Roaming in London? Bring OneSimCard.

London, England

Many parts of the U.K. have begun easing lockdown restrictions. Shops, salons, outdoor pubs and restaurants reopened in mid-April across much of the county. More public spaces should open over the next few months.

Country dependent quarantine requirements are still in place, so check government guidelines on what applies in your case. Although discouraged by the officials, traveling to the UK is already possible for many people.

The city of London needs no introduction. The capital city of Great Britain is world famous for its theaters, museums, parks and iconic landmarks including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

If visiting each and every venue is not your thing or not possible for other reasons, here is something to consider. London is a fantastic city for walking and cycling. Neighborhoods such as St. James’s, Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Kensington, Notting Hill and Covent Garden surround the visitor with great sights and sounds at every turn and on each corner.

The London weather in May is also quite comfortable with daytime average temperatures in the 50’s and the City will be a little less crowded then during the peak summer travel months.

Stay Connected

OneSimCard offers great rates in the UK as well as other European countries, and makes an excellent UK sim card choice. OneSimCard comes with an optional free UK phone number that can be extended or added at any time. Local phone numbers  as well as multiple Discount data plans are available in the UK and many other countries.

Check out all international SIM cards rates and coverage for UK and other countries.

Croatia: European travel best kept destination secret?

The Cathedral of St. James in Šibenik, Croatia

As Schengen zone countries are still figuring out their border reopening plans for the 2021 summer season, some European destinations are already welcoming qualified travelers.

Croatia is currently open to US leisure travelers with access requirements in place. More entry details at the US Embassy.

Croatia is located at the crossroads of Central Europe, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean. The country is blessed with a beautiful coast, which stretches over 1100 miles on the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea.

Located near the very south of the coast, the city of Dubrovnik is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. For centuries, the city’s prosperity has been attributed to its role as a major seaport in the region. Today Dubrovnik is also one of the most elite destinations in the Mediterranean.

Some 1200 islands are located near the shores of Croatia. In the 19th century dozens of lighthouses were constructed to improve the safety of the waters amid those islands. In recent years, many lighthouses and the apartments that were once home to the lighthouse keepers’ families were converted into inns. Tourists can book those apartments to experience the isolated life of a lighthouse keeper (and enjoy social distancing at an entirely new level).   

Stay Connected

No matter how isolated you are planning to get during your travels, having a reliable means of communication is always a good idea. OneSimCard will provide you with all the connectivity you may need including Voice, SMS and Data with multiple Discount data plans in Croatia, through Europe and around the world. You can even add a local phone number in Croatia to your SIM card at any time.

See all international SIM cards for Croatia and other countries.

Traveling to Sydney, Australia? Check out these attractions.

Circular Quay from the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydney, Australia

Visiting Sydney during off-season could be a good way to avoid crowds. Here are some sightseeing ideas for your trip.

Excellent transport system and tailor-made tours make it easy to enjoy Sydney’s natural and man-made assets. Bustling Circular Quay is home to the city’s main ferry terminal and a launching point for popular Harbor cruises.

The Rocks

The nearby Rocks with its cobbled laneways is the place of Australia’s first European settlement. Check out the Rocks Discovery Museum, which traces the area’s transformation from traditional aboriginal lands, to convict slum, to tourist hotspot.

Sydney Opera House

The instantly recognizable Sydney Opera House is one of the city’s busiest music, arts and performance venues. To learn about the inner workings of this icon, you can take a backstage tour which is available in several languages.

Sydney Harbor Bridge

Nicknamed “the coathanger”, the Sydney Harbor Bridge was opened in 1932. It spans across the Sydney Harbor offering some great views. You can walk, cycle, and even climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

Royal Botanic Gardens

The beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens is a 30-hectare site located nearby. There are walking paths and scenic train rides for kids, plus special Aboriginal Heritage Tours and sample tasty bush foods.

Beaches and Blue Mountains National Park

When it’s time to cool off, head to any of the world-class beaches just minutes from downtown. If you in the mood for some wildernesses, take a day trip to the Blue Mountains National Park. The UNESCO World Heritage Area of breathtaking beauty is just a few hours away from the city.

Stay Connected

And of course, remember to bring your OneSimCard, which comes with an optional free Australian number that can be extended or added at any time. Multiple Discount data plans are also available in Australia.

See all international SIM cards rates and coverage for Australia and other countries.

Traveling to see cherry blossoms in Taiwan? Bring OneSimCard to save on Voice, Text and Data.

