You’re trying to figure out where you’re going. Someone needs the hotel address. You want Google Maps. Maybe you need Uber, Grab, WhatsApp, a train schedule, or simply a way to tell someone you arrived.

And your phone has no data. What do you do?

Heading abroad? Get your mobile data sorted before you go. Airalo offers eSIM plans for 200+ destinations, so you can choose your plan ahead of time and skip the airport SIM-card hunt.

Mobile Data to the Rescue!

Twenty years ago, staying connected while traveling internationally was a pain.

We know because we were there.

When we first started traveling together back in 2003, smartphones weren’t a thing. Neither were eSIMs. Getting online generally meant finding an internet café, borrowing a hotel computer, or tracking down Wi-Fi somewhere along the way.

As phones became more useful, things improved, but international mobile data brought a whole new set of problems. We bought local SIM cards, figured out unfamiliar mobile plans, swapped tiny cards in and out of our phones, and tried very hard not to lose our SIM from home somewhere in the bottom of a backpack.

And then there were international roaming charges. Nobody likes coming home from vacation to an unexpected phone bill.

There are a lot of pieces of travel technology we wouldn’t particularly miss if they disappeared tomorrow, but eSIMs are one of those things we genuinely wish we’d had 20 years ago.

They make one of the small hassles of international travel considerably easier.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Airalo. It also contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links, at no additional cost to you. As always, all opinions are our own.

Why Having Mobile Data Abroad Matters So Much

It’s amazing how quickly you need your phone when you arrive somewhere new.

You land at the airport, get through customs, pick up your bags and suddenly you need the address of your hotel. Or you need Google Maps. Maybe you’re trying to book an Uber or figure out which train goes downtown.

If you’re traveling as a family, there’s a decent chance someone has already asked for Wi-Fi before you’ve even left the terminal.

We use our phones constantly when we travel. They’re our maps, translators, cameras and connection to family back home. We use them to look up restaurant hours, make reservations, check flight changes and pull up booking confirmations.

Sure, airport and hotel Wi-Fi can help. We’ve relied on plenty of it over the years. But having your own mobile data makes things much easier, especially on that first day when you’re figuring out where everything is.

If you’re getting ready for a trip, we have a full guide on how to get the most out of your mobile phone while traveling that covers more ways to prepare.

What Is an eSIM?

An eSIM is essentially a digital version of the little physical SIM card that goes inside your phone.

Instead of finding a mobile phone shop at your destination, buying a SIM and inserting it into your phone, you can buy an eSIM plan online and install it digitally on a compatible device instantly.

That’s it.

The name makes the whole thing sound considerably more technical than it needs to be.

Once you’ve installed the eSIM, your phone can use that plan to connect to a mobile network at your destination. Depending on the provider and plan, you may be able to buy coverage for one country, a whole region or several parts of the world.

Airalo currently offers local, regional and global eSIM options covering 200+ destinations.

See Airalo now.

For travelers moving between several countries, a regional plan can be especially handy. If you’re spending a few weeks traveling through Europe, for example, you may be able to use one regional eSIM rather than arranging a different SIM every time you cross a border. If you’re a total globe traveler and planning a quick series of stops or don’t want to be locked into specific regions, Global offers you access in 170 countries over dozens of networks.

Samples of Airolo Regions/Countries

Samples of Airolo Regions/Countries

Samples of Airolo Regions/Countries

International roaming has become easier with many mobile carriers, but easy doesn’t necessarily mean cheap.

Depending on your regular mobile plan and where you’re traveling, your carrier may charge a daily roaming fee for using your phone abroad. One phone might be manageable. Start multiplying that by two parents, two kids and a week or two of travel and it’s worth doing the math.

With a prepaid travel eSIM, you know what the data package costs before you leave.

You can compare that price with what your regular carrier would charge you for roaming and decide which makes more sense for your trip.

We wouldn’t say an eSIM will always be the cheapest option. Mobile plans vary far too much for that. But it’s another option, and for many international trips it can be a good way to keep mobile costs under control.

There’s another benefit we appreciate just as much: you’re not wandering around after a long flight trying to find somewhere that sells a local SIM card.

After 20+ years of international travel, we’re big fans of removing unnecessary work on arrival day.

eSIMs Can Be Especially Useful for Families

Traveling with kids tends to multiply everything, including devices.

Both parents may want mobile data. Older kids may have their own phones, and plenty of families bring a tablet along for flights and long travel days.

That can make international roaming expensive pretty quickly.

With eSIMs, you can look at what each person actually needs instead of automatically turning roaming on for every device.

Maybe both parents need data throughout the trip, while a child’s device stays mostly on hotel Wi-Fi. Maybe your family uses a cellular iPad for maps, entertainment or looking things up while you’re out.

Airalo supports eSIMs on compatible iPhones, Android devices and cellular-capable iPads. Device compatibility varies, so you’ll want to check your exact model before buying a plan. A Wi-Fi-only iPad can’t use cellular service, while supported cellular models can use eSIM.

It’s also worth getting everyone’s devices organized before you leave home. We’ve put together a separate guide on how to prepare your phone for a family vacation that can help with that.

How to Install an eSIM

The exact steps depend on your phone and the eSIM you buy, but the basic process is straightforward.

First, make sure your phone is unlocked and supports eSIMs. If you don’t know if yours is, easiest way is to contact your local carrier.

Then choose an eSIM plan for the country or region you’re visiting.

With Airalo, you can purchase your plan through the Airalo website or app. Once you’ve bought it, the app provides installation instructions for your device. Airalo’s current installation process lets supported users select their purchased eSIM, choose the installation option and follow the prompts on their phone.

When you reach your destination, you’ll follow the instructions for activating the line and using it for mobile data.

Our biggest practical tip is simple: do as much of this as possible before you leave home.

Sitting on your couch with reliable Wi-Fi is a much better place to install an eSIM than standing in an airport after an overnight flight with everyone asking when you’re leaving.

Just pay attention to the activation instructions for your particular plan, since activation timing can vary.

What About Calls and Text Messages?

This is one detail worth checking before you buy.

Some Airalo eSIM plans are data-only, while other plans include voice calls and text messages. Airalo labels plans that include those services as Data, Voice & Text plans.

If you have a data-only plan, apps that use the internet can still work over your eSIM data. That includes messaging and calling apps such as WhatsApp.

Depending on your phone and home mobile plan, you may also be able to keep your regular SIM active for calls or texts while using the travel eSIM for data. Check your carrier’s roaming rules carefully before doing that, though, since you don’t want an incoming call creating an expensive surprise.

Why We’re Recommending Airalo for International Travel

There are quite a few eSIM companies around now, which is a big change from even a few years ago.

At this moment in time, we’ve been recommending Airalo.

Airalo offers eSIM coverage in 200+ destinations, with options for individual countries as well as regional and global travel. You can buy and manage eSIMs digitally, and compatible plans can be installed without having to replace the physical SIM in your phone.

That flexibility is what appeals to us.

If you’re taking a short holiday in one country, you can look for a local plan. Traveling through several countries? A regional plan may make more sense. There are global options for longer trips that cross multiple regions as well.

Check out AirAlo now.

As with any travel service, check the coverage, amount of data, validity period and whether calls or texts are included before buying. You’ll also want to confirm that your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible.

One Travel Headache We Don’t Miss

There’s something a little surreal about looking back at how we traveled when we first started.

We’ve gone from paper maps, heavy guidebooks and internet cafés to carrying a device in our pocket that can translate another language, navigate an unfamiliar city and connect us to the internet with it’s plethora of travel information within minutes of landing.

Somehow, we still manage to get lost occasionally.

Technology can complicate travel as easily as it can simplify it, so we’re selective about the travel tech we get enthusiastic about.

eSIMs solve a problem we’ve dealt with for years.

