The instant messaging (IM) and voice-over-IP (VoIP) app WhatsApp is a fantastic way to stay connected while travelling abroad. It’s free, simple to install and use, and keeps you in touch with your travel buddies and friends back at home.
Unfortunately, there’s one teeny tiny catch: WhatsApp only works with a stable internet connection, which means you need access to data or Wi-Fi while you’re on your travels.
If you’re looking into using WhatsApp overseas, here are three important things you need to know and how tools like aloSIM are what you’ll need to stay connected no matter where you roam.
Tip #1: WhatsApp requires data (and aloSIM can help)
Before you hop a flight across the pond, be aware that using WhatsApp—when travelling abroad or even within your home country—requires an active data connection.
You might be thinking “no problem, I’ll just wait for when I can find wifi to send a message.” While public wifi might seem like a go-to solution, it can also be slow, unreliable, and insecure.
Plus, do you really want to spend your holiday constantly searching for cafés or restaurants with wifi just to get online?
The solution: Use aloSIM for using WhatsApp overseas
With an aloSIM eSIM, you have an affordable data plan for the country (or countries, or region) that you’ll be visiting.
You’ll be able to count on a reliable and secure internet connection, no matter where you wander—whether you’re taking transit into the heart of a major city or venturing down the cobblestone streets that lead to more remote areas.
No need to stress or panic about tracking down unreliable wifi or knowing you’ll be hit with expensive roaming charges on your next phone bill.
Bonus Travel Tip: When you’re packing for your trip, before you head out the door, download the aloSIM app and select a data plan for your destination or destinations. Once you land, you can switch to your new eSIM and be ready to use WhatsApp to update your contacts that you’ve arrived safe and sound.
Tip #2. WhatsApp doesn’t need your primary SIM card
You might not realize this but, while you need a phone number to initially set up a WhatsApp account, you don’t actually need your primary SIM card to continue using it. In fact, once you’ve verified and activated your WhatsApp account with your primary number, you can switch it over to your aloSIM eSIM right away.
If you’d like to, you can safely remove your physical SIM card or turn off your primary cell service completely and just switch to using your eSIM exclusively. As long as your phone is connected to the internet with data from aloSIM, WhatsApp will work exactly as it does at home.
This is the perfect solution to avoid any roaming fees or if you prefer to keep your primary number private for any reason while travelling.
Tip #3. WhatsApp for messaging abroad and everywhere
It’s possible you already know that in many countries outside North America, WhatsApp is a go-to communication tool that is used for much more than just text messaging or phone calls.
It’s actually used for many day-to-day activities, and you might even find you’re using WhatsApp overseas in some surprising and unexpected ways.
Restaurant reservations
Skipping the traditional phone call is common in Europe and Latin America when it comes to booking a table for dinner.
Ride shares
Uber, Lyft, and other services do not need access to your whole identity. WhatsApp and aloSIM means you can get to where you’re going without divulging extra personal info.
Shopping
Make an order or contact customer service with your eSIM data using WhatsApp with ease.
Group activities
Coordinating tours for groups or sharing your location with guides with WhatsApp is an easy and popular way to facilitate group communications.
WhatsApp is a great option for making phone calls and sending messages, but it’s of no use without an active data connection. Make sure you install your aloSIM eSIM for your next trip to ensure you have constant access to quick, reliable local data.
