If you’re looking to stay connected while travelling overseas, picking up a local SIM card is the way to go.
Typically much cheaper than roaming with your cell company from back home or using an international SIM card, you’ll often spend under ten dollars for a month’s worth of calls, texts, and data. As long as your phone is ready for international travel, you’re good to go. If not, pick up an unlocked mobile hotspot and drop your new SIM in that instead.
The process and effort required to buy a local SIM is different in every country. That's why we’ve put together firsthand accounts of exactly how to do it in dozens of popular destinations around the globe.
Which card to use, where to buy it, how much you’ll expect to pay, and how much hassle you’ll have doing so: we’ve got you covered. Just click on the country names below to find everything you need to know.
- While physical SIM cards are still the right option for many travelers, especially if you need a local phone number, we're starting to also recommend travel eSIMs as an easier way of staying connected at similar prices. If you have a recent iPhone or other supported device, they're well worth considering.
Read our eSIM explainer here, and then compare the options to see which might work best for you.