How to Stay Connected to the Internet While Traveling

The world is more connected than ever before and staying in touch with others seems increasingly important for personal and professional relationships. Whether you need to stay up to date via Facetime, Skype, WhatsApp, Instagram, or other communication and social media platforms, having a connection to the internet is key.

Even when going on a vacation and trying to “disconnect”, it’s helpful to have access to online information, navigation tools, and emergency services. If you’re on the move, regardless if for work or pleasure, you’ll need to know how to stay connected to the internet while traveling.

It may require additional research prior to your trip, added budget, or being open to slower connectivity. Part of traveling is adapting to new situations, and depending on your destination, you may need to get creative and think outside the box to get an internet connection while traveling!

11 tips for using the internet while traveling

Getting a reliable internet connection while traveling has never been easier!

If you’re wondering how you can get internet while traveling, it’s important to consider which would be the best options to fit your internet needs and where to source it from. There are more and more ways to get internet while abroad, but what’s best for you largely depends on the purpose and duration of your trip. Here are a few tips on how to get an internet connection while traveling:

1. Get a local SIM or international SIM card

If you want to use your phone while abroad but don’t want to pay the exorbitant rates your home cell phone service carrier may provide, getting a local SIM card when you arrive at your destination may be a good choice when looking for internet/cell phone service abroad. Most likely, you’ll have to have your phone “unlocked”, which your carrier may need to do for you.

Then you can simply replace your SIM card with the local SIM card and utilize it for internet and local text/calling! If you don’t want to worry about getting a local SIM card when you arrive, you could also pre-purchase an international or travel SIM card, which will work in many international destinations but may be more expensive.

2. Use a VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a great option for those looking for a secure and fast way to get access to the internet while traveling. Perfect for digital nomads and less frequent travelers alike, VPNs (like those provided by Surfshark) are easy to understand, install, and use during your travels!

As a traveler, you will often connect to free Wi-Fi, which can leave you vulnerable online. Signing up for a reputable, trustworthy service like the one Surfshark provides is a smart move. In fact, what they offer is substantial—for as low as $2.19 you’ll get a VPN with access to 3200+ servers in 100 countries, a Kill Switch for unexpected disconnections, and more features, such as Alternative ID and Alert.

3. Sign up for an eSIM

With an eSIM, you can continue to use your favorite apps, even without wifi.

While getting a local SIM is very affordable, it is a small physical card and could be easily lost or corrupted when getting in and out of your phone. International SIM cards could also get damaged or lost.

If you sign up for an eSIM, you won’t have to worry about buying a physical card when you arrive or having it mailed to you. You can even have multiple eSIMs—one for when you’re home and one for when you’re traveling—a great option for those who may travel back and forth to one place abroad frequently.

4. Check out international plans

Cell phone carriers recognize that people travel more and that staying connected to work and family is very important to their customers. Check with your current carrier to see what international plans they may offer.

For example, certain countries may be included in your plan, carriers may charge a flat fee every day you’re in another country, or you may be charged for the amount and speed of the data you use. To avoid extra charges and fees, make sure to know what plan you’re on prior to turning your device off airplane mode!

5. Explore satellite internet options

If you’re traveling to a remote area, you may be concerned about how to stay connected to the internet while traveling. There could be satellite internet options available to you! Satellite internet is internet provided by satellites orbiting Earth where cable infrastructure may not reach.

Luckily, satellite internet provides competitive connectivity speeds and is one of the many benefits of modern technology to adventurous travelers!

6. Utilize roaming data

Roaming data is always an option—but look out for overage charges from your provider.

You can also call, text, and access data through roaming, although this often is a pricier option. When roaming, your cell phone disconnects from your home country network and finds a foreign network in the area to connect to in order to maintain your service.

Make sure to turn data roaming off to avoid unintended charges. Keep it on if you want to make use of roaming text, call, or data—sometimes your carrier will have an agreement with a carrier in another country. Generally, they’ll offer deals for those who utilize roaming, just make sure you know what your charges will be before using it.

7. Purchase a Wi-Fi USB dongle

Inserting a dongle (a small device that inserts into your computer’s USB port) which has Wi-Fi capabilities is a nice option for those who want to connect without relying on hotspots or SIM cards. Dongles are easily portable and offer security as well as connectivity. Plus, it acts as storage, as you can save files, photos, videos, and more to the device.

8. Book accommodation with Wi-Fi

One of the best ways to make sure you’ll be able to connect with friends, family, and others while abroad is to book hotels, hostels, or other accommodations that offer access to their Wi-Fi. Typically you’ll get access upon check-in and it will be relatively secure if password-protected. (However, this is still a great—and recommended—opportunity to use a VPN.)

It’s very common for hotels to offer free Wi-Fi for their guests, but some locations will ask you to pay for Wi-Fi as an added cost to your stay. You may also be able to access the hotel’s business center.

9. Spend some time at internet cafes

Internet cafes are a safe, great way to get online.

Yes, internet cafes still exist! While not as popular as they used to be, with all of the other options to find connectivity these days, these “cafes” provide internet at an hourly or daily rate and offer a typically quiet and safe space to get online.

If you need a few hours of high-speed connectivity, seeking out an internet cafe instead of battling to connect with shared or public Wi-Fi may be the best use of your time. However, if these public computers don’t offer a VPN option, it might be safer to steer clear from this option.

10. Identify public locations with Wi-Fi available

Besides internet cafes, actual cafes, restaurants, bars, libraries, and even very public locations like parks and playgrounds will often have free or pay-to-use Wi-Fi available that you can connect to. Beware of using public Wi-Fi if you are working on anything sensitive or do not have good security on your device—others on the network could take advantage.

You may also have limited access depending on local laws or regulations for internet surfing. Your best option for privacy and security while using the internet abroad will be to use a Surfshark VPN.

11. Bring a hotspot and share with a friend

Never fear how to stay connected to the internet while traveling again by purchasing a hotspot! Whether on a separate device or on your phone, a hotspot is a great option to access the internet while working, volunteering, vacationing, or studying abroad.

A hotspot connects a router to an internet service provider through a wireless local area network (WLAN)—once set up you can connect via your computer or other nearby devices.

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Stay connected with friends and family while you’re traveling!

Stay connected to those who matter most!

By having the internet while traveling allows you to stay longer while keeping in touch with work or sharing updates with loved ones. You don’t have to be glued to your phone or computer to appreciate the benefits of connectivity while traveling.

Even if you only need the internet or cell service to message a new international friend, confirm a booking online, or get quick directions to a cute cafe, staying connected will give you peace of mind.

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This article was written with help from Surfshark. Surfshark VPN provides security and privacy to its users, and has been recognized by publishers such as Techradar, Forbes, and the Independent.