The Best Way to Stay Online While Travelling This Summer

It’s that time of year—flights are packed, group chats are buzzing, and your out-of-office is (finally) on. Whether you're heading home to see family, beach-hopping with friends in Greece, or working remotely from a terrace in Lisbon, one thing’s for sure: you need to stay connected.

And by connected, we mean more than just occasional Wi-Fi. From replying to work emails to sharing travel snaps or navigating new cities, having reliable, fast data—without surprise bills or SIM card drama—is a must.

So, let’s break down your options this summer.

Comparison: Travel Options at a Glance 👇

1. International Roaming

Convenient? Sure. Predictable? Absolutely not.

What it is
Roaming lets you keep using your phone abroad—but your provider passes the charges from a foreign network directly to you. Often, you won’t know the full cost until your post-trip bill arrives.

Why people use it
It’s automatic and seamless. No setup, no extra apps. Just land and scroll.

The problem
Roaming is notorious for horror stories: surprise bills, throttled speeds, and unreliable coverage. In most cases, local users get network priority, which can leave you struggling for signal when you need it most.

2. Wi-Fi

Technically free, but at what cost?

What it is
Wi-Fi connects your device to the internet via local networks—usually free in cafés, hotels, or airports.

Why people use it
It’s free, widely available in cities, and easy to access—if you’re in the right spot.

The problem
Wi-Fi is inconsistent and often insecure. You’ll waste time hunting for a decent signal, and public networks can be risky for things like banking or sensitive data.

3. Travel SIM Cards

Still popping SIM trays in 2025?

What it is
Travel SIMs are physical cards you slot into your phone to access local networks—once you've tracked one down and swapped out your regular SIM.

Why people use it
They’re a cheaper alternative to roaming and offer good coverage on local networks.

The problem
You have to find a shop, physically swap SIMs, and risk losing your regular one. It's fiddly, outdated, and not ideal when you're on the move.

4. Travel eSIM

The smarter solution to your summer needs.

What it is
An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your device, letting you download a mobile plan instantly—no store visits, no SIM swap, no fuss.

Why people use it
eSIMs are quick to set up, cost-effective, and connect you to local networks at local rates. With no roaming fees, no contracts, and the ability to switch plans on the go, it’s the ultimate travel connectivity option. Eurotrip? You can grab an eSIM for each country, or better yet, grab a regional eSIM so you don't have to download multiple plans during your trip.

Europe 12 GB

Orange FR

12GB

$21.50

31 Days

Unlimited Local Mins

30 Intl Mins

200 SMS Texts

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The catch?
Some older phones aren’t eSIM compatible, and you’ll need to be sure your device is unlocked. Good news: Sim Local has a free trial to check both in under a minute.

Try Sim Local Today!

Connect like a local in 150+ countries with 4G/5G speeds, local numbers, and no SIM-swapping hassle.

🔗 Browse eSIM plans now

📲 How to Get Started with Sim Local

1. Go to simlocal.com or download the app
2. Choose your destination from 200+ destination
3. Pick your plan or use the “Find My Plan” tool
4. Install in seconds via QR code or one-click setup
5. You're connected! Your plan activates when you land.

Final Word

No matter where summer takes you—Ibiza, Iceland, or Ireland—don’t let roaming fees or weak Wi-Fi slow you down.

Sim Local eSIMs let you travel smart, stay online, and skip the nonsense.

Ready to roam smarter?
📅 Explore Summer 2025 eSIM deals