Telecommunication when traveling around the world

esim mobile applications


Access to international eSIM cards: The mobile eSIM app allows users to purchase and activate eSIMs for various destinations worldwide, without the need for a physical SIM card. This is especially useful for travelers who want to avoid high roaming fees or the hassle of buying a local SIM card.


Simplicity and speed: With the app, users can browse and purchase data plans for over 200 countries and regions directly from their phone. Once purchased, the eSIM can be activated instantly without needing to visit a store.


Multi-destination: The mobile eSIM app offers local, regional, and global data plans. This means that travelers can choose a plan that covers a single country, multiple countries in the same region (like Europe), or global plans for travel across multiple continents.


Cost-effective: The app provides a more affordable alternative compared to international roaming fees imposed by traditional mobile carriers. Users can select a data plan suited to their needs and budget.


Easy plan management: The mobile eSIM app offers a user-friendly interface where the user can monitor their data usage, recharge their plan if necessary, and manage multiple eSIMs if needed.


Compatibility: The app is compatible with a wide range of recent devices that support eSIM technology, such as iPhones and certain Android phones.

Comparison of eSIM Application Providers

  • Airalo * Offers eSIMs for over 200 destinations, with local, regional, and global data plans.
  • GigSky: Supplies eSIMs for more than 190 countries, catering to both occasional and frequent travelers. Also offer Cruise plan.
  • Holafly: Provides eSIMs with no roaming fees for over 30 countries, including unlimited plans in some locations.
  • Roamless offers global **eSIM solutions** for travelers, enabling seamless connectivity across multiple countries without the need for physical SIM cards. Their services include data plans that are easy to purchase, activate, and use, helping travelers stay connected worldwide with reliable and affordable mobile data.
  • simOptions: Allows users to compare eSIM data plans for over 150 countries, with easy recharge management.
  • Truphone: Offers eSIM plans in over 100 countries, focusing on business and leisure travelers.
  • Vodafone Travel Stay connected across Europe with Vodafone’s eSIM—offering flexible, high-speed data without the need for a physical SIM card.
  • MTX Connect: Provides eSIMs for over 80 countries, featuring a user-friendly interface and flexible recharge options.

Each of these providers has its own strengths in terms of coverage, pricing, and features. Airalo stands out for its extensive coverage, while Holafly focuses on simplicity and customer support. simOptions and GigSky are ideal for comparing plans, and Truphone targets business travelers with convenient data management. MTX Connect offers a user-friendly solution for frequent travelers with flexible needs.


Overall Best Plan:

GigSky (for its combination of global and cruise plans).

Airalo (for extensive global coverage with flexibility).

These two providers offer the most reliable and convenient solutions for a world cruise spanning many countries and short stays. GigSky is particularly unique with its cruise plan, ensuring connectivity both on land and at sea.

Public Wifi

Alternative to esim

If you prefer not to purchase an eSIM or a local SIM card, you can still connect to the Internet using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, airports, and tourist attractions. Here are some tips to maximize your use of public Wi-Fi while traveling:

Download Wi-Fi locator apps: In addition to WiFi Finder app(apple, android), you can use Instabridge or WiFi Map to find free Wi-Fi networks nearby. Be cautious about security: When using public Wi-Fi networks, avoid accessing sensitive information (banking, important emails) without protection, such as a VPN.

  • WhatsApp: WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, offering voice and video call features via Wi-Fi. Make sure to download and set up the app before your cruise, as you will need an internet connection to use it.
  • Skype: Skype is a well-known app for video and voice calls. It allows you to stay in touch with loved ones via Wi-Fi. You can also use Skype to make international calls at reduced rates if you need to contact people who are not on the cruise.
  • textnow provides free texting and calling within the U.S. and Canada over Wi-Fi and offers affordable international calling rates with credits or premium plans. It also supports cellular service through low-cost data plans, enabling use without Wi-Fi. Ideal for budget-conscious users or travelers, TextNow ensures flexibility and global connectivity at an affordable price.
  • Facebook Messenger: The Facebook Messenger app offers instant messaging, voice, and video call features. You can communicate with your loved ones using your Facebook account via Wi-Fi.
  • FaceTime (for iPhone users): If you and your loved ones use Apple devices, you can use FaceTime to make video calls via Wi-Fi. Make sure to enable this feature and have a suitable internet connection.
  • Viber: Viber is a free messaging and calling app that allows you to communicate with your loved ones via Wi-Fi. It offers instant messaging, voice, and video call features.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

Manage security by using a VPN

Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on a mobile phone is an excellent way to protect your privacy and data when connecting to the Internet, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up and using a VPN on a mobile phone, whether it’s an Android or iOS device:

