A Traveler’s Guide to Staying Connected: eSIMs, Tools, and Tips
Stay connected on your travels with easy tools and tricks to keep you online, in touch, and ready for every adventure.
Staying connected on the road can be challenging, but it’s something I’ve had to figure out over the years. I’ve tried it all… international roaming, local SIM cards, even pocket Wi-Fi devices (seriously, I spent way too much for too long on that stupid Bell Mifi hub).
While they all have their pros and cons, I’ve found that eSIMs make staying connected so much easier and more affordable. If you’ve been on the fence about trying one, here’s what I’ve learned—and a few tips to get started.
Why I Love eSIMs for Travel
eSIMs offer a few key benefits:
Keep Your Home Number Active: You don’t have to swap out your physical SIM, so you can still receive calls or texts from your home line. I don’t answer the calls for fear triggering my Telus daily roaming charges, but I can see who’s trying to reach me and call them back using WhatsApp.
Backup Internet: There’s nothing worse than unreliable Wi-Fi when you’re working remotely. My eSIM acts as a backup connection, so I’m (almost) never completely offline.
Hassle-Free Setup: eSIMs are entirely digital, meaning no tiny SIM card to lose in the bottom of your bag. No standing in lines at the airport trying to buy a SIM, and no language barriers to refilling your data. You can download and activate them in just a few minutes.
That said, a word of caution: read the installation and activation instructions carefully. It’s easy to accidentally use your home data, which can result in hefty charges. Double-check that your eSIM is set to primary for data before using it.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through links on this site, at no cost to you – because a girl’s gotta eat… and travel.
Featured Partner
If you’re ready to give eSIMs a try, check out Airalo. It’s been my go-to for years because their plans are simple, reliable, and don’t break the bank. Their app provides clear instructions to get you set up in minutes, and with coverage in over 200 countries, you’ll stay online whether you’re exploring Paris, trekking in Peru, or relaxing in Phuket.
Here are a few places I’ve used Airalo recently:
If you’re curious, you can try Airalo out and snag $3 off your first purchase by using code MIRAND7700; just a little bonus to get you started.
Staying Online and In Touch Wherever You May Roam
I’ve learned a lot the hard way but over time, have developed a few strategies that keep me online, in touch, and ready for anything—whether I’m working remotely or just catching up with family.
Take Airbnb, for instance. If you’ve ever booked a place with “high-speed internet” only to find it’s barely fast enough to load an email, you’re not alone. After a few frustrating stays, I started asking hosts for screenshots of their Wi-Fi speed tests before confirming a booking. For remote work, I look for download speeds of at least 25 Mbps (though more is always better).
It might feel a little extra, but it’s saved me from more connectivity disaster like that time we rented a house for month only to discover on day one that “good wifi” meant “only in one corner of the front porch.” We had no signal anywhere else in the house.
Staying connected, to me, means good enough signal for video calls. As much as I love adventuring solo, I miss my kids and partner when I’m away. FaceTime has been a lifesaver, turning calls into moments that feel more like home.
For day-to-day text chats or voice calls, WhatsApp is my go-to, especially since many eSIM plans include unlimited messaging. It’s also great for navigating group plans or staying in touch with fellow travelers. And in some places, like Nicaragua, everyone uses WhatsApp—even delivery people, taxis, and restaurants. I’ve gotten by there for months at a time without a local phone number simply using my home number through WhatsApp.
I also use TimeBuddy, a simple app that helps me sync up time zones. I schedule calls when I know my family is winding down after work or school, and it’s saved me from embarrassing missteps when scheduling work calls with clients or colleagues in different parts of the world.
When I need a change of scenery, I’ll head to co-working spaces or reliable cafés with strong Wi-Fi. These spaces are more than just practical; they’re little hubs of connection in every sense of the word. This is where you’ll meet fellow travelers and nomads who can share their favourite restaurants, recommend a day trip, or warn you about an area to avoid.
Cafés can be a traveler’s haven, but knowing the local etiquette can make or break your experience. Working in cafes is seriously frowned upon in some areas, especially in busy tourist regions in Italy and Croatia. They’ll refuse you service and tell you to move on. In Portugal, on the other hand, I was encouraged to stay for hours as long as I ordered a fresh cup once in a while.
Staying connected while traveling can feel like a balancing act, but with the right tools and a little planning, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Flexibility is key—and so is a bit of patience as you master the quirks of your phone’s connection settings.
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