How to Stay Connected Abroad: A Traveler’s Guide

Sierra Schallock
Sep 12
3 min read

Updated: Sep 15

Staying connected while traveling abroad can be one of the trickiest parts of trip planning. Between expensive roaming fees, confusing local SIM cards, and unreliable public Wi-Fi, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news is—there are several ways to stay online, each with its own pros and cons.

Whether you’re preparing for your first overseas trip or you’re a frequent flyer, here are some tips to help you navigate mobile connectivity while traveling.

🌍 Options for Staying Connected While Traveling

1. Roaming with your home carrier

Convenient since you keep your number and plan.
Usually the most expensive option.

2. Buying a local SIM card

Can be cost-effective if staying in one country for a while.
May require passport registration and local language assistance.

3. Relying on public Wi-Fi

Free and widely available in airports, hotels, and cafes.
Often unreliable and not secure for sensitive activities like banking.

4. Using an international SIM or eSIM (like JetSim)

Lets you buy data in advance and avoid roaming fees.
Physical SIM cards are great if your phone isn’t eSIM-compatible.
eSIMs are digital, making them easier to set up—no shipping or swapping required.
Works across multiple countries without juggling multiple SIMs.

📱 Check Your Phone’s Compatibility Before You Go

Before choosing between a physical SIM or an eSIM, check your phone’s setup:

iPhone: XR and later support eSIM (with iOS 12.1 or higher). Earlier iPhones work with physical SIMs.
Google Pixel: Pixel 3 and later support eSIM.
Samsung Galaxy: Galaxy S20 and later support eSIM.

👉 Tip: Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) on your phone. If you see Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan, your device supports eSIM. If not, you’ll need a physical SIM.

📶 Do You Need Calls and Texts—or Just Data?

JetSim provides data-only SIMs (both physical and eSIM). That means:

You won’t get a traditional phone number for calling or SMS.
You can still use WhatsApp, iMessage, FaceTime, Skype, and other apps for calling and texting.
If your phone supports dual SIM, you can keep your regular SIM in place to receive texts or calls on your usual number while using JetSim for data.

💡 Tips for Choosing the Right Data Plan

Short trips (1–2 weeks): Small data packages are usually enough for navigation, messaging, and light browsing.
Longer stays (3–4 weeks): Consider larger bundles for streaming, working remotely, or heavier usage.
Multi-country trips: Regional plans (like Europe-wide coverage) save you from buying separate SIMs in every destination.

👉 Pro tip: Download offline maps on Google Maps before you travel. It reduces data use and ensures you’re not stranded without directions.

🔄 Sharing Data Between Devices

Whether you’re using a physical SIM or an eSIM, your phone can act as a hotspot for other devices like tablets and laptops.

This is handy if you don’t want to buy multiple SIMs.
Just remember: tethering uses more battery, so a portable charger is a smart travel accessory.

✈️ Final Thoughts

Staying connected abroad doesn’t have to be complicated. With physical SIMs and eSIMs available, JetSim gives travelers flexibility no matter what phone they use.

Have an older phone or prefer something tangible? Go with a physical SIM.
Want quick setup and no shipping? Choose an eSIM.

The best option depends on your device and travel style, but planning ahead ensures you’ll spend more time exploring—and less time worrying about Wi-Fi.