No tiny SIM card to keep track of. No spending the first afternoon of your trip finding a phone shop. And potentially, no paying your home carrier’s ridiculously priced international roaming rate just because you want to check Google Maps and maybe send your family a picture or 2 of your travels.

We definitely could have used that 20 years ago…

To start, let’s break down how this eSIM can make your travel life easier and your wallet happier.

Why use an eSIM?

Think of an eSIM as your globe-trotting sidekick. Affordable? Check. Reliable? Double-check. An eSIM is perfect for sending beach selfies to friends or giving you reliable data so you don’t get lost in a new city.

Curious? See Maya eSIM plans and prices here.

Say goodbye to crazy roaming fees, the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards, trying to find free public Wi-Fi, or playing the not-so-fun game of ‘Will my SIM card work here?‘ with network compatibility.

And here’s the cool part: Using an eSIM means you can snag sweet data deals and give roaming charges the boot. Travel data? Sorted!

Maya eSIM Review

In this Maya eSIM review, we test the Maya eSIM ourselves and we also look at Maya eSIM data plans so that you can see if it’s a good choice for you.

Let’s get right into it!

What is Maya mobile?

Maya Mobile is a US-based mobile data company, under the umbrella of Maya Virtual, Inc., USA Corporation #5906164 (Delaware), based in Delaware, USA.

Is your phone compatible with a Maya eSIM?

Alright, gadget lovers, listen up! Here’s the scoop on which devices are compatible with an eSIM. Got a device that’s not on our list? Sorry, that means it’s a no-go for Maya Mobile eSIM packages.

Check if your phone is compatible with a Maya eSIM here.

And don’t forget this crucial bit: Your device needs to be totally unlocked and free from those pesky carrier restrictions to use any eSIM and that includes the Maya eSIM.

You can also use a Maya eSIM with compatible smart watches, tablets, and laptops!

Check if your smart watch, tablet, or laptop is compatible with a Maya eSIM.

How to get an Maya eSIM

Getting a Maya eSIM is a simple process that’s done entirely online.

Here’s the deal with eSIM installation: It’s doesn’t kick your current phone plan to the curb. Instead, it’s added as secondary data plan. The best part? You’re the boss – turn it on or off whenever you like. Easy-peasy!

What eSIMs does Maya offer?

You can choose a Maya eSIM plan with either a monthly unlimited or prepaid eSIM plan in the region where you need data.

How much does a Maya eSIM cost?

The cost of your Maya eSIM depends on the specific plan you get. There are 194 destinations to choose from. You can also get regional eSIM plans for the USA, Europe, Asia, South America and the Caribbean.

See Maya eSIM plans and prices here.

Here are a few plans and prices to give you a feel for Maya’s prices:

• USA unlimited 5 day data pass $19 USD
• USA unlimited 30 day data pass $59 USD
• Europe unlimited 10 day pass $34 USD
• Europe unlimited 30 day pass $59 USD

Is the Maya eSIM unlimited internet speed capped?

Yes, the unlimited plans are capped. The most affordable USA 5 day unlimited plan ($19 USD) has the first 2 GB of daily high speed data, and after that data is capped at Unlimited LTE data at 1Mbps.

Maya eSIM Canada prices

Since we’re in Canada right now, we looked at the Canadian eSIM plans. Any Canadian will tell you that Canada’s mobile and data plans are awfully expensive!

The most affordable Canadian plan was the 5 day 1 GB data pass for $7 USD.

The most expensive Canadian plan was the 30 day unlimited Max plan for $219 USD. What’s cool about this plan is that it includes a Wi-Fi hotspot, making it fantastic for a group. The data in the plan is capped – after the first 5 GB of daily high speed data, further use is unlimited LTE data at 1Mbps.

Where does the Maya eSIM have coverage?

Wondering where the Maya eSIM works? You can get a Maya eSIM in 194 destinations around the world.

Here’s a helpful map of Maya eSIM coverage.

How to activate your eSIM

Once you’ve purchased your eSIM, here’s the process:

• a QR code is delivered to your email
• you scan the QR code to your device, and follow the email instructions to install the eSIM to your phone
• connect to your Maya mobile internet automatically

I tried the Maya eSIM, and here’s what I thought

Maya says that it should only take five minutes to set up your travel eSIM, so we put it to the test.

Our policy is that we need to try every product we review, to give a personal, hands-on look at how they work in the real world. No product, no review. Simple.

To trial the Maya eSIM, I got a 10 GB Canada plan.

Their website says that installing the eSIM is as easy as scanning a QR code, and following the prompts to connect your Maya eSIM automatically, but is it really that easy?

Spoiler: Well, it’s not quite that simple, but it is pretty seamless!

As soon I got the email confirming my Maya eSIM email, I opened the email on my laptop, and scanned the QR code with the camera app on my phone. A prompt came up in my camera app, asking me to Add plan to phone. I clicked on that, and the eSIM started installing automatically.

Tip! If you can’t scan a QR code, or want to activate using a manual code, just log in to your Maya Mobile account and click to Install your eSIM plan.

After that, I followed the instructions in the email, and enabled Data Roaming. On my Android Samsung Galaxy phone, I found that in Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks.

After that, I activated the Maya eSIM, and clicked the setting to make it my primary SIM card (for me, on my Android Galaxy phone, that was in Settings > Connections > SIM Manager).

How long does it take to activate your plan?

And boom, my eSIM was installed and ready to use. The whole installation process took less than five minutes.

To be fair, because the eSIM was activated in Canada, and anything related to Canadian mobile carriers is annoying (if you’re Canadian, you know), there was one extra manual step (which you probably won’t need to deal with in other destinations). You’ll likely just skip this step, but I had to go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks and edit the Access Point Names, which only took an extra minute.

After that, I followed the instructions in the email and restarted my phone. It did take about 20 minutes for the data to start working after that, but that’s just something you have to deal with on any SIM activation here in Canada (and maybe in other places).

And I was up and running with lightning fast 5G data!

How fast is internet on the Maya eSIM?

I ran a speed test immediately, and my download data speed with the Maya eSIM was 31.3 Mbps, which is pretty good! I really wasn’t expecting it to be that fast!

Can I add multiple plans on one eSIM?

Yes! Maya Mobile eSIMs let you mix and match data plans across different countries or regions. The plans have an expiry date, but the eSIM it stays on your device.

Want to upgrade or change your plan?

Need a plan switch-up or more data?

No sweat. Hop into your Maya Mobile Account, and tweak your plan or data with a few clicks.

Maya eSIM: My final verdict

So what did I think of the Maya eSIM? I really liked that it was a US-based company to begin with.

In my test, the eSIM installed quickly and with no hassle, and the speed was quick (5G!).

Let’s look a little closer at the Maya eSIM, highlighting the pros and cons to give you a clear picture of what to expect:

Pros:

1. Global Connectivity: With Maya Mobile eSIM, you can be connected in 194 countries.
2. Flexible Plans: Whether you need a quick data fix or unlimited surfing, Maya offers a variety of plans.
3. Compatibility with New Devices: If you have a newer phone model, chances are it’s compatible with Maya eSIM, making it a convenient choice.
4. Easy Setup: Getting started with Maya eSIM is a breeze. In our test, it took about five minutes to install the eSIM to our device.
5. No SIM Needed: No physical SIM card to hassle with so less chance of losing my main SIM card or even needing to ever remove my original SIM card or go looking for a paperclip to open my SIM tray. Quick to enable or disable.

Cons:

1. Limited Device Compatibility: Older phones might not play well with eSIM technology. So, if you’re not sporting a newer model, you might need to check compatibility first, but that’s going to be true of any eSIM.
2. Variable Coverage and Speed: Since Maya depends on local carriers, your internet experience might vary. In some places, it’ll be smooth; in others, not so much, but again, that’s going to be true of any company and speeds are carrier dependent, not due to a eSIM.
3. Customer Support Channels: Need help? You’ll rely on emails and app messages, as Maya doesn’t have direct phone support or live chat options.

