Travel Tips

7 Ways to get international internet access

There are many ways to have internet worldwide such as eSIM, pocket WiFi, Roaming, and more. Find out what each alternative offers

When you’re abroad, having reliable internet 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.

In this article

1. Use an international eSIM

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.

How it works:

Purchase a travel eSIM from providers like Holafly
Choose your destination and data plan.
Install via a QR code or activation code.

Best for: Travelers who want fast setup and international mobile internet access without visiting local stores.

Pro tip: Besides a Global eSIM, Holafly offers three monthly eSIM subscription plans that offer stable and reliable coverage in multiple countries—all for a fixed monthly fee. These plans are especially great for those who plan to travel for long periods.

2. Buy a local SIM card

Buying a prepaid SIM card from a local carrier can be one of the cheapest ways to get internet access abroad, especially for longer stays in one country. However, it is rarely the most convenient way to avoid data roaming charges.

Best for: Moving to a single country where you can easily register and compare local plans.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Local number: Making it easier for locals to contact you and allowing you to access local deals and services	Inconvenience: You need to find a vendor, purchase a SIM card, and potentially set up the new plan
Cost-effective: Generally much cheaper than roaming on your home plan	Compatibility: You need an unlocked and compatible with the local network frequencies
Accessibility: Local SIM cards are readily available in airports	Limited coverage: May not work in remote areas
Faster speeds: Local networks often prioritize their own customers	Language barrier: Instructions and customer support might be in the local language

3. Use roaming from your mobile carrier

Most carriers offer international travel internet access through data roaming plans. This is the simplest option since you keep your current SIM and number. Check if your carrier offers add-ons or day passes for cheaper international mobile internet access.

Best for: Travelers who are willing to pay more to use their existing phone number and carrier without swapping SIMs.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Global Coverage: Often offer wider network coverage compared to local SIM cards	Cost: Roaming charges can be exorbitant, with data usage often billed at much higher rates than your home plan
Familiar Interface: Use your existing phone number and data plan without needing to adjust settings	Speed: Roaming speeds might be slower than local networks
Peace of Mind: Avoid the hassle of finding and setting up a local SIM card	Limited Data: Many roaming plans have data caps, which can be easily exceeded with basic internet usage

4. Rent a portable WiFi device

A portable hotspot gives you international internet access for multiple devices at once. You buy or rent a portable WiFi device, carry it with you, and connect your phone, laptop, or tablet via WiFi.

Best for: Groups or families traveling together who already own a portable WiFi and need to connect multiple devices at once.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Multiple Connections: Connects multiple devices simultaneously, ideal for families or groups	Coverage: Relies on cellular networks so that coverage might be limited in certain areas.
No contracts: Often prepaid plans with no long-term commitment	Data Limits: Data packages can have limits, exceeding them can incur additional charges
Security: Creates a private Wi-Fi network, potentially more secure than public Wi-Fi.	Extra Device: One more gadget to carry and manage, adding to travel burden.

5. Hunt down free public WiFi

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, you can use a VPN while connected to public WiFi.

Best for: Occasional, short-term internet use in cafes, hotels, and airports.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Cost-effectiveness: Public Wi-Fi is often free, saving you from using your mobile data plan or incurring roaming charges.	Security Risks: Unsecured networks expose your data to hackers and malware
Social Interaction: Enables online communication and entertainment, fostering potential connections with others.	Speed and Reliability: Connection speeds can be slow and unreliable, especially with many users or poor infrastructure.
Discovery: Provides access to local information and resources	Privacy Concerns: Your online activity might be monitored or tracked by network operators or third parties.

6. International satellite internet access

Satellite internet works anywhere with a clear view of the sky — even in remote areas with no cell towers. Services like Starlink Roam, Inmarsat, or Iridium offer international satellite internet access for travelers, sailors, and remote workers.

Best for: Expeditions, boats, RVs, and locations without mobile coverage.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Broader Coverage: Ideal for rural or remote locations.	Limited Upload Speeds: Are typically much slower than download speeds
Reliable Connection: Less susceptible to outages and disruptions compared to terrestrial options, especially in areas prone to bad weather or natural disasters.	High Latency: Signal travels a long distance to and from the satellite, resulting in higher latency.
Security: Transmits data through space, making it inherently more secure from cyber threats.	Convenience: It requires much more equipment and a more complex installation to operate.

Best for all: Prepaid and postpaid eSIM

If you want flexible, reliable international internet access without hunting for local SIMs or worrying about roaming fees, a prepaid or postpaid Holafly eSIM is the way to go.

Holafly’s international eSIMs give you instant connectivity in 200+ destinations with unlimited data — perfect for short trips or multi-country travel. For longer stays, Holafly Plans offer a monthly subscription so you can keep the same eSIM active and connected without re-purchasing. Both options are easy to set up in minutes, work on most modern smartphones, and keep you online the moment you land.

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Brenda Beltrán

Content Manager

Hi, I'm Brenda Beltrán. I'm passionate about travel, technology, and video games. In 2019, I started my career as a journalist in entertainment and technology. Then, I discovered that content creation was my true calling. Now, at Holafly, I'm dedicated to sharing travel tips and experiences that will make your adventures unforgettable. ✈️ Hola, soy Brenda Beltrán, apasionada por los viajes, la tecnología y los videojuegos. Desde mis inicios en 2019 como periodista en entretenimiento y tecnología, descubrí que la creación de contenido era mi verdadera vocación. Hoy, en Holafly, me dedico a compartir consejos y experiencias de viaje para que cada una de tus aventuras sean memorables.✈️

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