Tips for using the internet comfortably while traveling without buying a foreign SIM card

If you're traveling abroad and don't want to buy a SIM card, here's a handy guide on how to stay connected online hassle-free.

0
130

Today, with the development of technology, people are accustomed to using the internet anytime and anywhere. Especially during travel, not being able to connect to the internet can not only affect the enjoyment of the trip but also cause inconvenience and safety concerns for travelers abroad. However, this worry has now receded with many tips being shared among travelers on forums and social media, which you can refer to.

Using a 3G/4G hotspot

A Wi-Fi hotspot from a 3G/4G SIM card is a familiar solution for travelers for many years, especially for tour groups. This compact device will catch 3G/4G signals and provide Wi-Fi for handheld devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops, convenient for both travelers and business people abroad.

The advantage of the hotspot is that it can be used in many countries, both domestically and internationally. Some devices support up to 60 countries worldwide. Users just need to buy a data SIM in the local country and insert it into the device to connect. Some devices use virtual SIM technology, eliminating the need to buy physical SIM cards.

However, the cost of this device is not cheap for many travelers, especially those who rarely travel abroad, ranging from nearly 4 million VND. In addition, the hotspot device also has the disadvantage of requiring you to carry it with you, which can be lost and cause inconvenience when it runs out of battery. This device is also more inconvenient when the travel group always has to go together to share the connection and cannot control the data usage of each individual. This is also one of the reasons why the popularity of Wi-Fi hotspots is gradually decreasing compared to more optimized SIM solutions.

International roaming

Data Roaming is a service that allows users to turn on 3G/4G data to connect to the internet in foreign countries without the need to buy a local SIM card. Compared to the above two solutions, this method allows users to skip the preparation steps such as buying SIM cards or devices, and only requires registration through the messaging syntax to the network provider to activate the service (for example, send CVQT to 9123 for VinaPhone network). Users can access the internet normally and make calls to domestic numbers without any impact.

However, the expensive cost of the service has made it always considered a luxury and unfamiliar to the majority of mobile subscribers. However, this weakness is gradually being overcome by leading network providers in Vietnam as they are gradually lowering the Data Roaming charges to a more affordable level.

Cheap Data Roaming packages are seen as positive steps by network providers to completely remove one of the biggest obstacles for Vietnamese subscribers when traveling or working abroad, and bringing Data Roaming services closer to users. Therefore, Vietnamese customers are recommended to carefully consider the discount programs and special packages offered by the network provider in the host country to save money and ensure convenience when accessing the internet.

Buying a local SIM card

Highlighted by many travelers, buying a local SIM card is considered a convenient solution, especially in Northeast Asian countries or neighboring countries such as Thailand, Taiwan, and Malaysia. With a price of around 400,000 VND, tourists can use the internet and communicate with each other in the above countries for about 8 days. In many European countries, the price is more expensive, around 230,000 VND per day.

Being able to directly use the SIM card without the need for a separate device like a travel Wi-Fi hotspot makes this solution more popular among young people who want a lightweight and cost-effective trip. This type of SIM can be purchased at airports or from local shops and is mainly limited in terms of usage time, usually as a data-only SIM without the ability to make calls.

However, it also has its own inconveniences. While SIM cards in the above-mentioned neighboring countries are quite suitable for the budget of Vietnamese travelers, in European countries, this SIM card is not as convenient. The inability to make calls or send text messages can leave travelers out of contact in many situations, making it inconvenient for dealing with work or emergencies that require immediate response.

You may also like

Troubleshooting 3G Connectivity Issues on the iPhone

Are you having trouble connecting your iPhone to 3G? If so, this article provides step-by-step instructions to help you resolve the issue.

How to Set Up a Data Network on Your iPhone: The Ultimate Guide for Optimal Internet Usage

With a data network installed on your iPhone, you can access the internet anytime, anywhere, without relying on Wi-Fi. Moreover, the versatility with cloud service integration brings users a much more convenient and secure experience.

Data Roaming: What Is It and How to Turn It On or Off?’>IPhone Data Roaming: What Is It and How to Turn It On or Off?

What is data roaming on iPhone? It is a feature that allows users to access the internet while traveling or working abroad. In today’s article, FPT Shop will explore data roaming on iPhone and how to enable/disable this feature.

Quick Guide on How to Change Android Region to Download Unavailable Apps or When Abroad

Do you need to find out how to switch Android regions quickly and effectively to download games unavailable in Vietnam or simply to switch data regions on your Android phone for travel or work abroad? Refer to the instructions on how to switch Android regions in this article.