Pros and Cons of Using a Mobile Hotspot for International Travel
Whenever I plan an international trip, I am always plagued with the question: how am I going to stay connected? In the U.S., there are many different cell phone providers and plans. However, most charge more for phone calls, sms text messages, and data while in another country. My current phone plan costs me $10/day to use data abroad (that doesn’t even include the additional rates for phone calls and sms text messages). Depending on the length of my trip, that is a lot of money to spend, especially if there are other options out there.
One option to consider is using a mobile hotspot for data.
What is a mobile hotspot?
A mobile hotspot is a device that creates a small, portable Wi-Fi network using a cellular data connection. This allows other devices, like smartphones, tablets, or laptops to connect to the internet even when you're not near a traditional Wi-Fi network or not using your cell phone provider’s international data plan.
Here’s how it works:
Connection to Cellular Network: The mobile hotspot connects to the internet through a cellular network.
Wi-Fi Signal: It then creates a Wi-Fi signal that other devices can connect to, just like how they would connect to a home Wi-Fi network.
Portability: You can take a mobile hotspot with you almost anywhere, so you can stay connected while traveling or in places without Wi-Fi.
I have rented a mobile hotspot from TravelWiFi on a couple of different international trips instead of using my cell phone provider’s international data plan. I stay connected to friends and family via messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, Facebook messenger, and Skype by using the wi-fi connection of the mobile hotspot.
TravelWiFi mails you the hotspot before your trip. Once you return, you can mail it back with the return slip they provided or you can choose to drop it off at one of their store locations.
While using a mobile hotspot for an international trip, I keep my phone on airplane mode for the entire trip and connect to the mobile hotspot’s WiFi signal. Since I can FaceTime or use WhatsApp to chat with my friends and family, there isn’t a need to use my plan’s cellular service. This helps me avoid getting charged additional fees from my cell phone provider’s expensive international data plan. I also try to connect to the hotel or AirBnb’s WiFi while I am at my accommodations so that I am not using all of the data of my hotspot.
Using a mobile hotspot has several advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a quick rundown:
Pros:
Portability: Mobile hotspots are compact and easy to carry, allowing you to access the internet from virtually anywhere as long as you have cellular coverage.
Convenience: You can connect multiple devices to the internet simultaneously, which is handy if you have several devices that need to go online. You can even split the cost with your travel partner so that you are both connected to the internet.
No Need for Public Wi-Fi: Using a mobile hotspot can be more secure than public Wi-Fi networks, reducing the risk of your data being intercepted.
Flexibility: You can use a mobile hotspot in places without fixed internet connections, like during travel, in rural areas, or while camping.
Cons:
Data Limits: Mobile hotspots typically come with data usage limits or caps, and exceeding these limits can result in additional charges or slower speeds.
Battery Life: The battery life of a mobile hotspot can be limited, especially with heavy use, so you might need to recharge it frequently.
Bulky: If you are exploring a city all day, then it is another device you will need to carry on your person. You will also need to bring a power bank to charge the hotspot. This is yet, another device you will need carry.
Cost: Depending on your data plan and the device you choose (renting or buying), using a mobile hotspot can be an additional expense. Some plans might be more expensive than your cell phone provider’s international plan or an eSim.
Overall, a mobile hotspot is a great tool for staying connected on the go, but it’s important to consider these factors to ensure it meets your needs.
Packing Your Mobile Hotspot
Check out the vlog
Want more info on Mobile Hotspots? Follow along with the vlog of my breakdown of mobile hotspots.
