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.

North America

Central America