  • NordVPN: Known for its strong security features and a large server network, NordVPN offers high-speed connections, a strict no-logs policy, and advanced features like Double VPN and Onion over VPN.
  • ExpressVPN: A highly rated VPN for its fast speeds and ease of use, ExpressVPN provides robust security features, a wide range of server locations, and excellent customer support, making it ideal for streaming and browsing.
  • Surfshark: Offering unlimited simultaneous connections, Surfshark is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on security or performance. It includes features like CleanWeb (ad blocker) and Whitelister (split tunneling).
  • CyberGhost: With a user-friendly interface and specialized servers for streaming and torrenting, CyberGhost is a great choice for beginners. It also offers a strong privacy policy and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
  • ProtonVPN: Developed by the team behind ProtonMail, ProtonVPN emphasizes privacy and security. It offers a free tier with limited features and paid plans that provide access to high-speed servers and advanced security options.


You will know the VPN is active when you see a small VPN icon in the status bar at the top of your phone.



Why use a VPN on your mobile?

Security: A VPN encrypts your data when you connect to public networks, protecting you from potential attacks.


Privacy: Your online activity is hidden, making it difficult for others to track your movements on the internet.


Access to geo-restricted content: A VPN allows you to bypass geographical restrictions and access content available only in certain countries.


Anonymous browsing: It hides your real IP address, increasing your anonymity online.

Satellite communications

Comparaisons

1. Starlink (Roam)

Device Cost: $599 (Antenna)

Base Monthly Plan Cost: $150/month (Maritime Plan)

Transmission Rate: Up to 220 Mbps (download), 25 Mbps (upload)

Coverage: Global (Land and Sea)

Features: High-speed satellite internet for global use; requires clear sky visibility.

Real-Time Tracking: No


2. Cruise Wi-Fi Plan

Device Cost: N/A

Base Monthly Plan Cost: $99/month (Premium Package)

Transmission Rate: 4 Mbps (download), 2 Mbps (upload)

Coverage: Limited to ship areas

Features: Designed for maritime use with ship-based connectivity, ideal for navigation and emails.

Real-Time Tracking: No


3. Iridium Go!

Device Cost: $1,195 (Device)

Base Monthly Plan Cost: $139/month

Transmission Rate: 2.4 Kbps (very slow)

Coverage: Global (Remote and Sea)

Features: Compact and portable, low-speed internet, ideal for basic messaging and emails, reliable coverage.

Real-Time Tracking: Yes


4. Zoleo

Device Cost: $199 (Device)

Base Monthly Plan Cost: $20/month (Messaging Plan)

Transmission Rate: Text only (160 characters)

Coverage: Global (Remote Areas)

Features: Designed for satellite text messaging; no browsing, calls, or heavy data use.

Real-Time Tracking: Yes


5. Strigo

Device Cost: $450 (Device)

Base Monthly Plan Cost: $25/month

Transmission Rate: Messages and emails (via Strigo app)

Coverage: Global (Remote and Sea)

Features: Portable device, offers global coverage and allows you to stay connected for messages or emails.

Real-Time Tracking: Yes

Finding Nearby Cell Towers in the United States


OpenSignal
Website: https://www.opensignal.com
App: Available on iOS and Android


CellMapper
Website: https://www.cellmapper.net
App: Available on iOS and Android


AntennaSearch
Website: https://www.antennasearch.com
Platform: Browser-only

Cell Tower Locator
App: Cell Tower Locator on Google Play (Android only)

Conclusion

Starling offers the best internet speed and global maritime coverage, but with a higher monthly cost. It’s the most effective solution if you need a fast and reliable connection for streaming, video calls, or heavy data usage.


Cruise boat Wi-Fi is the most economical for basic internet needs onboard, though slower compared to Starlink and limited to use on the ship.


Iridium Go! is a reliable solution for emergency communications and basic internet use (emails, GPS), but it is very slow.


Zoleo is the cheapest option, focused solely on messaging, ideal for those looking to minimize costs and only need satellite text messaging.

The satellite messaging device is not limited to just sending messages. It can also be used for searching the web and connecting to artificial intelligence servers via text-based interactions. Explore our apps to discover the full range of services we offer!

HEY, I’m Yvan Ross

I am a retired software engineering lecturer with extensive expertise in object-oriented analysis and design, software architecture, robotics, automation, artificial vision, voice recognition, and signal processing. Upon my retirement in May 2024, I transitioned my focus to developing travel itinerary planning solutions and providing specialized training in these areas. My goal is to leverage my technical background to create innovative tools and share knowledge with others in the travel and tech industries.

JOIN MY MAILING LIST

Found a link that belongs here? Let us know! Your contribution helps our community grow, and together, we can make this page even more valuable for travelers like you.

Travel With Artificial Intelligence throught the World

Newsletter

Subscribe now to get daily updates.