Full disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Cheers!

 

Whenever I plan a trip these days, the first thing I worry about isn’t which blender bottle to pack or whether I’ve got enough socks. It’s how on earth I’ll get a decent data signal without bankrupting myself. We’ve all had that moment of panic when you land in a new country, switch on your phone and see “No Service” or “Roaming Charges Apply.” Cue sweaty palms, Google Maps meltdown and that sinking feeling that you’re about to pay $30 for 50MB of data. Thankfully, there are better options than racking up roaming fees or playing SIM card roulette at the airport. Let’s chat about staying connected abroad eSIM, portable hotspots and local SIM cards that actually work—and won’t give you sticker shock.

Why staying connected abroad matters

1. Navigation and local transport

Without reliable data, you might miss your train, bus or the fact that your Airbnb is on the other side of a mountain range.

2. Safety

Whether you need to call your host about a late check-in or dial emergency services, having a working phone line is non-negotiable.

3. Sharing the fun

Quick stories, live selfies and GPS-tagged snaps are the lifeblood of modern travel documentation.

4. Research on the go

From last-minute restaurant reviews to checking local events on GetYourGuide, data keeps you spontaneous.

With those essentials in mind, let’s look at your main options: eSIMs, portable Wi-Fi hotspots and local SIM cards.

eSIMs: tech-savvy sidekick

If you’ve bought a newish phone (iPhone XR and later, many Android flagships), you can probably use an eSIM. No plastic micro-SIM to lose, no fiddly tray to open with a paperclip. You simply scan a QR code, install the plan in minutes, and off you go.

Why I love eSIMs

• Instant setup – no hunting for a store or kiosk at the airport.
• Multiple profiles – keep your home number active while you use local data.
• Usually cheaper than roaming – many eSIM providers run constant promotions.

The catch? Coverage varies by provider and country. Enter Airalo, one of my favourite eSIM platforms. I’ve used it across Europe, Asia and South America without drama. They offer global passes (covering dozens of countries on one plan) or country-specific plans if you’re van-lifeing through Croatia or island-hopping in Thailand. Data rates start at a few dollars for small bundles, and it’s all handled through their app.

Pro tip: Buy your eSIM before you leave home while you still have Wi-Fi or decent data on your home network. That way, you can test it and make sure it works, rather than faffing around in a hot airport terminal.

Portable Wi-Fi hotspots: one device, many users

If you’re travelling with mates, a portable hotspot (also called a pocket Wi-Fi) can be a lifesaver. You buy or rent a small gadget that connects to local cellular networks, then up to 10 devices can hop on its Wi-Fi signal. No more arguing over whose phone has the better data.

Pros of a pocket hotspot

• Share data with a group.
• Central management – you can top up data in one place.
• Often a bit more reliable than strange foreign SIM cards.

Cons

• One more device to charge and carry.
• Rental fees can add up if you’re on a long trip.
• Not as sleek as an eSIM – if you lose it, you lose your connection hub.

In Australia, you can pick up a decent portable hotspot device via Amazon AU. You’ll also find power banks, multi-country adapters and little SIM card holders that make life a whole lot tidier. If you’re heading to countries where eSIM support is patchy, this is my Plan B.

Local SIM cards: the classic route

Walking into a kiosk at an airport or a telecom shop in town and asking for a prepaid SIM still works, and it can be cheap. Here’s what to look out for:

1. Pricing structure

Some plans give you lots of data for a low price but lock you into short validity (five days). Others charge a premium for longer expiry.

2. Registration requirements

Many countries require you to show your passport. Keep it handy. Some kiosks even take a quick photo of you and scan your passport page.

3. Network coverage

Big providers like Vodafone, Orange or Telstra (in Australia) usually have wide coverage, but smaller MVNOs might be cheaper.

4. Top-up options

Make sure you can reload online, through an app or at multiple convenience stores. You don’t want your credit to expire because you’re searching for a tiny corner shop that sells scratch cards.

Why local SIMs still rock

• Potentially the cheapest per-GB rate.
• Easy to find once you’re on the ground.
• Great for longer stays if you know you’ll be in one country.

Why local SIMs sometimes suck

• You lose your home number (unless you pay for multi-SIM service).
• You might need a second device if you want to keep your original SIM in.
• Airport kiosks often charge more than city shops.

Comparing your options: cost, coverage and convenience

Let’s break it down in plain terms. Suppose you’re going to Italy for two weeks, want at least 5GB of data, and you’re travelling solo.

• eSIM (Airalo) – about AU$20–25 for 5GB, instant setup, keep your home number.
• Local SIM – about €10–15 for 5GB, requires registration, need an unlocked phone.
• Portable hotspot – device rental €5–10 per day plus data; for 14 days, you’re looking at €100–€150 total.

Most of my solo trips have ended with me using an eSIM for the flexibility and convenience, then buying a local SIM if I’m staying a month or more. If I’m with a couple of friends, we split a hotspot and share the data.

Extra tips for seamless connectivity

1. Always buy from reputable sources

If you’re grabbing a local SIM, head to official stores or well-rated kiosks. Avoid random market stalls unless you love drama.

2. Keep a tiny SIM-eject tool on hand

You can lose these, so grab a backup set along with your USB cables. A neat little storage case from Amazon AU will keep everything organised.

3. Monitor your data usage

Set alerts in your phone or hotspot dashboard so you don’t accidentally burn through 2GB in one TikTok binge.

4. Have a backup

Even if you go all-in on eSIM, consider grabbing a cheap local SIM once you land so you have redundancy. Better to have two data plans than none.

5. Check your phone is unlocked

Some carrier-locked phones won’t accept foreign SIM cards. Give your provider a ring to confirm.

6. Plan for emergencies

Store local emergency numbers, charger cables and a small power bank in your day bag. If your phone dies, you may not have signal to call for help.

7. Use Wi-Fi calling

If your WhatsApp, Skype or FaceTime can make calls over Wi-Fi, switch this on when you’re on a trusted network.

 

Staying connected abroad no longer means shelling out an arm and a leg for global roaming. Whether you choose an eSIM from Airalo, hire a pocket Wi-Fi for group travel or pick up a local SIM card when you arrive, there’s a solution to suit every style of traveller. My go-to combo is an eSIM for flexibility, a pocket hotspot if I’m with friends, and a local SIM if I’m settling in for a month or more. Don’t forget to pack a SIM-eject tool, a compact organiser from Amazon AU, and always check your phone is unlocked.

Now go forth and stream your favourite playlists, navigate like a pro and share all your adventures in real time—without worrying about that dreaded roaming bill at the end. Safe travels!