Very often we receive the question from customers asking if our travel SIM can be used in Hotspot devices and/or Smartphones to power the Mobile Hotspot feature. The answer is yes and yes!
What’s more is we allow you to share your connection with other devices at full speed for no extra charge. Many carriers throttle your connection when using the Mobile Hotspot on your smartphone and connecting other devices to it. These speeds can be as slow as 2G and 3G which virtually prevents streaming and many other apps like WhatsApp and Facetime from operating properly.
We never throttle your data. You can enable your Mobile Hotspot feature on your smartphone and allow all of the devices (think Tablet, Laptop, etc.) connected to the Hotspot to enjoy the same connection speed as your phone… up to full 4G LTE+.
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.
More often than not international SIM cards offer a superior choice to using a local SIM card when traveling abroad. In this article, you will learn what to look for when selecting the best SIM card to stay connected during your travels and save money.
Coverage
Obviously a starting point of your selection. Does the SIM card cover the country you are going to? What about other countries on the way to your destination? Will you have a secure data connection during layovers?
Many SIM cards compete only for the most popular countries, but if you decide to get off the beaten path, you are on your own.
Think about the future. Do you like to travel? Do you travel a lot?
Unless you like buying and installing different disposable SIM cards, check all the destinations you may be visiting and see what your SIM card really covers.
Many people who exclusively rely on the internet for connectivity may not think much about phone numbers anymore. A few realize though when the mobile internet is not available, you may still be able to make and receive calls and SMS. This adds a whole new layer of safety.
Does your phone number require an internet connection for Voice and SMS connectivity? Make sure you can use your number without the internet, as data coverage is not always available.
Local phone numbers
Having a local number can be very convenient when you are abroad. Just think about how you use the phone number in your home country.
Can you easily add and remove local phone numbers from you international SIM card when you travel? Can your friends and family easily reach you?
OneSimCard comes with 2 included phone numbers: Europe & USA, Canada, UK or Australia. In addition you can add local phone numbers in 60+ countries
Verification SMS
Many service providers, especially banks, use 2-step verification for account access. This can catch international travelers by surprise when they try to access those services abroad, but instead get locked out of their accounts unable to verify their credentials.
Does your phone number support verification SMS? Can you add a phone number that supports SMS verification?
OneSimCard offers special numbers for receiving verification SMS from US banks and other financial institutions anywhere in the world.
Data, Voice and SMS Plans
Many SIM cards use only plans. Some, like OneSimCard use plans in addition to the default pay-as-you go rates.
In the plan-only case, it’s a lot easier to overspend. You may need to purchase another plan if you enter a new country or your original plan expires. Also, the coverage of plan-only SIM cards is usually more limited.
When a SIM offers pay-as-you-go Data, Voice and SMS rates, you have a choice between going back to pay-as-you go rates or getting another discount plan. This can save you more money as well provide more coverage.
A special note goes to unlimited data plans, which more often than not is a suboptimal choice. We discuss unlimited data plans in detail here.
Customer Support
Regular business hours may not be very helpful when you are several time zones away without any internet. Aim for 24/7 support if possible, and an easy way to receive it.
With OneSimCard, for example, your first 3 minutes of a Support call from your primary OneSimCard number are free. It does not matter where you are in the world (and no data connection is required to make that call).
Price
Very low rates may come with a contract, monthly or connection fees attached. Some SIM cards may have a rather short SIM card or balance expiration. Make sure you understand what your international SIM comes with.
OneSimCard is 100% prepaid. It does not require any contracts or connection fees.
Every OneSimCard features free incoming calls in over 160 countries on your primary European number. Moreover, your friends and family can send you free SMS to that number as well from onesimcard.com. No matter where you are in the world, all your incoming SMS to OneSimCard’s primary number are free to receive.
We hope this summary helped you to make a choice. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below or contact Customer Support on onesimcard.com or check out our lineup of international SIM cards here. Customer Support is available via chat, phone or email. Talk to you soon!
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.
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.
This vacation season get the most out of social distancing with OneSimCard. Stay connected wherever you travel and enjoy a peace of mind.
In addition to saving you money on roaming charges, OneSimCard offers multiple networks per country in many locations. Extra networks provide more coverage when you need it, especially if you decide to go off the beaten path.
Enjoy navigation, communications and your favorite apps the moment you step off the plane. No need to spend time finding and visiting local stores; simply install OneSimCard on your phone before the trip and you are ready to go.
