8 Best Ways to Get Internet for Travel

Having access to the internet while traveling has become essential, either to use apps when away from home or to stay connected with family and friends.

When you travel internationally, you may still have the ability to employ your provider’s data plan. However, the expense of roaming is usually fairly high, so it’s preferable to locate an alternate when preparing a trip that will not cause an enormous phone bill when you return home.

To help you know all your choices, this guide contains the best methods to get Internet when traveling and abroad.

But before we begin, I’ll mention that we nearly always utilize the Holafly eSIM card, which is perfect if only cellular data on your phone is needed. We even have a complete guide to Holafly so you can learn more about this service.

For wireless Internet access on your phone and laptop while traveling, we recommend considering the other options below. Please keep reading to see which method may work best for your needs.

How to get Internet for travel

There are several approaches to access travel Internet, so this article will explain the alternative methods, as well as the pros and drawbacks of each. After reviewing the choices, you’ll be able to make the best selection for your trip!

In a nutshell, these are the 8 best approaches to get Internet for travelers:

1. Local SIM card
2. Holafly eSIM card
3. International SIM card
4. Unlocked portable router
5. Solis portable router
6. USB dongle
7. Pocket Wi-Fi rental
8. Free public wireless network

1. Local SIM card, a traditional way to get Internet for travel

A local SIM card is one affordable way to get travel Internet. That said, you may end up expending a lot of time looking for a suitable SIM card once you get to your destination, so it’s an option I don’t consider on my trips unless I’m traveling for more than a month.

In most countries, local cellular plans can be purchased at entry points like airports, train stations, and bus terminals. I suggest inquiring with vendors to identify the option with the most data for the price point.

Also, confirm the SIM card is compatible with your device and permits sharing data with other gadgets. This last point is essential if you’re traveling as a couple or family and don’t want to end up needing to purchase multiple SIM cards.

Suggested for: Travelers who only need Internet access on their mobile device and will be in the same nation for a month or more. They should have an unlocked phone and, if possible, dual SIM card capability .

2. Holafly eSIM card, the simplest way to get travelling Internet

The Holafly eSIM card is my preferred selection for traveling Internet. You can obtain it even if you’re presently overseas since the eSIM arrives by email. This is, without a doubt, the most practical choice, and it can even be cheaper than some local SIM cards.

This outlook point, or mirador, is deemed one of the best vantage views on the island because you can see the magnificent cliffs of Los Gigantes as well as the entire coastal zone of Puerto de Santiago. On clear days, you may even spot the island of La Gomera from afar.

To activate your global digital SIM card, scan the QR code emailed to you. Usually I take a picture of the QR code on my phone and send it to Dan so he can scan it off his, but if traveling solo, you can print it out.

Activating and installing this eSIM is as straightforward and simple as utilizing a physical card, with the convenience of not requiring a smartphone with a dual SIM card slot. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you won’t lose your common SIM card. However, not all devices back up eSIM cards, so I recommend checking this connection to ensure your phone is compatible.

Again, Holafly is the choice we always turn to when we want Internet access while traveling, and we’ve never had any issues. Except in extremely remote areas, we’ve always had very good service.

Recommended for: Travelers who solely need mobile Internet for travel. They must have an unlocked phone that’s compatible with eSIM cards. The best and most affordable option for short trips (less than a month) .

3. International SIM card, another good way to get travel Internet

• Restaurante Algo Más: this is considered one of the finest dining establishments in Fuerteventura, so don’t overlook it. They serve all kinds of Mediterranean cuisine, and the patio offers wonderful views of the Antigua Golf Course and the sea.

We like SimOptions, which cooperates with several renowned mobile providers like AT&T, Orange, and Three UK. They offer prepaid standard, micro, and nano-SIMs, so any mobile device should be compatible. You can check here our SimOptions review.

These international SIM cards function in over 200 countries across Asia, North and South America, the Middle East, Africa, and Australia. As for the data plans, you can select a package for the country you’re visiting (a European SIM card is also available.)

This is the best mobile internet for traveling abroad if you only need your phone, and activating the SIM is as simple as unlocking your device and inserting the card.

Recommended for: Global travelers who solely need mobile Internet. They must have an unlocked phone .

4. Unlocked portable router, the cheapest travelers Internet

An unlocked moveable router is another effortless and helpful approach to get Internet for travel. Its main benefit is that it allows you to connect multiple devices simultaneously, like laptops. This makes it an ideal choice for traveling with family or friends, as well as for work trips.

These lightweight portable routers can be stored in a backpack or bag, and some are small enough to fit in a pocket. Of course, choosing to use one of these routers means remembering to charge it every time in accommodations since the battery runs out after a day`s use. It`s best to start each day with a fully charged battery.

Also, keep in mind that you’ll need to insert a compatible SIM card with network coverage for your destination, and not all SIM cards are compatible with this type of device. You’ll have to buy the SIM card once you reach your destination.

Once the SIM card has been inserted, simply connect your phone to the router, just as you would with your home Wi-Fi network. We recommend this router, which several travelers who have used it have said is very reliable.

• Budget: Hotel Puerto Palace, one of the better inexpensive hotels in Puerto de la Cruz

5. Solis portable router, an ideal way to get Internet during travel

Another option for traveling Internet networks is purchasing a Solis portable router. This is the perfect choice for frequent travelers who need Internet on their laptops and journey to multiple countries. Rather than having to buy a new SIM card at each destination, they can employ their Internet travel router to work from their laptop.

