Why staying connected internationally matters
Staying connected internationally isn’t just about posting photos or answering messages. For us, it’s peace of mind. It means family can reach us, we can check in on people back home, and we can handle travel changes without stress.
When we’re overseas, little things can pop up quickly—flight changes, accommodation messages, tour pick-up details, bank alerts, and maps that don’t load when we need them most. If we plan our connection options before we go, we spend less time sorting problems and more time enjoying the trip.
We also find it helps our relationships. A short call or voice note can keep everyone feeling close, especially if there are loved ones who worry when we’re away.
Staying connected internationally: choose the right phone setup
Before we even leave home, we check three things:
Is our phone unlocked?
If we want to use a different SIM (local SIM or some travel SIMs), the phone generally needs to be unlocked. If it’s locked to one provider, we may be stuck with roaming.
Do we need our local number active?
If we rely on SMS for bank logins or two-factor codes, we might need to keep our normal number available. Some people keep their local SIM active (on a cheap plan) and use an eSIM for data.
How many countries are we visiting?
One country is often easy with a local SIM. Multiple countries can be smoother with an eSIM plan that covers a region.
Local SIM cards: simple and often cheap
A local SIM is one of the most cost-effective ways to get data and a local number. We usually buy one soon after landing, either at the airport (easy but sometimes pricier) or in a reputable phone shop (often better value).
What we like about local SIMs:
- local data rates can be much cheaper than roaming
- it’s usually quick to set up
- we can add credit as we go (pay-as-you-go)
What we watch out for:
- phone must be unlocked
- we may lose access to our usual number while the local SIM is in
- topping up can be annoying if we don’t understand the system
If we’re using a local SIM, we take a photo of the packaging and any setup details. It saves time later if we need help.
eSIMs: easy for multi-country trips
eSIMs are a great option when we want convenience. Instead of swapping a physical SIM, we download a digital SIM profile. For trips across multiple countries, it’s often the easiest solution.
Why we use eSIMs:
- we can activate before we leave home
- we can land and connect quickly
- switching plans can be simple
- great when we’re moving around a lot
Things we check first:
- does our phone support eSIM? (not all models do)
- are we buying a data-only eSIM, or one that includes calls and texts?
- does the plan cover all the countries we’re visiting?
A practical approach we use is: keep our Australian SIM for calls/SMS, and use an eSIM for data. That way we keep bank codes and important messages, but still avoid heavy roaming fees.
Pocket Wi‑Fi and portable hotspots
If we’re travelling as a couple, with family, or with multiple devices (phones, tablets, laptops), a pocket Wi‑Fi device can be a smart choice. It works like a small portable router and gives us our own Wi‑Fi network. Another option is to use your phone as a hotspot so you can share data or internet access with your other devices or your partner’s phone.
What we like:
- connects multiple devices at once
- can be more cost-effective than separate SIMs
- useful if we need stable internet for work
What we consider:
- it’s another device to charge and carry
- battery life matters (we check reviews)
- if one person walks off with it, the other person might lose internet
Sometimes the simplest option is just using one phone as a personal hotspot, especially if only one of us needs strong data at a time.
Using free Wi‑Fi safely (VPN basics)
Free Wi‑Fi is everywhere—cafes, hotels, airports, even public transport in some cities. It’s handy, but it’s also where we need to be careful.
Public Wi‑Fi can be unsecured. If we’re logging into email, banking, or anything private, we use a VPN to help protect our data. A VPN encrypts our connection, which makes it harder for someone else on the network to intercept information.
Two habits that keep us safer:
- Use a VPN on public Wi‑Fi (especially for banking).
- Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on networks we don’t trust.
We also turn off “auto-join” Wi‑Fi on our phones so we don’t accidentally connect to random networks.
If you want a plain-language overview of how VPNs work, Cloudflare has a helpful guide here: https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/privacy/what-is-a-vpn/
Best apps to message, call, and share updates
Staying connected internationally is also about picking apps that work well on data and Wi‑Fi.
WhatsApp
Good for messaging, voice notes, voice calls, video calls, and group chats. It’s widely used and uses end-to-end encryption.
Facebook Messenger
Handy if friends and family are already on Facebook. Works well for quick messages and calls.
iMessage and FaceTime (Apple users)
If we’re on iPhone and our family is too, these are easy and reliable over Wi‑Fi and data.
Zoom or Skype
Best for longer calls, group chats, or when we want a more “sit down and talk” feel. Skype can also be useful for calling landlines in some cases.
Instagram and Facebook (for updates)
Sharing a story or post can be an easy “one-to-many” update. It stops us from replying to the same “How’s the trip?” message 20 times.
A tip we use: we set expectations. We tell family when we’ll check in (for example, “We’ll message every second day”) so no one panics if we’re slow to reply.
Smart data management (so we don’t run out)
Even with good plans, data can disappear fast. We do a few basic things to avoid running out mid-trip:
Download offline maps before we leave.
Google Maps lets us download areas so we can navigate without constant data.
Download entertainment over Wi‑Fi.
Music, podcasts, and shows get downloaded at the hotel so we’re not streaming on mobile data.
Turn off background app refresh for non-essential apps.
Some apps chew through data without us noticing.
Use messaging apps that handle weak connections well.
Voice notes can be easier than a full video call if the signal isn’t great.
When we’re off-grid: satellite options and safety backups
If we’re heading remote—hiking, road-tripping in quiet regions, or travelling somewhere with limited coverage—we plan for being out of signal.
Options can include:
- satellite phones (best for real communication in remote areas, but expensive)
- satellite messengers (send check-ins and SOS)
- personal locator beacons (PLBs) (for emergencies)
These are not for every trip, but they can be worth it if we’re doing remote adventures. The main goal is simple: someone can find us if things go wrong.
We also share a basic plan with someone at home:
- where we’re staying
- rough dates and locations
- how often we’ll check in
Watch Our Video On Staying Connected Abroad
