Given the number of international trips we go on, I think it’s fair to discuss some of the methods that are out there to get access to internet.

Sometimes it’s important to have access to internet while traveling. You might need to figure out how to get to a restaurant or attraction, you might need to contact someone, or use apps to get the full experience (hello, Tokyo Disney Resort). While there are many potential ways to get access, I’m going to focus on three of the more popular ways to get internet access as you move about.

Directly from Cell Phone Provider

This is likely one of the more expensive options available to you if you’re looking for internet access while on your trip. For example, AT&T offers coverage for $12/day when purchasing in advance. If you don’t purchase their package, expect to pay upwards of $3/MB for roaming data with AT&T. With Verizon, it’s $10/day for the same service.

The notable exception to this is T-Mobile, which offers free roaming with the purchase of certain plans. If you are on one of these plans, you’re good to go in most countries around the world.

Additionally, many US carriers offer free coverage in Canada and Mexico. You may have to apply for the coverage before arriving at your destination, but that makes it convenient when visiting neighboring countries.

The real benefit of taking this approach is the added convenience of not having to worry about bringing anything extra on your trip. It also is convenient that you can make calls or receive texts while abroad. The downside is that unless you’re on a plan that offers it for free, it’s going to be rather expensive.

SIM Cards

If your phone is unlocked, you could dabble in the world of SIM cards, either regular or eSIMs. Many moons ago when I had an unlocked phone, I did try this on a trip and I would say it worked reasonably well it was convenient in that I didn’t need to carry around any extra device and I didn’t really have to think about it. The price of the SIM cards is also less than what you would pay for internet through your cell phone provider. You’ll likely find SIM cards for sale in major international airports and eSIMs are simple enough to find online, if your phone is modern enough for the technology.

The main downsides would be that you generally need an unlocked phone to have access to this feature, so if your phone is locked, you’ll likely have to look elsewhere. It also only works on a single device, so if you are traveling with a group and everyone wants access, be prepared to pay for multiple SIMs unless you are able to set up a mobile hotspot. You also need to be at least somewhat technologically savvy, knowing how to swap out that card. Lastly, when I used a physical SIM card, I found it messed up my ability to receive text messages, and when I switched back to my usual SIM card, it pretty much cleared everything that anyone would have sent while my usual SIM card was removed. It’s possible I did something wrong and perhaps the experience now has changed, but the experience soured me somewhat on swapping SIMs.

Use a Wi-Fi Device

This is my preferred method of getting internet access while abroad. You just need to bring around a device that connects to local cell phone towers and then you connect to that device as though it’s a usual Wi-Fi hotspot.

There are some places where you can easily rent a device. I first encountered this when we went to Japan during a trip a decade ago. Rates are a little higher with this option (like this Japan Wireless option), but it’s simple and allows for everyone in your party to connect to the same device.

After my experience with how simple it was to use a rental, combined with my experience with SIM cards, I ended up purchasing a Wi-Fi device. I bought a GlocalMe device (not a sponsor) and found the interface fairly straightforward. Yes, there is an initial upfront fee to purchase the device (like this one on Amazon, my referral link), but the Wi-Fi plans are cheaper than on rental devices. If you travel enough, it’s more convenient to own rather than rent, with reasonable data rates, such as $7.20 for 2 GB of data over a week. I don’t know about you, but I use data primarily for staying connected while exploring. I’m not looking to download huge files or play very data-intensive games (that’s what the hotel Wi-Fi is for).

So what are the downsides? Well, for one, you’ll have to bring around an extra device with you as you travel. Some can double as a power bank, but it’s still extra weight for your journey. You’ll also want to make sure the device is turned off when you are in your hotel or anywhere else you want to use Wi-Fi. I’ve been burned before with not realizing the device was still on and somehow I got connected to it and ate up internet unknowingly. The upfront cost of purchasing the device could also be tough to swallow if you’re not traveling extensively.

As with any Wi-Fi network, you’ll need to be near your hotspot to get internet. So if your group needs to split up and you only have one device, know that some of you will end up without internet access until you reunite.

What do you do to get internet while traveling abroad?