Should You Buy a Local Sim Card When You Travel?

[@BH6242KCh]

Main reason to get a local SIM for a short stay is for the data.

[@BillGreenAZ]

Beat me to it. I had the Verizon plan for $10 when I spent a week in the Philippines in January. I wanted to watch the US national college football championship and forgot to use wifi at my airbnb. I had a hefty data charge.

[@elnamayberry]

Esp for Canadian plans - I can get a sim card with tons of data for way less than 1 day of roaming with any Canadian plan. Even if you only use it for maps or bus/train times, it's worth it.

[@finagler]

$10 a day adds up, especially when an eSIM works great. My last trip I spent $5 on an eSIM for the whole trip instead of $140 for 14 days. I got calls/texts from home just the same.

[@marilyndoering2501]

And in Canada, it’s $16 per day in Europe for roaming. And I find that when I’m travelling I need to use data to navigate and look up information.

[@thebasketballhistorian3291]

$10 a day is insane and only justified for something like a weekend business trip.

[@billh_]

As someone that travels as a party of 4 like he does, I was surprised he said that. We do Airlo with our eSims and it’s cheap. It’s not about calls but being able to use data.

[@kimstockdale632]

How do you get "calls/texts from home just the same" if your new local sim card has a local phone number??

[@Cableguy72]

This is generally good advice but does vary a lot depending upon what country you're in and what country you're going to so research is always required. ESims are also available that allow you to purchase the sim at home before you travel and swap between SIMs just by changing your settings, this is often much easier that trying to buy one when you get there and physically swapping. You can also run it as a dual sim using the local one for data but your own sim for calls at the same time.

[@opalgriffin]

I recently went to China and got an eSIM for the data, and it's really useful because the eSim data (I got one via Airalo app) circumvented the Great Firewall, so I could use my normal communication channels while I was there. :)

[@jasonw9251]

@@opalgriffin I used Airalo in Japan last year and it worked well.

[@wolololer]

The problem with e-sim card is majority of phones cant use it.

[@jasonw9251]

@@wolololer sounds like a you problem perhaps consider getting a new phone and stop using that Nokia 3310

[@AJOngenae]

I bought a 50gb SIM in Paris for 10 Euros. Having data to use City Mapper was a life saver. Having data at my finger tips to help navigate the city was invaluable. I will forever buy a local SIM when travelling abroad as my Canadian phone provider is close to $20/day for international data.

[@ghaznavid]

It might work for Americans where your networks are well connected globally, but as a South African, it's way cheaper to get a local sim when traveling, baring a few Southern African countries. Roaming fees on SA SIMs are stupidly expensive.

[@candywalker483]

Don’t forget the newer phones (I can only speak for iPhones, and 14 or newer) don’t have replaceable SIM cards; can only use esims. Would love a video just on those and evaluating them. Thanks.

[@jeffforbess6802]

I think the time span is very important. My daughter and I travelled Europe for a month, and $10/day plus all the data fees per phone would’ve been super pricey. We bought burners and SIM cards. eSIM cards, with an unlocked phone, is the answer. Pay off your phone, then request an unlock BEFORE you go, so you have options. Also, make sure your plan works in ALL the countries you visit. Switzerland is funky about that.

[@deadzio]

Phones in europe dont have simlocks for years. How on earth dual sim phones would work with simlock. Yeah simlocks are long gone in Europe, as long you keep paying your contract they don't care what you doing.

[@diegorodriguez4226]

I'm from Mexico. When traveling to Europe, it makes sense because my mx carrier (Telcel) will charge outrageous rates for international travel. Real example: 1 gb for 50 USD

[@mikerichardson4240]

In the UK my cell phone is provided by O2. they have a roaming fee of £6 per day. On my recent trip to Thailand I bought a sim card for 200thb. then used the usual apps on my phone. The cost saving is massive

[@Sibhusky]

Google Fi. Works like a charm. Extra charges over my normal bill for a 3 week trip was $18.51.

[@xXPyrophorusXx]

US only

[@Sibhusky]

@@xXPyrophorusXx That's is correct, it's only for people based in the US, not people overseas for months without a return trip home. Unless you're military.

