Choose the Best eSIM Data Plan for Travel — All you need to know

What 3 categories do you think almost every traveller takes with them besides clothes, shoes and medicines? The first one: travel accessories such as a neck pillow, eye mask, earplugs, and a travel blanket can make long flights or car rides more comfortable. The second one: documents such as passport, visa, travel insurance, and any other travel-related documents are essential to pack for a trip. And the third one: travelers often pack electronics such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, cameras, chargers, and adapters to stay connected and capture memories. A phone is one of the most essential things you need when travelling, but how does it pay to fly around the world with an e-SIM? What are the best eSIM and data plan? 

Basic concepts: Embedded SIM and data plan 

MFF2 technology: the M2M form factor is the latest development in cellular communication and providing miniaturised parts to the inside of an electronic device. Top 3 benefits of the electronic chip:

1. Takes up minimal space in a smartphone’s “brains” and allows space for the implementation of new technological elements in the structural parts of the phone and tablet;
2. Offers a wide choice of mobile network operators operating worldwide and instant connection without paperwork, personal visits to the mobile network salons and overpayments. All you have to do is go to the carrier’s official website, choose an eSIM data plan, pay, wait for the staff to send you a QR code to install it and download the settings to your phone;
3. What do you need when you travel? Safety and security: an Embedded SIM cannot be stolen or lost, it will always be with your device, no matter what.

However, when choosing a SIM card for your phone, we first look at the offers with cellular rates. In any country there is a set of popular mobile network operators and each of them provides a list of services including data packages: minutes for phone calls around the world, sms and internet traffic packages, which can be combined and presented as an answer to the question — what is a data plan? 

How to choose a data plan for travelling?

Sneak peek in some factors to consider when choosing a data plan:

• Calculate how many minutes you need to talk abroad. Try to plan your communication costs in advance to make the best choice and use of your tariff;
• The speed of the data connection can be an important factor, especially if you use data-intensive apps. Examine the maximum download and upload speeds offered by the plan;
• Compare the costs of different data plans from various providers, and choose a plan that fits your budget. Consider any additional fees, such as activation fees or early termination fees;
• Verify the network coverage in the country, which you are going to visit. Make sure the provider offers coverage in your area and that the coverage is reliable;
• Some data plans come with additional features such as free access to certain apps or services, unlimited calling or texting, or a mobile hotspot. Consider if any of these features are important to you.

How to save money when choosing a tariff plan?

5 tips from the professionals:

1. Take your time to analyse your phone or tablet usage and determine how much data, minutes and texts you need each month. This will help you choose a plan that suits your needs and avoid overpaying for services you don’t use;
2. Prepaid plans can be a good option if you don’t want to sign a contract or commit to a long-term plan. Prepaid plans can also help you avoid unexpected fees or overpayments;
3. Don’t be afraid to try bargaining or asking your mobile carrier for a better rate. You can often get a better price or more service if you ask for it;
4. Consider combining spending eSIM data. Use Wi-Fi whenever possible to avoid wasting your data limit. This will help you avoid overpaying and save money on your data plan;
5. Cellular operators often have great deals on bundled services. Combining phone, internet and TV services from one provider often results in lower overall costs.

List of the best data planes for travel

1. The main advantage of the operator with T-Mobile’s international package is the plans for a wide range of devices. Internet packages include 2GB to 50GB of high-speed data at optimal prices for travel around the world. Special mention should be made of the Magenta MAX plan, which is a great value proposition for travellers with unlimited minutes, sms and even 5G access.
2. Travel in company: Google Fi offers a unique plan for families or travel groups that travel together in cities and countries. The package is available for up to 6 people, with each user entitled to use as much data as they want. The prices are affordable and when divided by 6 travellers are a cheap option. The operator also has unlimited programmes.
3. Skyroam is known for its partial package offers of 1 and 5 GB for small traffic and from 10 GB. These plans are designed for frequent travelers who need more data and want to save money. What makes the mobile operator unique is that it has a plan with Solis Lite, which is a mobile hotspot device that allows up to 10 devices, which will also be advantageous and useful for group travel, large families with children and business trips.

Summary 

By considering these points of the article and evaluating your personal needs, you can choose the best phone plan for international travel that provides a profitable balance between data allowance, speed, cost, and other features.