Is an Unlimited Data Plan for international travel the best option?

Making a call on the road. Photo credit Andrea Piacquadio

Unlimited Data plans are quite common thanks to domestic mobile service providers and decreasing data costs.

The international travel variety offers similar “all-you-can-use” options at an attractive price per MB. However, focusing on the price alone can end up costing you a lot more at the end.

Even if you are ready to overpay for the convenience, are you sure that you are getting everything you need with the unlimited plan?

When it comes to international travel, there are more variables to consider.

Will you be covered in between destinations? Will you get the same high internet speed all the time? Will you get a phone number? Customer support in your language? Do you even need unlimited data plan to begin with?

Focusing on price alone can leave you wanting more very soon. Let’s take a closer look at the things you may want to consider when selecting unlimited plan for your next foreign trip.

Trip Duration and Data Usage

The first and most obvious question is whether you need unlimited data in the first place.

Not all of us need to stream HD video movies, or have many people connected to a personal Wi-Fi device while on the go abroad.

Map navigation, app messaging, occasional internet browsing normally do not use a lot of data.  A few GB or even less may be more than sufficient especially on a shorter trip. Many hotels offer free Wi-Fi. You can even predownload large media files and navigation maps to your phone for later use with some apps.

With unlimited plans, you may be simply overpaying for data you will never use. In this case, checking for other options can save you money. There are plans from 150MB to 10GB of high-speed data and everything in between.

Data Speed

This point is an important one, especially for those who rely on and expect high-speed data.  If the unlimited plan you are considering even offers high-speed data, check how long is it going to last.

Many so-called unlimited data plans will throttle data speed after you exceed a certain data limit. The speed can downgrade to 3G and even slower, transporting you to the good old dial-up modem times.

All OneSimCard plans come with fast 4G speeds without any throttling. You can even enable your plan to renew automatically for smooth web surfing experience.

Coverage

Many plans apply to a particular country and to a particular network. They do not cover anything in between.

If your trip includes several countries or international layovers, never mind potential flight delays, you’ll have to figure out how to securely stay connected in those situations.

Your current provider may force you to buy another (unlimited?) plan for each new country.

OneSimCard offers zone coverage for its data plans. This means that the same plan will work in all countries included in that zone.

For example, Zone B data plans on the Universal sim card and eSIM includes 125 countries. When you arrive in any of those countries, the plan you purchased simply works. If you move to another country in the zone, the same plan will be still available.

Moreover, many countries feature multiple carriers you can connect to, which effectively increases your coverage within a country.

Other ways to connect

 Is buying a data plan the only way to connect to a network? Generally, it is not. However, some service providers will require you to purchase a data plan (unlimited or not) to get any connectivity. This is quite limiting.

If there is no internet connection for one reason or another, you want to be able to make calls or at least send a text message.

With OneSimCard all data plans are optional. Voice, Text and Data are always available on pay-as-you-go basis.  You also get a phone number that you can use for calls and SMS, including free incoming calls in 160 countries and free incoming SMS everywhere.  Plus (and it’s a big one), you can add local phone numbers to your SIM in over 60 countries!

Conclusion

There is a lot more than just price to consider when selecting the right data plan for your trip. Coverage, data speed and extra features play an important role in choosing the right connectivity solution.

To learn more about our international sim card and the discount plan line-up it comes with visit onesimcard.com.

If you need any help choosing connectivity for your next trip, you are welcome to contact our Customer Support by phone or online. Customer Support is available 24/7 in English and Spanish.

Happy travels!

Is the new Apple iPhone SE 2 2020 good for traveling?

Apple iPhone SE 2 2020

The new iPhone SE 2 is here to replace the original SE version, which Apple stopped selling in 2018. Starting at a $400 price tag, the second generation SE with its latest processor and solid camera among other things looks like a good choice for the international and domestic traveler.

Last week Apple officially announced the new iPhone SE 2, a lower-cost iPhone that starts at $399 for a version with 64GB of storage. The device sports traditional iPhone design featuring a 4.7-inch screen, large bezels on the top and bottom, and a home button with Touch ID.