[@blogauthor3375]

But for a traveler it is easy and cost effective

[@johnkitchen4699]

I spent a month in Australia using an Aldi SIM card. Cost me $15 and included unlimited calls back to the USA, and most European countries as well as NZ and Australia plus almost four times as much data as I needed. Or I could have paid my USA provider $300 for the same service.

[@sjhanksaz]

I use a hot spot that I just load with data and then use WiFi for the trip. Cool thing is 5 people can use it at once so it becomes pretty affordable

[@scottgoebl6194]

For me it’s all about getting the cell data; less about using my phone number. E-sims can be a hassle and don’t always work that well, so it may be worth paying just a little more to your phone provider for a temporary international plan.

[@svenlindemann5084]

I used the AT&T travel plan, when I visited Germany and since my parents had zero internet, I purchased an Aldi sim card for my I pad, it just worked great !

[@mediumrick7667]

I've done both E-SIM cards and the international plan from my provider. The SIM is less expensive but It was confusing for family and friends as the number isn't immediately recognized. I also had a problem once when I went back to my home SIM. My contacts got all jacked up. I have no idea why but it was a pain to straighten out afterwards. In the future I will stick with the international plan from my provider. I costs a little more but it's well worth it IMO.

[@deaf830]

I use Airalo e-sim, no complaints so far.

[@aselwyn1]

airalo is much more expensive then many other esim options

[@thewindwaker]

I mostly just get the international roaming plan of my main number BUT some country specific apps (like food apps or taxi apps) require a local number so thats something to keep in mind

[@johnwojcik7916]

I got a sim card when I went to Poland and it was great. The only problem I had was that my apps were all associated with my regular number. So when I had a 2 part verification, it would text my home number. Ugh

[@HE360]

There's also Facebook messenger. That was how I was able to stay in contact with my father while I was in Peru.

[@jenniferp7497]

Thanks for explaining this. I've never really understood why people get SIM cards, so it helps to hear the scenarios where it actually makes sense. I take a couple of international trips a year and just pay the $10/day, but I also only travel for 7-10 days at a time, so it's no big deal. I could see where it would be really beneficial for longer trips.

[@crazyj902-topic2]

im going to leave a big yes, yes you should buy sim cards. necessary to get in contact with people back home to let them know you're safe

[@josephpanzarella1417]

In most Latin American countries the cards are very cheap. If you're staying for a week or more I definitely recommend it.

[@travelvideos]

In some countries it is very hard to get local SIM card now. Worth to consider if staying for about a month, but if shorter don't make sense. Also, travel is a perfect time for a digital detox.

[@Prodigious1One]

Yeah, digital detox is smart. I think that I can send text messages with my smartphone while I'm outside the US. That can be good enough.

[@thebasketballhistorian3291]

Japan makes it easy. At any big camera or electronics store (they're always by major stations), you can get a SIM for 30 days with 14 GB for under $30. I only used half the data with constant Google Maps use. There are cheaper options too for shorter trips or less data.

[@KlausKokholmPetersen]

You can get it at the airport as well.

[@jryan9547]

Mint does $5 a day, $10 for 3 days and $20 for 10 days for international travel. I'd mostly use data to find things and gps...wifi for anything really data heavy

[@gurbanoglu5143]

One good reason: You'll have mobile data (internet), so you can order an Uber from anywhere.

[@liminalspace1382]

Or Bolt

[@gurbanoglu5143]

@@liminalspace1382 Yep, or even Yandex.

[@rainmouse2]

I was just talking about this, my Fiancé has a work phone and they no longer let people upgrade, right now they pay for her service although if she were to upgrade it would be on her own bill, unless she swaps the SIM card. So I plan to go to Canada because I love visiting and I'm relatively close and buying her a iphone there because as you know iphones are Esim only in the USA. I get a trip and she gets a phone! It's scary that you posted this right when I was talking about this haha.

