Staying Connected Abroad
How to stay connected while abroad
Purchasing a SIM card:
+ Access to data, texts and calls.
+ By getting a prepaid SIM card, you'll have fixed costs, so you don't have to worry about how much data you're using.
+ Varied contract lengths that can suit how long you're abroad.
+eSIMs make getting a SIM card hassle-free, as you just have to scan a QR code.
- It may be expensive.
- If you choose a pay-as-you-go SIM Card, you may be left with some surprisingly high costs at the end of your trip.
Connecting to local Wi-Fi:
+ Can save you a lot of money.
+ Depending on the country, you might be able to find free Wi-Fi on nearly every street, through cafes and public transport.
+ Many hotels now offer free Wi-Fi.
- Doesn't provide a secure connection. Public Wi-Fi usually isn't encrypted, making you more susceptible to being hacked. One way to avoid this is by using a VPN.
- You can't guarantee how often you'll encounter public Wi-Fi. There might come a time when you really need it, and it isn't readily available.
Data roaming
+ No extra steps are needed other than turning on your data.
+ Some countries won't charge you extra for data roaming depending on your contract.
+ Offers a secure connection.
- Can get very expensive. If your contract doesn't include free data roaming, the cost will often be far more expensive than purchasing a SIM card.
- This can lead to slower internet speeds than if you were using a local SIM card or Wi-Fi.
Countries with the best broadband in the world
If you rely on the internet to get around, stay in contact with loved ones, or if you're a digital nomad who needs it for work, you'll want to choose a destination with good Wi-Fi.
The top 10 countries with the best broadband (as of early 2025):
- United Arab Emirates (398.51 Mbps)
- Qatar (344.34 Mbps)
- Kuwait (239.83 Mbps)
- South Korea (141.23 Mbps)
- Netherlands (133.44 Mbps)
- Denmark (130.05 Mbps)
- Norway (128.77 Mbps)
- Saudi Arabia (122.28 Mbps)
- Bulgaria (117.64 Mbps)
- Luxembourg (114.42 Mbps)
Around 100 Mbps is required for a good internet connection speed, which really puts into perspective how fast the broadband is for these countries. If you want seamless connection while abroad, one of these destinations might be your best bet.
Bear in mind that broadband speed will vary depending on where you are in the country. In more rural locations, speeds will likely decrease.
Countries with the worst broadband in the world
Many factors go into deciding your next travel destination, from the country's wildlife to its history and tourist attractions. One key determiner for many will be broadband. For those who need to stay connected, being in a country with limited internet capabilities can pose a challenge.
The top 10 countries with the worst broadband (as of early 2025):
- Cuba (2.92 Mbps)
- Afghanistan (3.40 Mbps)
- Syria (4.05 Mbps)
- The Gambia (5.66 Mbps)
- Burundi (6.04 Mbps)
- East Timor (6.34 Mbps)
- Turkmenistan (7.21 Mbps)
- Niger (7.24 Mbps)
- Yemen (7.39 Mbps)
- Botswana (8.84)
If you plan on visiting one of these countries or a different one with a limited broadband speed, you don't have to worry. Although Wi-Fi is integral to many of us, there are still ways to get around without it! Scroll further down on this page to read our tips on internet-free travel.
Wi-Fi in the skies
If you're taking a long-haul flight, consider choosing an airline that lets you connect to Wi-Fi. This will enable you to keep in contact with loved ones through internet-based messaging apps and entertain yourself through platforms like Netflix or YouTube.
Emirates, British Airways, and Delta are all popular airlines that offer high-quality internet to passengers. For further information on other airlines that provide Wi-Fi onboard their flights, please read our best airlines for in-flight Wi-Fi page.
If you don't want to spend extra on Wi-Fi, you're in luck. Plenty of airlines, including JetBlue Airways, Norwegian, and Aer Lingus, offer free Wi-Fi. Please visit our page for more information on what airlines offer free Wi-Fi and the terms and conditions required to qualify.
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Internet-free travel
With modern life being so social media-focused, spending some time away from the internet can be very worthwhile. These are some tips to make your vacation both internet and stress-free.
- Research beforehand — Make sure to research what you'll be doing and where beforehand. That way, if you need any physical tickets, you can print or screenshot them while you still have access to Wi-Fi.
- Bring maps — This is essential if you're visiting somewhere you've never been before. Getting lost in a foreign country can be extremely stressful, especially without the internet as a last resort. It's also important to make sure all the maps you bring are up to date.
- Inform your loved ones — If you're going to be away from the internet and SMS, ensure that you let your family and friends know beforehand so that they don't start thinking the worst when you go off the radar.
- Alternative methods of communication — To keep in touch with loved ones, a nice and often more touching method than sending a text is mailing a postcard. This way, your family can still know what you're up to and gain a token from your trip all at once.
- Try to avoid very isolated places — This is especially important if you're going completely technology-free. Without a phone, if there's an emergency and you get injured, you'll have no way to contact anyone for help, which is something you definitely don't want.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to stay connected while travelling abroad?
To stay connected to Wi-Fi while abroad, you can purchase an international SIM card, use public Wi-Fi (such as at your hotel or a cafe), or use data roaming.
Which countries have the best broadband connection?
The countries with the fastest broadband are the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, South Korea, Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Bulgaria and Luxembourg.
Which countries have the worst broadband connection?
The countries with the slowest broadband are Cuba, Afghanistan, Syria, The Gambia, Burundi, East Timor, Turkmenistan, Niger, Yemen and Botswana.
Do I need to be connected to Wi-Fi to travel?
No, people were travelling far before the internet's invention, and although Wi-Fi can make travel a lot simpler, it's in no way essential. By doing thorough research, bringing maps, sending postcards, and printing out needed documents beforehand, you can enjoy an entirely technology-free holiday!
How to connect to the Wi-Fi on a plane?
When connecting to Wi-Fi on a plane, there will be different procedures depending on the airline. Not all aircrafts will have Wi-Fi, so make sure to double-check that yours does. During the booking process at Alternative Airlines, you will be able to find details on whether Wi-Fi will be available for your flight. If the airline does offer Wi-Fi, there may be a QR code for you to scan, or you'll have to click on the Wi-Fi symbol on your phone and connect to the correct network. Many airlines will offer you a step-by-step guide telling you what to do. If you're still unsure, don't worry; the airline staff will be able to help.
Do I have to pay for Wi-Fi on a plane?
This depends. Some airlines offer Wi-Fi for free, while others will only have it available for certain cabin classes or if you purchase it during the flight. Your booking should mention all of this, but if you're still unsure, please don't hesitate to ask our customer service team.
Can I use Wi-Fi on a plane in airplane mode?
Yes, if Wi-Fi is available on your flight, you will be able to connect to it while in aeroplane mode. Just turn on Wi-Fi after connecting to aeroplane mode, and it should work.