• Recommended lodging: The Ureta Landa Gaztelugatxe apartments are a good choice since they are surrounded by beautiful scenery and located just over a mile from Areaga Beach.

To securely connect to the Internet while traveling, you just need to download the Solis Wi-Fi app, select your plan, and connect to the network, the same as you would do with your home router. If you don’t like any of the Solis plans, you can also opt to pay per GB. So, no matter what you choose, this is a quick and practical way to have internet on the go.

Recommended for: Those who frequently travel between nations, but typically do not stay in the same location for over a month. Also, for individuals needing internet access on multiple devices, including laptops .

6. USB dongle, a good way to connect to the Internet when traveling

A USB device also provides Internet connectivity while traveling, although I specifically recommend this choice for those who will need to connect a laptop more regularly than a mobile device.

One of the USB devices that I advise is this particular one. Its known as one of the best which generates a shared wireless network that simultaneously operates as a portable router. That stated, it necessarily needs to be connected to a battery to function, whether to the laptop`s battery or a USB plug. Therefore, its not the perfect Internet travel solution, particularly if you want Internet access while sightseeing in a city.

Compared to other options, this isn’t the best choice for travelers looking for a travel Internet package deal. USB dongles tend to have limited speed and stability, plus you’ll also need to purchase a SIM card at your destination.

On the other hand, if you travel for work and need Internet on your laptop, a USB dongle can be a suitable option, although I think the unlocked portable router or Solis plan is more practical.

Recommended for: Travelers whose occupations involve travel regularly but only need internet connectivity on their laptop for work .

7. Pocket Wi-Fi rental, a popular travel Internet option

Pocket Wi-Fi is simply a portable router that one can lease for travel Internet access. A few countries in Asia, such as Japan and Thailand, provide this selection. In Japan, it’s unlawful to purchase a local SIM card if you’re not a Japanese inhabitant, so your choices are restricted to a Holafly eSIM, the Solis router, or renting a pocket Wi-Fi at your destination location.

One of the chief advantages of a pocket Wi-Fi router is that you can obtain it from the airport, so you can connect to the Internet immediately upon arrival. You can even rent it in advance and pick it up when you show up.

We have a complete guide to mobile Wi-Fi for travel, but I’ll note here that this is a good option for a single journey since you can lease the device by the day, week, or per GB limit. Also, it enables linking different devices, like laptops. On the other hand, it’s not a great choice if you’ll be taking additional trips, as you’ll need to return the router then rent a new one.

Recommended for: Occasional travelers who might not wish to invest in a Solis portable router but will need an internet connection from their laptop while traveling .

8. Public Wi-Fi network, another good way to get travelling Internet

Another option for accessing the Internet while traveling is connecting to a public Wi-Fi network. The main benefit here is that it is completely free of charge and compatible with any device type. However, Internet access may not always be available on public Wi-Fi as it is only found in locations such as airports, hotels, and some restaurants. This means Internet access will not be possible while on the go or sightseeing.

While public Wi-Fi networks provide a convenient option for internet access when away from a private connection, there are some notable downsides. The speed and stability can fluctuate significantly depending on the number of concurrent users, potentially impacting activities that require a reliable connection. Additionally, using an unsecured public network poses risks regarding privacy of data and vulnerability to security threats. However, for brief trips where limited online tasks are anticipated, tapping into a complimentary hotspot enables lightweight functions like brief social media checks, email correspondence, and communicating with acquaintances despite being offsite.

Recommended for: Travelers who don’t mind disconnecting and spending a few days removed from networks.

What is the best travel Internet option?

For occasional trips, and if you only want internet on your mobile device during travel, the best option is the Holafly eSIM card.

To be fair, this may not be the most cost effective Internet travel solution if you plan to stay long term at your destination. In that scenario, it`s preferable to look for a local SIM card or, if Internet is also needed for your laptop, an unlocked router similar this one. A router is also a good choice for frequent travelers since it guarantees a strong connection, and you can establish a stable Wi-Fi network to share data with others.

For individuals who need to use a computer while traveling to multiple nations in a brief period, the Solis portable router is more practical, as one does not have to purchase a local SIM card in each country visited.

There are more specialized options such as the USB dongle, which are intended for those seeking Internet access while traveling internationally, specifically on a laptop. The pocket Wi-Fi is suitable for occasional travelers who work remotely from a laptop but aren’t allowed to purchase a local SIM card at their destination. Lastly, a public Wi-Fi network is appropriate for individuals who don’t mind being disconnected from the Internet for most of the day.

Our experience with using Internet for travel

We use Holafly`s electronic SIM cards to access the internet while traveling internationally, and it has always functioned very well for us. It provides great coverage and allows myself and Dan to access the web without any issues. Furthermore, the eSIM arrives directly in our email, so we can purchase it at the last minute.

Before departing, I’d prefer to bring to mind checking out our tourism maps of NYC, particularly if it’s your initial time in the city. Obviously, if you have any inquiries about NYC transportation, feel free to leave me a remark below. Until then, have an remarkable time in New York!

It is evident that your online travel options will rely on the kind of trip being taken, as well as connectivity needs, so I hope this guide aids in selecting the best solution for you! If you have any inquiries, feel free to comment below and I will try my best to assist in any way possible.

Have a great trip!