[@Andrew-cg2zl]

great video. i was in europe , 5 different countries visited during spring.. i recommend get e-sim, ORANGE TRAVEL.. IT WAS LIKE $20 FOR 2 GB. YOU CAN SET IT UP IN USA BEFORE YOU FLY OUT. DEF RECOMMEND

[@Andrew-cg2zl]

I used my unlock, iphone 13 pro. my main carrier is Tello in the usa, but with e sim, i can alterate between each phone number

[@deadzio]

​@Andrew-cg2zl its bizzare that simlock is a thing in usa. All phones are unlocked as default here in european countries even when on contract with mobile/cell provider and we roam like at home, so no charges etc for traveling between countries. When i fly home i use my UK card as normal. Same with internet data.

[@deannas1515]

ATT's plan is now $12 per day, max of $120 per month.

[@tobiojo6469]

Hey Mark, awesome and helpful video

[@acarpio3]

Unfortunately, AT&T increased their intl data plan from $10 a day to $12 in May 2024 (2nd line $6 a day). I agree it is much more convenient yet more expensive to use your local provider intl plan. It's like using your phone anywhere in the world for $12 a day up to 10 days per billing cycle.

[@MrDomitros]

eSIM allows you to use your USA number just for a lot less than international roaming

[@lightbox617]

I travel to Europe. As I use T. Mobile, I have no problems with roaming of Simm cards. I do pay a premium for voice but email and text is free

[@georgeklimes7604]

Note that in some countries, you might not be able to get an eSIM. This is true with the Greek phone companies. They only give eSIMs to locals, not tourists. So if you have a phone with no SIM slot (like the last 2 iPhones in the US), you either have to use your company's plan, or you need a second phone.

[@johnfriel-uj2zs]

Valuble Information Thanks 😊 For Outstanding ✌️ 😘 Video

[@johnmcgaw2753]

I used to do the local-SIM thing. Now that I have Google-Fi service it just works wherever I go with no action required on my part. When I land in a new country my phone invariably seems to be connected before I get as far as the terminal. I'm sure that there are places where this won't work but I've not found it yet. Oh, and the cost for this automatic roaming service is nominal.

[@edprior2821]

I was in Europe (pre-Covid, sadly life intervened and prevented a return trip) and after that experience I would never go without a local SIM to provide data. It isn't worth it to pay roaming to my Canadian provider, and when I'm on vacation I don't need to be instantly accessible. I used offline maps on WiFi, but local SIM would have provided data and prevented us from waiting in Paris for buses that were never going to show up and closed metro stations due to protests.

[@worst.username._ever]

Most phones support dual eSIMs and you can use your cheaper local one for data while being reachable on your home number. Why wouldn't you?

[@priscilabee583]

All hotels, airports and most restaurants, cafe’s and museums have Wi-Fi so even without local SIM you will only be without free internet for very few hours.

[@babsr8479]

I bought a travel sim card for my first trip to Paris and it was a total waste of money. This time I just stuck with my T-Mobile sim as I have unlimited data and it was 25 cents per minute for a call. After 14 days in Paris I only ended up paying $17 extra on my plan; granted I didn't need to make alot of calls.

[@davidmason6354]

Great advice Mark. If you're spending thousands of dollars to travel abroad....you should definitely purchase an E-SIM before you go....if your phone/carrier supports it. It's not difficult to find out, and it's not difficult to install. Most carriers don't charge a lot for an international E-SIM block of days/data. I know Mint charges $20.00 for 10 days/10 GB for example. It's great to have as a backup. Additionally, if you are going to be traveling a LOT, you should probably invest in a dual-sim unlocked phone - so you also have the option to purchase local sim cards and use them easily...as Mark suggested. If you are traveling as a group and trying to save money: a good idea is for one person to purchase a big block E-SIM / Card...and then use their phone as a Hot Spot for group members to connect via WIFI as needed. Worked great for us on all the islands we went to in the Caribbean recently.

[@joshlunt7827]

Interesting video!