Photo by Angela Lo on Unsplash

Cherry blossoms start blooming in Taiwan as early as February and last through April. Smaller crowds and lower prices than more popular destinations, like Japan, attract many savvy Sakura viewers.

Enjoy the beautiful view of saved money on mobile roaming by using OneSimCard for Voice, Text and Data. Taiwan is now included in “Zone A” on eSIM and OneSimCard Universal. Get data rates as low as $0.018 per MB in #Taiwan as well as in many other countries around the word!

Zone A on eSIM and Universal includes over 80 countries
Zone B on eSIM and Universal includes over 120 countries

Discount Data plan is an optional service that provides extra savings on high volume data usage. Great for gaming, maps, video, social media and everything in between.

See all rates and coverage for Taiwan here.

Shop all international SIM cards at onesimcard.com

Avoid high roaming rates when traveling to Brazil

Extending your summer in Brazil? Nice!

Many consider the best time to visit Rio is between December and March, when the weather is warm and sunny enough to hit the beaches.  

To avoid being burnt by high roaming rates, use OneSimCard to stay connected.

Enjoy affordable high-speed Data, Voice and Text connectivity.  Save even more money with 12 data plans for Brazil designed to meet any need and budget. The plans cover from 75 to over 125 countries – convenient for multi country trips. You can add data plans to your SIM card including eSIM at any time.

You can even add an optional Brazilian phone number to your SIM and roam like a local. Short and long-term number duration options available in 65+ countries.  

Order or download your OneSimCard today and start enjoying wireless freedom without the high cost.

Buy our international SIM for Brazil and other countries at onesimcard.com

Broadcast your discoveries in South Africa using OneSimCard.

The Cradle of Humankind visitor center.

South Africa offers something for every type of traveler. 

From cosmopolitan cities to lush national parks; beautiful beaches to stunning wine regions and historic sites.  This site has been self-proclaimed as The Cradle of Humankind. It is here that the first hominid, Australopithecus, was found in 1924.  

The Cradle of Humankind occupies 47,000 hectares (180 sq mi) and contains a complex of limestone caves. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site in 1999.

Broadcast your discoveries in modern ways using OneSimCard.

Get Data, Voice and Text connectivity for less money, as well as an optional South African phone number. OneSimCard offers 7 data plans for South Africa which can be added to your SIM card including eSIM at any time.

With OneSimCard SIM you get access to 2 mobile networks in South Africa. This effectively provides you with extra coverage comparing to any single network provider.

So order or download your OneSimCard today and start enjoying wireless freedom without the high cost.

Buy your OneSimCard at onesimcard.com

Photo credit Olga Ernst

Need a prepaid SIM card for Istanbul, Turkey? Get that and more with OneSimCard.

Istanbul, Turkey. Photo credit Meriç Dağlı

Very few cities can match Istanbul’s historic heritage.  Founded in 660 BCE as Byzantion, it became Constantinople in 330 CE and finally Istanbul in 1923. Strategically located between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, the city has been highly influential in geopolitical and cultural affairs.

Many cultures left their mark on the city during this long period: from architecture to cuisine and everything in between. For this reason some say that Istanbul isn’t just one city, but many cities in one.

Whichever way you decide to explore Istanbul, OneSimCard can provide you with different options to stay connected.

Data, Voice and Text connectivity for less money is just the beginning. OneSimCard offers 14 data plans for Turkey which can be added to your SIM card including eSIM at any time. You can even add a local phone number to your OneSimCard in addition to the phone numbers already on it.

Moreover, with OneSimCard you get access to 2 mobile networks in Turkey. This effectively provides you with extra coverage comparing to any single network provider. Of course, the coverage does not stop there. International SIM card from OneSimCard works in over 200 countries.

There is no need to wait until you arrive into Turkey and waste valuable time trying to find a mobile phone service provider locally.  Order or download your travel sim card at onesimcard.com today and start enjoying global wireless freedom without the high cost.

 

Morocco is now included in “Zone A” and Zone “B” Data Plans

Photo by Kyriacos Georgiou (@koullislp)

Morocco is now included in both “Zone A” and Zone “B” Data Plans on eSIM and OneSimCard Universal. Enjoy data rates as low as $0.018 per MB in Morocco as well as in many other countries around the word!

Zone A on eSIM and Universal includes over 80 countries
Zone B on eSIM and Universal includes over 120 countries

Discount Data plan is an optional service that provides extra savings on high volume data usage. Great for gaming, maps, video, social media and everything in between.

Local phone numbers are also available in Morocco (proof of residency may be required).

Buy the Universal travel SIM card

Buy International eSIM

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