Do I recommend a Maya eSIM?

Overall, I’m quite happy with my Maya eSIM. Installation and activation was quick and easy, and I have fast, realizable data. To me, that’s what matters.

See Maya eSIM plans and prices here.

In a nutshell, Maya eSIM offers good variety of data plans in 194 destinations, and user-friendly features, making it a strong contender for travelers.

Join us as we look at how eSIMs are improving how we stay connected, helping us get data on the go without roaming fees, or the hassle of finding fee Wi-Fi on the road.

eSIMs are a cost-effective and easy answer to staying connected wherever you are. They’re cheap and reliable, which is perfect when you’re on vacation.

Having an eSIM for travel also means you don’t need to worry about roaming charges, swapping out physical SIM cards, and network compatibility.

An eSIM is also a good fit if you don’t mind having a short-term pay-as-you go plan.

See AloSIM prices now.

What are the cons of eSIMS? If you’re looking for a phone number, and eSIM may not work for you. If you want a phone number while you travel, then aloSIM eSIM data may not work for you, as it doesn’t come with a cell number to make calls or texts and is reserved only for data.

You also need to make sure you pick the right eSIM for your trip. While some eSIMs are tied to certain countries, other eSIMs let you connect to cellular networks around the world, meaning you can get cheap travel data and avoid roaming charges.

Another potential downside of eSIMs that they’re not supported on all phones. Check to see if your phone is eSIM compatible here.

Tip: Want to check if your phone has eSIM support? The exact steps differ between phones, but try this: Go to Settings – Cellular Data (or something like Mobile or Mobile Data). If you see an option to Add an eSIM or Add a Cellular Plan, then your device should support an eSIM.

Is an eSIM better than a physical SIM card?

Back in the day, we used to recommend that travelers pick up a physical SIM card when they arrived at their destination airport. However, there are definitely disadvantages to this approach:

• It can sometimes be hard to identify a reputable local mobile provider.
• There’s often a lot of annoying paperwork, including showing your passport to register.
• You have the hassle of figuring out mobile data and cell plans when you’re jet-lagged, and sometimes having to make the deal in another language.
• Having to physically swap out your old SIM card for the new one, and store your home SIM card somewhere safe for when you head back home.

These days, we generally recommend travelers get an eSIM instead, as long as their phone supports it.

What’s an eSIM?

An eSIM is exactly what it sounds like: an electronic SIM card. The eSIM software is embedded in your phone (meaning it’s not removable, unlike a standard physical SIM card) and just needs to be programmed to work with different carriers and cell providers.

What’s cool about an eSIM is that you don’t need to visit a physical store. You can get an eSIM entirely online.

You can also buy an eSIM from your home country, before you leave on your trip.

An eSIM lets you change your wireless carrier, data, or service plan through software, without removing a physical chip, and inserting a new one. Most of the time, all you need to do is scan a simple QR code to switch your eSIM from one carrier to another.

An eSIM can also let you use two different data plans on the same device (like a home and work plan), or let you switch between different plans, depending on where you are in the world.

Is my device compatible with an eSIM?

Most newer devices are compatible with eSIMs. However, not all phones are compatible with an eSIM. When choosing an eSIM, first make sure that your phone is compatible using this link.

Important Note: Your phone must be carrier-unlocked to use an eSIM.

If you’re not sure if your phone is eSIM compatible, you may still be in luck!

iPads and some laptops support eSIMs. Apple iPads have an easy eSIM interface, where you can simply choose your plan and provider from a menu on the iPad. Some laptops from Dell, Asus, Acer, Lenovo, Samsung and Microsoft support eSIM, but Apple laptops don’t support eSIMs at this time.

Using an eSIM is pretty simple for most users. First, make sure your device is eSIM compatible, then buy the eSIM online. Finally, scan a QR code (or enter the settings manually) and turn on data roaming from your settings.

After that, you can call and message all your existing contacts on free chat providers like WhatsApp, just as if you’re in the same country. You can even keep your original SIM for phone calls if you wanted to continue using your existing provider.

AloSIM Review

In this aloSIM eSIM review, we test the aloSIM personally, and give you more information about aloSIM eSIM plans so that you can see if it’s a good choice for you.

Getting an aloSIM is a simple process.

How to buy an aloSIM eSIM

1. Choose your location from 130+ countries for your prepaid eSIM data package.
2. Select your eSIM plan, choosing how much data you want, and how long you want it.
3. Add your eSIM to your device.

My personal experience buying and activating my aloSIM eSIM

Getting started with aloSIM was easy.

You can buy an aloSIM on either:

• their website at this link, or
• through the aloSIM app. You can get the aloSIM app on Google Play here or the App Store here.

I chose to buy it in the AloSIM App so I could do this aloSim app review.

First, I installed the aloSIM app from the Google Play store (on my Samsung phone).

From there, I created an account.

I then activated the account through an email confirmation.

Next I browsed to their store, and chose my eSIM plan.

There are options for plans from over 130 countries worldwide.

Since I’m in Canada right now, I chose the Canada plan. You can choose different data amounts, but I grabbed just 1GB of data, since I don’t need much data right now.

I bought the eSIM, following the onscreen directions.

Then, I went to the My eSIMs page.

Next, I clicked on the eSIM plan (Canada in my case). Notice that it’s not activated yet.

Click Activate.

I could then install the eSIM one of two ways:

1. Manually, by entering the eSIM ID in your phone’s SIM card manager settings, or
2. Using a QR code.

Select the QR Code or Manual tab option.

I chose the install via QR code, since it’s faster, but it’s nice to see there’s a manual option, if you need it, for whatever reason.

I selected the Samsung instructions, which were detailed and clear.

I followed the instructions for Samsung, and took a screenshot of the QR code. If you don’t have a Samsung newer than a Samsung Galaxy 22, you’ll need to either print out your QR code, or get it to display on a different phone, laptop, or other device. If you can’t do this, you can always back up a step and install the eSIM manually.

Follow the instructions for setting up the eSIM. Essentially, you’ll go into your phone’s SIM card manager settings. This is what my SIM manager setting screen looks like:

Select Add eSIM.

Add the QR code. In my case, I chose the camera gallery icon, and chose the screenshot I’d taken. If that doesn’t work for you, just add the code manually.

A message pops up, asking, Add aloSIM eSIM.

Select Add.

I got a message asking me to restart my phone to connect to the new network.

Once the phone was restarted, I continued following the instructions, and browsed to Mobile Networks. Under Access Point names, I changed my eSIM’s name to aloSIM, and the APN to alosim, as per the instructions.

Next, in the Mobile Network settings, make sure the aloSIM setting is turned on, and select aloSIM as your preferred SIM card.

Turn on roaming for the aloSIM, and turn off roaming for your physical SIM to avoid roaming charges with your physical SIM.

And just like that, I was up and running with my new eSIM giving me data in Canada.

After that, I browsed to My eSIMs in the aloSIM app.

My plan was now activated!

You can see how much data you have remaining here. It will tell you your Network, and speed. In my case my speed was fast with an LTE 5G connection on the Bell Mobility or TELUS Communications networks.

You can also top up the eSIM data directly in the app here!

I found the purchase and install easy. I purchased and installed the eSIM in about ten minutes, following the instructions in the app.

Easy!

You can also go into your phone’s SIM manager settings to tweak your settings. To avoid using roaming data on your normal physical SIM, you can even just toggle your primary physical SIM off in the settings.

Will I have a phone number with aloSIM?

No, your aloSIM is a prepaid data package. It does not come with a cell number.

Even though a data-only eSIM doesn’t come with its own phone number, there are still ways to make/receive phone calls with a data-only eSIM, and send/receive texts with a data-only eSIM.

