Pocket Wi-Fi vs. Travel SIM Card vs. Travel eSIM—Which One Should You Get?

So you’ve got your trip all sorted out. Plane tickets—check! Hotel—booked! Itinerary—done! OOTDs—you bet it’s all planned out! But have you already thought about your connectivity plan? If not, don’t fret because you’ve got options available to you so you can stay connected to high-speed internet throughout your trip.

Wondering which choice will best suit your needs and travel style? Read up as we give you the lowdown on the differences between travel Wi-Fi, travel SIM card, and travel eSIM. Let’s go!

Traveling with Portable Wi-Fi

One of the most reliable (and cost-efficient!) ways to stay connected to the internet during your overseas trip is by availing a travel Wi-Fi device. It is usually rented out for a certain period of time, although travelers may opt to purchase one for their convenience, especially if they travel a lot.

Also known as pocket Wi-Fi, travel Wi-Fi devices provide portable internet access by connecting to local networks. They then create a secure Wi-Fi hotspot that can be accessed by multiple devices—from mobile phones and tablets to laptops.

Pros of Renting a Travel Wi-Fi

Can accommodate multiple devices: Believe it or not, many pocket Wi-Fi devices can connect up to 5 or more devices.
User-friendliness: Pocket Wi-Fi devices are designed to be easy to use for any type of traveler. They require minimal setup and are pretty much ready to use once switched on.
No need to worry about your phone contract’s lock-in period: If you are a postpaid subscriber, chances are, your mobile device is locked to your provider, barring use of any other SIM cards. Using a travel Wi-Fi is a great way to stay connected to the internet without making changes to your current phone plan.
Less phone battery usage: Your phone’s battery is more likely to run out quicker if you’ve got your mobile data turned on than when you’re connected to a separate Wi-Fi device.

Cons of Renting a Travel Wi-Fi

Extra responsibility: Since you are renting a device, it’s your responsibility to keep it safe and in pristine condition until the time you return it. If you lose it or if it gets damaged during your trip, you may incur penalties from the provider.
Battery dependency: As a separate device, it runs on its own battery and it can run out after a day of heavy use. To ensure your pocket Wi-Fi doesn’t run out of juice, charge it before you leave for the day or keep a power bank in your bag just in case.
Coverage limitations: Just like any other connectivity device, a pocket Wi-Fi may lose coverage in some areas considered as “dead spots.”
The expense: The cost of renting a Wi-Fi device is typically calculated by the day, and the charges can add up to the point that renting one might be less economical than choosing another option.

Is renting a travel Wi-Fi device the right choice for you?

Renting a travel Wi-Fi device is best suited for families or small groups who need simultaneous internet access on multiple devices while on the go. It also appeals to those who value their phone’s battery life and prefer having a separate device solely for connectivity purposes.

Travel Wi-Fi Picks for You from Big Sky

Travel Wi-Fi Premium

An AI CloudSIM-powered global portable hotspot, Travel Wi-Fi Premium is designed for new and frequent travelers alike who need reliable, high-speed internet access while abroad.

Key Features & Benefits of Renting Big Sky Travel Wi-Fi Premium

Global Coverage: The device works in over 130+ countries, including your favorite destinations like Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and the US.
AI-powered connectivity: Its built-in AI feature enables the device to switch automatically to the strongest available signal.
All Day Battery Life): With up to 15 hours of battery life, you won’t have to worry about losing connection while you’re out and about.
Secure and Private Connection: Your connection is private and encrypted, keeping your personal information safe from hackers.
No Bill Shock: You’ll only pay for what you choose upfront—no unexpected fees or overage charges.

Travel Wi-Fi LITE

The Travel WiFi Premium is a portable internet solution designed for budget-conscious leisure travelers who need reliable, high-speed internet access while abroad. Ideal for solo travelers and small groups.

Key Features & Benefits of Renting Big Sky Travel Wi-Fi LITE

Global Coverage: Just like Big Sky Travel Wi-Fi Premium, Big Sky Travel Wi-Fi LITE works in over 100 countries, ensuring you stay connected wherever you travel.
4G LTE Connection: Experience fast and reliable internet with 4G LTE speeds, perfect for browsing, streaming, and more.
Lengthy Battery Life : Enjoy up to 8-15 hours of use.
Secure and Private Connection: Your connection is private and encrypted, keeping your personal information safe from hackers.
No Bill Shock: You’ll only pay for what you choose upfront—no unexpected fees or overage charges.

Rent a travel Wi-Fi device from Big Sky now!

Using a Travel SIM Card

If phone contract lock-in periods are not a concern for you, then you might want to consider getting a travel SIM Card.

This option allows you to replace your original SIM card with one from the country you are visiting, providing you easy access to local data and call services.

