Stay Connected Without Breaking the Bank: Affordable Ways to Use Your Phone Abroad
*You may have noticed I skipped last week’s blog—because I was on vacation! I went to my home state of Michigan, where I took a little time to recharge (practice what you preach, right?) and explore some beautiful spots I can’t wait to share with you (spoiler - lots of birds ahead!). Want to see what I was up to? Check out the videos and photos I’ve been posting on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and let me know which destination you want to see me cover next!
Whether you're uploading Northern Lights selfies or checking Google Maps for that hidden café in Rome, staying connected while traveling internationally is a must. But international data roaming? Yeah, it can get pricey fast. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to stay online without racking up a massive phone bill.
The good news is there are more options than ever to stay connected in an ever-changing world. Here’s a simple breakdown of your options, from SIM cards to Wi-Fi hotspots, to help you stay connected wherever your adventures take you.
Option 1: Local SIM Cards
If your phone is unlocked, buying a local SIM card when you arrive is often the most affordable choice. You'll get a local phone number and data plan, usually at local rates.
Best for: Longer trips, or when you're mostly in one country.
How to get it: Airports, convenience stores, or mobile kiosks.
Watch out for: You may need your passport to register. And your home number won’t work while the SIM is in.
Quick FAQ: What’s an Unlocked Phone?
Q: What does “unlocked” mean?
An unlocked phone isn’t tied to any specific carrier, so you can use it with SIM cards from other countries or providers; perfect for travel!
Q: How do I know if my phone is unlocked?
Check your settings (on iPhone: Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock — if it says “No SIM restrictions,” you’re good).
Try using a SIM from a different carrier.
Or ask your provider—many will unlock your phone for free once it’s paid off.
Q: Can all phones be unlocked?
Most modern smartphones can be unlocked, but older or prepaid models may have limitations. It’s always worth asking!
Option 2: eSIMs – The Tech-Savvy Traveler’s Friend
If your phone supports eSIMs (most newer models do!), you can download a data plan straight to your device before you even leave home. No physical SIM swapping required.
Best for: Travelers hopping between countries or those who like to plan ahead.
How to get it: Try providers like Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad—easy to install and pay-as-you-go.
Bonus: Keep your regular number active for calls/texts while using data from your eSIM.
Option 3: Pocket Wi-Fi Hotspots
These handy little devices connect to local networks and act as a personal Wi-Fi hub for your phone, laptop, or tablet.
Best for: Families, groups, or remote workers who need to connect multiple devices.
How to get it: Rent one in advance and have it shipped to your home or hotel, or pick one up at the airport. You can also get them online from retailers such as Amazon.
Downside: One more thing to charge and carry; but great if you're off the beaten path.
Option 4: Budget-Friendly Roaming Plans
Some U.S. phone carriers offer international day passes or flat-rate roaming.
Examples:
T-Mobile: Free data in many countries (though it’s slower), or you can upgrade to high-speed (this is my preferred method of connecting!).
Verizon and AT&T: Around $10/day for full access to your normal data plan.
Best for: Short trips or travelers who don’t want to fuss with new tech.
Tip: Be sure to turn off data roaming before leaving the country if you don’t have a plan—otherwise, surprise charges may await!
Final Tips to Save Even More
Download maps and translation tools before you go (Google Maps and Google Translate both offer offline modes). BONUS - if you absolutely can’t connect, you’ll still have navigation.
Use hotel and café Wi-Fi when possible; just remember to avoid logging into sensitive accounts on public networks.
Turn off auto-updates, background data, and video autoplay to reduce data usage.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Roam 😉)
If you're traveling internationally, there are a few solid ways to stay connected without overspending. Local SIM cards are great for longer trips; they offer cheap, local rates but usually require swapping out your SIM and using a new number. eSIMs are perfect for travelers hopping between countries or those who like to prep in advance. They’re super convenient since there’s no physical SIM to swap, but they only work on compatible phones. If you're traveling with others or need a strong, shareable connection, pocket Wi-Fi hotspots are a smart choice. They're reliable and can support multiple devices, though they need charging and can be pricey. Finally, your carrier’s international roaming plan offers ultimate convenience (you can keep your number!), but it can get expensive fast if you’re not careful.
Final Thoughts from the Road
You don’t need to spend a fortune to stay connected while exploring the world. Whether you want to post your adventures in real time or just be reachable in a pinch, there’s a smart, budget-friendly option for every traveler.
Still feeling unsure? If you decide to partner with us, I’m happy to help you choose the best connectivity option for your trip so you can travel confidently and share the moments that matter most.
Let me know your travel tips for staying connected abroad! I love to share the knowledge, and if you have any personal recommendations for eSim carriers or pocket Wi-Fi, even better. Thanks for staying connected and as always, we look forward to helping you take flight!
Tianna
