While we travel, we need the internet. It’s our way to connect back to home, share moments with others, and stay in touch with all the new people we meet. For international business travelers, the internet is crucial to stay on top of deals, trends, and opportunities. For nomads, the internet is a necessity to book trips, catch flights, and stay in contact with family, friends, and movements. So which SIM card does the business traveler or the nomad explorer choose to connect to the internet: local or international? Sapphire suggests a virtual SIM card via its wireless hotspot device. Want to learn more? Continue reading.
What are international roaming SIM cards?
While traveling internationally, you may want to make calls or use the internet. A SIM card that affords this functionality comes in two forms: Local and international.
The international SIM card is a general solution to visiting multiple countries on a single trip without having to purchase multiple local SIM cards or multiple pay-as-you-go phones.
How does an international SIM card work?
It works like any other SIM card, except it offers expanded data usage across multiple countries. Your current SIM card is most likely based on region or country, which means it can transfer data to-and-from others or the internet through local service providers.
An international SIM card works through each region or country’s service provider.
How does a local SIM card work?
A local SIM card offers data usage in a specific region, country, province, or state. The functionality is the same as an international SIM card, except that if you use it outside its given locale, it can cost more than if you choose an alternative data usage option.
Sapphire created a wireless internet hotspot solution, so SIM cards are no longer a hassle while you travel.
Local SIM card vs international SIM card
Pros of a local SIM card
The local SIM card offers an inexpensive solution for calling home or making calls in a specific locale. Instead of paying international roaming rates for data usage, you can leverage the local rates and enjoy more internet or talk time with family, friends, or business partners.
Local cards tend to be less expensive since they’re designed to transfer data across a specific locale.
Cons of a local SIM card
Anyone attempting to contact you or use the internet outside the locale of the given SIM card will pay some kind of international roaming fee. This could become expensive if you talk to a loved one or business partner in a non-supported location.
Local cards tend to be in the local language, which can be a hassle to purchase, install, and setup for use.
Pros of an international SIM card
International cards tend to support travelers while they make their way through multiple regions or countries in cost and usefulness.
Many international SIM cards designate the regions or countries where they are supported, getting you the local rate of the locale you travel through.
Cons of an international SIM card
International SIM cards don’t cover every region or country, which means you could find yourself purchasing a new card or pay higher fees while on the road.
Although these cards are a popular option they can be deactivated by the provider for inactivity. This could mean dealing with a service provider in a foreign country or paying roaming fees even though you have a card in hand.
Sapphire’s solution to SIM cards
Virtual SIM card technology allows you to connect to the internet in over 100 countries at the push of a button. You are no longer restricted by the type of SIM card, type of plan, or type of device you’re using.
The days are gone where you have to work with a local or regional service provider to get the SIM card that will work with your traveling itinerary.
Sapphire’s wireless internet hotspot device offers international internet accessibility at local rates while you travel.