How to make phone calls with an eSIM

• use a calling/texting app like Hushed, WhatsAPP, Viber, Messenger, Skype or any of the dozens of apps with this feature
• use your primary physical SIM for phone calls, but use the eSIM for data (if you use this option, your carrier may charge you for calls and texts while roaming)

How to text with a data-only eSIM

• use an app like iMessage or WhatsApp (which only needs Wi-Fi or data to work)
• use a calling/texting app like Hushed or Skype
• text using your primary physical SIM, but use the eSIM for data (if you use this option, your carrier may charge you for calls and texts while roaming)

See AloSIM prices now.

aloSIM eSIM Review

Stay connected anywhere with eSIMs – affordable and reliable, perfect for your next trip. See AloSIM prices now.

M C Kosman

Cheap

Quick and easy to set up

Data-only eSIMs for over 130 countries

Easy to top up

Summary

With an eSIM, you’ll enjoy cheap global data and dodge roaming charges, but remember, it won’t provide a cell number for calls or texts – still a game-changer!

4.8

Read these helpful articles next:

• Our Fluentalk T1 Offline Voice Translator Review
• Skyroam Solis Review – How We Get Unlimited WiFi Anywhere We Travel
• How to Use a VPN to Get Cheaper Flights: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide
• Using A Cell Phone In Europe Made Easy and Affordable

Here are our best travel tips for getting fast, reliable data in Europe as you travel.

Using A Cell Phone In Europe: How to Save Time, Money and Hassle

Having fast, reliable cellular data on your mobile phone is a must when traveling Europe.

Are you wondering “Can I buy a phone in the US and use it in Europe?” The short answer is yes, you can use your own phone and phone plan, but it might be incredibly expensive.

Can I use my American or Canadian cell phone in Europe?

Almost all modern mobile devices are compatible with European cellular networks, so you should be able to use your phone in European countries without interruption. So yes, you can buy a phone in the US and use it in Europe.

In a hurry? Try one of these quick solutions to start saving money.

• Solo traveler? Get an affordable Keepgo eSIM for pay-as-you-go wireless internet
• In a group? Pick up a Skyroam Solis WiFi Hotspot! Use with up to 10 devices!

However, you may get dinged pretty hard with unwelcome, and expensive, roaming fees from your home cell phone plan.*

If you just want to use your American smartphone and buy a local SIM card, you’ll also need to make sure your phone is unlocked however more on that later.

*Some budget cell phone plans don’t allow European roaming, like our cell plan in Canada with Public Mobile (though they do offer USA-based roaming add-ons).

Can I use my Verizon cell phone in Europe?

Smartphones on the Verizon network in the USA should work perfectly well in Europe, using Verizon’s international roaming plans.

The problem is that Verizon’s roaming tends to be pretty darn expensive. You can get the Verizon TravelPass plan, which works in over 185 counties. The TravelPass plan currently costs $10 per line per day, which is great for really short trips, but adds up pretty quickly if you’re gone for a week or longer. On this international plan, you’ll get unlimited calls, unlimited texts, and whatever data allowance you had on your domestic plan.

There’s also an International Monthly Plan for longer trips that lets you add a bundle of minutes, texts and data. The International Monthly Plan costs $100 /line per month, which is definitely cheaper than the TravelPass for longer trips. You’ll get 250 minutes, 1000 sent SMS, unlimited received SMS, and 5 GB data total. Sure, 5 GB of data sounds like a lot for day to day things however Netflix says you’ll use 1 GB of data (per device) for every hour you stream a Standard Definition show.

Will my cell phone work in Europe on AT&T?

Your AT&T phone should work perfectly well in Europe, using an AT&T roaming plan. However, AT&T doesn’t offer a lot of roaming options, and the AT&T International Day Pass is a little expensive for my taste. You’ll pay $10/day for the AT&T International Day Pass, which gives you unlimited data, talk and text in over 210 destinations.

How to unlock a smartphone

If you want to avoid expensive roaming fees, you can remove your American or Canadian phone’s SIM card and replace it with a European carrier’s SIM card. For most travelers, this may be the best way to use your phone in Europe.

Back to basics: What’s a SIM card?

A SIM card is basically a thumbnail sized card or chip in a slot in your phone. Your SIM card is what stores your phone number and cellular data plan. If you remove your phone’s SIM card, you’ll no longer be able to make phone calls, or use your cellular data plan, but you can still use your phone on Wi-Fi (you just won’t have a cell number or data). You can remove your SIM, and replace it with a European SIM, which will give you a European cell number and data plan (assuming data is included).

International travel eSIM for Europe

Before we get into the basics of SIM cards, let’s talk about one of the best ways to save money with a local SIM in Europe: eSIMs.

An eSIM is exactly what it sounds like: an electronic SIM card. However, an eSIM is embedded in your phone (meaning it’s not removable), and it can be reprogrammed easily.

An eSIM lets you change your wireless carrier, data, or service plan through software, without removing a physical chip, and inserting a new one. Most times, all you need to do is scan a simple QR code to switch your eSIM from one carrier to another. An eSIM can also let you use two different cell lines on the same device (like a home and work line), or let you switch between different plans depending on where you are in the world.

Several companies offer eSIMs for travelers, such as Holafly.

However, not all phones are compatible with an eSIM unfortunately, though it is arguably the best way to use cell phone in Europe. All three major US carriers support eSIM on recent iPhone and Google Pixel models, but not on Samsung models sold in the USA or Canada. So, when choosing an International eSIM for travel, first make sure that your phone is compatible.

Here’s what’s cool though: iPads and some laptops support eSIMs. Apples iPads have an easy eSIM interface, where you can simply choose your plan and provider from a menu on the iPad. Some laptops from Dell, Asus, Acer, Lenovo, Samsung and Microsoft laptops support eSIM, but Apple laptops don’t support eSIM at this time.

Important: your phone must also be carrier-unlocked to use an eSIM.

Using an eSIM in Europe is pretty simple for most users. First, make sure your device is eSIM compatible, then buy the eSIM online, and finally scan a QR code and turn on data roaming from your settings. When signing up for a eSIM service, you’ll also need an email address to get your QR code.

After that, you can call and message all your existing contacts on a bunch of free chat providers like WhatsApp or Skype, as if you’re in the same country. You can even keep your original SIM for phone calls if you wanted to continue using your existing provider.

Buying a Physical SIM card for Europe

If your phone does not support eSIM technology, you still can buy a physical SIM card for your travels. You may need to swap out your existing SIM card, but if you’re lucky, your phone will have two SIM card slots.

If you get a foreign SIM , make sure:

• your phone has a SIM card slot, and that the European SIM you buy fits your phone.
• your phone is unlocked. If your phone is locked, you will have to choose from European cell phones rather than use your own.

So, how do you choose the best SIM card for Europe with data?

There’s a little more to choosing a good European SIM card than simply picking the cheapest option.

First, determine which size of SIM card your phone takes.

There are regular, micro, or nano sized SIM cards. Most European SIM card companies carry all three sizes, so that shouldn’t be a problem. A European SIM card for an iPhone will likely be nano or micro.

Next, buy extra texting, talk or data plans that you need.

It is possible to buy a bare bones SIM card without any data. If this happens, you may have a cell phone with a number, but no added minutes, no texting, and no internet data plan. Be sure you get the data and/or text and talk plan that fits your needs. The good news is that cell service in Europe is generally great, and high speed data plans for travelers are usually affordable.

Finally, insert your SIM card in your phone.

The location of the SIM card slot is different for different phones. However, it’s generally a small and fiddly process that requires good lighting, and a table so you don’t drop the SIM on the floor. SIM cards are tiny, and easily lost and damaged. You’ll likely need a paper clip, pin, or special tool to open the SIM card slot however all phones come with one and if you can’t find yours just grab a paperclip or you can buy them online fairly cheaply.

