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Mobile internet on holiday: how to stay connected abroad

On holiday you want to open maps, send messages and share photos without a surprise on your phone bill. Here is how to get mobile internet abroad, and when a travel eSIM is the handiest.

Within the EU: almost like at home

In the EU, and in Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, you call and surf on your regular plan at the same rates as in the Netherlands (roam like at home). A fair use limit does apply: your provider decides how much data you may use abroad, and that is often less than your bundle at home. Check the terms of your plan before you leave.

Outside the EU: watch the costs

In countries such as the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Turkey and the United States, other and often higher rates apply. Some providers have a world bundle, but it costs extra. Switch data roaming off if you haven't arranged anything beforehand.

What are your options?

  • Roaming on your own plan. No hassle, but outside the EU often expensive or limited.
  • A local SIM card. Usually cheap, but you first have to find one, and your own SIM card has to come out. Then you can no longer be reached on your own number.
  • A travel eSIM. A digital SIM card with a data bundle for your destination, which you install before you leave.
  • Wifi. Free, but not everywhere and not always safe.

What is a travel eSIM?

An eSIM is a SIM card built into your phone. You install it with a QR code or in an app, without inserting anything. Your own SIM card stays in your phone, so you can still be reached for calls and texts on your own number while the travel eSIM gets you online. That way you pay no roaming rates.

Your phone has to support eSIM and be SIM-unlocked. Almost all recent phones can; check in the settings or with the manufacturer before you leave.

How to set it up

  1. Check that your phone supports eSIM and has no SIM lock.
  2. Pick your destination and a data bundle that fits how you use your phone.
  3. Install the eSIM before you leave. You need wifi for that.
  4. On arrival, turn the travel eSIM on for mobile data and turn data roaming off for your own SIM card.

Tips to save data

  • Download maps and music beforehand, so you can use them offline.
  • Use your hotel's wifi for big downloads and updates.
  • Switch off automatic backups and app updates over mobile data.

The button below takes you to one of our partners. If you get an eSIM through that link, we may receive a fee. You pay nothing extra.

Pick your destination and view the travel eSIMs at Usims.

View travel eSIM at Usims

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