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.

Back in our first 10 years of travel, our security for mobile payments was as simple as hiding our credit card PIN from prying eyes when we paid at a local shop in Bangkok or Sydney. Other than hiding our PIN, keeping our passwords safe, and making sure that we used secure Wi-Fi networks, security wasn’t a huge part of travel for us back then.

Things have definitely changed in the past few years, with mobile payments popping up everywhere from farmer’s markets, to regular retail stores, to wide adoption of peer-to-peer mobile payments like Venmo. In the age of digital wallets and contactless payments, the convenience of mobile payments has become a travel essential.

Unfortunately, hackers and criminals have also gotten a lot better at stealing information, and skimming mobile payments as well. It seems that almost every time we talk to a friend who’s travelled overseas, they have some story about a credit card being compromised, losing their phone, or identity theft.

All of that means that travelers like us need to be more and more cautious when making mobile payments, whether we’re on vacation, on a road trip, or on a year-long around the world adventure.

via GIPHY

What You Need To Know About Mobile Payment Security While Traveling

As a savvy traveler, understanding the nuances of mobile payment security is crucial. From strong passwords to Wi-Fi safety tips, let’s delve into some essential tips and tricks that we use to keep our transactions secure while globetrotting the world.

Let’s talk travel insurance

Let’s talk travel insurance for a sec – not the snoozy, fine-print kind, but one that actually makes sense for nomads.

We’ve done a lot of digging over the years, and SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance stands out as one of the most flexible and affordable options out there for long-term travelers and digital nomads. It’s designed for people living and working on the road, whether you’re bouncing between countries or settling into one place for a bit.

You can choose from two plans:
Essentials, for travel-focused coverage (think medical emergencies, delays, and lost luggage), or
Complete, which also includes global health coverage in 175+ countries.

You can sign up while abroad, cancel anytime, and not worry if your plans change (because they usually do).

It’s one of the first options we mention to other travelers. Check out Nomad Insurance here to see if it’s a fit for you.

What are the Risks of Mobile Payments?

Mobile payments, while convenient, can make you susceptible to security risks like data breaches, unauthorized transactions, and identity theft.

How to Reduce Your Risk

There are four main ways to reduce your risk of becoming a victim. We’ll look at each of these in more detail later: 1) using Wi-Fi safely, 2) safeguarding mobile transactions, 3) securing your device, and 4) what to do if your device is lost or stolen.

On top of these four, having a backup payment method or two is a good idea, as is staying on top of cybersecurity risks on the road.

Use These Best Practices While Using Public Wi-Fi

Travel often means connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, which are prime spots for cybercriminals. These networks can often be unsecured and susceptible to prying eyes, allowing hackers to intercept payment information or other data that passes through the network.

Here are a few tips to keep you safe when using public Wi-Fi.

1. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Transactions: If possible, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for financial transactions. If possible, use your mobile data instead, as it is typically more secure. Another option is using a private Wi-Fi device.
2. Use a VPN: If you must use public Wi-Fi, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it harder for hackers to intercept your data. Going with a VPN can help secure all your online transactions.
3. Turn Off Automatic Connectivity: Disable features that automatically connect your device to available Wi-Fi networks. It’s an easy trick for hackers to clone known network names and skim your data when your device automatically connects to them (even without you opening your phone) so it’s best if you only allow automatic connectivity for your private, home networks that aren’t likely to be faked.

Securing Your Mobile Device

Here’s how we secure our devices when on the road.

1. Use Strong Passwords and Biometrics: Start with the basics – ensure your device is locked with a strong password, PIN, or biometric authentication like fingerprint or facial recognition. Physically protecting your device is your first defense against unauthorized access.
2. Keep Your Device Updated: Regularly update your device’s operating system and apps. Updates often include security patches that protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities. They can be a pain to do every other month, but it’s a small price for the added security. Besides, when was the last time you rebooted your device? It probably needs it anyway.
3. Install a Reliable Security App: Consider installing a trusted security app that offers features like virus scanning, remote wiping, and location tracking in case your device is lost or stolen. Some phones have this built in already and it just needs to be enabled.

How to Safeguard Mobile Transactions

There’s a lot you can do to keep your identity and wallet safe when you’re making a mobile transaction. Here’s where to start.

1. Use Trusted Payment Apps: Stick to well-known payment apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or those provided by your bank. These apps have robust security measures in place to protect your transactions and tie into your already secured device.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Where possible, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your payment apps. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message or email confirmation so even if someone managed to steal your password, it’s useless without the extra layer.
   • Tip! If you’re planning to be outside of your cell plan area, ensure that the extra layer isn’t just SMS text as you likely won’t be able to receive texts outside of your service area.
3. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions, especially when traveling. Just don’t do it over a public Wi-Fi network.

Dealing with Lost or Stolen Devices

Losing your phone, or having it stolen, can be one of the biggest financial risks you take on vacation. Here’s what you can do to decrease the risk.

