Internet while traveling: The best high-speed internet options for your trip

Why do you need the internet while traveling?

The internet is now part of almost every decision you make on the move. Here’s why reliable internet matters on the road:

• Navigation and maps. Skip paper maps. With a live connection, you can dodge traffic, find beautiful walking routes, and get real-time updates.

• Accommodation and transport. Booking last-minute hotels, trains, or flights becomes possible with just a few taps.

• Communication. An internet connection lets you stay in touch with your family, friends, or team no matter where you are.

• Work and productivity. For remote workers or digital nomads, internet access is basically their office.

• Entertainment. Long flights, bus rides, and evenings away from home are easier when you can stream or scroll.

• Personal security. Having a reliable internet connection means you can access emergency services, look up health info, and quickly find local help.

How to get the internet while traveling

The right choice for staying online depends on where you’re going, how long you’ll stay, and what devices you’re using. Some options are preferred for quick city breaks in Europe, while others are better if you’re crossing the US in an RV. We'll explain five ways to get internet while traveling, so click on the links below to jump to the corresponding sections:

• Roaming with a local operator.

• Portable Wi-Fi devices.

• Public Wi-Fi networks.

• Local SIM cards.

• eSIMs.

Some of these give you internet access for devices from laptops to tablets, while others are tailored for your phone. 

1. Roaming with a local operator

International roaming is the most straightforward way to get high-speed internet while traveling. You keep your existing SIM card, and your home operator lets you access the internet using networks abroad.

Advantages 

• Simple to activate — usually automatic

• No need to change your SIM card

Disadvantages  

• Often very expensive, especially outside the EU

• Small data limits

• Not all destinations are covered

Who’s it best for?  

Roaming works well if you’re traveling within Europe with an EU-based carrier, as EU regulations keep roaming costs reasonable. It can also be convenient for short trips where ease of use outweighs cost. However, roaming is less ideal for longer stays, heavy data use, or trips outside your provider’s partner network coverage.

2. Portable Wi-Fi  

A portable Wi-Fi device, also called a pocket router, creates a private hotspot and gives you internet access for multiple devices. It’s a good way to stay connected whether you’re on a long drive, renting a vacation home, or traveling abroad. 

Advantages 

• Works for several travelers

• Typically reliable in cities and other well-covered areas

Disadvantages 

• Another device to carry and keep charged

• High rental or purchase costs

• Restrictive data plans

Who’s it best for?  

Pocket Wi-Fi devices work well for families or groups that are using several internet-connected devices, including laptops. They are less appealing for solo travelers who’d rather not carry and charge yet another gadget.

3. Public Wi-Fi

If you don’t need to stay connected all the time, public Wi-Fi networks can do the job. You’ll find it in cafés, hotels, airports, train stations, and other public places. Internet cafés are still around in some regions and may offer decent speeds, but think twice before using public computers without good VPN security in place.

Advantages 

• Free or very low cost

• Easy to access in most cities

• Good enough for basic browsing and messaging

Disadvantages  

• Security risks 

• Slow speeds

• Limited coverage, especially in rural areas

• Network limits

Who’s it best for?  

Public Wi-Fi suits casual travelers who only need to check messages or grab directions now and then. It’s not ideal for work, streaming, or handling sensitive information unless you’ve got a solid VPN to protect your device.

4. Local SIM cards 

Buying a local SIM card is one of the simplest and most common ways to get internet access while traveling abroad because it helps you avoid the exorbitant rates of international roaming. Along with affordable data, you’ll get a local phone number, which is handy if you need to make calls or receive texts while abroad. Prepaid cards are a straightforward option to stay connected — they’re quick to buy and easy to top up.  

Advantages 

• Low-cost data with good speeds

• Reliable coverage from local carriers

Disadvantages  

• Only works if your phone is unlocked

• Tricky setup

Who are they best for?  