Unlike its predecessor, SE 2 has a better camera, more powerful processor, and a lower price tag. The most affordable iPhone yet features A13 Bionic, the fastest chip in a smartphone, the same chip that is available in the latest iPhone 11 and 11 Pro models.

Camera

Apple calls it “The Best Single-Camera System in an iPhone”. Let’s see why.

There is a single 12-megapixel camera lens on the back (along with a flash). It uses the A13 Bionic chip to improve its Smart HDR photography, which combines multiple shots into a single photo to improve lighting and detail.

It also has a portrait mode with technology Apple calls “monocular depth sensing.” It uses machine learning to detect depth and face, which, unfortunately, means that it will only work on people, not pets.

It includes optical image stabilization, and Apple says it can do “cinematic” stabilization on video as well as support 4K video at 60fps. The front-facing selfie camera is 7-megapixels, and it can also do portrait mode effects.

In the early tests by online aficionados, the camera performed on par with more expensive iPhone siblings in good light conditions. Low light photographs were not as impressive, but still acceptable by many standards.

Not bad for a $400 iPhone.

Dual SIM Card: eSIM + regular SIM

Dual SIM with eSIM provides the flexibility for users to have two separate phone numbers on a single device while traveling abroad or for use as a business line. This means 2 separate mobile wireless service plans.

This can be also useful when crossing borders and wanting to save on your home carriers roaming fees or avoid dealing with the hassles of a local SIM card.

OneSimCard can help in any of these scenarios.

OneSimCard eSIM works perfectly with the iPhone SE 2 model as well as many other esim enabled iPhones including  iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max.

So if you are looking for eSIM for your iPhone, you can order and download it right now from our website. No shipping required.

Buy eSIM for iPhone.

Bands

iPhone SE A2296 Supports the following bands, which should be sufficient for connectivity around the world including Japan, Myanmar  and South Korea.

  • GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
  • UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
  • FDD-LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 66)
  • TD-LTE (Bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48)

Battery life

The new iPhone SE battery size hasn’t been announced by Apple yet. The battery is likely to be very similar to the iPhone 8 capacity, which came with a 1,821mAh power pack.

The A13 Bionic’s chip is supposed to enable a better battery life for iPhone SE 2. However, it still does not come close to a larger capacity iPhone 11 line with the same chip.  At the end of the day battery size matters.

Early testers have managed to get a full day of battery life out of SE 2, which is comparable to the overall performance to the iPhone 8 model.

For those spending days out and about and heavy users, an extra battery charger may be a good idea.

General Specs

IPHONE SE 2 2020 SPECS

  • Screen: 4.7-inch True Tone display
  • Rear cameras: 12-megapixel single 6-element lens, features OIS, flicker sensor for white balance, focus pixels, HDR, and portrait mode for people, video recording at 4K/60fps
  • Selfie camera: 7-megapixel camera
  • Dimensions: 67.3 x 138.4 x 7.3mm, 148 grams
  • Processor: A13 Bionic
  • Memory: TBD
  • Storage: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB
  • Battery: TBD
  • OS: iOS 13
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Gigabit LTE, Dual SIM with eSIM
  • Biometric authentication: second-generation Touch ID fingerprint sensor
  • Wireless charging, Lightning connector, 5W charger included
  • IP67 protection

 

Other modernized specs include Wi-Fi 6, Gigabit LTE, Haptic Touch, which is Apple’s replacement for 3D Touch, amounting to a long press with haptic feedback.

There is no headphone jack, but it will come with Lightning headphones in the box.

Conclusion

The jury is still out on the battery life and overall performance. With its comparatively smaller size, solid camera and affordable price it should make a good travelling companion around the world.  However, if you are looking for an iPhone with a more versatile camera and longer battery life consider other models.

Traveling with an iPhone?  Don’t forget your OneSimCard international eSIM to save big on Data, Voice and SMS around the world!

Order a physical international SIM card or travel eSIM for iPhone today!