1. Set up the Ability to Remotely Wipe Your Device: Be prepared for the worst. Know how to remotely lock and wipe your device if it gets lost or stolen. Both Android and iOS offer this feature and it quickly makes your device useless if someone manages to get into it. It also means selling it won’t profit them as the device can’t easily be wiped. If everyone did that, it would discourage people from even attempting it in the first place.
2. Contact Your Bank Immediately: If your device is lost or stolen, contact your bank or the service provider of your digital wallet immediately to prevent unauthorized transactions. While it’s best to contact the bank first, it’s also not a bad idea to remove any cards attached to a digital wallet just to be doubly safe.

Travel Smart with Backup Payment Methods

While mobile payments are convenient, always have a backup. We always carry a small amount of local currency and an emergency credit card stored separately from our mobile devices. This ensures we’re not left stranded in case of a lost or stolen device or technical issues with your mobile payment app.

We always travel with a bit of emergency money (both in the local currency, and USD) for this exact reason. We’ve been locked out of credit cards and have seen entire ATM infrastructures go down in some towns for a day at a time.

Have enough with you to get a taxi where you need to go, a simple meal and even a place to sleep for the night if you’re moving from one location to another. Carrying too much is just a security risk, so don’t overdo it.

Staying Informed and Updated

Stay informed about the latest security threats and updates in the world of mobile payments. To do this, you can follow tech blogs, national security centers, subscribe to newsletters from your bank or payment service providers, and participate in online forums dedicated to digital security. As the old adage goes, the more you know…

A Last Word on Mobile Payment Security While You Travel

Mobile payments can make traveling a breeze these days, but it’s essential to stay vigilant about security.

By adhering to most of these mobile security tips, you can enjoy the convenience of mobile payments without compromising your financial safety.

Remember, the key to secure mobile payments while traveling lies in being prepared, informed, and aware of the potential risks. Safe travels and happy spending!

Today, we travel with mobile phones to keep in touch with friends and family, plus laptops for work, and even a tablet for the kids to play games or do homework on.

Whether you’re on a business trip, a gap year vacation, a family vacation, or a weekend getaway, you’ll likely want to stay connected, whether to chat with friends and family, research restaurants, search flights and accommodations, or just to check email and your social networks.

Unfortunately, using the internet while traveling comes with some risks and inconveniences and unsecured public networks can open you up to data theft and hackers. Some countries even block access to certain websites, like WhatsApp or Facebook.

Using a VPN can help reduce some of the risks and hassle of using the internet away from home.

Should You Use a VPN for Travel?

A VPN is a service that gives you safe and private Internet access as you travel.

A good VPN encrypts your data, protecting you from other users stealing passwords, usernames, credit card numbers and other personal information.

If you have a VPN enabled, you can use the VPN to make it appear as if you’re accessing the internet from your home country or even another country. This can let you access geo-restricted websites, and access your home country’s video providers like Netflix or Disney+. You can also use a VPN to get around country-specific blocks of specific sites, like Facebook or WhatsApp.

What is a VPN?

A VPN is a Virtual Private Network (thus the VPN acronym). A VPN lets you create a secure connection to another network over the internet.

The data from your device is sent through the VPN company’s server and a good VPN encrypts the data that’s sent between your phone and the VPN’s server.

You can use a VPN on your laptop, desktop computer, smartphone (including iPhones, Androids and more) as well as tablets.

Keep your information secure

Since a good VPN will encrypt your data, you absolutely want to use a VPN if you’re logging into free public Wi-Fi, which can be especially vulnerable to hackers.

A VPN encrypts all the data traveling back and forth from your device. That means that if you’re using a VPN on an unsecured public Wi-Fi network, then anyone trying to see what you’re looking at online will only see nonsense text, and your information will stay safe and private.

Tired of slow Wi-Fi? Learn how to get high speed Wi-Fi when you travel, and check out our reviews of SolisWifi, GlocalMe, and the TravelWifi (formerly Tep) hotspots.

Keep watching your home country’s Netflix shows when abroad

Netflix has different TV shows and movies on offer for every country where they offer the service. This means that you may not be able to access the TV shows you watch at home on Netflix while traveling in Mexico, or overseas in Europe or Asia.

However, if you’re in Germany (for example), and set your country to the USA on a VPN, then you’ll be able to watch your USA-based Netflix shows, in your home language.

Access online shopping and other internet services as if you’re in your home country

Many websites, from Best Buy to CBS, have different websites in different countries.

Some websites even completely restrict access to certain countries. For example, here in Canada, I’m not able to watch TV shows from USA-based TV networks websites. However, if I set my VPN to USA-based, I can watch TV shows on CBS (a USA-based TV network) from Canada all I want.

Access websites that are blocked

Some governments (like China and Thailand) censor access to certain websites, such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube.

A VPN can get you access to government blocked websites and let you continue to access the sites as if you haven’t left home.

