Word on the street (or on the airport runway, as the case may be) is that a SIM card is still a popular option for saving money and staying connected when travelling abroad.
Here’s a breakdown of how they function, and whether they’re truly the best choice (or if there’s something even more convenient and affordable).
What is a SIM card for international travel?
You may recognize the tiny chip that goes into your phone to allow it to connect to a mobile network.
Known as a SIM card (short for Subscriber Identity Module), this small piece of tech holds your phone number and carrier information, as well as any necessary data for calling, texting, and accessing the internet.
It’s also what communicates that you’re travelling out of network and notifies your home carrier to start charging you outrageous roaming fees.
To combat this, travellers swap out their home SIM card for a SIM card local to their destination to access foreign carriers at their regular rates.
How does a SIM card work for international travel?
If you’re opting to go with a SIM card swap instead of your home carrier’s international roaming plan, here’s how to go about it:
1. Unlock your phone.
First you need to make sure your phone is carrier-unlocked so that it can accept a foreign SIM.
2. Purchase a local SIM card.
This can be done before you leave home or upon arrival at your destination.
3. Swap out your SIM cards.
Eject your current SIM card (carefully, it’s small!) and insert your new SIM into the tray. Restart your device to activate the new SIM.
4. Top up if needed.
If the SIM is prepaid, you can purchase data to ensure you can stay in communication while travelling.
5. Use the local number for calls and texts.
Your new SIM will come with a local number to use in the country you’re visiting.
Pros and cons of using a SIM card
Pros:
- A local SIM is cheaper than an average international roaming plan with your home carrier.
- Access stronger and more reliable service in the respective countries of local carriers.
- You can use an international SIM temporarily without being tied to a long term plan.
Cons:
- At such a tiny size, physically keeping track of your current SIM is tricky. Don’t lose it!
- Your temporary SIM comes with a different number so your current contacts will need to be notified or be unable to reach you.
- If you plan to visit multiple countries, you’ll need to purchase a new local SIM for each destination.
Consider an eSIM for international travel
If you’re considering the SIM card swap but are not quite convinced, consider an eSIM as an alternative that offers all the benefits but without the hassle.
An embedded SIM, an eSIM is a digital option that is downloaded directly into your phone to allow you to connect to a local network instantly.
aloSIM offers prepaid travel data starting at just $4.50 for multiple countries or regions. With instant setup and no need to swap anything physical, an eSIM is the best of both worlds.