5 Things to Try While Attending the Summer Olympics in Tokyo

Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan

For the second time in fifty-six years, Tokyo, the Japanese capital, will host the Summer Olympic Games. The Olympics are set to take place over two weeks, which gives you ample time to take part in the Games and do a bit of exploring in this great city. Tokyo is one of the biggest and vibrant metropolitan cities in the world and it’s no surprise that it provides an experience like no other. It accommodates the usual sights like museums, unique restaurants and temples but also offers non-traditional experiences that are even more alluring. Why not get enchanted with the beautiful mix of past, present, and future that is Tokyo? Here is a list of unique sites and activities you can indulge in while taking a break from the bustle of the games.

 

1. Cosplay While Driving a Mario Go Kart On The Streets Of Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan – Mario street kart tour

This is one of the most thrilling activities you can do right in the streets of Tokyo. That’s right…you can rent and ride a real-life Mario Go Kart while dressed up as your favorite character. You’re assured of an adrenaline kick from driving past skyscrapers and passing other cars and buses on the road in your tiny go-kart and your cool costume. The karts are easy to run, and all you need is an international driving permit. The ride takes you through areas like Akihabara and Shibuya where you see a variety of sights from quiet residential regions to viewing the bustling city crossings. The views as you cruise around Tokyo Tower and go across the massive Rainbow Bridge are breathtakingly picturesque. Be sure to choose the two-hour course which is enough to get you comfortable driving the go-kart and give you loads of time to visit as much of the city as possible.

2. Experience the Otaku and Kawaii Culture

Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan

In Akihabara, anyone who’s obsessed with electronics or a particular culture such as Anime (AKA the “Otaku”) finds a home. The area features cosplay shops, maid cafes, video game shops and all things colorful and bizarre. There are also a couple of filming locations here that anime fans would find rather exciting. The female version of the experience – Butler cafes – is offered over at Ikebukuro.

Kawaii, the rampant obsession of everything cute, has its own culture and is brought to life in maid cafes. Here the maids dress in slightly risqué cosplay costumes as they serve you. Every cafe has different policies and fines. It’s smart to ask about what you’re allowed to do in the Maid Cafe, like taking pictures, lest you find yourself with a big fine. Otherwise, enjoy your cutely plated meal and relax.

 

3. Shop Till You Drop at Don Quijote, Harajuku and Uniqlo

Takashita Street, Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan

Shopping will be high on your to-do list because of the large number of big department stores and sprawling shopping malls all over the city. The first and most natural choice in shopping would be the quirky discount store that is Don Quixote (aka DONKI). This 24-hour store has locations in several areas with its most significant branch (which stands at seven stories) located at Shibuya. It sells everything imaginable from snacks, household goods, traditional souvenirs, clothes, cosmetics, and many more items.

If your tastes run towards the Kawaii culture and all things chic, Harajuku is the place for you. Harajuku is the heart and soul of hundreds of stylish and trendy boutiques that feature high-end street clothing brands. Its streets, like Omotesando Street and Meiji Street, have large shopping malls that cater to adults and Japanese fashion. The teenage culture is covered on Takeshita Street at the center of everything (pictured above). Harajuku also has numerous cafes and food stands ready to offer you tasty treats as you take a break from your hunt of trendy items.

The flagship store of Uniqlo, a Japanese casual-wear designer, is in Ginza. The store covers sprawling 12 floors and offers inexpensive, but high-quality, clothing essentials. So, drop by and see what’s on offer if you find yourself in the neighborhood.

4. Give the Pachinko Parlors a Try

Pachinko parlour

Located all around the city, Pachinko is known as the top gambling game in Japan. What started as a pinball-esque children’s game in its development skyrocketed into a not-so-legal hypnotic game. The Parlour owners have worked a loophole that lets them skirt the laws on gambling and continue staying open. Join the frenzy that attracts practically everyone in Tokyo and seat yourself in front of a Pachinko machine.

 

5. Visit the Japanese Animation Studio Ghibli Museum

Ghibli Museum, Mitaka, Japan

Japan is head over heels for anime, so your trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to where the magic happens. Ghibli Studios are the creators of the classic films Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. Get ready to get a glimpse of Hayao Miyazaki’s works and drawings together with set props from your favorite movies. They show short Japanese animation and give you in-depth information on the history and techniques of bringing animation to life. Make sure you book a ticket early because they get sold out weeks in advance. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss!