Prevent credit or bank accounts from being frozen

If the website where you hold your investments suddenly notices someone logging into your account from a foreign country, they may think your information has been stolen, and put a hold on your account. With a VPN you can browse the sites as if you were still in your home country letting you still pay your bills on time.

Get better deals when shopping

Booking sites often give different prices in different countries. It may be worth trying out a couple of location options on your VPN when you’re booking local tours, for example, to see if you can get a better deal before you even set foot in the country you’re planning to visit.

How to choose a good VPN for travel

Because a VPN may have access to your data, it’s important to chose a reputable, safe VPN service.

You get what you pay for

Generally, free VPNs are less secure than VPNs that you pay for. Free and very cheap VPNs often sell advertising, or they may share your information and online activity with other companies. 

Choose a trusted company

Sure, newer and smaller VPN services are often cheaper, but they’re not always as well reviewed, or as transparent in their business activities. Choosing a larger, established VPN service, with plenty of reviews, can help keep your data secure.

Make sure the VPN encrypts your data

Shockingly, not all VPN services encrypt your data. Make sure the VPN you choose offers everything you want and need including encryption between you and their servers.

Pick a VPN with a large choice of countries

Some VPN services only offer a few countries to choose from. While this might work for you, the fewer countries there are to choose, the less places you can truly benefit from a VPN.

Choose a Logless VPN

A major advantage of a VPN for international travel is protecting your privacy, but some VPN services keep logs of your browsing activity. They can then release that information to a third party to turn an extra profit or to law enforcement.

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a VPN that has a no logs policy, and it’s even independently audited by Deloitte to give you that extra assurance.

Logs can contain information like your original IP, the new IPs assigned to you by the VPN, your browsing history and the websites you visited, connection logs, how long you were connected, your connection time, and more. While holding some information is necessary, the more information a company keeps on you can lead to problems if they’re ever hacked or subpoenaed and forced to hand that information over.

Look for a VPN that is logless, and that has been confirmed not to keep logs by an independent audit. One large company that’s a logless provider that doesn’t store VPN data is NordVPN, but there are others as well.

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.

In this article, we review the Keepgo hotspot and Keepgo travel SIM card.

Great internet is a must when we travel.

We travel a lot, and over the years, we’ve grown pretty tired of unreliable WiFi at cafes and hotels, or trying not to get dinged by data roaming charges on our phones.

One way to avoid all of those hassles is to take your own WiFi with you wherever you go, in the form of a portable WiFi hotspot, or a data sim card.

A Review of the Keepgo WiFi Hotspot

The first thing I noticed when I unboxed the Keepgo was how small it is! It’s tiny enough to fit comfortably in the palm of my hand, and weighs only 2.64 ounces.

What is a Keepgo WiFi hotspot? It’s a battery-powered, portable WiFi router that gives you a wireless internet connection through the mobile services of country-specific, local broadband providers.

It can give you WiFi access in more than a hundred countries and lets you to connect up to 16 devices at a time, including phones, laptops, tablets, e-readers, and even gaming devices.

The Keepgo hotspot has a long-lasting battery that allows to stay continuously online for 6 hours. Stand-by time is around 300 hours.

Check out the Keepgo hotspot here, and be sure to use coupon code BAREFOOT for 10% off!

A Keepgo hotspot includes:

• Mobile Hotspot
• Keepgo Data SIM
• Rechargable Li battery
• Micro USB cable
• Manual

Things we really like about the Keepgo

It will let you connect up to 16 devices. Many other mobile hotspots only allow four or six.

Ordering is easy, shipping is fast, and there’s no big upsell when you order.

What we don’t love about the Keepgo

Here’s something we didn’t notice when we ordered the Keepgo: it’s a Hauwei device.

To be fair, Keepgo doesn’t hide the fact that the hotspot is a Hauwei device – here are the specs on the Keepgo site.

If you’re not familiar with Hauwei, it’s a Chinese telecommunications company that’s come under fire for potentially being a security threat.

In fact, the USA has made moves to ban Huawei devices in the States. As of late November 2019, there was a 3 month delay in implementing a ban on Hauwei products.

How much data is included?

There are 2 WiFi hotspots available:

• The GoFi Europe USA Traveler WiFi Hotspot, which is meant for users in the USA and Europe, specifically.
• The Lifetime World Travel WiFi Hotspot, which is meant for global users.

For the Lifetime World Travel WiFi Hotspot, 1 GB of data is included in the cost of the Keepgo.

The prepaid data you buy is valid forever if refilled once a year.

In the USA or Europe?

There’s new plan called GoFi Europe USA which is a the Keepgo WiFi hotspot with a monthly data plan.

You get wireless in the USA and Europe for $8 a month for 1 GB. Additional data is priced at $8 for each additional 1GB. is represented by sim card and WiFi hotspot and gives you 4G LTE speeds for the flat rate of $8/GB.

How much does extra data cost?

