive accounts on unsecured networks and use trusted networks whenever possible.

Final Thoughts

There isn't a single perfect way to get internet abroad because every trip is different.

For many travellers, a travel eSIM offers one of the simplest combinations of convenience, flexibility and predictable costs.

Others may benefit more from roaming, a local SIM or a pocket Wi-Fi device depending on their itinerary and travel style.

The key is choosing the option that matches your destination, trip length and expected data usage.

Ready to stay connected? Use the VagaPay eSIM widget below to compare available plans for your next trip abroad.