Save on Calls, Texts & Data in over 200 countries
Multiple networks within many countries = more coverage
Fast Unthrottled 4G Data for all your internet needs
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.
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!
eSIMs are the latest “disruption” in the SIM card industry and they have many benefits for users. But how do you know if you are getting the most out of your eSIM’s functionality? We want to share one of the biggest benefits of having an eSIM loaded in your iPhone or Pixel phone – creating a personal hotspot to share your data with other devices.
I recently took a trip to Croatia and Slovenia with my wife and I had the OneSimCard international eSIM loaded into my Pixel phone. My wife carries a Samsung 8 and doesn’t have eSIM available. While we were in hotels and other spots with good Wi-Fi connectivity, she and I both took advantage of those connections for our data connection (especially so she could stream her favorite True Crime television shows). However, while we were away from those free Wi-Fi spots, I enabled my Pixel to share its data connection with my wife so we could both take advantage of the 4G internet connection at OneSimCard’s inexpensive international roaming rates. This allowed she and I to both stay connected and never miss a shareable moment with our friends and family at home (or to get directions back to our hotel when we got lost…happens a lot with us!).
Creating a personal hotspot (sometimes also called tethering) your eSIM enabled iPhone or Pixel phone is very simple. Here are the steps for each (NOTE: Make sure you have the OneSimCard eSIM profile turned on):
For iPhone:
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone 11
Go to the Settings Menu, then tap “Personal Hotspot”
On the next page, turn on “Allow Others to Join”:
Your iPhone is now discoverable by Wi-Fi and all they need is your hotspot password to share your data connection.
For Pixel Phone:
Pixel 3a
Pixel 4
Swipe down from the top of the screen and then top Hotspot:
Your Pixel is now discoverable by Wi-Fi and all they need is your hotspot password to share your data connection. You can obtain your hotspot password by holding down on the Hotspot icon for about a second.
Home to over 8,000 kilometers of beaches and diverse cuisines that will make your mouth water, Spain is a great place to visit on vacation.
The European country is best known for its sandy beaches, and almost any tourist headed there wants to enjoy an afternoon in one of these beaches.
However, there’s more to Spain than just beaches and cuisine. The country is home to several hidden treasures that are sure to whet any traveler’s appetite.
If you are an enthusiastic traveler, Spain is undoubtedly on your bucket list. With 44 UNESCO world heritage sites, choosing where to start off can be a daunting task.
Well, here are 5 hidden gems to give you a headstart. So, pack your bags and head over to the country that boasts of the oldest restaurant in the world.
Squeeze through the second narrowest building in the world located in Valencia
the second narrowest building in the world record
Did you know about the narrowest house in Europe? You will be amazed by how beautiful a 107-centimeter wide building can look.
Although just a facade today, this was once an apartment building which lies in the middle of Valencia in the Plaza Lope de Vega, in the central neighborhood of Santa Catalina. The interesting building is a little wider than a normal-sized door…if you are claustrophobic, please stay away!
The locals insist that a girl who lived in the building had to put her communion dress on outside of the building since she could not have fit through the door in while wearing it!!.
Make a point to explore this tiny building if you ever take a visit to Valencia.
2. See amazing ship structures in the Basque Maritime Museum in Donostia, San Sebastian
Image courtesy Basque Maritime Museum
San Sebastian is maybe best known for its foodie culture these days, but maybe you’ve had your fill of pintxos and 3-star Michelin restaurants?? If you are a maritime lover, then this is just the place you should make some time for when you are in San Sebastian.
Located in the port of San Sebastian, the Basque Maritime Museum (formerly Museo Naval) deals with ship history. It was used as a warehouse by sailors and merchants in the eighteenth century. After a period of renovations the museum re-opened in April 2019 with a new name (Basque Maritime Museum) and 3 floors of exhibition space.
The first and second floors pay tribute to temporary fisheries and naval exhibitions. The third floor hosts educational workshops and a library open to everyone where people can learn more about the naval history of the country.
One of the best exhibitions includes the San Juan Basque whaling ship that sank near the Canadian coast in 1565. An exact replica of the ship is currently being build in Albaola.
While passing by the museum, check out the San Sebastian aquarium, peek inside and you will be amazed by the naval history of the area.
3. Go shopping in the Mercado de la Ribera market in Bilbao
Night view of the Ribera market in the spanish city Bilbao
The ultimate shopping experience is waiting for you in the largest indoor market in Europe! The Mercado de la Ribera is a 10,000 square meter market located on the right bank of the Nervion River, next to Casco Viejo.
