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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. If you’re short on time, check out this helpful video below for a range of quick options:
Travel internet solutions comparison
Not every connectivity option suits every trip. Here’s a global connectivity solutions review to help you compare the most reliable mobile internet for travelers at a glance.
| Solution | Typical cost | Reliability | Coverage | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel eSIM (e.g., Holafly) | From $1.55/day | High — local network speeds | 200+ destinations | Most travelers |
| Holafly Plans (subscription) | $64.90/month | High — up to 5G | 170+ destinations | Frequent/long-term travelers |
| Local SIM card | $5–$20 one-off | High in-country | Single country | Long stays in one place |
| Carrier roaming | $5–$12/day | Medium — often throttled | Varies by carrier | Keeping your home number |
| Portable WiFi | $8–$15/day + deposit | Medium | Varies by device | Groups/families |
| Public WiFi | Free | Low — inconsistent | Limited to hotspots | Light, occasional use |
| Satellite internet | $499+ equipment + subscription | High in remote areas | Global | Off-grid/expeditions |
When comparing global mobile internet providers, the key trade-off is between cost and convenience. For most international trips, a travel eSIM offers the best balance of both.
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 |
Budget-friendly travel connectivity options
Best international data plans for travel in 2026: Holafly eSIMs start at $1.55/day with unlimited data in 200+ destinations. For long-term travel, Holafly Plans offers unlimited data in 170+ destinations for $64.90/month. Both options avoid the $5–$12/day roaming fees charged by most US carriers.
As a general rule, free public WiFi is the cheapest option but the least reliable. Local SIM cards typically cost $5–$20 and work well for single-country stays. International eSIMs like Holafly start at $1.55/day with unlimited data, no roaming fees, and coverage in 200+ destinations, making them an excellent value for most travelers. Carrier roaming passes run $5–$12/day, while portable WiFi and satellite internet are the priciest options.
Check below for current information on mobile data for 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.
Navigate the world with ease
Use map apps as much as you wish with unlimited data eSIMs from Holafly.
FAQs
Buy a travel eSIM (like Holafly, from $1.55/day), pick up a local SIM card at your destination, or activate a roaming pass from your home carrier. An eSIM is the fastest option: purchase online, scan a QR code, and connect within minutes.
The most reliable way is a travel eSIM with unlimited data, which connects to local networks without SIM swapping or roaming fees. For backup, download offline maps and use public WiFi for light browsing when available.
Use a travel eSIM that connects to local carrier networks at local speeds — this avoids the throttling common with roaming passes. For remote areas without cell coverage, a satellite device like Starlink Mini is the only reliable option.
A travel eSIM offers the most consistent experience for most destinations, connecting you directly to the strongest local network. Holafly covers 200+ destinations with unlimited data. For mission-critical needs, pair it with a portable WiFi device as backup.
Free public WiFi costs nothing but is unreliable and insecure. A local SIM card ($5–$20) is cheapest for single-country stays. For multi-country trips, a travel eSIM like Holafly starts at $1.55/day with unlimited data. That’s significantly cheaper than carrier roaming at $5–$12/day.
Plans that may interest you
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!
