Staying Connected Abroad: What Actually Works
I used to think “I’ll just sort internet when I land” was a normal travel plan. It is not. It’s how you end up standing outside an airport, tired, with no signal, trying to log into a Wi‑Fi network called “FREE AIRPORT WIFI 5G”.
This page is the system I use now to stay connected abroad without turning it into a full-time job. It covers eSIMs, physical SIMs, roaming, hotspots, and what to do when it all breaks.
Last updated: 6 July 2026
Quick heads up: some links are affiliate links. If you click and buy, I may earn a small commission. It doesn’t cost you extra.
If you’re leaving tomorrow, do this
Decide how you’re getting data (eSIM, physical SIM, roaming, pocket Wi‑Fi).
Pick a realistic data amount (most people either buy way too little or way too much).
Set it up before you fly, or at least before you leave Wi‑Fi.
If you want the wider list of travel tools I actually use (not just internet), it’s here:
Going to Japan? Start here: Japan eSIM guide
Physical SIM
Best for:
Long stays in one country
You want the simplest “local plan” experience
You need a local number
Avoid if:
You’re moving around a lot
You’ll forget where you put the SIM pin (I always do)
eSIM (what I use most of the time)
Best for:
You want to land and have data quickly
You don’t want to mess around with tiny SIM cards
You’re moving between countries
Avoid if:
Your phone is locked to a network
You hate troubleshooting and you’re on an older device
You need a local phone number for calls (rare for most travellers)
Roaming
Best for:
Short trips where your plan is genuinely good value
You cannot be bothered and you’re willing to pay for convenience
Avoid if:
You have any risk of surprise charges
You’re travelling for more than a few days and you’ll use maps a lot
Pocket Wi‑Fi
Best for:
Group travel (multiple people sharing)
You need laptop-level reliability and you’re happy carrying an extra device
Avoid if:
You want simple and light
You don’t want another thing to charge
The quick decision: what should you use?
How much data do you actually need? (realistic version)
Most travel data use is not “scrolling Instagram”. It’s the boring stuff:
Maps
WhatsApp
Booking confirmations
Translation
Random “where am I” Googling
A rough guide:
Light use (maps + messages): 1 to 3 GB per week
Medium use (regular browsing + socials): 3 to 7 GB per week
Heavy use (video, hotspotting, work calls): 10+ GB per week
If you’re unsure, buy enough to avoid stress. Running out of data abroad is never a fun little adventure.
If you want a real example, here’s what I use for Japan:
How Much Data Do I Need in Japan? →
Set-up rules that save you pain later
1) Do not wait until you’re exhausted
Set it up before you fly if you can. If not, do it while you still have stable Wi‑Fi.
2) Screenshot the important info
If you’re using an eSIM, screenshot:
activation steps
support steps
any QR codes or codes you might need
3) Know your “escape plan”
If your setup fails, your escape plan is:
airport Wi‑Fi (temporary)
hotel Wi‑Fi (temporary)
your own hotspot (best)
a physical SIM as a backup (if you’re really stuck)
Fix it now (the stuff that goes wrong)
No service abroad
Common causes:
roaming settings off
wrong SIM/eSIM selected for data
network selection set weirdly
your phone needs a restart (annoying, but true)
If you’re going to Japan and want the full “start here” setup:
Japan eSIM Guide →
eSIM won’t activate
Common causes:
you’re trying to activate without stable Wi‑Fi
you’ve installed it but not turned it on for data
APN settings need adjusting (this is the one that makes people spiral)
If you’re using Ubigi, start here:
Ubigi Japan eSIM Setup →
If it’s failing / not working, use this:
Ubigi Japan eSIM Not Working →
Hotspot not working
Common causes:
your plan doesn’t allow tethering
your phone is blocking it because of settings
you’re connected to Wi‑Fi and trying to hotspot at the same time
Hotspot guide:
Ubigi Hotspot in Japan →
I’m building out dedicated “fix” pages for each of these so you can just follow steps instead of guessing. For now, if you want the tools and links in one place, use Travel Resources:
Country notes (only where I can be honest)
I’m not going to pretend I’m an expert on every country. When I’ve actually tested things somewhere, I’ll add notes here.
Japan: I’ve got a full Japan connectivity cluster here:
Tools I use (right now)
I test different options. This is what I’m using at the moment, and why. If I switch, I’ll update this page.
My current eSIM pick: Ubigi
Best for:
You want a straightforward setup
You want reliable data without drama
You’re travelling and you just need it to work
Avoid if:
You need a local phone number
You want the absolute cheapest option and you’re happy to trade reliability for price
Want the full travel setup (not just internet)?
If you want my full list of travel tools, resources, and links, it’s all here:
Travel Resources I Actually Use →
If you want updates and new guides as I publish them, start from Home (email signup is there):
Start here →
FAQs
Is an eSIM better than a physical SIM?
For most travellers, yes, because it’s faster and easier. For long stays in one country, a physical SIM can be simpler.
Can I use my phone as a hotspot abroad?
Usually yes, but not every plan allows tethering. If hotspot matters to you, check before you rely on it.
Should I rely on hotel or airport Wi‑Fi?
For low-stakes browsing, fine. For anything important, I’d rather use mobile data, hotspot, or a VPN.
If you’re using Wi‑Fi, read these:
Happy travels!
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