The International device is available in various data plans, all of them prepaid and valid forever, provided that you refill your data once a year. Plans start from 500 MB and they go up to 10 GB.

Extra data costs are:

• 1 MB $14
• 1 GB $26
• 3 GB $61
• 5 GB $88
• 10 GB $165

You can refill manually using a credit card or PayPal, or sign up for an auto-refill if you’re worried about running low.

For pay-as-you-go, you’ll get an alert via email or text notification when your balance falls below 250MB, 100 MB or reaches 0 MB.

You can also set up auto-refill. With the auto-refill, your account is refilled with 1GB of data every time your balance drops below 100 MB.

Does Keepgo throttle internet speed or filter traffic?

The Keepgo websites says “We never throttle down internet speed. We never filter traffic.”

What countries can I use the Keepgo?

The Keepgo hotspot has coverage in the USA and in 120 other countries
around the world.

What if I have a problem?

Customer support is available 24/7.

Ordering and shipping the Keepgo

I really loved how easy it was to order the Keepgo. There was no annoying upsell, and the order page was simple, clear and quick.

There was no shipping charge, either, which is huge for me. Shipping charges to where we live in Canada are often outrageous.

The Keepgo hotspot ships for free to 39 countries and it can be delivered to temporary addresses, such as offices or hotels.

I ordered Keepgo on a Thursday, and it arrived on my doorstep on Saturday. Not bad, especially since I live in a smaller Canadian city that’s a four hour drive from Vancouver.

How to get free data

You can get some extra data with their Refer-a-friend program. For every friend you refer you get 300Mb of free data.

A Review of the Keepgo Data SIM card

The Keepgo Data SIM card is a prepaid data SIM card that works in over 100 countries.

It gives a high-speed, 4G internet connection.

Check out the Keepgo SIM here, and be sure to use coupon code BAREFOOT for 10% off!

To use the Keepgo SIM, you’ll need to replace the existing SIM card in your phone. You’ll also need an unlocked phone to use the Keepgo SIM card.

About the Keepgo Data SIM Card

You can order the Keepgo Data SIM card from over 200 countries in the world, without any shipping fees.

Keepgo says that internet speed or data traffic are never limited.

The card is compatible with any type of unlocked device, including laptops, dual SIM phones, tablets, hotspots and many others.

You can use the Keepgo SIM as a nano, micro, or standard SIM. It comes as a nano SIM with adapters suitable for transforming it into a micro or a standard SIM, depending on what fits into your device. There’s also an adaptor pin.

Technically , the data on your Keepgo SIME card never expires, as long as you refill your card at least once a year.

Extra data costs are:

• 1 MB $14
• 1 GB $26
• 3 GB $61
• 5 GB $88
• 10 GB $165

Want to see it for yourself?

Check out the Keepgo hotspot here, and use coupon code BAREFOOT for 10% off!

Check out the Keepgo SIM here, and be sure to use coupon code BAREFOOT for 10% off!

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.

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, Viber, Skype, 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.

Click to download Skype for iPhone.

Click here to download our favorite, WhatsApp from iTunes.

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 and Tripadvisor for Mobile 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!

This is our honest Travelwifi review, based on a few years of use.

Updated in 2023! Tep has rebranded to the Travelwifi brand, with a new website, and new pricing and plans. We’ve updated this post with the new info.

See prices here.

The Travelwifi dongle was originally called Tep Wireless, but they rebranded a couple of years ago. We refer to it as the Tep occasionally this review, but it’s officially called the Travelwifi pocket Wi-Fi.

We first tested the original Travelwifi device a few years ago, but have now switched to the faster new Travelwifi Sapphire 2. Everything we talk about in article is up to date and refers to the newest Travelwifi model – the sticker on the device says Tep, but the Wi-Fi device is the exact same Sapphire 2 device Travelwifi rents and sells right now..

Good Internet access is a necessity for us. We need it for online learning, for keeping our business running, and to keep us connected when we travel. Without the Internet, this blog would grind to a halt. Plus, we use WiFi to keep in touch with family and friends, and stream TV and movies in our downtime.

Getting good Internet is a constant struggle. Using data roaming can cost a fortune. Airport WiFi is often expensive, and slow with short time limits, restaurant WiFi is hit and miss at best, and hotel WiFi is weak and spotty. Buying a local SIM card requires an unlocked phone, and can be a hassle.

Looking for something a little different? Check out the other travel wifi hotspots that we’ve reviewed.

• GoLocal Me review
• Skyroam Solis Review
• Keepgo Review

Travewifi wireless review

How do you beat expensive data roaming charges, hassling with local SIM cards, or scrounging WiFi at airports and restaurants?

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a portable, reliable, Internet that travels wherever you do, at a reasonable cost?

Oh wait, that does exist. And it’s called Travelwifi wirelesss hotspot.

Travewifi is a small, portable WiFi device that lets you bring your own Internet access with you wherever you go.

Get prices here.

