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Do you remember when at what point in history the development of the Internet began? It was only 60 years ago that the first developments began, and the global world network entered the life of the average citizen of the world less than 20 years ago. However, in this short period of time, technology has changed lives, revolutionised and improved many areas of life. Meanwhile, travel has evolved thanks to the internet to such an extent that it is now hard to imagine a holiday without a phone. How to get data when traveling abroad?
Related: “What to choose eSIMs vs. International Roaming Plans for Travel“
Reasons Why You Need Internet When Traveling Abroad
People use the internet when travelling abroad for various purposes that help them simplify, enrich and secure their trips. This applies primarily to:
- Firstly, planning a trip. The internet provides access to a wealth of information, allowing travellers to search and compare travel options, book flights, trains, hotels and excursions;
- Second, travellers can search for information on local attractions, culture, traditions, places to visit and delicious local cuisine;
- Third, with the help of the internet, people can also use maps and navigation on their mobile devices to navigate an unfamiliar city, find the nearest attractions, restaurants and shops;
- Fourth, the global network allows people to stay in touch with family and friends through social networks, messengers and video calls, to share impressions and photos;
- Fifth, with the help of the Internet, you can use language translation applications, which makes it easier to communicate with locals and understand information in a foreign language;
- Sixth, if get mobile internet, it allows people to do banking, check account balance, pay bills and transfer money;
- Seventh, if medical attention is needed, travellers can use the internet to find the nearest medical facilities and information about medical services.
Data Roaming is Dying — Unlock New Possibilities with Unlimited eSIM Data
What is roaming? This concept includes a package of services to provide the possibility of using the mobile network when travelling between countries of the world outside the home region.
Therefore, today more and more travelers want to get eSIM, as roaming has become unprofitable when traveling around the world for several main reasons:
- Traditional roaming is associated with very high international calling, messaging and data rates. Mobile operators typically charge significantly higher prices for services when the user is abroad.
- Many roaming tariffs have data usage restrictions, which can severely limit internet surfing and app usage while travelling;
- In light of the growing popularity of Embedded SIMs and international mobile platforms that offer local maps and plans for travellers, more attractive and cost-effective connectivity options in other countries have become available;
- With increasing competition among mobile operators and the emergence of virtual network operators, more flexible and cost-effective tariffs for business and leisure travellers have become available.
However, if you are hearing about using eSIM internationally for the first time or have scarce data, it is worth mentioning MFF2.
The Lifeline of the Internet when Travelling — Meet eSIM
MFF2 technology: the M2M form factor (eSIM) is a new technology that replaces the traditional removable plastic card in a smartphone or other device. The main advantage of Embedded SIM is that it allows users to easily connect to telecom operators without having to traditionally change SIM cards.
The e-SIM is especially convenient for travellers as travelling abroad becomes more convenient and cost-effective. You will be able to buy and activate the card of the local mobile operator of the country you are travelling to online at home. And on arrival you can start using it without wasting time looking for a mobile phone shop and overpaying for roaming. Moreover, there is more than one eSIM data plan in each country.
Step-by-step guide on how to activate eSIM for international travel:
Step 1. Check whether the telecom operator in the country you are going to supports eSIM and whether they provide card activation service for roaming plans;
Step 2. Before travelling, contact your service provider and request eSIM activation for overseas travel. They may provide you with a QR code or activation code that you will need in the next step;
Step 3. When you arrive in the country where you want to use your local service provider, open your smartphone settings. Go to the “Mobile Communication” section. Select the “Add a plan” option. If you have a QR code, scan it with your smartphone camera. If you have an activation code, enter it manually.
Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your MFF2 activation with your local service provider;
Step 5. When you have electronic and plastic cards activated, you can quickly change them in your smartphone settings.
Summary
The take-home message is during flights or long journeys, travellers may use the Internet for entertainment, watching movies, reading the news or simply for various information. The global network allows travellers to monitor the weather forecast for their destination, which helps them prepare for different weather conditions. People can use the internet to post reviews of their travel experiences and make recommendations to other travellers, which helps to improve travel and choose better options. And these are bonus three reasons to the seven mentioned above in the article, which further highlight the importance of the internet, which is available at a low cost with an eSIM and bypasses roaming, travelling without borders and restrictions from cellular service.
