SIM card for international travel guide

If you’re heading abroad, it’s important to explore your SIM card options before you arrive in a new country. Buying an international SIM is a simple way to use your phone overseas.

Read our guide to SIM cards for international travel, including how to get started with your new SIM.

Do you need a SIM card when traveling abroad?

A SIM card is a small card you insert into your phone to connect to your mobile network. You need a card for most functions, such as using data or making calls.

If you’re traveling abroad, using your regular SIM can lead to high data roaming charges - and there may be restrictions about how you can use your phone overseas.

However, an international SIM card is specifically tailored to overseas usage, letting you access low data rates, international calls, and greater coverage than a regular card.¹

Is it better to get a local SIM card or an international one?

There are a few options when using your SIM card abroad. A local SIM is a prepaid card that you can buy from your travel destination, or you can get an international SIM online before you travel to roam with freedom.

We’ve put together some pros and cons for local and international SIM cards.

	Local	International
Pros	✅ Typically cheaper than international SIM cards² ✅ Good if you’re staying in one place	✅ Use your SIM in multiple locations ✅ Advanced roaming options
Cons	❌ They aren’t available in all countries	❌ You’ll need to purchase your SIM in advance

How to get a SIM card for international travel

It’s easy to get an international SIM card for your trip. First, you’ll need to research the best option for you. It’s a good idea to think about where you want to travel and how you’re going to use your phone.

You can only buy an international SIM online, so you need to order it in advance. However, if you’re staying in one place for a long time and you want a prepaid local travel card, you can purchase your travel SIM at the airport or when you arrive in your destination country.

Where to get international SIM cards

You can only order your international SIM online, and many mobile providers offer this option. Once you’ve decided which SIM is the best for your trip, you can buy it on your chosen provider’s website.

You can get a local SIM from most major supermarkets or convenience stores in your destination country, or you may even be able to buy your SIM from a vendor at the airport.

Can you get international e-SIMs?

It’s also possible to get an international e-SIM card for travel. Unlike a regular SIM, which is a physical card, an e-SIM is completely digital. You can download an e-SIM plan and install it on your device remotely.

This is a convenient option if you’re on the go - and you can easily alter your e-SIM plan using your phone.³

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How to use an international SIM card

We’ve put together a step-by-step guide for how to use a SIM card for international travel.

Step 1. Switch off your phone as this will prevent any damage

Step 2. Remove your current SIM card and insert your international SIM

Step 3. Switch your phone back on. Your SIM may automatically connect to your new network. However, your provider may need you to activate the card, so make sure to follow any instructions

Step 4. While you travel, you may want to top up your SIM. To do this, you’ll need to visit your provider’s website and add credit to your plan

If you’re having trouble connecting your SIM, you may need to enter the Access Point Name (APN) settings to activate it. It’s also a good idea to check if your SIM is compatible with your mobile device before getting started.

How does a SIM card work when you're overseas?

A local SIM card operates on just one network in a specific location. When you move outside your operator’s coverage area - such as when you travel abroad- this is known as data roaming. You can still use your phone to make calls and use data, but you may be charged at a higher rate.

International SIM cards work a little differently. They are programmed to connect to multiple networks, so you won’t face additional charges when you travel. This is because SIM carriers make agreements with other carriers to let each other’s customers use global networks.

These cards also use call-back technology. This means that outbound calls become inbound on your phone. All of these systems reduce your roaming expenses when using local networks overseas.⁴

Top SIM cards for traveling abroad

There are a few international SIM cards to check out for your next trip abroad. We’ve put together information about 3 top cards, including costs, coverage, data allowance, and more.

GigSky

GigSky offers a range of international e-SIM plans depending on where you’re traveling. You can access 5GB for 30 days at 69.99 USD with the GigSky World Plan - covering worldwide phone usage.

If you’re only traveling to Europe, there are a range of cost-effective plans. You can access 5GB for 30 days at 19.99 USD in Europe.⁵

However, GigSky’s service is data-only, meaning you don’t get a new telephone number with your international e-SIM.⁶

OneSIMCard

OneSIMCard lets you use international mobile services in over 200 countries, with a range of different call and data packages.

The OneSIMCard Universal package includes 4G services and direct dial options in 50+ countries at 29.95 USD, as well as 10 USD credit for calls, text, and data.

You can also access live customer support from OneSIMCard.⁷

Orange Holiday Europe

There are a few different Orange Holiday Europe options, including all-inclusive plans if you’re traveling to Europe.

You can get 50GB for 28 days at 49.99 EUR, as well as 2 hours of calls from Europe to worldwide locations and 1000 SMS messages.⁸

Access customer service everyday if you need help activating your travel SIM.⁹

Things to consider before getting an international SIM card

Can you use your regular SIM card for international travel?

You can use your regular SIM card for international travel. However, you may face additional charges when using your phone abroad - and an international SIM provides extra functionality for travelers.

What if your phone is locked and you can't change the SIM card?

You may find that your phone is locked to one mobile provider. You’ll need to contact your provider to unlock your phone, and then complete the necessary steps to insert your new SIM card for travel.

Can you top up an international SIM card?

It’s possible to top up your SIM card with many international providers. You can top up your SIM with Orange Holiday Europe online. Simply type in your SIM number and how much data, calls, or texts you want to add to your card.¹⁰

Is it better to buy a SIM card in your destination country?

You can also buy a local prepaid SIM card in your destination country, instead of investing in an international SIM. This is convenient if you’re only heading to one country for work or study.

This option restricts you to using your phone in just one country, so you may want to consider an international SIM if you’re traveling to multiple locations.

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International SIM cards are a convenient way to travel across the globe without expensive data roaming charges. From GigSky to OneSIMCard, there are lots of options, including competitive data rates and online access abroad.

To start exploring the world, check out Wise.

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Sources:

1. Transatel Data Sim
2. Money Saving Expert
3. Airalo
4. Unicreds
5. GigSky
6. GigSky
7. OneSIMCard
8. Orange Holiday Europe
9. Orange Travel
10. Orange Travel

Sources checked 09.11.2023