[@kokok3052]

Before Brexit I got a Vodafone Sim in London that I could also use in the EU, worked fine in the Uk and France, but in Italy and Greece, I couldn't call relatives in Europe but could call home to Australia, so frustrating and nobody knew how to fix it

[@necigrad]

Airline employee who travels international all the time. I know Mark is likely trying avoid recommending a particular carrier, but in the US, if you travel international, GET T MOBILE! The ONLY reason I would get a local SIM now are the reasons MArk mentioned, but really only because if I was spending more than about a week I'd run out of data. I only buy unlocked phones because of this. Also, cell service, even for tourists, can be UNBELIEVABLY cheap in some countries. My girlfriend spent a couple of months in Spain, and I think she got 20gigs for like $10 for up to a month. Phones can matter as well. THe last several iPhone iterations, and I expect many Androids, offer eSIM, dual SIM, or both in their phones. All I need is a local carrier with an eSIM, add it to my phone, and I have BOTH phone lines available.

[@teeb1044]

It can be MUCH CHEAPER to buy a local sim card for data usage.. far cheaper than $10 per day.

[@bravoninetyseven]

My phone service is international but is always slow and choppy. Terrible for communication or navigation. I specifically got an unlocked phone with the capability of having a second sim card so I can get a local card if my regular service is sub-par.

[@Jesse13927]

I usually just buy a cheap (like 10 bucks for a week of unlimited data) SIM card on Amazon before I travel. The instructions are often in Chinese with a kind of iffy translation, but they work every time*. You can be online before your plane reaches the gate, so you don't need to waste precious time at the airport trying to get connected (and at some airports, they will swear up and down that a SIM card costs three times what it really does in town). *Okay, one time, the card just would not work, but I got a refund after sending the seller a picture of the card cut in half.

[@mlawlorcan]

I found myself using a sim card confusing with the verifications, and multiple numbers, especially when there is an urgent need, and the mind isn't thinking as clear as normal. On my most recent trip, I used my providers plan, but only used it on travel days, keeping it in my hotel for urgent notifications. (when it was on wifi anyway) I walked around with another phone with only esim which I used for maps, and photos, and social media posting.

[@isaacsiedentop2821]

I bought a cell phone in Mexico when I went, because my phone is locked and my carrier does not offer international plans. I'm gonna need a translator to reactivate it for my upcoming cruise because everything is in Spanish. I did get to flex on all the American AT&T customers during the big outage though 😂

[@jasonyau326]

#1 it depends on how easy it is to get a local sim card, #2 can you get an inexpensive unlocked phone #3 are you willing to get your phone unlocked by a 3rd party which will void the warranty for your phone. #4 what are the roaming charges for your provider. #5 which country are you coming Although Canada (where I am from ) shares many similarities when it comes to cell phones, I did spend a lot of time in Hong Kong and travelled into China. I quickly realized that their cell phone ecosphere is much different from North America For example #1 all phones sold in Hong Kong wherever you buy them from are UNLOCKED even from phone providers so popping in and out SIM cards is common (even before eSIMS) because #2 travelling to China means $$$ ROAMING Charges so for those who do often, carrying multiple SIM cards is quite common, Dual Sim Card phones just never seemed to catch on

[@xXPyrophorusXx]

Never a problem with 3rd party unlocking

[@rickflubadubdub4298]

I would recommend it because your battery will drain really fast otherwise.

[@eileenstec7862]

I’ve been thinking about getting a surf shark account and I wonder if that might work better for travel and security. Any thoughts?

[@georgezeck1396]

Sorry, I disagree. We've gotten the SIM while in Europe on 3 diff trips. It helped immensely in the GPS / Uber / Translate. With the advent of eSIM, I will do all of the 'work' while in the USA and be ready to go. A short stop for ~ $40 for a SIM is not unreasonable.

[@jryan9547]

my carrier does 10 days, $20 for 10g of data overseas. might want to check your owner carrier..may be cheap just to use the one you use in the states

[@Steven_Olson]

Do you have any videos where your kids talks about how they liked Bogotá? It's relatively easy to find adults' opinions but I haven't found any good kids ones.

[@b.w.9244]

I have Tmobile and have never had to.

[@liminalspace1382]

Yes, t- mobile works in Europe, but internet is very slow and spotty.

