How to Stay Connected While Traveling (Without Spending a Fortune)

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Written By Michael David Wright

Whether you're traveling for business, pleasure, or adventure, staying connected to the internet and keeping in touch with loved ones is more important than ever. But with roaming charges, hotel Wi-Fi fees, and other hidden costs, staying connected while on the go can quickly add up. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to access the internet, make calls, and use your phone without breaking the bank. Here are some practical tips on how to stay connected while traveling, without spending a fortune.

1. Use Wi-Fi Whenever Possible

Wi-Fi is your best friend when traveling. Most hotels, cafés, airports, and even some public transportation systems offer free Wi-Fi. To maximize your connectivity without the cost, make sure to:

Take advantage of public Wi-Fi: Airports, coffee shops, libraries, and restaurants often provide free Wi-Fi. Just be sure to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when connecting to public networks to protect your privacy and data.
Research Wi-Fi availability in advance: Look up destinations, hotels, and restaurants that are known for good free Wi-Fi. Many apps and websites (like Wi-Fi Map or Free Wi-Fi Finder) allow you to check out where you can find free internet in specific areas.
Hotel Wi-Fi: While many hotels offer free Wi-Fi in the lobby or public areas, some charge for in-room access. Before booking, check whether the Wi-Fi is included or if you need to purchase an upgrade.

2. Buy a Local SIM Card

Instead of relying on expensive international roaming, buying a local SIM card when you arrive at your destination can save you a lot of money. Many countries have low-cost, pay-as-you-go options that include data, text messages, and calls. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Research carriers: Look for the best local mobile carriers at your destination. Compare their plans and coverage to ensure you’ll have reliable access to data and calls. In many countries, you can find SIM cards at the airport, local convenience stores, or dedicated kiosks.
Use dual SIM phones: If your phone supports dual SIM cards, you can keep your home SIM card for emergency calls and have a local SIM for data and local calls. This can be a great way to stay connected without the hassle of swapping out SIM cards each time you travel.
Avoid roaming charges: By purchasing a local SIM card, you’ll avoid the steep charges that your home carrier would typically apply for international roaming.

3. Get an International SIM or eSIM

If you're visiting multiple countries or don’t want to deal with swapping SIM cards, an international SIM or eSIM might be a better solution. These services allow you to use data and make calls in multiple countries, often at a lower rate than traditional roaming. Options include:

International SIM cards: Companies like OneSimCard, GigSky, and KnowRoaming offer global SIM cards that provide data and calling plans for many countries.
eSIMs: If you have an eSIM-enabled phone (such as recent models of iPhones, Google Pixels, or some Samsung Galaxy devices), you can use digital SIM cards that don’t require swapping physical cards. Providers like Airalo, Holafly, and GigSky offer affordable eSIM options with data plans that can be activated directly from your phone.

4. Use Messaging Apps for Calls and Texts

Instead of making expensive international calls or sending texts through your mobile network, switch to messaging apps that rely on Wi-Fi or mobile data. Some popular options include:

WhatsApp: Allows free text messaging, voice calls, and video calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data. It's one of the most widely used apps globally.
Skype: Offers free messaging and voice calls over the internet, and also allows you to make cheap international calls to landlines and mobile phones.
Viber: Like WhatsApp, Viber supports text, voice, and video calls over Wi-Fi and mobile data, and it also offers low-cost international calling rates.
Facebook Messenger: A solid option for texting and calling via Wi-Fi or data, especially if you’re already using Facebook or Instagram.

By using these apps, you can significantly cut down on the costs of international calling or texting, especially when traveling to multiple countries.

5. Activate Your Carrier's International Plan

Some mobile carriers offer international data plans that can save you money compared to pay-per-use roaming. While not as cheap as a local SIM, these plans can offer more convenience, especially if you’re not staying in one location for long.

Check with your carrier: Before you leave, inquire about international data plans or packages. Providers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T offer global options that cover data, calls, and texts for a flat fee or discounted rate.
Monitor your usage: Even if you activate an international plan, keep an eye on your data usage to avoid going over your limit and incurring extra fees.

6. Download Offline Maps and Travel Apps

To save on data usage, especially when exploring new places, download maps and travel apps that work offline. These can help you navigate cities, find restaurants, and get around without needing constant internet access. Popular apps include:

Google Maps: Download offline maps for the areas you'll be visiting. You can still use the app to get directions and find nearby attractions without needing an internet connection.
TripAdvisor: Download maps of attractions, restaurants, and reviews that can be accessed offline.
Maps.me: A free app that offers offline maps of cities and countries worldwide, which can help you navigate without using up your data.

By planning ahead and downloading the necessary apps, you can save both money and data usage while traveling.

7. Consider Portable Wi-Fi Hotspots

If you’ll need continuous internet access and don’t want to rely on public Wi-Fi, renting or purchasing a portable Wi-Fi hotspot (also known as a "MiFi") can be an affordable and flexible option. These devices allow you to create a private, secure Wi-Fi network wherever you go.

Renting a hotspot: Many companies offer Wi-Fi hotspots for rent that you can pick up at the airport or have delivered to your accommodation. You typically pay a daily or weekly fee, and you can connect multiple devices at once.
Purchasing a portable hotspot: If you travel often, investing in your own portable Wi-Fi device might be worthwhile. Providers like Skyroam offer global Wi-Fi access with day passes or monthly plans.

8. Use Airplane Mode Strategically

To avoid unwanted charges when you're not using your phone, turn on airplane mode. This will disable cellular data, calls, and text messages, which can save you from running up costs when you're in an area with no Wi-Fi or using a local SIM card. You can still use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in airplane mode, so it’s an easy way to ensure you’re only paying for what you need.

9. Monitor Your Data Usage

When traveling internationally, it's easy to forget how much data you're using, especially with all the photos, videos, and maps you might be accessing. Keep track of your data consumption by:

Setting data limits: Some phones allow you to set a data usage limit, ensuring you don’t exceed your budget.
Turning off background data: Disable background data for apps that you don't need, especially ones that automatically sync or update in the background.

By staying mindful of your data usage, you can avoid overages and ensure you're getting the best value out of your mobile plan or local SIM.

Final Thoughts

Staying connected while traveling doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With a bit of planning, you can access the internet, keep in touch with family and friends, and avoid expensive roaming charges. Whether you choose to rely on Wi-Fi, use messaging apps, or invest in a local SIM or portable hotspot, there are plenty of affordable options to stay connected on your next trip.