How to use my cell phone outside the country? Where do I buy an international chip? How do I always have internet in different countries? Can I keep my WhatsApp number with another chip? Here I explain the different options.
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1. eSIM or embedded SIM
The option if you want to be connected from the moment you land is that it is basically a much more modern option than the traditional physical SIM cards that are inserted into the phone. The eSIM chip is actually located inside your cell phone (or any other compatible device), so you don’t have to put a physical card in the slot. That is why they are called eSIM, not by electronic SIM, but by the term “embedded SIM” (eSIM), which means integrated SIM card.
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📱How does it work? After purchase you receive a QR code, you scan it and add the SIM to your phone. At the moment of landing it will activate and you start using it.
Disadvantage: Since it is a new technology, it does not work for all phones. You can check everything here.
2. Buy a chip in the country you visit
One more option is to buy a local chip at your destination. Many travelers find this process stressful, but in most countries it is very simple. In the main airports of the world you will normally find, from the moment you arrive (just after collecting your luggage), many options for selling SIM cards. These normally include GB to browse the internet and in some cases calls for 24 hours, a week, a month… They are plans designed for travelers so they will not ask for much documentation to hire them, sometimes not even a passport is required (depends on the country and the company).
It is the typical prepaid system and normally if you finish what is included you can keep this chip and recharge to have more days.
If you prefer to carry your SIM prepaid, it is possible in many destinations such as Dubai. You can hire here.
3. Hire an international plan
Many mobile phone plans offer different plans to travelers, some even already include it in what you are paying. For example, many plans in Mexico already include telephone use in the United States and Canada, or, if they do not include it, sometimes there are travel plans that may suit you, although they are usually quite expensive. But before dismissing this idea, first research how much it costs to use your phone in another country.
What happens with my number?
- If you use an eSIM you can not worry about this, since you can always keep your physical SIM and your phone number.
- If you go for a physical SIM, there are mobile phones that accept two SIM cards, if so you don’t have to take yours out.
- If this is not your case, your number remains “alive” but in reality there will be no device that will receive the calls and messages that arrive. In this case, I recommend you travel with a second cell phone (perhaps those old ones that we abandoned) so that you have your other chip in this one and if someone calls you or you receive an important notification you have the information. If you don’t have it or you don’t consider it important, you can simply save it and at the end of the trip return to your regular line.
Can I use my same WhatsApp number?
Regarding the WhatsApp number, it is possible to keep the number from your country even if you have a SIM card from another country. If the app detects that it does not match, it only sends you a verification code and with it ready, you can continue using your usual WhatsApp number and even if you do not receive SMS messages, you will receive any WhatsApp message.
⚠️It is mandatory to travel with insurance
Insurance is an essential requirement to travel to many countries in the world such as those in the Schengen Area. You can get it from 20 USD and if you use my code you receive 20% discount. Get an insurance quote here.