Will it work anywhere in the world?

Not everywhere, but darn close. Travelwifi wireless works in the UK, Spain, France and most European countries. It also works great in the US, Canada, Mexico, Asia, the Middle East, South America, Central America, Oceania, and more plus they’re adding more countries all the time.

How do I get a Travelwifi hotspot?

You just go online, order your wireless device, and it is shipped to you, along with a handy pre-paid envelope for shipping.

So how does it work?

We got our Wi-Fi devicejust before we took off on a three week long road trip across Western Canada, with a bonus flight and week in New Hampshire in the USA.

I didn’t have a chance to look at the Tep until the night before we left, and I unboxed it and got it up and running within five minutes (including the time it took to make a video).

What did we think?

During our road trip, I was slammed with work, and the Travelwifi device was a godsend. It kept me connected, meaning that I could write blog posts, send invoices, and catch up on my email all while on the road.

The little Tep even saved my bacon late one night after a few days at the lake, when seven year old Jordan could only be soothed by Netflix when she was covered in itchy mosquito bites and couldn’t sleep.

Thank you Tep for that one, especially.

We took the Travel wifi from the West Coast of Canada, all the way to the center of Canada in Manitoba, plus a road trip through most of New Hampshire and then back home again. All in all, it was well over 50 hours of total driving time.

Since the Tep works off cellular data, we only hit a couple of small dead spots on our trip where we couldn’t get a WiFi signal, and those were where there was no cell signal to be found. One was in the Rocky Mountains in British Columbia, and that lasted about 20 minutes of our drive, and the other was a zone of about 30 minutes where we had a spotty connection in Saskatchewan. Given that Western Canada, and especially the Rocky Mountains, are known for spotty cell service, that’s pretty impressive.

2021 Update: We’ve  had a little travewifi for almost three years now! We’ve used our travelwifi on multiple trips to Mexico and the United States, and within Canada, and it’s worked well every time. We’re now using the newest model, the Sapphire 2 4G LTE.

I liked my Travelwifi Wireless so much that we bought our own wifi device (you can rent or buy online) for whenever we travel.

How fast is the Travelwifi pocket wifi, really?

We gave the hotspot a week long trial during our last trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Over the course of a week, the hotspot clocked in consistently at a speed over 30 Mbps. That’s a pretty good speed, rivaling a lot of broadband at home internet connections.

30 Mbps is  fast to stream video on multiple devices, and plenty fast for email, phone calls, social media, and streaming. Tep itself says that the 4G speed is likely to be around 18.6 Mbps, but we’ve found our Tep 4G to be faster almost everywhere we’ve tested.

Does Travelwifi throttle your speed?

Travelwifi says that speeds will slow after you use up your plan amount (1GB, 3 GB, or 5 GB) on 4G plans in a 24 hour period. We found that our data speeds were still strong after using up our plan limit, but yours may vary.

After you use up your data limit, Travelwifi says your connection speed is throttled to a maximum of 256 kbs. At that speed you can still do social media, email, and light browsing. Your connection speed will return to normal the next day.

What we didn’t like

We had our Tep shipped to Canada, and also returned it from Canada. The shipping cost was relatively expensive ($21.95), but that’s unfortunately pretty standard when shipping to or from Canada.

Other countries are much cheaper. Getting a Travelwifi shipped to the USA costs only $8.00 for standard shipping. You can even pick up and drop off your Tep Wireless at some airports in France, the UK, and Mexico for free.

Who would the Travelwifi be good for?

Honestly, anyone who wants a stable Internet connection that travels with them wherever they go.

The Tep would be great for:

• anyone who wants to be able to video chat or keep in touch with family or business partners
• people like us, who work online, and need to be connected to keep their business up and running
• anyone who’s traveling through multiple countries, and who doesn’t want to deal with multiple country SIMs or data roaming charges
• anyone who wants a fast, easy solution to having WiFi when they travel

Should you use data roaming, a local SIM or get a WiFi hotspot?

Using data roaming on a cell is an alternative to WiFi, but roaming costs are notoriously high and even then you’re often limited to only one provider in another country. If you haven’t personally been hit with a sky-high roaming bill after a trip, it’s almost guaranteed that a close friend or family member has.

We used to buy local SIM cards when we travel, but it’s a huge hassle to determine which SIM to buy, tracking down a place to pick one up and overcome the language barrier. Plus, data limits and extra data charges can be a problem.

Get the price here.

What is the Tep price?

Over the years, we’ve become more and more reliant on a decent Internet connection while we travel. When we first hit the road over ten years ago, personal Internet was a rare luxury. It was always welcome but getting it outside of Internet cafes and hotel lobbies wasn’t often possible. These days, it’s available almost everywhere and because of our jobs, it’s also mandatory.

