You are going on a trip soon and although you feel like disconnecting, you like to find your way on Google Maps or book your next restaurant online. To do this, you need to have data and join a local network. Local companies offer very high roaming rates of up to $16 per day. But there are several solutions available to stay connected at low prices.
For the data
The eSIM card
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The quickest and easiest option is undoubtedly the eSIM card. This is a digital SIM card that can be added to your smartphone (on devices 2018 and up). Select the plan that suits you online or in the app, follow the instructions to activate it, and that’s it! You now have cellular data for your trip. To make phone calls, use FaceTime, Messenger and WhatsApp. Among the most popular companies, we find Airalo (with service in French), Nomad et FlexiRoam.
An example: for a 5 GB eSIM card valid for 30 days in France, the cost is $8.11 with eSIM4Travelor $9.58 with Esmatic.
For local data and calls
SIM card
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Another option: buy a physical SIM card once there. This way you will have data and a local number, which can be practical for, for example, making reservations. You either have to go to a telephone company store or, at the airport itself, find a kiosk that sells SIM cards to tourists (it is often a little more expensive). This option is especially useful for long-term trips, as it requires a little time, but is above all very economical since overseas packages are ridiculously low.
For example: a SIM card with the company Telcel in Mexico allows you to obtain for 25 days – 3 GB of data (social applications do not count in the data!), unlimited texts and unlimited calls in Mexico, Canada and the United States for $10.50. If you prefer to only have data, there is a 30-day plan – 7 GB for less than $14.
Make sure you have your passport when purchasing, as it is usually required to check-in.
For calls to a home line
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How to call grandma on her good old landline phone from abroad? The app Sponge allows you to get a number with your area code and make calls to Canada as if you were at home. It is possible to pay for the international call and text service from $3.99 per month. You can also transfer your personal number to this number and thus not miss any calls during your trip (note, certain charges apply depending on your cellular company).
You can do the same with Skype et Viber, for free to the same application or to a residential line with a paid subscription.