Local SIMs are perfect for longer trips in one country, like studying abroad or working remotely in a single city. They’re less convenient if you’re hopping between countries during your international trip or want to keep your main number active. Many travelers now weigh the benefits and disadvantages of eSIMs vs. physical SIMs against each other, and in most cases, eSIMs win for flexibility and ease of use.

5. eSIMs 

An eSIM card is a digital SIM you download directly onto your phone. Providers like Saily make it easy to set up before you even leave home and enjoy a stable connection without relying on hotspots. You can even have multiple eSIMs — one for when you’re home and one for when you’re traveling.

Advantages 

• Instant activation

• Works across multiple countries

• Flexible plans for data and duration

• No need to fumble with SIM cards or additional devices

Disadvantages  

• Requires a compatible phone 

• May not cover very remote regions

• Requires some digital know-how

Who are they best for? 

eSIMs are the go-to option for most international travelers who want to use their phone overseas without roaming charges. They’re perfect for digital nomads, frequent flyers, or anyone who values convenience and flexibility. eSIMs are an excellent choice if you need secure, high-speed internet access while traveling internationally. 

So, what’s the best way to get the internet while traveling? 

Every option comes with trade-offs. Some are cheap but limited, while others are convenient but costly. Take a look at this quick comparison:

While portable Wi-Fi and local SIM cards work in certain situations, eSIMs stand out as the most versatile choice for international travel. They combine affordability, flexibility, and ease of use, and they work just as well in Europe as they do in Asia or the Americas.

Tips for using the internet while traveling abroad 

No matter which option you pick, these tips will help you stay connected safely and without hassle:

• Plan ahead. Start planning ahead of time to ensure internet access during your travels. Check coverage maps and data roaming prices before you leave.

• Know what actions use data on a cell phone. Streaming video, social media apps, and video calls drain data quickly, while messaging apps and email use much less. Many carriers and apps offer a data usage calculator that helps you estimate how quickly activities like streaming or video calls will burn through your plan.

• Keep backups. Download offline maps and key documents.

• Charge smart. If you’re using a portable Wi-Fi device, carry a power bank.

• Mind your work needs. If you’re working remotely, test speeds before important calls.

• Prioritize security. Always use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi to protect yourself from snooping or data theft. Also, make sure to log out of your accounts once you’re done. Leaving them open may give attackers an easy way in.

• Disable auto-connection settings. For the sake of security, don’t let your phone automatically join public Wi-Fi networks during your travels. 

• Protect data on your mobile device. Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and always keep your phone’s software updated. These steps reduce the risk of theft or hacking when you’re online abroad.

• Choose wisely. Match the internet option to your trip style: roaming for a weekend, an eSIM for multi-country, and a local SIM card for long stays.

• Lock your devices. Always use a passcode or biometric lock — leaving devices with no security makes you an easy target.

Why you should choose Saily’s eSIM service for your internet needs while traveling   

If you want reliable internet while traveling internationally, Saily is a straightforward choice because of its:

• Global network coverage. Saily offers plans that work across Europe, Asia, the USA, and many other destinations.

• Ease of use. Skip the airport SIM hunt. Just download the eSIM app and activate straight from there.

• Flexibility. Short trips, long-term stays, or multi-country journeys — you’ll find a plan for every type of travel.

• Security. Keep your home SIM active for verification codes and calls while your eSIM handles the data.

• Cost-effectiveness. Transparent pricing means no bill shock after your trip.

For anyone asking how to get high-speed internet while traveling, the answer is increasingly simple: an eSIM through Saily. It’s the easiest, most reliable, and future-proof way to keep your device connected throughout your trip. Plus, the benefits of an eSIM (like instant setup, multi-country coverage, and seamless switching) make it an upgrade over every other option.

Frequent travelers can also try Saily Ultra, a premium option designed for people who want even more flexibility and coverage. It’s ideal if you’re crossing multiple regions in one trip or rely heavily on mobile data for work.