Looking for other options for how to use your cell phone in Europe?

If you don’t want to pay for roaming fees from your home carrier, and don’t want to fuss with getting a European SIM card, another option is to only use wifi on your phone.

While it can be tricky to get high speed Wi-Fi when traveling, it’s definitely possible. You can use apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Google Chat to get the most out of your mobile phone when traveling, rather than relying on a data connection.

To travel Europe using Wi-Fi only, just use Wi-Fi at hotels, airports, restaurants and even malls or you can bring along a Wi-Fi hotspot, like the Solis or Glocalme. A lot of apps these days from Netflix to YouTube to Spotify to Google Maps also allow offline saving so you while you can’t connect with family and friends while on the go like with an eSIM or regular SIM card, you can at least enjoy your media on the go.

Some European companies even rent cell phones in Europe, however since most modern North American phones will work fine with European carriers, it may just be easier to take your phone overseas and use an eSim.

Looking for some more travel tech tips? Read these articles:

• How not to fry your electronics overseas
• Ways to share your mobile data connection
• The best iPad drawing apps for kids

In this review, we test the GlocalMe portable hotspot, let you know the good and bad, and give you our honest opinion on the device and service.

Like a lot of you, we’re always looking for reliable, fast Wi-Fi. Between traveling a lot (when the world allows), working from home (or on the go), and occasionally home schooling, good internet is an absolute must for us.

GlocalMe review

Essentially, the GlocalMe G4 PRO (which is the actual device we tested for this review) is a touchscreen data Wi-Fi hotspot that lets you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously to the Internet. It works almost anywhere around the world with cellular coverage, and since it’s pocket-sized, fits in your backpack or back pocket.

Since we’re using the GlocalMe G4 PRO specifically, here’s what we thought of GlocaMe’s flagship device.

Pros

• internet coverage in 140+ countries
• pay-as-you go
• doubles as a power bank
• supports 4g LTE with speeds up to 150mbps down and 50mbps up (depending on connection)
• easy to use touchscreen with easy to see battery life and data remaining
• long 18 hour battery life
• no sim card required
• can connect up to 10 devices

Cons

• data packages can be a little confusing to find what you need
• can be a little heavy in your pocket

GlocalMe download speed

Once I got the GlocalMe up and running, the first thing I did was run a speed test. Right away, my connection popped up as 28 Mbps. Not bad for a first try. That’s plenty fast enough to stream a 4K movie. Upload maxed out at 6 Mbps however that was plenty fast for what we needed to do.

Why get a mobile WiFi device?

A portable WiFi hotspot can save a lot of money over cell phone roaming charges. It also eliminates the problem with data caps when traveling and both families and friends can share a single connection rather than buying a sim for each user. It also allows easier access if you’re jumping around Europe or neighboring countries that require a sim in each country.

With a dedicated WiFi device, it also saves on battery life for your cellphone (vs using your cellphone as a hotspot) and allows you to connect a laptop, tablet or any WiFi device to the internet.

Because we need internet for work and study wherever we go, it’s so nice to have internet with us everywhere. Meaning no more relying on notoriously buggy borrowed Wi-Fi from hotels, cafes or stores.

While we often stay in AirBnB’s for long term travel, having another method to connect to the internet when out and about (from calling an Uber to searching for a restaurant to using Google Maps) is awesome and saves us from having to research local phone options, picking up a SIM (which isn’t possible in every country if you’re not a local) and then activating it.

Also the fact that all 4 of us can go online at the same time as well as have our laptops connected means happiness all around.

GlocalMe G4 PRO Review

In truth, the GlocalMe G4 PRO really impressed me.

Before the G4 crossed my desk, I’d never used a touchscreen travel Wi-Fi hotspot before. With other hotspots, I needed to rely on the app to see how much data I had remaining, or how much battery life was left. With the GlocalMe G4 PRO, all of that information is right on the 5 inch touchscreen itself.

The touchscreen makes it easy to add more data, and it also comes with Google Maps and TripAdvisor already installed. In truth, it almost feels like a cellphone so there is an inherent comfort in using it to set things up with it’s simple interface and limited but essential options.

Because you can connect 10 devices, the G4 PRO is also great for our family of four. We can each connect our smartphones, and there are six connections left for laptops, tablets and other devices.

For road trips, or even just walking around town, it’s nice to have that 3900 mAh battery that lasts up to 18 hours. We haven’t tested that limit yet however it does seem to hold a charge well.

The GlocalMe G4 PRO comes with a data package, with free 8 GB Local Data, plus 1 GB Global Data. You can add more data at any time from within the Glocal me touchscreen.

Other G4 PRO features:

• Two nano SIM slots.
• Automatic setting that disables large data consumption
• Option to use the device as a charger for your phone
• USB C fast charge ability as well as a USB 2.0 port
• Cost: $169.00

Learn more about the GlocalMe G4 PRO.

You can either buy a GlocalMe hotspot outright, or rent one.

Rentals give you free US & Canada shipping and returns. Prices vary depending on where you’re traveling, and include a data package (which varies depending on where you travel).

GlocalMe app

The GlocalMe app is available for iOS or Android. It lets you add data, monitor usage, and see battery life.

The app is especially useful for the GlocalMe U3 wireless device, which doesn’t come with a touchscreen.

GlocalMe U3

The GlocalMe U3 is GlocalMe’s smaller, more affordable Wi-Fi hotspot alternative. For me, the one big disadvantage of the U3 is the lack of a touchscreen.

• Light and slim
• Connects to 10 devices
• Cost: $119.99
• Data included: Free 8 GB Local Data + 1 GB Global Data
• Doesn’t have a touchscreen so relies on connected phone or tablet to set things up

Get GlocalMe U3 prices and more now.

Glocalme Duo Turbo

The Duo Turbo is the choice for users who absolutely cannot lose internet. It’s a dual-modem Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot, meaning that it has two modems to ensure connectivity all the time. One modem is connected, while the second is on standby, which reduces the chance of dropped connections.

• Small 2.4″ touchscreen
• 12 hour battery life
• 3,500 mAh battery
• Single nano SIM slot
• Cost: $149.99
• Data included: Free 8 GB Local Data + 1 GB Global Data

Learn more about the GlocalMe Duo Turbo.

GlocalMe data plans

All three GlocalMe hotspots include free 8 GB of local data plus 1 GB Global Data with purchase.

After that, GlocalMe offers either local or global pay-as-you go data plans.

You can get monthly passes, 7 day, or 30 day packages. You can also buy data in 10 GB, 12 GB, 3 GB and other data packages.

Local packages are available for the USA, North America, China, Europe, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Russia, and Egypt. There’s also a Global 10GB 180-Day Package.

The GlocalMe data plan price depends on the specific location and amount of data you need.

A monthly pass for the USA comes with unlimited data, and costs $99 USD per month.

A 10 GB 180-day global package comes with a price of $98 USD.

GlocalMe unlimited data

Is GlocalMe truly unlimited?

Here’s what GlocalMe has to say “The unlimited data service is affected by the Fair Usage Policy of service operators, the maximum data speed will restrict to 256kbps once you have reached the FUP threshold.” To me, that sounds like your speed (and thus the amount of data you use) can be limited if you’re using a lot of data at once. Unfortunately, it doesn’t say exactly how much data exceeds the Fair Use Policy.

On top of that, different data packages have different priorities. For example, GlocalMe says the 10GB 180-Day Package for Global BIZ “has lower priority than unlimited data package.”

See unlimited data plans and prices here.

GlocalMe SIM

GlocalMe doesn’t currently offer a SIM only package.

However, it does offer the GlocalMe SIMBOX.

GlocalMe SIMBOX

The GlocalMe SIMBOX lets you switch between different SIM cards, depending on where you are in the world. Switching between different cell phone SIM cards lets you avoid roaming charges and expensive long distance. It’s great for frequent travelers, international students and work abroad users.