[@justinun01]

These days you can have multiple sims on your phone that covers you for when someone back home calls you.

[@Wall1s_]

airalo, can’t gowrong; never looked bak (eSim).

[@specfu]

I have a contract with my phone company, but sim cards work for my phone, but my son has an Iphone 15 and cant use esim, and he dont have a sim slot, is there wifi rental options available in europe? cause we are going to greece, italy and ireland in oct., and thanks for making your videos, i learned alot following your youtube channel.

[@ARK613]

When I go to Ukraine , I buy a local SIM. I pay around $5 for a month of nearly unlimited high speed data. I only go for a week , but it's so much cheaper than using my local sim , it's worth switching. Bonus: it works in many EU countries, too , for no extra cost.

[@liminalspace1382]

The same in Lithuania: unlimited calls, text and data for €5 for a months . The local internet was speedy , while us plan from t-mobile provided data coverage, but speed of Internet was so slow and very spotty.

[@sandradavis9163]

I need it for gps.

[@itsnotme07]

Markypoo....not far from Marky Mark. LOL

[@jackturner5117]

Another consideration: where does your local SIM card work? I was staying in Romania for a couple of weeks, so I got an Orange SIM card. It was cheap, had lots of data, and ensured I didn’t have to rely on WiFi. (Romania actually has great internet coverage and speed, but no WiFi on the highways, obviously.). I was very happy with it. HOWEVER, I had a long layover in Paris on the way back, so I decided to spend some time in the city. That’s when I learned that my SIM card didn’t work everywhere in Europe, just Romania. So, if you’re covering a few countries on your trip, make sure your SIM or eSIM will work wherever you’ll be.

[@j.p.8248]

US Mobile includes 5GB of international data roaming on their unlimited plan for $50/month. Covers most countries and you keep using your US number as usual, which is important if your financial institutions use SMS (text messaging) for two-factor authentication. Then if you stay in a particular country for a longer period of time,, just get a cheaper prepaid SIM or an Airalo eSIM in that country.

[@johnnytx45]

T-Mobile doesn’t charge a fee for international travel. I have lived in the Philippines for 2 1/2 years and pay $50 a month. If you call the US, you do pay extra.

[@dwise2165]

Also sometimes you need a local number to use certain apps

[@Nick-Gye]

I recently spent 5 weeks in Brazil and used an esim. A foreigner getting a SIM card in Brazil can be a hassle and in the country, outside of the big cities, can be very very difficult. The drawback with the esim was that I had to get 2, one was a 30 day and then a 10 day. Easier than faffing around with little sims and facing the possibility of losing your home one

[@elnamayberry]

eSims sound great, but many phone models can't use them. I'll have to stick to physical sim cards for now.

[@hassanalihusseini1717]

In Thailand you need a local number if you want to extend your visa.

[@touchmoss]

could someone help explain what happened on our trip? Me and my fiance are americans who visited the netherlands and we had verizon international plan activated. when we landed in amsterdam, our phones received a text saying the international plan is now active, and to call a number if it isnt working. well it wasnt working for hours and the phone number didnt do anything except a robot automation saying its unavailable. we were nervously walking around amsterdam without directions hoping to find our way, then halfway through the day, my phone's data started working! and the next morning my fiance's data started working! I am going on a trip next year and im afraid of this happening again. we are new travelers and it can be a little intimidating not having internet access when you land.

[@CMEAGAIN]

I have 2 phones, i need the local Sim to operate google maps

[@Shauma_llama]

Twenty years ago you literally couldn't use your US phone to call a European number. Has this changed?

[@ocean62]

I love Whatsup

[@wncjan]

I live in Denmark and my plan gives me unlimited Phone and text messages and 30 GB of data for 30 days in about 100 countries for no extra charge

[@elnamayberry]

You're very lucky. Most Canadian plans don't include anything out of the country, and "roaming" is an expensive daily charge on top of our monthly fees, which are already among the highest in the world.

[@wncjan]

@@elnamayberry A lot of Danish Phone companies include Phone, text and some amount of data abroad. They have to because of competition

[@brianpratt3224]

What if you don't own a smartphone.

