How to Stay Connected While Travelling: The Ultimate Guide
From eSIMs to pocket WiFi, discover every option for staying online while travelling and find the best solution for your trip.
Published 2025-02-05 · Updated 2025-02-12 · TripSIM Team
Staying connected while travelling has become as essential as packing your passport. Whether you need Google Maps to navigate foreign streets, WhatsApp to stay in touch with family, or simply want to share your holiday snaps on Instagram, reliable internet access is a modern travel necessity. This guide covers every option available to travellers in 2025.
Option 1: Travel eSIM (Best Overall)
A travel eSIM is the most convenient and cost-effective way to stay connected abroad. You purchase a data plan online, scan a QR code, and activate it on your phone — all before leaving home. eSIMs connect to local mobile networks, giving you fast 4G/5G data without roaming charges. TripSIM offers plans covering 190+ countries with instant activation.
Option 2: Free WiFi Hotspots
Free WiFi is widely available at hotels, airports, cafés, and restaurants. It's a good backup option but has significant drawbacks: you're only connected when near a hotspot, public WiFi can be slow and unreliable, and open networks pose security risks for sensitive activities like online banking.
Option 3: Pocket WiFi / Mobile Hotspot
A pocket WiFi device creates a personal hotspot you can carry with you. It supports multiple devices, which is great for families or groups. However, you need to rent or buy the device, keep it charged, and carry an extra gadget. eSIMs have largely replaced pocket WiFi for solo travellers.
Option 4: International Roaming
Using your existing UK mobile plan abroad is the easiest option but usually the most expensive. Some UK networks include limited roaming in certain destinations, but data allowances are typically small and overage charges steep. Always check your provider's roaming rates before travelling.
Option 5: Local SIM Cards
Buying a local SIM card at your destination gives you local rates and often generous data. The downsides include needing to find a shop, potential language barriers, losing access to your UK number, and needing a new SIM for each country. eSIMs solve all of these problems.
Essential Apps for Connected Travellers
- Google Maps / Apple Maps — navigation and offline maps
- WhatsApp — free messaging, voice, and video calls
- Google Translate — real-time translation with camera mode
- XE Currency — live exchange rates
- TripIt — organise all your travel plans in one place
What's the cheapest way to get internet abroad?
A travel eSIM is typically the cheapest reliable option. Plans start from a few pounds and offer generous data allowances without roaming charges or device rentals.
Can I use my phone abroad without any plan?
Yes, but only on WiFi. Disable mobile data roaming in your settings to prevent charges, then connect to WiFi networks at hotels, cafés, and public spaces.