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Portable WiFi routers with eSIM for international travel

Need to know more about how the eSIM router works and where to get one? Here's all the information about portable eSIM routers you need!

Julio O.

March 22, 2023

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When traveling, getting an internet connection is an excellent idea. Nowadays, eSIMs have been taking over the telecommunications market and interrupting the industry, and day by day, more devices have implemented them, such as portable WiFi eSIM routers.

Nonetheless, these devices might not be the best alternative for some people. These portable devices can become expensive, which people must remember when deciding whether to use them. 

There are different advantages to using these devices, like the ease of sharing the internet. But there are also downsides, like its cost and the battery.

Therefore, it is necessary to give you all the information needed to understand how these work and the best alternative when using them.

International eSIM

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What is a travel router?

People don’t need to have a hard time thinking about what a travel router is. These are similar to the famous pocket WiFi devices that are still used by some travelers nowadays. The difference is that they are improved versions.

The travel router is the same WiFi router people indeed have at home. These are just about the same and will work similar, providing travelers with an internet connection as long as it is available. 

What makes it a suitable alternative for traveling is the size of the device. It is portable, making it better for the user to carry with them when traveling. Also, some of these devices can work with local WiFi hotspots or use an eSIM to provide an internet connection when traveling.

Person using devices thanks to travel router
Person using devices thanks to travel routers. Source: Freepik.

Currently, travelers can find different types of travel routers, and they will vary in size and what they offer to customers. The most common type is a router the size of a phone charger, but other options are similar to a credit card.

How travel routers with eSIM work

Let’s talk a bit about the router with eSIM technology. This might sound like something crazy due to eSIMs being primarily used on cellphones, but this is a huge step forward for communications as consumers can now either rent or buy one of these devices, buy eSIMs from their favorite providers, and take them while traveling if they don’t have a cellphone compatible with eSIM.

What this device will make different is that buyers can use the eSIM through a WIFi connection rather than directly installing the eSIM on the device. This is excellent for those who don’t have a device that supports eSIMs! Along with the device, there’s also a charger and an instruction guide on how to use it. 

Not all eSIM providers allow their services to be used on travel routers, so you should always confirm before purchasing an eSIM.

Which router providers support eSIM?

One of the things buyers might be wondering up to this point comes with the fact of where they can get an eSIM router because finding a portable WiFi router for international travel isn’t something hard to do, but finding one that supports eSIMs can be a headache for others.

There’s no doubt this is a great alternative to stay connected without worrying about your device in case it doesn’t have eSIM compatibility.

Also, it is essential to mention these routers will work with incredible network speeds. A router WiFi 5G might be available for travelers, but for now, for eSIMs, these routers’ WiFi will work with 4G speeds.

MOGO S2 eSIM Global Mobile Router

MOGO S2 device
MOGO S2. Source: MOGO

As for now, one of the few companies offering an actual portable router capable of integrating eSIM technology is MOGO. This device is quite similar to a cellphone. Sometimes, confusing it with a cellular device is easy due to its size and appearance. This device costs around $199 and comes with a charger.

Advantages

  • 4G compatibility.
  • Pocket Size.
  • Buy online.
  • Share data.

Disadvantages

  • You have to charge it.
  • The delivery price and taxes are not included in the cost.
  • You can only use the MOGO eSIM. It is incompatible with other international eSIM carriers.
  • You must wait for the delivery within 5-7 working days.

Keep in mind that if you are traveling soon. If you have a cellphone that supports eSIM, maybe it is not a good idea to purchase one of these devices since the delivery time can be longer than you think. It is too expensive to buy a router and the eSIM data plan that buy an international eSIM and use it on your smartphone.

Also, most MOGO eSIM data plans don’t offer unlimited data, so if you are traveling for work or you are planning to buy one of these devices to share data with many people, you may go out of data at any moment, and the device will run off the charge faster for the number of people connected to it.

On the other hand, if you are an adventure traveler, maybe having another device with you is not the best idea, as you may lose or damage the router and go off the internet while traveling.

MOGO S2 Specification
MOGO S2 Specification. Source: MOGO

International eSIMs for travelers: A cheaper option

holafly-esim-store-destinations
Holafly eSIM store. Source: Holafly

We’ve given you a lot of information, and one common question that our customers come up with is: What option is better than an eSIM router? Remember that the consumers don’t only have to purchase the router, but they also have to pay for the data plan separately.

There’s one way to avoid this, thanks to the eSIM. As said before, eSIM routers are a viable alternative because those without eSIM compatible devices can use one through a WiFi connection, but they must pay more than expected.

But for those who can use an eSIM without worrying much about it, the Holafly eSIM is the best option! This is due to everything the service offers. It works in more than 160 countries, has unlimited data from $19 USD, the purchase process is quite simple, there’s an iOS app, you can Top UP your data plan, you will enjoy 24/7 customer support, and there’s a lot more offered by Holafly!

That’s what makes Holafly International virtual SIM the best option for travelers! So, as long as you have a compatible device, buy one and forget about the expensive cost of the eSIM routers! It is essential to clarify that Holafly data plans cannot be used in portable WiFi routers but can be used in other compatible devices.

eSIM for Europe
Unlimited data eSIM for Europe. Source: Holafly store

Frequently asked questions about routers for traveling abroad

Can I use a portable WiFi router on a plane?

It depends on the airline you are traveling with. Some providers offer flyers the chance to stay connected to an internet connection while in the air, but others don’t! You can get more information about how to have internet in an airplane.

Are travel routers secure?

Yes. As eSIM routers use a private cellular network, there’s no need to worry about how it will work and who can connect to that network, as people can manage it and secure it in a few seconds.

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