It has four SIM card slots though it seems only 2 can be active at any one time.

One of the most frequent uses of the SIMBOX seems to be leaving the device in your home country with your local SIM card and then connecting to it via their app while on the go. This lets you receive local calls and texts (perfect for when you need to receive SMS confirmations while out of country) via the SIM card that then gets forwarded to your phone via the app (available on both Android and Apple devices).

It also has:

• 1 X Micro USB interface
• 4 X Standard SIM slots
• 1 X RJ45 (Ethernet slot)

You’ll need to download and install the GlocalMe Call App to register and activate the SIMBOX.

The GlocalMe SIMBOX isn’t currently available and, at the moment, doesn’t support Verizon and Sprint.

Check for GlocalMe SIMBOX availability here.

Can I buy GlocalMe on Amazon?

Yes, you can buy GlocalMe on Amazon, as well as on the GlocalMe website.

See prices for the GlocalMe G4 PRO WiFI hotspot on Amazon.

GlocalMe Coverage Map

GlocalMe works in over 140 countries around the world. Like any other WiFi hotspot, including the Skyroam Solis, Tep Travelwifi, or Keepgo, it only works where you can get a cell signal. It won’t work in the middle of the ocean, or in an airplane, where there isn’t a steady cellular signal.

See the GlocalMe coverage information here.

Looking for a first hand Skyroam Solis review for 2022? We’ve used our Skyroam Solis for over four years now, and share our thoughts: the good, the bad and the orange.

2022 update: We got an email from Skyroam saying that “starting July, 29th 2021, Skyroam will no longer offer Solis Hotspot rentals.” If you have an existing rental booked, they’ll honor the existing booking.

Skyroam’s going to be launching a new premium hotspot, so we’re excited to see that, and we’ll update this article as soon as we have more info.

See Skyroam Solis prices here.

What is Skyroam Solis?

The Skyroam Solis is a portable WiFi hotspot. It works in over 130 countries, using the same technology that cell phone carriers use to get you data.

Want 10% off the Skyroam Solis? Use code BAREFOOTNOMAD here.

The Solis lets connect up to ten devices over WiFi at the same time. It has a built in battery that can also charge your devices on the go.

Best of all, it’s easy to use. Even the most gadget-adverse traveler should have no trouble getting it up and running in minutes.

Why portable WiFi?

Getting reliable WiFi wherever we go is a huge hassle. Hotel WiFi isn’t always stable, and scrounging free WiFi from a local McDonald’s gets old pretty quickly.

Other options are buying a local sim card, or using our home cell roaming plan, but they both have major downsides.

We’ve bought local sim cards for our unlocked phones, but we tend to hit data limits quickly, and sharing our cell data with our laptops and the rest of the family can be a huge pain. Plus, it’s often a hassle to figure out which plan and provider to choose overseas. Even then, a lot of countries don’t legally allow visitors to purchase a local sim and, though there are ways around this, researching them is a huge hassle.

We’ve also thought about using a worldwide roaming plan with our home cell company while we travel, but honestly, roaming charges can be huge and the data caps are often ridiculously low on roaming plans. We usually don’t need data every day we’re gone, but most roaming plans charge you every day you turn your phone on.

We were looking for a WiFi solution that was affordable for the four of us, and that worked almost anywhere in the world.

Enter the Skyroam Solis. It’s a 4G LTE mobile WiFi gadget that automatically works off local cell towers, with no SIM needed. Up to a whopping ten devices can share WiFi on one Skyroam Solis, making it a great choice for our family of four.

Skyroam Solis Review

Honestly, our first impression was that the Skyroam Solis is a pretty stylish unit. The bright orange case definitely stands out, and it fits easily in the palm of my hand, or my jacket pocket. Now, the orange look may not be your thing, but it definitely has the advantage that it’s hard to misplace, and is easy to find in the bottom of a backpack.

The included zipper case and charging cable helps keep everything together and also helps protect that awesome orange color from getting scratched up as it gets tossed around in our backpack.

How does the Skyroam Solis work?

Skyroam gives you on-the-go WiFi by connecting you to the nearest cell network, with over 300 carriers at 4G LTE speeds (where available). It works in over 100 countries.

To use Skyroam WiFi, you’ll need to:

• Buy a Skyroam WiFi hotspot
• Choose your Wifi Plan (more on that below)
• Power up, and press start, and connect!

Where can I get a Skyroam?

We’re big fans of getting a Skyroam mobile hotspot directly from Skyroam itself.

We’ve had great luck with their shipping being really quick, even to us here in Canada (where shipping is really slow).

You can pick up a Skyroam on Amazon (but availability is spotty at the moment).

How much does Skyroam cost?

Skyroam costs vary, depending on the plan you choose, and the Skyroam hotspot you choose..

Skyroam Solis X vs Skyroam Lite vs Skyroam Original wifi hotspots

Because we travel so much, we own our own Skyroam Solis. Skyroam is a great choice for us, because it means that we don’t need to wait for a rental to be delivered if we take off at the last minute!

If we get stuck someplace local without internet and don’t want to use up all our cell data, we can just opt to enable the Skyroam for the day. This has been fantastic when we visit my Mom in the middle of Alberta Canada, and her shaky Wi-Fi services goes down again, and our Solis comes to the rescue with Wi-Fi for all!

Right now, Skyroam has two WiFi hotspots to choose from:

• Skyroam Solix X
• Skyroam Solis Lite

While we really liked our Skyroam Solis original, it did have a few things missing, like a battery charge indicator. So, we were happy when Skyroam upgraded to the Skyroam Solis X.

They Skyroam Solis X Wi-Fi smartspot has a power bank, smart assistant, remote camera, smart devices, and can connect to 10 devices.

Updated in 2021: Skyroam is currently sold out of Solis X’s, and they won’t be restocking. For now, you can buy only a Solis Lite.

Get a Skyroam Solis here.

The Skyroam Solis Lite is a little cheaper than the Solis X, and a little smaller, at 4.9 oz. It can also connect to 10 devices. It doesn’t have a remote camera. It does have the capability to use it as a power bank, but you’ll need to buy a $19.99 adapter kit.

Compare Skyroam hotspots and see prices here.

Skyroam Data Plans

There are three Skyroam data plans:

• the Global Daypass,
• the GoData Monthly Subscription,
• or the Unlimited Monthly Subscription.

The best part is there are no contracts with the Global Daypass or Unlimited Monthly Subscription. You pay only for the days or months that you use the Skyroam.

The Skyroam Global daily pass

The daily pass (which lasts a full 24 hours from the moment you begin) costs $9 if you own your own Skyroam device. A daypass lets you connect up to 10 devices. If you decide to just rent a Skyroam Solis, the daily cost also starts at $9 per day.

See Skyroam plans and prices here.

Skyroam Global GoData per GB Subscription

The GoData plan gives you 1GB of data (at 4G LTE data speed) for $9 a month. You can buy more data, on the go, at $9/GB. Plus, there’s no contract. Like the daily plan, you can connect up to ten devices. Every month you get another 1 GB of data. However, any unused data you didn’t use doesn’t roll forward.

Tip! Lots of people use the Skyroam GoData plan to extend their monthly cell phone plan. Depending on where you are in the world, it can be cheaper than your home cell phone company charges for data and you can boost your amount at any time if you need more.

Skyroam Unlimited Monthly Subscription

You can also get unlimited Skyroam service for $99 per 30 days. You get high speed data up to 20 GB, and then it gets slower after. The data resents after each 30 days.

Since we sometimes go a month or two without traveling, we’re sticking with our the 24 hour daily passes. That said, we may switch to the GoData plan the next time we head out for an extended trip just so we’re not limited to daily time limits.

