Travel Smart: Best Options for SIM Cards, Wi-Fi, and Emergency Communication

Article Highlights:

• Stay connected abroad through options like international roaming, local SIM cards, e-SIMs, and portable hotspots. E-SIMs offer flexibility, especially for multi-country trips, while satellite phones are essential for remote areas.
• Prioritize security when using public Wi-Fi by using a VPN to protect your data, especially when handling sensitive information. Back up your important data before traveling.
• Global Rescue provides emergency services, including medical evacuation, traveler assistance, and security services, ensuring safety for its members during emergencies or minor issues abroad.

Whether you need to check your emails, stay in touch with family and friends, or navigate through unfamiliar cities, having reliable internet access is crucial. Fortunately, there are several options available to ensure you remain connected during your travels. Let’s explore various methods, including cell phones, satellite phones and e-SIM cards, to help you stay online while globetrotting.

Global Rescue’s Harding Bush, associate director of security operations and a former Navy SEAL, emphasizes the importance of travelers researching connectivity options available in their destinations, including the availability of local SIM cards, e-SIMs and reliable Wi-Fi access. “Knowing what to expect can significantly ease the transition upon arrival,” he said.

SIM Cards, Local Roaming and SATCOM

Staying connected to the internet while traveling internationally is easier than ever with various options available. From using your cell phone with international roaming or local SIM cards to using e-SIM technology and satellite phones, there are solutions to fit every traveler’s needs. Each option has its advantages and potential limitations, so it’s essential to assess your travel itinerary, budget, and connectivity requirements before making a choice.

Using Your Cell Phone

One of the most straightforward ways to stay connected while traveling is by using your cell phone. Most mobile carriers offer international roaming plans that allow you to use your existing phone number and data plan abroad. While this can be convenient, it may also come with high costs, depending on your carrier and destination. Check with your service provider about international roaming rates before you leave.

SIM Cards

Purchasing a local SIM card in your destination country can be a cost-effective way to stay connected. Many countries have shops or kiosks at airports or in city centers where you can buy a SIM card that includes a data plan. This allows you to use your phone as you would at home, often at a fraction of the cost of roaming. Just make sure your phone is unlocked before you travel.

Portable Hotspots

If you need to connect multiple devices, consider renting or buying a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. These devices provide internet access to multiple users and can be particularly useful for families or groups traveling together. You can often rent these devices at airports or purchase them online.

Exploring e-SIM Cards

The advent of e-SIM technology has revolutionized the way travelers connect to the internet. An e-SIM (embedded SIM) allows you to activate a cellular plan without needing a physical SIM card. Most e-SIM providers offer online activation, which allows you to purchase a data plan before you even reach your destination. This means you can have internet access as soon as you land.

E-SIMs can be particularly beneficial for travelers who frequently visit multiple countries. You can switch between different data plans without needing to swap out physical SIM cards, making it a convenient option for multi-destination trips. Before opting for an e-SIM, ensure that your device is compatible. Most recent smartphones (like newer iPhones and Google Pixels) support e-SIM technology, but it’s always good to double-check. Finally, e-SIM plans can sometimes be cheaper than traditional SIM cards or roaming options.

SATCOM: The Ultimate Backup

For travelers venturing into remote areas where cellular coverage is sparse or non-existent, a satellite phone or messaging device can be a lifesaver. Satellite phones work anywhere in the world, regardless of cellular networks. This makes them ideal for adventurous travelers heading to rural or isolated locations, such as hiking in national parks or sailing in remote waters.

In emergencies, having a satellite communications device ensures you can contact emergency services, friends or family when other forms of communication fail. While satellite phones and messaging devices can be expensive to rent or purchase, they may be worth the investment if you plan to travel to remote areas frequently. Keep in mind that calls made from satellite phones can be pricey, so they are best used for emergencies or critical communications.

There are limits to satellite communications use. Most satellite phones primarily offer voice communication, with limited internet capabilities. Some newer models, however, do provide basic data services. If internet access is a primary concern, consider combining a satellite phone with other options.

VPN for Security and Data Protection

When using the internet on public Wi-Fi networks — such as in airports, hotels, or cafes — travelers should use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it difficult for others to intercept your data. This is especially important when handling sensitive information, such as banking or personal details.

While it’s convenient to access free Wi-Fi, be cautious about what you do online. Avoid logging into sensitive accounts or conducting financial transactions over public networks unless you are using a VPN. Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security, requiring not only your password but also a second form of verification, such as a text message code, to access your accounts.

Before you travel, back up important data on your devices. In case your device is lost, stolen or damaged, having a backup will ensure that you don’t lose critical information. Cloud storage solutions or external hard drives can be effective for this purpose.

The Global Rescue Advantage

Do you need emergency help during a trip, a medical evacuation, travel information or event alerts? Your Global Rescue membership provides services for emergency field rescue from the point of illness or injury, medical advisory, traveler assistance, destination reports, event alerts, medical evacuation transport home and (for applicable memberships) virtual healthcare access and security services.

Contact Global Rescue directly at +1 (617) 459-4200 or through a messaging device at ops@globalrescue.com or operations@globalrescue.com as the most straightforward way of obtaining service. If you are contacting Global Rescue through a satellite device, you should review the instructions regarding your device’s SOS features and procedures. It’s important to understand who receives the SOS message signal when it is sent and what services the SOS monitoring provider offers.

As a member, we want you to contact us whether it’s a major emergency or something minor.