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7 Ways to get international internet access: Best internet for travel
Find out how to stay connected abroad with international internet access, from SIM cards to roaming to global travel eSIMs.
When you’re abroad, having a reliable internet connection makes travel smoother — from finding directions to keeping in touch with family or working on the go.
This guide walks you through practical ways to get international internet access, comparing options so you can choose the one that fits your budget, destination, and style of travel. Explore a range of physical SIM cards, roaming services, portable WiFi routers, and eSIMs.
1. Use an international eSIM
⭐Best for travelers who want fast setup and international mobile internet access without visiting local stores
An international eSIM lets you connect to local networks in over 200 countries without swapping physical SIM cards. It’s quick to set up, cost-effective for short to medium trips, and ideal if you have an eSIM-compatible phone.
You must also check if your phone is unlocked. Many phones are locked to a specific carrier, which limits your ability to switch to a different provider.
How it works:
- Purchase a single-destination eSIM or a Global eSIM from providers like Holafly
- Choose your destination and data plan.
- Install via a QR code or activation code.
The table below briefly describes the pros and cons of using a Holafly eSIM as a travel internet option.
| Pros of an eSIM for worldwide internet | Cons of an eSIM for worldwide internet |
|---|---|
| ✅Instant and convenient setup process ✅Unlimited data plans ✅Global coverage ✅No need to swap physical SIM cards ✅No surprise roaming charges ✅Multilingual customer support ✅Keep your home SIM on | 👎Data-only plans 👎Need an eSIM-compatible device |
One plan is all you need
Explore the world with unlimited data that crosses borders with you, without changing eSIM.
2. Buy a physical SIM card
⭐ Best for travelers moving to a single country where you can easily register and compare local plans
Your second travel internet option is buying a prepaid SIM card from a local carrier. This can be one of the cheapest ways to get internet access abroad, especially for longer stays in one country. You can also get an international SIM card that works across multiple countries and destinations from websites like SimCorner and WorldSIM.
However, it is rarely the most convenient way to avoid data roaming charges and involves swapping your original SIM card for a local one. This means you’ll temporarily lose access to your home number, which is the top disadvantage and reason why travelers prefer digital eSIMs over SIM cards.
| Advantages of a physical SIM card | Disadvantages of a physical SIM card |
|---|---|
| ✅Get a local number, making it easier for locals to contact you and allowing you to access local deals and services ✅Generally much cheaper than roaming on your home plan ✅Readily available in airports ✅Local networks often prioritize their own customers | ❌Need to find a vendor, purchase a SIM card, and potentially set up the new plan ❌Need an unlocked and compatible with the local network frequencies ❌May not work in remote areas ❌Instructions and customer support might be in the local language |
3. Use roaming from your mobile carrier
⭐ Best for travelers who are willing to pay more to use their existing phone number and carrier without swapping SIMs
Most carriers offer international internet access and services through data roaming plans, passes, and/or add-ons. This is the simplest travel internet option to keep your current SIM and number. However, roaming options can be pricey, and while there are ways to avoid high roaming charges, you may end your trip with a hefty roaming bill.
Check out the following blogs to see if your carrier provides add-ons or day passes to access mobile internet abroad for:
- Best international phone plans for the USA
- Best international roaming plans for Canada
- Best network for roaming in the UK
- Best international roaming plans for Australia
| Advantages of roaming | Disadvantages of roaming |
|---|---|
| ✅Often offer wider network coverage compared to local SIM cards ✅Use your existing phone number and data plan without needing to adjust settings ✅Avoid the hassle of finding and setting up a local SIM card | ❌Roaming charges can be exorbitant, with data usage often billed at much higher rates than your home plan ❌Roaming speeds might be slower than local networks ❌Many roaming plans have data caps, which can be easily exceeded with basic internet usage |
4. Rent a portable WiFi device
⭐Best for groups or families traveling together who already own a portable WiFi and need to connect multiple devices at once
A pocket WiFi device acts as a portable hotspot and gives you worldwide internet access for multiple devices at once. You buy or rent a portable WiFi device to connect your phone, laptop, or tablet via WiFi.
What you should know about portable WiFi as a travel internet option:
- You’ll need a cellular data SIM.
