How to Use a Local SIM Card Abroad

If you have absolutely no clue how to get and use a local SIM card abroad, do not worry. I’ve been traveling for five years now, and JUST figured it out about six months ago!

It partially had to do with the fact that getting a local SIM card abroad seems too confusing to be bothered with, but I also didn’t have an unlocked phone until now. That being said, you’ll need an unlocked phone to use them!

There’s a complicated explanation for how to use them, especially since each country has different SIMs that need to be activated differently. But I like to go with the easy route; asking the people working at the kiosks to help me. This so far has worked without fail in every country I’ve been to, you just need to remember a few things, like how much data is enough, and if you need to buy it separately.

So let’s begin with the easy-route of how to use a local SIM card abroad:

1. Look For SIM Card Kiosks at the Airport

After you’ve arrived at the airport, you should see stores or kiosks selling SIM cards around where you’d find money exchange, rental cars, etc. Look for words like “telecom”, “tele”, or basically any photo of a phone or wifi signal. If you don’t see anything, just go to an information desk and ask where you can find one.

2. Which SIM Card Company to Pick

Always look for signs that say 4G first. You can try comparing prices but they’re pretty much all the same. I usually just pick the one that looks easiest to use, which is usually ones offering “tourist packages”. Each country has different telecom companies, so I can’t name exact ones to use, but looking for advertisements around the airport usually helps! Or you can always ask the info desk or a security guard!

3. How to Install a SIM Card

I’d first suggest not attempting it yourself. The people working in the SIM card kiosks will usually ask for your phone and do it for you, and if they don’t, ask them to. It’s their job. Essentially they/you will pop out your existing SIM card (keep it in a safe place!), and pop in the new one. 

Then they/you will call a number associated with the SIM card company that’s on the little card it comes on, and it’ll activate the card/data. The SIM cards can come with or without local calling/texting, and also with or without data. Make sure you choose what you need.

4. Do You Need Local Calling/Texts?

If you plan on just using data for WhatsApp, Social Media, Internet Browsing, iMessage, etc., you probably don’t need to include local calling/texting. If you think you’ll need to call your local hotel, driver, guide, etc., then go ahead and get it. Either way, it’s not expensive at all.

5. Make Sure You Get DATA!!!

Some SIM cards you can buy pre-loaded with data, and others you need to buy and load the data separately. If you’re confused what data is…

DATA = INTERNET

So the easiest way to do this, is say you need a SIM card and Data. Then you get to the next hurtle, which is how much.

5. How Much Data Do You Need?

How much data you need depends on how much you use your phone/the internet. For someone like me who works from their phone, I need a lot. If you are just planning on texting home every so often and doing a few social media updates, you probably don’t need as much. 

Usually if you tell the kiosk worker how long you’re in town for, they can suggest amounts accordingly.

For example, 2 GB should last you for 5-7 days. 

When I was in Bali exploring on a budget for a month and knew I’d be working the whole time…I got 32 GB. And used the whole thing. It’s always better to get more if you’re not sure because…

6. Getting a SIM Card and Data is SUPER CHEAP

I hate to admit that since I’m also a big fan of SkyRoam Wifi Hotspot, but I have to be honest with you…local SIM cards and data are super cheap. Like you’ll probably be pissed at how much you pay for cell service back home once you start using them.

I don’t think I’ve ever paid more than $20 for a SIM card and data (again, as someone who uses A LOT of data), and for most  people it’s under $10. Well worth it to have guaranteed connection and not have to rely on free WiFi.

7. What to do if you Run Out of Data

Story of my life. But easy to fix. Just go to any convenience store or ask your hotel, hostel, or AirBnB host where you can go to reload it. You’ll just need to remember which SIM card service you got (pop out the card if you forgot) and you can easily buy a little token to load more data.

You’ll need to dial a number to do it, but again…if you just ask someone for help, it’s MUCH easier.

8. Things to Know That Will Happen When You Switch to a Local SIM Card Abroad

If you don’t get international service anyway, you won’t receive calls to your normal number. If receiving calls to your normal number is imperative, I’d suggest switching to a company that includes international, or buying an (expensive) international plan with your provider.

If you don’t care about receiving calls to your normal number, great! But for those who receive unplanned work call inquiries, you may want to think about that.

That being said, when you text normally, a foreign number will show up to whoever you’re texting. Be sure to let them know it’s you. If you’re using WhatsApp, you can keep your normal number, just be sure to press that option when it pops up on your screen.

You may also start to get text messages in another language. Some are updates about how much data you have left, some are advertisements. That being said, don’t click anything.

9. How to Make International Calls Using a SIM Card

Unfortunately you can’t just call home on a local SIM card. You’ll need to tell whoever you want to call to download WhatsApp or Viber or use Facebook Messenger to call for free using your data. If you need to call a land line, I’d recommend purchasing minutes through Skype; it’s easy, cheap, and reliable. 

Some SIM card companies do offer add-on international calling options. Just be sure to compare the cost of it to the cost of your alternatives first!

10. Alternatives to Using a Local SIM Card Abroad

Again, I didn’t figure out SIM cards until recently, so I had to always opt for other options. In the very beginning, I relied solely on free wifi. Meaning I couldn’t use my phone until I got to my hotel or a cafe. That totally works, but isn’t totally convenient.

The most convenient option would probably be to use a SkyRoam. It basically acts like a local SIM, but in over 150 countries, so you never actually have to deal with the SIM/data situation. It costs about $9 a day, plus the fee to rent or buy the device. It can also power up to 5 devices, so it’s usually what I use to work remotely from my laptop.

The last option is purchasing an international plan through your service provider or switching to a service that includes international data. The first option is slightly more than the SkyRoam and doesn’t automatically connect other devices, and the second option usually has limited speed. 

SO! Overall, in my opinion, it’s always nice/cheap to get the local SIM card abroad in case you can’t find WiFi or your SkyRoam runs out of battery. Once you get the hang of it, it’s really easy, I swear!