What’s the best solution for cell phone data when travelling internationally?

Ever since I started this blog and my YouTube channel, I have been fortunate enough to travel to various conferences around the world. I love the travel aspect. I get to experience new countries, amazing cultures, delicious food and of course interview some mindblowing personalities.  One of the most common questions I am asked is how I get Data on my phone when I travel? do I have a SIM country per country?

The answer is no – I just use KnowRoaming and its the best solution for anyone traveling internationally. Let me explain why:

What is KnowRoaming?

KnowRoaming is a Toronto-based technology company that offers affordable connectivity solutions for travelers around the world. They own a mobile network operator called Telna which enables their customers to roam worry-free in over 200 countries.

How does KnowRoaming work?

KnowRoaming has a sticker that is a SIM card. You place that sticker over your existing SIM card and then download the KnowRoaming app. This sticker provides you with global data, voice and SMS and even a free USA cell phone number if you need that. When you are ready to travel, you purchase a bundle from KnowRoaming and simply activate it when you land in the country.

At this point, the sicker becomes your main SIM card and connects you to the local network and your home sim card remains switched off. So no more bill-shock when you get home and realize your mobile operator charges a premium for international data!

The best bit is that you don’t need to hunt for a local SIM card in a foreign county in a language you don’t speak.

I was once stuck on a plane in Istanbul, Turkey in the worst snow-storm they have had in years. We were stuck on the runway for hours. Since I had KnowRoaming, I was able to switch my phone on, get my data working and receive updates on the worsening situations. Since then, I have had KnowRoaming on my phone at every trip.

How much does KnowRoaming cost?

KnowRoaming has several data and voice packages you can choose from – just depending on the country you are visiting and the length of stay.

For example, you could select a 3-day unlimited data package if you are just heading for an event and that’s all you need.  I always check out the website for more info so I can decide when to enable my package as once activated, the package runs consecutively. In other words, you can not buy a 7day package, use it for 3 days and then pause it.

The new eSIM solution

KnowRoaming has an eSIM solution which means that as long as your phone is compatible with eSIM system, you no longer need a SIM card or the SIM card sticker. The eSIM works by creating a software-based SIM card on your device!

Currently, the following devices are listed as compatible with eSIM:

• iPhone* 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, XS, XS Max, XR with iOS 12.1 or later (* eSIM on iPhone is not offered in China mainland. In Hong Kong and Macau, only iPhone XS features eSIM.)
• Google Pixel 3, 3XL
• Windows 10 PCs, Lenovo Yoga 630, HP Spectre Folio
• iPad Air and Pro 3rd Generation, iPad Mini 5th Generation, Gemini PDA

When I was in Portugal and Northern Ireland, I used this solution on my Google Pixel 3a and it worked like a charm. Incredibly fast 4G data so I could use my maps, translation apps, social media, and email. When I returned home, I simply switched back to my normal SIM card all via my phone’s software.

The virtual SIM card is still on my phone, so on my next travel, I will just purchase data and enable it. Could not be simpler.

So in summary:

As you can tell I am excited by this company and their products. I have personally been using them for years and I know many of my fellow journalist and media people do too.

It is the best solution for anyone who wants to control their spending and have a worry-free simple experience when landing in a foreign country.  With over 200+countries and territories, odds are pretty good that KnowRoaming is available wherever it is you are heading to next.

check out KnowRoaming for more info and don’t forget to get your International nomad plug too!