 

3 things that will make your stay in Tokyo run smoothly

The summer Olympics is an exciting experience on their own, but it doesn’t hurt to apply some skill and caution while in the city. Here are some ways you can make your stay better.

  • Get OneSimCard

Just because you are traveling doesn’t mean that you should stay off the grid. With OneSimCard international SIM card, you can stay connected with your friends and family as you explore Tokyo and make memories.

See rates and coverage for Japan and other countries here.

  • Get a Suica Card

The Express train is the easiest way to get from one station to the next within Tokyo. A Suica card will work as a ticket on all trains and metro lines and even work on vending machines when you need to buy something. Some shops also accept it as payment which makes it very handy!

  • Don’t forget travel insurance

Japanese health care is rather costly, so make sure your travel insurance is enough to cover you over your stay.

Tokyo has so many quirky & cool things to offer so don’t just stop at our shortlist of adventures. Feel free to make your stay longer or plan another visit to this attractive city to cover more activities and fun!

 

 

Photo Credits:

Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan by Jezael Melgoza

Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan  by Andy Miller

Takashita Street, Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan  by Yoav Aziz

Pachinko parlour by Herry Lawford

 

Zone Asiania now covers 15 countries in Asia and Oceania

If you travel to destinations in Asia and Oceania, we have great news for you. You can now save money on 4G data in more countries!

The Zone Asiania data plan on the Universal SIM card has just added 2 more countries (Philippines and South Korea) and now covers 15 countries total. It includes Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

The Asiania plan provides 3000 MB of blazing-fast 4G LTE data for 30 Days and costs only $39.00 USD. If no 4G connection is available, the data will automatically fall back to the next fastest option. If you venture to the nearby country outside of the plan, the pay-as-you-go rates will turn on and keep you connected. It’s that convenient (and affordable)!

All current OneSimCard Universal users can order optional discount plans at any time. No Universal SIM card? Order one here and save: www.onesimcard.com/international-sim-card/universal

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Literally meaning “muddy river confluence” in Malay because if it’s location on the intersection of two rivers, Kuala Lumpur is a fast growing city with population of about 6.5 mil. With its looming skyscrapers, stellar cuisine and thumping night life, the Malaysian capital is one of Southeast Asia’s most alluring metropolises. Many would be pleasantly surprised with the affordability of 5 star hotels and great food.

Popular Kuala Lumpur landmarks include the Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur Tower, Bukit Bintang (shopping and entertainment district), Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square), Tugu Negara (National Monument), Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Istana Negara, Jalan Duta (New National Palace), and The Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. The Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is home to more than 3000 birds representing more than 200 species in an enclosed aviary.

April is considered one of the best months to be in Malaysia as both coastlines of the peninsula are expecting good weather. April falls onto the transitional period between monsoons – the winds are lighter, showers are local and infrequent. Through the centre and up in the highlands, the rains are heavier but normally short lived bringing a welcome relief to the humidity.

      OneSimCard Rates in Malaysia:
  • Calls: In – Free / Out – from $0.75
  • Texts: In – Free / Out: $0.15
  • Data: from $0.50 per MB

For all up-to-date rates and coverage please visit OneSimCard Rates and Coverage

Buenos Aires, Argentina

The birthplace of the tango, Buenos Aires is, like the dance itself, captivating, seductive and bustling with powerful energy.

This vivacious city fuses French and Spanish inspired architecture in its atmospheric old neighborhoods with romantic restaurants and thumping nightlife. La Boca is considered one the most vibrant neighborhoods with great shops and restaurants on colorful streets, inventive artwork, live music, and tango dancing spilling out on to the sidewalks.

Remember that when it’s summer in the United States, it’s winter in Argentina. Spring (September–December) and autumn (April–June), with their mild temperatures and lower hotel rates are considered ideal for urban trekking.

      OneSimCard Rates in Argentina:
  • Calls: In – Free / Out – from $0.69
  • Texts: In – Free / Out: $0.15
  • Data: from $0.85 per MB

For all up-to-date rates and coverage please visit OneSimCard Rates and Coverage