Find out more about Skyroam data plans and see prices.

Skyroam USA data plans

If you’re in the USA, it’s worth checking out Skyroam’s USA-only data plans. They have a USA Pay-per-GB, USA Unlimited, and a USA GoData per GB Subscription.

See Skyroam’s USA data plans.

Skyroam Solis in Canada

What I really liked about Skyroam is that they only quoted me a $9.99 shipping charge to Canada. If you’re Canadian, you’ll understand why this is so huge – we usually pay a small fortune to have anything shipped into Canada. In fact, we checked out a competitor, and they were charging over $30 to ship to Canada.

If you’re in the USA or Europe, your shipping will likely be even less.

See how much a Skyroam costs.

How fast is Skyroam Solis?

For us, the most important thing about a portable WiFi is speed and reliability. Sure, the Skyroam works in over 130 countries, but that’s no good if it’s slow. Here’s our Skyroam wifi review.

Happily, we were consistently getting speeds of around 31-32 Mbps on our first tests in Canada and at multiple times throughout our extended road trip.

A speed of around 30 Mbps is plenty fast to run email, watch Netflix or Youtube in HD, interact with social media (including watching Instagram or Facebook videos) and browsing the net.

Even with all four of us connected, with me on email, the kids streaming YouTube videos, and hubby Charles playing video games, the speed was instantaneous, with no seeming lag for anyone.

We tested the Solis throughout Canada and the USA, where cellular data speeds can often be lower than Europe and elsewhere in the world. You’ll probably get speeds in the 40 Mbps range in Europe and Asia. We’re taking our Solis down to Mexico and the southern USA this winter and we’ll report how well it works there as soon as we can!

Our lowest speed in our tests was around 4.75 Mbps, but that was when we were in the car, traveling in the middle of the Rocky Mountains without 4G service, so the only cell service the Skyroam could pick up was old school EDGE technology. Canada gets pretty remote in places, so you may find speeds like this in more remote areas, but the same could be said of any cell data plan or any other WiFi hotspot.

We’re testing our little Solis portable WiFi in the middle of the Canadian prairies in this picture. We still had a connection speed of over 30 Mbps.

Where does the Skyroam work?

The Skyroam coverage map says you can get coverage 130+ countries, including Canada, the USA, Mexico, most of Europe, and South America as well as Asia and the Middle East.

To test it, I entered the last 10 countries we’ve visited: Canada, the USA, Mexico, Belize, Ecuador, Spain, Morocco, Turkey, Anguilla, and the Dominican Republic. There’s Skyroam service everywhere but in Belize. Nine out of 10 is pretty good, I think.

See countries where Skyroam’s available.

Is Skyroam really unlimited?

How much data do you get with Skyroam?

The amount of data you get from Skyroam depends on which of their three plans that you have: the GoData Monthly Subscription, the Global Daypass, or the Unlimited Monthly Subscription.

See Skyroam plans and prices here.

Only the GoData Monthly Subscription gives you truly unlimited speeds. Both both the Global Daypass and the Unlimited Monthly Subscription will throttle your speed if you use too much data.

How much data do you get with the Skyroam Global Daypass?

We primarily use the Global Daypass. With the Global Daypass, you get 24 hours of unlimited data through the Skyroam network. your data does not expire, however, data speeds can vary from 4G to 3G and 2G (depending on location, the specific carrier bandwith, and the total amount of data you use.

On our last trip, we used our little Skyroam Solis Global Daypass pretty extensively with the four of us, burning through at least 800 MB a day for several days in a row. We didn’t notice any throttling at all, and speeds stayed consistently fast.

Does Skyroam throttle data?

Skyroam says here that “data speeds may vary from 4G to 3G/2G speeds depending on location, carrier bandwidth, and total data consumption” for the Global Daypass.

To me, that sounds like your speed can be reduced to 2G if you’re using a whole lot of data. We’ve read other reviews that mention that they started to get throttled after the 1 GB mark using the Global Daypass plan, so I’m guessing that they don’t have a hard limit and it depends on which carriers they’re currently operating on.

The good news is that Skyroam data on the Global Daypass resets every 24 hours, so even if you manage to overuse the fair use amount and got throttled, your data will reset to higher speeds at the end of the day.

What’s the data limit on the Skyroam Unlimited Data Subscription?

Confusingly, Skyroam’s Unlimited Data Subscription isn’t truly unlimited. In their fair use policy, Skyroam says “Users will receive up to 20GBs of high speed data and then speeds will reduce to 512 kbps. “

That’s pretty clear to me, the Unlimited Data Subscription gives you high speeds, and then it’s throttled to 512 kbps. Now 512 kbps isn’t very fast – you can check email, browse the internet, and maybe even watch one YouTube video (if you adjust the video playback resolution to the lowest setting).

To avoid throttling, Skyroam suggests closing any apps that consume data in the background, like auto backups, cloud syncing, app updates, and so on. We keep those for when we have free WiFi and haven’t had any problems using up a ton of data.

Does the GoData Subscription from Skyroam have unlimited data?

The Skyroam GoData subscription lets you buy WiFi by the GB, rather than in an unlimited data package.

Skyroam says that Skyroam GoData users will “receive full speed of mobile data at anytime”, making the GoData subscription the only unlimited speed plan they sell. 

See Skyroam plans and prices here.

How long does the Skyroam Solis battery last?

Skyroam says the built in batteries on the Skyroam Solis lasts 14 to 20 hours, and our tests found that to be pretty close.

We tested the Skyroam for the first time on a road trip in the interior of British Columbia in Canada. The battery lasted a full 14 hours for me, from the time we hit the road at 8 am, to when we went to sleep around 10 pm, with about 15% battery left.

A cool feature about the Skyroam Solis is that you can also connect your phone or device to it, and recharge your phone while on the go. The Skyroam Solis comes with a built in 6000 mAh power bank and comes with a USB-C connection to charge all the latest devices.

Note: The Skyroam Solis uses the same battery as the built in charger, so if you’re charging your phone as you go, you’re also reducing the total time the Skyroam will last.

If you find you need additional power, you can either purchase a power bank to help top up the Solis or even buy extra batteries for it, since you can open the Solis and switch out batteries anytime. That said, from our experience and unless you’re severely going off grid, the batteries in the Skyroam Solis should easily last you the day.

How do I know when my Skyroam is fully charged?

On the Solis X and the Solis Lite, the length of the light on the long central LED bar indicates percent of battery charge. The end of the LED battery is red if you’re under 20% charge, and a flashing LED indicates the bar is charging.

For the Skyroam Solis original, the power button lights up if charge is present, and i doesn’t illuminate if the batter is fully drained. During charging, the power button light is red and flashing. There’s no way to see the percent battery charge on the Solis original.

Does Skyroam work on a plane?

Because Skyroam works off cell networks, it won’t work where you can’t get a cell signal.

That means that Skyroam won’t work when you’re in the air on a flight, where you can’t get a cell signal.

Does Skyroam work on a cruise?

Because Skyroam works of cell networks, it will only work on a cruise ship if you’re near a cell signal in port. It won’t work out on the open sea. like while you’re in the air on a flight, on cruise ships (unless you’re near a cell signal in port), or somewhere very remote.

Does Skyroam work in remote areas?

Skyroam will only work in remote areas if there’s a cell signal used by the Skyroam network.

How do you use Skyroam Solis?

The Skyroam Solis is honestly super easy to get up and running.

When you first get the unit, you’ll need to pull a little plastic tab to connect the battery.

Then, connect it to your cell charger via the provided USB cable to charge. Ours came pre-charged.

1. To get WiFi, press and hold Power On (the side button).
2. Connect your Skyroam Solis to the hotspot’s WiFi signal. You’ll need the unique SSID and password on the bottom of the Solis.
3. On your phone or connected device, visit the Skyroam account portal at a.skyroam.com. You’ll have 20 free minutes to register using your email, phone # or Facebook.
4. Press the WiFi button on the top of the unit to start using WiFi. Each day pass is good for 24 hours from the time you start using it.