After spending months in places with only a single wired Internet hookup or only having access to a cellphone data plan, we’ve gotten smarter and have come up with a few good solutions to our Internet problems. Now that we travel with a Tablet, 2 iPhones and a couple laptops, we’ve also found the need to share that Internet connection is just as important. Seeing that we often spend months in one place during our travels, creating our own WiFi Hotspot is one of the first things we do when we get to a new location.

As a result, here’s a list of products and ideas to help share your internet while you’re on the road. I’ve broken them into different categories based upon what’s available, pricing and simplicity to set it up. We’ve used them all at one point or another and they all have their advantages and disadvantages.

In this first installment, I’m going to cover methods involved with sharing a Mobile Broadband Connection (basically a cellphone data plan) and list the pluses and minuses for each one. In my next post on this topic I’m going to list a few different ways to share your wired connection wirelessly (as in how to create an Ad hoc network using only your laptop) and a few products that can simplify your life.

Mobile Internet or Mobile Broadband

The rise of smartphones over the past few years has lead to a greater demand of mobile wireless data plans. A mobile data plan is typically associated with cellphones however telecom companies have flooded the market with hundreds of devices that make use of this diverse data stream. Depending on the country you’re in, the prices for this data can be relatively cheap or relatively expensive. Data in North America is generally much more expensive than the rest of the world but prices seem to be constantly dropping everywhere.

The technology in this post includes 3G, 4G, LTE, Edge, UMTS, CDMA, HSPA, GSM and other similar data mobile telecommunication technologies. For simplicity sake, I will be referring to them all as 3G since this is the most widely used term in regards to mobile data. Please be aware that different carriers in different countries use different bands and technologies to deliver that data and as a result no single product will work in every country around the world. Even the best “World Phone” will be useless in certain places. When figuring out which product is best for your scenario, please keep that in mind. For a general list of Frequencies and Bands please see this informative (though very dry) article.

Now that I got that out of the way, these days there are several ways to access this mobile data stream. Click on any of the following to go directly to their area. Mobile Phones and Tablets with 3G are by far the most common however USB Mobile Internet Sticks (small USB stick’s with a SIM in them) are also becoming popular. There are also Dedicated 3G Routers such as MiFi with built in SIM card support and even standard routers that will accept a USB stick. Some laptops even come with built in mobile broadband modems. For those who live solely on their laptops there’s also  <>PCMCIA or ExpressCard solutions. For the most part those are similar enough to their USB counterparts so I’ll just include them there.

Besides for these devices, to get online you will need to purchase a SIM card and subscribe to some sort of data plan to use them. Most countries allow you to buy a SIM card with a cheap data plan included and this is usually the cheapest route to go. Roaming charges outside of your home country while using your current SIM card can be ridiculously costly and using your normal SIM while traveling should usually be avoided.

Smartphones and 3G Tablets

Availability: Everywhere
Budget: Cheap to costly depending on the model you buy
Simplicity: Fairly simple to use and set up
Popular Brands: Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Nokia Lumia, Blackberry Bold

Almost all newer cell phones (and 3G Tablets) have the ability to share a data connection with others. All it really requires is a phone or tablet with a data plan and one of several built in tools like the built in Personal Hotspot feature on newer iPhones and iPads or MyWi on older ones. On Android devices there are lots of options including free apps like Wireless Tether for Root Users, WiFi HotSpot and the beloved FoxFi. Blackberry devices running OS 7.1 and newer have this option built in as well as most Windows Phones.

Most of these programs let you use your device as a WiFi Hotspot or via Bluetooth to share your Internet with nearby devices. Be aware that running a mobile hotspot takes a lot of power and can often quickly kill the batteries. Phones also usually have a limited WiFi broadcast range and speed is often dependent on the quality of the device as well as the plan it’s on.

Data tethering can include both wireless transmissions and also plugging your phone into a computer (usually via USB) and using it like an old fashioned modem. This last method limits your wireless options however it takes the work off your phone and transfers it to your computer. This can greatly increase your range and also allows your phone to be charged while it’s plugged so when you’re ready to leave all you need is to unplug it and it’s ready to go. Of course, it also requires a computer that is running for as long as you need Internet access. If you’re sharing your Internet with more than the computer then you would also need to set up an ad hoc WiFi network via your computer or use a router.

Pros: Nearly everyone already owns a smartphone or a tablet and they’re easily portable. Internet goes with you wherever you go and if the data plan includes voice then can also be used to make calls and send texts. Some phones and tablets allow you to use Bluetooth as well as WiFi to connect to other devices. Most can also be tethered via USB and act as a modem when plugged into a computer.

Cons: Generally requires the phone to be unlocked and mutli-banded if using a SIM card from a different carrier than the one you bought the phone through. Using it as a WiFi hotspot also depletes batteries quickly. Data network only works as long as the cellphone is present so might not be practical for couples or larger groups who split up from time to time. Most phones only accept up to 5 wireless connections at a time. Transfer speeds between devices connected to the phone can be horrendous. Some carriers limit tethering abilities or charge an additional fee if used as a hotspot.

