This might seem like a super simple topic—especially if you’ve traveled before or even just left the country for a bit. But when you’re traveling more frequently, long-term, or even solo, figuring out how to connect online affordably and effectively is a lot more important than people realize. And if you don’t plan it right, it can get super complicated and super expensive really fast.
I’ve been traveling the world since I was a kid, but I didn’t truly understand the importance of finding the right way to stay connected until I started solo traveling. In this guide, I’ll walk you through all the options based on my personal experience as an American iPhone user. While this applies to anyone traveling, it’s especially useful if you’re from the U.S. and using a phone with an American phone number, carrier, and service setup.
⸻
Why It’s a Bit More Complicated for American iPhone Users
Let’s start with this: iPhones sold in the U.S. (from the iPhone 14 onward) no longer have a physical SIM card slot. That means you can’t just pop in a new SIM when you land in a different country like travelers from many other parts of the world can.
This is unfortunate because physical SIM cards are often the cheapest and most practical way to stay connected abroad—especially if you’re traveling long-term and moving through multiple countries.
Instead, with the newer U.S. iPhones, your only option is to use an eSIM. We’ll get into that in a bit. But before we go there, let’s cover all the options, including the more expensive—but popular—ones like international roaming.
Also, just to clarify: I’ve never traveled with a non-iPhone, so I can’t speak directly about Samsung, Google Pixel, or Android devices. This article is based on my experience traveling with an iPhone, an iPad, and a laptop. If you’re using a different device, I recommend checking your specific phone’s compatibility with physical SIMs and eSIMs before making a plan.
⸻
Understanding Your U.S. Phone Carrier and Apps
In the U.S., most of us are with major carriers like:
• AT&T
• Verizon
• T-Mobile
• Mint Mobile
• Visible
• Others
And unlike many travelers from other countries, Americans often rely heavily on Apple apps tied directly to their carrier and phone number. These include:
• Messages (iMessage)
• FaceTime
• Phone app (calls using your U.S. number)
All of these work off your American carrier plan and your +1 phone number.
However, around the world, the most popular messaging and calling app is WhatsApp. It lets you call, text, and video chat anyone—no matter where they are or what number they have—as long as you have Wi-Fi or data. The key thing is: WhatsApp works independently of your American carrier.
So, if you’re traveling abroad and want to stay in touch without racking up a huge bill or relying on U.S. service, WhatsApp is a must. You can use it with your U.S. number even if your primary SIM is inactive, and your messages will remain intact. Before you leave, make sure your key contacts also have WhatsApp downloaded—especially if they’re not already using it.
⸻
Option 1: International Roaming (The Easy, Expensive Route)
This is what most people do, especially when traveling for just a few days or when they don’t know about better options. It’s simple to activate, but it’s also the most expensive.
How It Works:
• You leave your U.S. SIM in your phone.
• You turn on international roaming in your settings.
• You get charged a daily fee based on your plan.
Now, here’s the important part: Roaming fees vary by carrier and plan. Some factors that affect your pricing:
• Whether you’re on an individual or family plan
• Which carrier you use (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.)
• Whether your plan includes international perks
For example, on my AT&T family plan, the international roaming fee is $12/day per device, and after 10 days, it’s free for the rest of that billing cycle. So if you only need it for 10 days, great—but if you’re traveling for a month, that’s $120 per device, which really adds up.
Now you might be thinking, “$120/month doesn’t sound that bad for unlimited data.” But over time? Not worth it. I traveled for nine months across over 10 countries, and using eSIMs, I spent less than $120 total during that entire time.
Keep in mind, too, that not every international plan includes calls or texts. Some only include data. So you might still be charged extra for outgoing calls or texts—even if you’re already paying a daily roaming fee. Always check the fine print.
Yes, roaming is super easy to activate—you just toggle it on in your settings—but it’s also the most expensive and the least flexible option. If you’re only going away for a week, it might be fine. But if you’re backpacking, working remotely, or slow traveling, it’s not the best deal.
⸻
Option 2: Physical SIM Cards (Best for Phones with SIM Slots)
If your phone has a physical SIM slot (older iPhones or non-U.S. models), you have access to one of the best options: buying a local SIM card in the country you’re visiting.
How It Works:
1. Keep your phone in airplane mode to avoid roaming charges.
2. Visit a convenience store, airport kiosk, or local phone shop.
3. Choose a SIM card based on:
• How many days it’s valid
• How much data you need
4. Insert the physical SIM, and your phone will switch to a local number and carrier.
You’ll get a new phone number based on the country you’re in. Some hotels or tour providers might ask for your number, so just give them the one linked to your current SIM. It’s not a big deal.
