Traveling today requires a phone connection for texting and data for GPS and web-surfing. The options can be staggering and confusing. There is usually a choice between getting a SIM card or an eSIM for each country, or opting for region or continent-wide coverage. There are two kinds of eSIM plans: data only (which are the most popular) and regular phone services which provide voice, text and data. The advantage of eSIMS is that they can be loaded and fully set up prior to your trip.
Voice & Data
For Europe, Orange is the most popular eSIM provider for travellers who need voice as well as data. Their various plans cover dozens of countries in Europe including the UK and Switzerland (see full list here). The advantage of the Orange plan is that you can maintain the same phone number by topping up at least every 6 months. Purchase from Orange directly and note the countries covered. To top-up your Orange account go here.
Other than Orange the only other I've tried that provides voice and data is Lyca that I purchased at the airport in Belgium. Lyca provides much more international voice time than Orange. The ones below are data only.
Data Only
Airalo seems to be the most popular provider of eSIMs today, covering over 200 countries. They supply services for countries, regions or global. The global eSIM covers 124 countries. The eSIM for individual countries are inexpensive, typically $6-10 for 7 days and 2gb of data. Note these are data only plans. I used Airolo many times - Kenya, Tanzania, Dubai and Georgia, and one covering all of South America. It worked well in each country except Tanzania. Their help team is very fast - usually responding in a few hours.
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| Click to enlarge |
Other SIM providers I've seen but not tried are Saily, SIM Options, Maya, Nomad, and KeepCalling.com.
In France, Free provides SIM cards and eSIMs that can be purchased online or at one of 240 shops or 800 kiosks across France.
Just saw an add for Vodaphone Travel eSIM Europe that works in 44 European countries. Six different packages are available, from 7 to 90 days, costing from $4 to $113 (USD, I assume).
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| Vodaphone |
HOTSPOTS
Mobile hotspots can be used for mobile data for laptops and tablets or even a phone that doesn't have a SIM card.
A popular brand for travellers is the Skyfoam Solis Lite. It is 4G and works in 130+ countries. Available at Amazon.ca for $174.
Global Rescue recommends a satellite-enabled smartphone to provide communications in case of emergencies. The rugged Cat S75 is one brand that, combined with the Bullitt satellite SIM card, makes it a satellite-enabled phone. Monthly plans start at $27.99. Unfortunately these satellite-enabled smartphones only work in a few countries.*
The Garmin inReach Mini has 100% world-wide coverage using the Iridium® satellite network. You need to purchase the device and then the monthly subscription starting at $24.99.
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| Cat S75 | Garmin inReach Mini |
* - coverage is limited to the U.S., Canada, and most of western Europe including the Nordic countries (except Iceland), and all countries up to the border with Russia, except Belarus and Ukraine, and includes part of western Turkey. Also covers Australia and New Zealand.
Fonus Mobile
A new international mobile phone plan provider is Fonus. The cost starts at $27.33 per month for unlimited data, call & texts and works in 55 countries. This basic package has slower data speed after 5gb per month. You can connect with either a physical SIM card or an eSIM. Purchase either via their website then manage your phone plan with the app, available for OS and Android.
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