3G USB Sticks, USB Modems and Mobile Internet Sticks

Availability: Online and nearly everywhere cellphones are sold
Budget: Older models (with slower 3g speeds) are very cheap and newer models can get up in price though they’re still fairly reasonably priced when comparing to a new smartphone.
Simplicity: Moderate to Complex to set up and operate
Popular Brands: Sierra Wireless, Huawei, CradlePoint, ZTE

A  USB Mobile Internet Stick is a simple way to use the power of a mobile data plan without the need to have a cellphone. Because they’re much simpler than a cellphone, they’re much cheaper as well. All they need for power is a computer with a USB port or a router that supports USB devices.

Because of their design, they’re small, portable and usually unlocked from the get go. If locked to your home carrier, most can be unlocked for use on any network for a lot less than most phones and if they run into problems, you always have your more expensive smartphone to fall back on.

Since they require a 3rd party device on which to operate, setting them up can be a greater hassle than the few swipes it takes to tether most cellphones. What they make up for in complexity however, is the greater ability to connect to most networks and the ability to share that connection with more than 5 devices at a time.

If connecting via a computer it makes sense to create an ad hoc network for the rest of your devices and enable ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) on a Windows machine or enable it in Sharing on a Mac. If connecting via a wireless router, once you input your information, it’s simple for all your devices to share your Internet.

Pros: Independent of your phone so you can still use your cellphone for other activities. Can usually get better speeds on a dedicated device than a smartphone. Frees your smartphone from always being in use.

Cons: Requires a separate data plan from your phone and requires a computer or router that is always on to share the connection. Usually harder to find support for them since less popular than cellphones. Though they’re small it’s still more electronics to carry and store.

Dedicated Mobile Wireless Routers, MiFi and 3G Routers (usually with built in SIM slots)

Availability: Online, at some major cellphone carriers and some computer centers
Budget: Moderate to expensive depending on the model
Simplicity: Moderate to Complex to set up and operate
Popular Brands: Novatel MiFi, CradlePoint, Sierra Wireless, Huawei, ZTE

Once mobile telecom companies discovered the amount of money people were willing to spend to have data access outside of their homes, the realization that most people also run numerous wireless devices hit home. This lead to the introduction of routers with built in data capabilities. These routers (usually much smaller than their at home equivalents and providing a shorter transmission range) were designed for the mobile workplace.

The caveat is that all that power in such a small package comes at a premium. Also having to purchase a dedicated SIM and data plan scares most people away. Worried about data overuse, it’s only in the past few years that carriers actually got on board with these routers and most that are sold are still provided by 3rd parties. Most 3G routers sold via carriers are locked to that carrier so finding one unlocked usually involves purchasing online via the internet or from specialty stores.

Mobile Internet users that travel an extensive amount usually own these devices and are willing to pay whatever they ask to have the ability to travel unfettered. This has kept their prices at a premium however with more carriers on board the data train the quicker the prices are falling.

These routers offer users the ability to have a dedicated mobile hotspot with minimal down time and easy Internet sharing. They also double as regular routers with the ability to connect to wired networks thereby creating their own wireless system without needing to pay expensive data charges in places that provide free Internet.

Pros: Independent of your phone so can still use your cellphone for other activities. Can usually get better speeds on a dedicated device than on a smartphone. Frees your smartphone from always being in use. Doesn’t require a USB mobile stick to operate (SIM is inserted directly into the router). Can be connected to a wired network when one is available or used as wireless access point if a wireless signal exists but is too weak for some of your wireless devices to use. Since it is a router it will have better security, more connection options (Wireless N, G and B) and faster wireless speeds between devices than using a cellphone.

Cons: Requires a separate data plan from your phone and most routers require access to a power source. Usually harder to find support for them since they’re less popular than cellphones. Expensive compared to non integrated wireless routers.

Wireless Routers with USB 3G Abilities (requires a separate 3G USB Stick)

Availability: Online and at most computer centers
Budget: Cheap to expensive depending on the model
Simplicity: Moderate to Complex to set up and operate
Popular Brands: TP-Link, D-Link, Trendnet, Cradle Point, Novatel, Sierra Wireless, Huawei, ZTE

Mobile data capabilities have been slow coming to the average router. Though carrier support is minimal, this has also kept the costs down. The latter is the best reason for going this route over buying a dedicated Mobile Data router. Just like your home router, these come in all shapes and sizes though there are a few that can can be considered tiny. The biggest difference from your home router is that these devices include both a USB port and the necessary hardware and firmware to run a 3G Mobile USB stick. This frees your laptop or computer from having to be always on and allows you to take your phone with you when you leave without having to reconnect your wireless hotspot when you come back.

The biggest draw back is that you still need a 3G USB stick to share the love and not all routers support every Mobile Stick on the market. Unlike the dedicated 3G routers with the built in SIM abilities, these routers can often be upgraded to faster speeds like 4G LTE with a simple firmware upgrade and a different USB stick (which are generally much cheaper than buying a whole new dedicated router).