Pros of Using a Travel SIM Card

Ease of integration: Just turn your mobile data on, and access high-speed internet as you would back home through your phone
Economical: Most providers offer plans that are more cost-efficient than renting a Wi-Fi device for extended periods.
Size compatibility: Travel SIM Cards come in the sizes that mobile phones being used today require.
No need to take care of and return a separate device: Your SIM card is pretty much yours. Whatever you choose to do with it is up to you. You don’t have to return it to your chosen provider either after your trip.

Cons of Using a Travel SIM Card

Incompatibility with closed-line phones: Make sure your phone isn’t locked to your home carrier before availing of a travel SIM card.
Changing SIM cards: If your phone doesn’t have a dual SIM feature (or a SIM card tray, like the iPhone 14 models from the US), you’ll have to forego your home SIM for the time being, risking missing out on important calls and messages.
Mobile hotspot sharing: Not all travel SIM cards allow mobile hotspot sharing, limiting your internet access to your phone.
Troubleshooting: Non-techy users might find it tricky to resolve travel SIM card problems through APN settings.

Is getting a travel SIM card the right choice for you?

A travel SIM card is undeniably a versatile companion for various types of travelers who want cost-effective connectivity while abroad. However, if you are in a locked-in period with your carrier or if hotspot sharing is one of your priorities, getting a travel SIM card might not be the best choice for you.

Travel SIM Card Pick for You from Big Sky

Snappy Travel SIM

Big Sky’s Snappy Travel SIM is a cutting-edge data-only SIM card designed to cater to your connectivity needs in over 80+ countries worldwide, including the US and Australia, as well as countries in Europe and Asia.

Key Features & Benefits of getting the Snappy Travel SIM

Plug & Play: No registration or setup needed! Just insert Big Sky’s Snappy Travel SIM into your phone and you’re good to go!
Customizable Data Packages: Choose from plans offering 500 MB to 3 GB per day.
Daily Data Refresh: Your data refreshes every 24 hours.
Reloadable: Extending your trip? Top up your SIM for extended use
Country-Wide Coverage: Available in all cities of your destination country.

Buy your Snappy Travel SIM now!

Using a Travel eSIM

Embedded SIMs a.k.a. eSIMs are all the rage among tech-savvy travelers these days—and for good reason! This new technology allows users to download data plans directly to their mobile phones without the need for a physical SIM card.

It’s easy to use and pretty affordable, too, but there are some caveats some travelers face with the oh-so modern eSIM.

Pros of Getting a Travel eSIM

Convenience: When you opt to use a travel eSIM, you don’t have to worry about changing the SIM card in your phone. In fact, you can even switch between your chosen carriers and phone plans during your trip.
Easy activation: You can activate your eSIM profile in minutes!
0 waste option: Using eSIMs is good for the planet in a sense that it reduces physical waste that is often associated with short-term-use plastic SIM cards.
Affordable: eSIMs are generally cheaper than the traditional SIM card.

Cons of Getting a Travel eSIM

Not for travelers with non-eSIM-compatible phones: As tempting as it is to just get an eSIM, we are all faced with the fact that not phones in circulation today are eSIM-compatible. Only the latest, most high-end devices from Apple and Android can use eSIMs at the moment.
Management: Although switching from one carrier to another while using an eSIM sounds like a good idea, many users still experience a learning curve when navigating this feature.
Limited local availability: There are still regions around the world that do not fully support eSIM services, which could interrupt your connectivity.
Not for long-term use: If you’re traveling for quite a while, it might be best to get a reloadable travel Wi-Fi device or SIM card instead, which can be more cost-effective alternatives for extended periods of use.

Is getting a travel eSIM the right choice for you?

A travel eSIM is the best connectivity solution for you if you are a short-term traveler who’s updated with the latest technologies, carry an eSIM-capable device, and are on a budget.

Travel eSIM Pick for You from Big Sky

Travel eSIM

Big Sky’s eSIM is a digital SIM card designed for leisure travelers, providing a seamless, hassle-free, and economical mobile connectivity solution across 100+ countries. It allows users to stay connected without the need for physical SIM cards or WiFi devices, simplifying global travel with affordable data plans.

Key Features & Benefits of getting Big Sky’s Travel eSIM

It’s hassle-free: You just scan a QR code, and the eSIM is installed directly on your phone. No more waiting or dealing with physical cards.
Convenience: You don’t have to visit a store to get a physical SIM card, and no more swapping SIMs when traveling abroad. Everything is done digitally.
Flexible options: You can choose from various data plans depending on how much internet you need—whether it’s 500MB, 1GB, or even more, per day.
Affordable: The Big Sky Travel eSIM offers affordable data plans that are cheaper than most roaming services or travel WiFi devices.
Reliability: High-speed internet available across various destinations.

Whatever your travel connectivity needs and requirements are, Big Sky—the #1 Travel Solutions Provider in the Philippines based on user reviews—has got you covered! Check out all the options available to you now or read more helpful travel articles in our blog!

Featured image by Lisanto 李奕良 on Unsplash

The #1 Travel Solutions Provider in the Philippines