[@derronstravels21]

100% agree! SIM cards are not worth the hassle. Changing back every night to check voice messages on your U.S. phone gets old quick.

[@porquee]

Google fi is good for travel

[@chrisb943]

Don't bother with local physical sims, just get an eSIM - so easy, especially if you're travelling to multiple countries. Most are data only (which should be fine for most people) but you can get one with a number.

[@ellbo2]

Only if it works with your phone haha. I've tried a few and none were compatible with my phone.

[@thebeatoftravel249]

Not all the phones are compatible with eSIM. And i am not talking about really old phone, i have one from 3 years ago and it does not accept eSIM.

[@peterpain6625]

Thanks for sharing. While you're at it: What's your take on inReach?

[@Tramptraveller]

❤❤❤❤

[@test40323]

hey Wolter, hypothetically where would you go if you are running away from the law? eagerly await reply. :-)

[@Nick-Gye]

Try calling him Mark….

[@test40323]

@@Nick-Gye , thank you kindly.

[@jimfromburbankca5253]

Brazil

[@cachecow]

Depends on the crime, and the country you're running from. Enjoy: China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia

[@jryan9547]

@@cachecow lol yeah, if they can use you for propaganda, its a safe bet to go there

[@bufordmaddogtannen]

A local sim / esim card is going to be cheaper than what an esim provider like airalo charges for. Just saying...

[@Will5353_]

SIM card or e sim

[@Rick4345]

I have AT&T. I used the international plan on our trip to Germany. Paid for itself.

[@elnamayberry]

You are lucky!

[@PaulGodfrey]

eSIM card worked for me but the instructions were hard to follow as they were for a very early Android that looked nothing like the version on my new phone.

[@igerce]

I refuse to do anything with Facebook/Meta, I simply don't like their service. So no whatsup for me.

[@ocean62]

Ap

[@jimmymartinez2585]

WiFi use FaceTime 😅

[@JacobAndJamal]

I started using a WiFi Puck with eSIM. But eventually used ATT $10day (max $100mo) international plan… It’s surprising how many services depend on a actual Cell number 😐

[@michaeldunham3385]

I always buy dual SIM phones so I can use a local SIM. Don't trust e-SIM too many people reporting problems which you're not going to get with a physical SIM

[@BlakeCerenzia]

I’m not confident you’re correct in that. If used correctly, eSIMs shouldn’t have any issues unless the carrier sucks or something

[@michaeldunham3385]

@@BlakeCerenzia I've seen countless people complaining about them . They're trying to solve a problem when a solution that works already exists

[@jryan9547]

i've used an e sim for several years without issue...I think cell phones are getting rid of physical ones moving forward, anyways

[@frednich9603]

Verizon charges $10 a day for 2gb of data. I think when we go to Rome and Greece next year I'll just get a Sim card, and if anyone needs to reach me, I'll tell them to call me using Facebook messenger

[@Jamescraigjohnson]

Esims are a ripoff, get a local sim if possible, much cheaper even for a short stay. sims throttle the speed and lie about how much data you actually get.

[@Jonny-o3l]

I'm just going to use the wifi on my phone in the hotels to plan everything from citymaps, and then simply download maps from google maps ahead of time. I'm Canadian so my provider wants to charge me 500 dollars a month to use the internet once in a while. If it becomes a hassle I will simply get a euro sim and pay a much more reasonable fee. Bu-Bye Canadian cell phone companies, you are utterly useless grifters.

[@Michaelpalmer4k]

I have Verizon travel pass ultimate so I fortunately don't need one

[@BrzozaFederation]

What is that? We have Verizon and never heard of it. We usually pay the $10/day.

[@Michaelpalmer4k]

@@BrzozaFederation I have the Verizon 5g play more plan.

[@PedroDiaz-627]

Inflation or no inflation, my finances remain safe, because I earn thousands of dollars monthly , we all know that the digital market is bringing a different revolution to the world economy, having a job now does not seem to guarantee complete financial stability, Instead, they have multiple sources of income that do not depend on the government. People who are optimistic investors consistently win.