Traveling abroad with your mobile is a habit these days. Receiving the bill after we return can leave us with a bitter taste of our vacation.
Here are some options that are more or less easy and more or less expensive.
The simplest (and most expensive): Your current provider’s Roam-like-home plan
There’s nothing to do, it’s the easy way out. But be careful… the bill can quickly mount up. Although laws governing roaming charges are now in force, this option remains the most expensive.
$12/day for USA, $15/day for international! Ouch!
Your 7-day Mexico getaway, used over 8 calendar days, will cost you $120. It’s simple, but let’s just say there are better options.
I never use this option but it is available in case of problems.
The most practical and flexible: An eSim for your destination
A little preparation and you can save a lot. Different eSim providers to meet your needs.
Different eSim providers offer you data solutions for your travels. I say data because most of the time they only offer data. (By the way, WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, etc. use data only)
Here are some eSim providers
- Airalo
- Ubigi
- Airhub
- Nomad
Make sure your device is compatible with this technology.
Most recent devices support it but you should always check.
I.E.:
- iPhone 12 (All versions) or newer
- Samsung S21 (All models) or newer
- Google Pixel 4 or newer
- Google Pixel Fold
- Huawei P40 (All models) or newer
- And others but I can’t list them all here.
$15USD for 2GB for 15 days. Not bad cheaper than Roam like home
Get discounts on your first purchase with the following codes:
| eSim Provider | Discount | Reference code |
| Airalo | 3$USD | ALEXAN5089 |
| Ubigi | 20% | J9RPZQSR |
Please check when your plan starts on your eSim. For example, with Airalo, the usage period begins when the eSim connects to the selected network, while with Ubigi, the usage period begins as soon as the plan is purchased.
Your device does not support eSim? A physical travel sim
Your device does not support eSim or you do not feel comfortable with this option? No problem, there are physical Sims for travel. However, delivery time must be taken into account. You can’t take this option if it’s the last minute.
You can find a whole range of Sims for all your travels on Amazon.
Less frequent and fewer options: The roaming plan.
Some providers offer you plans with roaming included for certain countries. The most common is the United States.
With these packages, you can cross the border and continue to use your package as if you were at home without having to pay a daily fee because it is already included in the monthly package. Check with your provider to see if these packages are available. It is often possible to take this type of package for the duration of the trip and to change packages upon your return.
The least expensive: A local Sim at your destination
This option requires waiting to have a Sim once at your destination (sometimes at the airport).
This option requires waiting to have a Sim once at your destination (sometimes at the airport).
Let’s take Mexico again as an example.
Movistar offers 2GB of data, unlimited local calls and texts for 12 days for $80 MXN, or $6.31 CAD
#cellular #mobile