It was recognized in 1990 as the most complete municipal food market by the Guinness Book of Records. You can be assured of finding everything you need in here.
Besides the wide array of products you can find in the market, you will be glad to discover the restaurants, bars, and gastro bars.
Looking for a food shopping experience? Visit the Mercado de la Ribera whenever in Bilbao and enjoy some shrimp over good jazz.
4. Enjoy a quiet walk on the sand in Aguas Blancas Beach, Ibiza
Tired of the hassle of Ibiza town and craving a quiet getaway without worries of noisy surroundings? Then Aguas Blancas is the best place to go and have a chill day.
After a long day in Ibiza, the beach situated in Santa Eularia will rejuvenate your spirits. The clay rocks of the area will give you the perfect spa experience when applied to the skin. You can expect your skin to be nicely purified and exfoliated after.
Do not limit yourself to the lively Ibiza center. Enjoy the quiet white sands of the lovely beach.
5. Go back in time and meet Don Quixote in Toledo
Toledo is known for its medieval look. But if you are a lover of ancient literature, this is where it comes to life.
Meet the madman who wrote and read about everything romantic, lost it and got on a mission to civilize people, speak for the weak and save the world.
You will find his pictures all over Toledo and experience his journey all around Spain.
3 useful tips for your stay in Spain
As much as you are ready to have a good time in Spain, keep in mind that safety is key. Here are some tips to ensure you have a fantastic visit.
Study some Spanish!
As much as you may have a travel guide, it is good if you know a word or ten in Spanish. You cannot always depend on people for translation. You may be in real need of a plate of good seafood. So go ahead and grab a Spanish-English dictionary to be on the safe side.
Have a OneSimCard for exemplary cellular connectivity
Stay in touch with family and friends during your visit to Spain at much lower costs. Save on making extremely expensive international calls by getting a OneSimCard for this exact purpose and have fun without wasting money.
Organize your accommodation beforehand
A last-minute hassle to get a place to rest your head for the night is unnecessary. Since you have an idea of where you are visiting, make sure you make accommodation arrangements while you are sorting out your travel. This will definitely save you a lot of time and money.
Wrapping Up
Spain is undoubtedly one of the most common tourist destinations, and it’s clear why. The European country is home to diverse cultures and geographical scenes. If you are looking for a great experience in Europe, be sure to include Spain in your itinerary.
Rather than head over to where the crowds are located, why not have a unique experience? Include these 5 hidden treasures in your bucket list to get the most out of your trip to Spain.
For many years, international travelers thought the best way to reduce the costs of international roaming was to immediately seek out a mobile phone store after touching down on foreign soil and buy a local SIM card. Sure, it could be a bit of a hassle to find a store. You also needed to set up a mobile phone account in foreign country and perhaps in a foreign language and get a phone number which none of your friends, family or colleagues knew, but the savings seemed to justify it. Well, times certainly have changed and the key reason for this change are International Roaming SIM cards.
International Roaming SIM cards, like OneSimCard, offer travelers excellent roaming prices in over 200 countries with many more benefits and much more convenience. Lets begin with price. Today, most international travelers are focused on data and then run a VoIP service like Skype on the data to make their international phone calls. OneSimCard offers data rates as low as $0.02 per MB. At this rate, OneSimCard’s data price is usually better or at least equal to local SIM cards. Since price was the only reason to purchase a local SIM, that reason no longer exists.
In addition, OneSimCard offers numerous additional benefits and much more convenience. OneSimCard is easily purchased on line and shipped to your home or office address prior to trip departure. This allows you to both test the SIM and your phone before traveling and distribute your new international phone number to friends, family and anybody else who needs to reach you. In addition, many countries are now making the purchase of local SIMs more bureaucratic (and time consuming) due to terrorism concerns.
OneSimCard also offers better quality services at your foreign destination. When purchasing a local SIM card, you are buying access only to that carrier’s national network. If their service is weak in some areas, that is the level of service you will receive. OneSimCard is different as they almost always have at least 2 or more network roaming partners in each country. OneSimCard will choose the better signal strength in order to provide its roamers the best possibility service at their current location.
The correct choice is quite clear. Based on price, convenience and quality of service, International Roaming SIMs, like OneSimCard, are the easy choice. There is no need at all to buy a local SIM card ever again.