How do I load Skyroam?

If you want to add more day passes, or see how many passes you have left, switch to a $99 30-day plan, or start a GoData subscription, go to a.skyroam.com on a connected device.

The Skyroam app lets you activate your Solis, load the Skyroam with more WiFi service, troubleshoot problems, get help and more. We love it because it lets us see battery life, signal strength, the number of devices connected, WiFi status and more on the status screen.

Grab the app on iTunes or Google Play.

Is Skyroam any good?

We really love our Skyroam internet. It’s saved my bacon multiple times when I’ve needed to get reliable internet to work on the go.

Can you stream movies with Skyroam?

Absolutely! You should have no trouble streaming movies on Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime, or any of your other streaming services.

Can you make phone calls with Skyroam?

Because Skyroam is a WiFi hotspot, you can’t use the Skyroam to make regular phone calls on your cell phone. However, you can call over WiFi using an app like Google Hangouts, Skype, WhatsApp, Signal or even good old Skype.

Is Skyroam secure?

To start with, since Skyroam’s your own, private on-the-go WiFi, I think it’s a heck of a lot more secure than using hotel, cafe, or any other public WiFi.

For extra portection, Skyroam just announced the Solis VPN. It’s a $9 monthly subscription VPN that’s shared with all Solis connected devices. You can also get 30 days of VPN service for $12 instead. The Skyroam VPN offers serves in 16 countries.

Who is Skyroam good for?

• Anyone who’s afraid of being charged outrageously high data roaming charges. Tip: Don’t forget to turn off roaming on your cell phone before leaving your home country, so you aren’t accidentally charged in case you get a phone call, text or some app decides to run in the background before hooking up to the Solis!
• Vacationers who don’t want to hassle with buying a local SIM card and data plan on every trip.
• Travelers who don’t have an unlocked phone. If you have a locked phone, you won’t be able to switch out your SIM and buy a local SIM and data plan.
• Travelers who are tired of bad hotel WiFi, and sick of searching for a nearby McDonald’s or cafe for free WiFi.
• Anyone who wants to keep in touch with friends and family anywhere in the world.
• Groups and families who want to share a WiFi connection. The Skyroam works beautifully for our family of four. We’re heavy WiFi users, and we get an especially good deal because we all can share the same Skyroam. Up to five devices can connect at any one time.
• Business travelers or digital nomads like us who need WiFi to work, since the Solis gives us WiFi wherever we are around the globe.
• Solo travelers. I really love having my Solis when I travel alone, as it gives me the ability to reach out to let friends and family to know I’m OK.
• Family day outs. We’ve used our portable WiFi units to have Pokemon Go adventures with the kids and their friends on their iPods and tablets during hikes and walks. With the slew of new enhanced VR games out there that require an internet connection to work, purchasing a daily pass is a great excuse to get the kids out of the house and walking outdoors while still allowing them game time.
• Data toppers whose cell plans have only a limited amount of data. The Skyroam GoData allows people to buy what they need, when they need it, regardless if they’re traveling or at home.

Where to buy Skyroam Solis

You can buy Skyroam Solis on the Skyroam website here, but they’re out of stock until sometime late 2021, at their last estimate.

Skyroam Solis discount

Want to get a Skyroam for yourself?

Want 10% off? Use code BAREFOOTNOMAD here.

Skyroam Solis Alternatives

Looking for an alternative to Skyroam? Check out our TravelWifi hotspot review (formerly Tep) and the Keepgo Hotspot review, or the Glocalme review.

Do you have anything to add to our Skyroam hotspot review? Let us know?

Most of us are reluctant to give up the convenience of being able to call, message, or use the internet wherever we go, but roaming charges when you go abroad make your phone bill skyrocket.

So, how can you make the most of your phone without the soaring cost? Here are five useful tips for how to get the most out of your mobile phone while traveling.

026 update: eSIMs are now one of the easiest ways to get mobile data abroad without swapping a physical SIM card.

Buy a local SIM

If you’re staying in one destination for a while, consider buying a local SIM card. Before you go, check whether your phone is locked to your network. If so, contact your carrier to see if you can get it unlocked.

Tip: Depending on your carrier and your plan, your carrier might unlock your phone for free. Some carriers might charge up to $50 to unlock it, but once it’s unlocked, it’s unlocked for life. Depending on your phone and your plan, there are also third party unlockers you can find online. A nice bonus, besides being able to use any carrier’s SIM worldwide, is that you should get more money for your phone if you sell it to get a newer model.

If you can’t unlock you phone, don’t fret – you can buy a second phone to put the SIM into. Think a simple, budget phone or an older used phone. There are a lot of cheap Android phones on the market that are well under $100 that have touch screens and are similar to your current phone in layout. It won’t be as fancy, but it will do the job for texts, calls and data.

If your phone is already unlocked, you’re good to go. A low cost local SIM won’t be hard to get once you arrive. Just look for a SIM plan with a suitable amount of calls, texts or data included, depending on what you’ll need.

Use apps for calls and messages

If your trip is too short to make buying a SIM worthwhile, you can always use the internet for all your communication needs. Between WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Google Hangouts, V iMessage and FaceTime to name just a few, there are plenty of free apps to choose from. All of these support a combination of messaging, voice calling or video calling, and they’ll work over WiFi or data.

Just remember to turn off roaming while you’re abroad to ensure you aren’t being charged roaming fees. A good way to ensure that you’re not using roaming is to leave your phone on Airplane mode for the duration of your trip and just enable WiFi.

Take advantage of free WiFi

Nowadays, free WiFi isn’t hard to find. International coffee shop brands like Starbucks or fast food chains like McDonald’s are always a safe bet, but many local cafes and bars will have WiFi too. Just ask the staff for the login details.

Lots of apps like Google Maps offer offline maps and info so you can still use your phone to get around even though you’re out of a WiFi zone. Just remember to search all the info you’ll need before you leave the WiFi zone.

Internet is also something you should keep in mind when you’re booking a hotel. It helps if you can get it in your room, and not just the hotel lobby, however even lobby WiFi is better than nothing.

Note: Sometimes, free WiFi is only for a limited amount of time, after which you’ll be charged, or the WiFi is limited to only one device. Do your research before booking that room.

If you know your hotel only has wired internet in your rooms, or even if you want to bump the WiFi signal strength up, you can consider purchasing a small travel router like the TP-Link AC750 Wireless Wi-Fi Travel Router (TL-WR902AC). Not only can it increase your WiFi signal in repeater mode, but also allow you to share files and even your paid WiFi account with other users.

Buy data in advance

Want to use the internet on the go, without stopping at WiFi hotspots or having to purchase a local SIM? Check whether your cell carrier offers any data bundles that you can use abroad.

You might be able to get a certain amount of data for a fixed charge per day, or a monthly bundle if you’re going on a longer trip. Either way, pre-purchasing data or airtime will be a massive saving on being charged megabucks per megabyte from your home country carrier.

Invest in a portable hotspot

If you travel a lot and want a convenient way to be able to access the internet on your phone wherever you go, a portable WiFi hotspot is a great help. You don’t have to look into getting different data plans for every destination, or worry about slow connections over free WiFi, and it’s definitely worthwhile if you need to do work while away. A portable hotspot works with multiple devices, so it’s also a good idea if you’re traveling with a group of friends or your family.

We use (and love) Skyroam Solis, which works in Canada, the USA, Mexico, and many other countries. You can check out our review of the Skyroam Solis here.

Whether you want to make a video call to family back home, or navigate unfamiliar city streets on Google Maps, using your phone makes traveling a whole lot easier. So, make sure you think ahead and choose an option that works for you!