Pros: Independent of your phone so can still use your cellphone for other activities. Can usually get better speeds on a dedicated device than a smartphone. Frees your Smartphone from always being in use. Can be connected to a wired network when one is available or used as wireless access point if a wireless signal exists but is too weak for some of your wireless devices. Since it is a router it will have better security, more connection options (Wireless N, G and B) and faster wireless speeds between devices than using a cellphone. 3rd party firmware support in the form of OpenWrt or DD-WRT is excellent. Usually much cheaper than the integrated 3G routers included above.

Cons: Requires a USB Mobile Internet Stick (see above) to operate if a wired network is not available. Requires a separate data plan from your phone and most of them require access to a power source. Usually harder to find support for USB sticks since less popular than cellphones. Slightly more expensive than traditional home routers. Mobile connections can sometimes be fickle.

Laptop with Built-In Mobile Broadband

Availability: Online and at some computer centers
Budget: Expensive compared to the alternatives unless already included in your current laptop
Simplicity: Moderate to set up and operate
Popular Brands: Dell Latitude, HP Elitebook, Lenovo Thinkpad, Panasonic Toughbook, Sony Vaio

Having a built-in 3G or 4G LTE Mobile Broadband device in your new laptop is becoming more and more popular these days. Computer companies are realizing that users want to be mobile but still connected to the net. Usually included for a moderate cost as an addon to a select group of systems, these integrated PCI Express Mini Cards work the same way as the 3G USB sticks without having to use up a USB port or worrying about extra peripherals.

The biggest downside to these built in cards is worldwide support in other countries and the fact that as technologies leap forward, your existing card could be left behind. Though they are becoming more common, the vast majority of new systems don’t even give you the option of including them and finding after market cards that will work properly with an existing system isn’t as easy as you would expect. They also require a free slot which most laptops don’t have.

Just like when using a 3G USB stick, in order to share your Internet, you’ll either need to run an ad hoc network or connect your laptop to a router.

Pros: Independent of your phone so can still use your cellphone for other activities. More consistent speeds than a smartphone. Frees your Smartphone from always being in use. Can be connected to a wired network when one is available or used as wireless access point if a wireless signal exists but is too weak for some of your wireless devices. Can be set up as an ad hoc network with ICS to easily share Internet connections

Cons: Requires a separate data plan from your phone. Costly if you already own a laptop and want to upgrade to this. You always have to leave your laptop running to have Internet on other devices. Can slow down your laptop if there are numerous devices connected to it at once. Accessing the SIM card (if there is one) can be a chore if you are traveling and decide to purchase a SIM card in that country.

ExpressCard Modems, PCMCIA Cards and Similar Devices

These cards are usually already found inside certain laptops with mobile abilities (see above) or can be purchased separately depending on your needs. For all intents and purposes, they act the same as a Mobile USB stick. Certain routers and computers have the necessary ports to use them however I’ve found that they aren’t widely found in most consumer products. Large companies tend to use them since, not only do they buy them cheaper in bulk, but they can be inserted directly in the router or machine with less chance of being stolen or broken. This isn’t because they’re more robustly designed but because they are less compatible with other systems or are generally hidden from site.

I didn’t include them as an option simply because they’re generally more expensive than their USB counterparts and are much more difficult to find for your average consumer.

That being said, if your router or laptop supports one of these devices, then they are definitely viable options. Just realize that support and availability will be a concern and that not all countries will carry them. There’s also a greater chance that your next laptop or router purchase might not have an available slot and you would be forced to buy something else. For sheer compatibility, I suggest sticking with a USB stick for now.

Final Notes

With so many options out there to share your Mobile Internet while on the road, there is bound to be the right solution for you.

A solo traveler that lives on their cellphone might find that using it as a mobile hotspot or tethering their laptop to their phone is the best answer while a larger family or group might find an dedicated wireless router with a built in SIM slot to be perfect for their needs. Whichever way you go, cost, hassle, future upgrade ability, frequency band support and your own needs need to be considered when deciding on the proper hardware.

If you’re wondering which way we go then I have to say I took the cheapest option available to me. We purchased a 3G USB stick a few years ago, paid a small fee to unlock it and now it works in most places around the world. After getting tired of continually setting up an ad hoc setup via our laptop with ICS enabled I finally ordered a cheap router with 3G USB support and haven’t looked back. If I was starting fresh today I would probably just buy a portable, dedicated router with a built in SIM slot like the MiFi or a Cradlepoint router and be done with it.

Besides for going the router way, we still tend to tether our phones if it’s a short trip and if we haven’t purchased a dedicated data plan. So it’s proof positive that no way is the right way for all scenarios and it’s up to you to figure out your own solution.

Stay tuned for an upcoming post where I go over different router configurations and show you how to set up your own ad hoc WiFi network using nothing but your laptop and ICS.