- You’ll be able to use the data allowance according to the plan purchased.
- You must make a good investment to have a good quality router.
- You can rent them with your trusted operator, but in case of loss/damage, you’ll have to pay a penalty.
| Advantages of a pocket WiFi | Disadvantages of a pocket WiFi |
|---|---|
| ✅Connects multiple devices simultaneously, ideal for families or groups ✅Often prepaid plans with no long-term commitment ✅Creates a private WiFi network, potentially more secure than public Wi-Fi. | ❌Expensive considering deposit, rental fees, and insurance fees ❌Relies on cellular networks; coverage might be limited in certain areas ❌Data packages can have limits; exceeding them can incur additional charges ❌One more gadget to charge, carry, and manage |
5. Hunt down free public WiFi
⭐ Best for occasional, short-term internet use in cafes, hotels, and airports
If you need temporary international internet access but don’t have a large travel budget, you can use public WiFi networks in places such as cafés, restaurants, hotels, airports, and malls.
For an extra layer of security and to ensure internet safety, you can use a VPN while connected to public WiFi. While it isn’t the best travel internet option, it does get the job done for light-hearted browsing.
| Advantages of public WiFi | Disadvantages of public WiFi |
|---|---|
| ✅Often free, saving you from using your mobile data plan or incurring roaming charges ✅Enables online communication and entertainment ✅Quick and convenient option to access local information and resources if facing internet issues | 👎Unsecured networks expose your data to hackers and malware 👎Connection speeds can be slow and unreliable, especially with many users or poor infrastructure 👎Online activity might be monitored or tracked by network operators or third parties |
6. Opt for international satellite internet access
⭐Best for expeditions, boats, RVs, and locations without mobile coverage
Satellite internet works anywhere with a clear sky view — even in remote areas with no cell towers. Services like Starlink Roam, Inmarsat, or Iridium provide international satellite internet access for travelers, sailors, and remote workers. If all else fails, it’s one of the best worldwide internet options.
| Advantages of satellite internet | Disadvantages of satellite internet |
|---|---|
| ✅Ideal for rural or remote locations ✅Less susceptible to outages and disruptions, especially in areas prone to bad weather or natural disasters ✅Transmits data through space, making it inherently more secure from cyber threats | ❌Limited upload speeds (typically much slower than download speeds) ❌Signal travels a long distance to and from the satellite, resulting in higher latency ❌Requires much more equipment and a more complex installation to operate |
7. Get an international internet subscription service
⭐Best for frequent travelers, digital nomads, remote workers, and travel in large groups
The final option, and a more reliable solution, is to sign up with an international internet service provider. Holafly Plans offers a monthly eSIM subscription service, perfect for travelers who need high-speed internet while traveling and want to stay connected across international borders.
You can get unlimited data in over 170 destinations for only $64.90 USD per month. Multiple travelers or devices? No problem. Enable the hotspot/tethering option on your phone to emit a WiFi signal for other devices to connect to. Enjoy unlimited WiFi and unlimited hotspot without switching SIM cards, settling for pricey roaming add-ons, or hunting down cafes with public WiFi.
| Advantages of an internet subscription | Disadvantages of an internet subscription |
|---|---|
| ✅Easy setup with eSIM — no need to swap physical SIM cards ✅Unlimited data in many destinations for reliable international internet access ✅Coverage in 170+ countries with one provider, making it a true worldwide internet service ✅Saves time and hassle when figuring out how to get internet overseas | ❌eSIM compatibility required ❌No phone number included (data-only, so calls/SMS require apps like WhatsApp) ❌Plans can be more expensive than local SIM cards |
How to get internet access in your next destination
When it comes to using mobile data abroad, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Travel internet options and services vary depending on your destination. What works as the best internet for European destinations may not be the same solution you’d use in Asia or Australia.
To make this easier for travelers, we offer detailed, destination-specific blogs covering the latest ways to get international internet access wherever you go. Check below for current information on international internet services in your next destination.
Before your next trip, check out these blogs for the latest insights on international internet service in your specific country, and grab a Holafly travel eSIM to make your journey stress-free and connected.
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Use map apps as much as you wish with unlimited data eSIMs from Holafly.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
