How To Stay Connected Abroad

Going on holiday might be about switching off, but having reliable internet access while you’re travelling can make life considerably easier.

From using maps and ordering a taxi to checking hotel bookings, finding restaurants, uploading holiday content or simply letting family know you’ve arrived safely, there are plenty of times when you’ll need mobile data.

Hotel and café Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable, and using your usual mobile network abroad can sometimes be expensive. That’s why an eSIM has become one of my travel essentials.

What Is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to purchase a mobile data plan without replacing the physical SIM card already inside your phone.

Instead of finding and buying a local SIM when you arrive, you can choose a data package for your destination, install it on a compatible phone and activate it when you need it.

I use Airalo, and I’ve personally used it while travelling in Turkey, Spain, Thailand, Albania, Morocco and Romania.

After using it successfully across several different trips, it’s become one of the travel services I regularly return to.

Why I Use Airalo When Travelling

For me, the biggest advantage is convenience.

I’ve found Airalo straightforward to install and activate, and my connection has been reliable throughout my travels. Once I’m back home, I’ve also had no problems switching back to my normal mobile service.

Having data available when I need it means I’m not constantly dependent on finding public Wi-Fi while I’m out exploring.

I’ve used Airalo for:

• Google Maps and navigation
• Booking and checking transport
• Ordering taxis and rides
• Accessing hotel and tour bookings
• Messaging family and friends
• Social media
• Uploading photos and videos
• General internet access while exploring

It’s particularly useful when you’ve just arrived somewhere new and immediately need directions or transport. Instead of searching for airport Wi-Fi or waiting until you reach your hotel, you can get online and start navigating your destination.

Unlimited Data for Streaming, Uploading and Going Live

One of the features worth looking out for is Airalo’s unlimited-data plans, available for selected destinations.

These can be a great option if you’re a heavier data user and don’t want to spend your holiday constantly checking how many gigabytes you have left.

They’re particularly useful if you want to stream, upload travel videos or go live on social media while you’re away. For content creators, that can mean posting while you’re actually out experiencing a destination instead of waiting until you return to your hotel and hoping the Wi-Fi is good enough.

I’ve also found Airalo’s pricing affordable for the convenience it provides, although prices and available packages vary depending on the destination.

Depending on your phone, destination and chosen package, you may also be able to share your mobile data with another device using a personal hotspot.

Always check the details of the individual plan before purchasing, particularly any hotspot allowances, speed restrictions or fair-use conditions that may apply to unlimited data.

Check Your Phone Before Buying an eSIM

Before purchasing an eSIM, make sure your phone supports eSIM technology and can use the service.

It’s also worth thinking about how much data you’ll realistically need.

If you’re mainly using maps, messaging and occasionally checking bookings, a smaller data package may be enough. If you’re regularly uploading videos, streaming, going live or using social media throughout the day, a larger or unlimited plan may offer better value.

Once your travel eSIM is activated, check your phone’s mobile-data settings carefully and make sure the eSIM is selected for data.

You should also check the roaming settings for your usual SIM so it doesn’t accidentally use mobile data abroad and leave you with unexpected charges.

Airalo Discounts and Referral Credit

Another feature I like is Airalo’s referral programme.

If you’re travelling with friends or family and they use your referral code, you may both receive credit towards future purchases, subject to Airalo’s current referral terms.

For frequent travellers, those discounts and referral credits can make future trips even more affordable.

Is Airalo Worth It?

For me, yes.

I’ve used Airalo across Turkey, Spain, Thailand, Albania, Morocco and Romania, and having reliable mobile data has made travelling considerably easier.

It means I can navigate unfamiliar places, arrange transport, access bookings, stay in contact with people and use social media without constantly searching for Wi-Fi.

An eSIM won’t necessarily be the best option for every traveller or every destination, so it’s always worth checking your existing mobile provider’s roaming options too. But when the price and data allowance make sense, I find the convenience difficult to beat.

Best for:

• Affordable mobile data abroad
• Maps and navigation
• Travel and transport apps
• Staying connected with family and friends
• Uploading photos and travel content
• Streaming and going live with suitable data plans
• Avoiding reliance on public Wi-Fi
• Frequent and multi-destination travellers

Check Airalo eSIMs and available data plans for your destination here.

Your holiday should be about exploring somewhere new — not spending half of it searching for a signal.

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