Physical SIMs usually come with clear setup instructions, and many shop owners will even install the SIM for you. They’re often preloaded with different data options—like 5GB for 7 days, or unlimited for 30 days—so you can choose what works best for your trip.
However, once you switch SIMs, iMessage and FaceTime may not work the same—especially if they’re tied to your U.S. number. That’s why many travelers switch to WhatsApp, which lets you keep messaging people back home without issue.
Even though I haven’t used a physical SIM due to my iPhone model, I know many travelers who swear by them. They’re usually super affordable—sometimes just a few dollars for a week or even a month of data.
⸻
Option 3: eSIMs (The Smartest Choice for Modern Travelers)
Now let’s talk about the method I personally use and recommend: eSIMs.
An eSIM is a virtual SIM card you download from an app. You don’t need to put anything into your phone physically. It’s all done digitally and can be activated instantly.
But First: Is Your Phone Unlocked?
This is important: to use eSIMs, your iPhone must be unlocked. If you’re still paying off your phone in monthly installments through AT&T, Verizon, or another carrier, it might still be locked to your carrier, which means you won’t be able to activate third-party eSIMs.
In my case, before my trip, I had to fully pay off my iPhone in order for AT&T to unlock it. Whether it was my old phone with just a few payments left or a brand-new phone I bought upfront, I had to pay in full.
If you’re unsure if your iPhone is unlocked:
• Go to Settings > General > About
• Scroll to Carrier Lock
• If it says “No SIM restrictions”, your phone is unlocked
If it’s locked, call your carrier and ask what it would take to unlock it. Every provider is different.
Now, paying off your phone in full might seem like a big cost up front—but when I compare that one-time cost to the hundreds of dollars I’ve saved using eSIMs instead of international roaming, it was absolutely worth it.
⸻
How to Use an eSIM
Once your phone is unlocked, using an eSIM is incredibly easy.
I use Airalo, a trusted app among long-term travelers and digital nomads. It has plans for almost every country in the world, as well as regional and global plans.
Here’s what to do:
1. Download the Airalo app.
2. Browse by country, region (e.g. Southeast Asia, Europe), or global.
3. Choose a plan based on:
• Days (7, 15, 30, 60, etc.)
• Data amount (1GB to unlimited)
4. Buy the eSIM.
5. Follow the activation instructions (usually takes just a few taps).
6. Once you’re in the destination, activate it, and you’re connected.
You can even label each eSIM with the country name for easy switching. I usually download the eSIM while I’m still in the U.S. or during my flight, so I can activate it as soon as I land.
Some other popular eSIM apps include Nomad, Holafly, and GigSky—so feel free to shop around and compare prices. Many eSIM providers offer discounts if you refer a friend or buy multi-country bundles.
⸻
Tips for Saving Data on the Road
Even if you’re using affordable eSIMs, it’s smart to limit your data use so you don’t have to constantly top up. Here’s what I do:
• Use Wi-Fi as much as possible (cafés, hostels, Airbnbs, airports).
• Avoid using data for high-bandwidth things like Netflix, YouTube, or TikTok.
• Turn off background app refresh.
• Use offline Google Maps or download city guides in advance.
• Save FaceTime for when you’re on Wi-Fi.
I try to be strategic about how I use my phone: maps, booking confirmations, quick messages, translation apps, or safety alerts. Streaming or scrolling is saved for Wi-Fi time.
⸻
Final Thoughts
When deciding how to stay connected abroad, think about:
• How long you’ll be away
• How much you rely on your phone daily
• Your safety needs (especially if solo traveling)
• Whether your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible
• How many countries you’re visiting
For me, as a solo female traveler, I never want to be in a situation where I can’t reach someone or get directions. Even if I’m trying to save money, I always make sure I have at least a small eSIM activated, just in case.
Remember: most hostels, hotels, restaurants, and cafés offer free Wi-Fi, so even if you don’t want to pay for a data plan, you can still stay connected part-time. But having that backup eSIM is what gives me peace of mind.
⸻
In Summary
• Roaming: Easy but expensive. Great for short trips, bad for your wallet long-term.
• Physical SIMs: Super affordable, great if your phone has a SIM slot.
• eSIMs: Best for most travelers today. Affordable, flexible, and perfect for new iPhones.
And don’t forget: WhatsApp is your best friend. It works everywhere, doesn’t depend on your U.S. number, and lets you call, text, and video chat with anyone for free over Wi-Fi or data.
So wherever you’re headed, plan ahead, explore your options, and choose what makes the most sense for your trip and your phone setup. Safe and connected travels to you.
Livslifeoncam 
Leave a comment