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!

June 1, 2020June 1, 2020

Social distancing when traveling abroad is easier with OneSimCard

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
Add Local numbers in over 60 countries
24/7 Customer Support

Buy your physical OneSimCard international sim online today or download an eSIM from onesimcard.com

February 19, 2020February 19, 2020

5 Things to Try While Attending the Summer Olympics in Tokyo

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

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

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

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

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

Ghibli Museum, Mitaka, Japan by Los Paseos

January 13, 2020January 13, 2020

Getting the Most Out of Your Travel eSIM from OneSimCard

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.

Don’t have an eSIM yet? Buy a travel eSIM from OneSimCard today and save.

September 30, 2019October 1, 2019

Get to Know About These 5 Hidden Treasures of Spain

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

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.

Credits:

Aguas Blancas Beach, Ibiza by Federico Capoano

January 19, 2017January 19, 2017

Should International Travelers Buy Local SIM Cards when arriving in a Foreign Country?

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.

January 19, 2017January 19, 2017

Should Enterprises use International Roaming SIM cards?

When many people consider International Roaming SIM cards they usually are searching for ways to save money on their next vacation. It is certainly true that International Roaming SIM cards, like OneSimCard, are fantastic tools to reduce the telecommunications cost of vacation by about 85%, but in many ways businesses and enterprises of all sizes have even more to gain by using International Roaming SIMs. The 3 key gains are cost savings, quality of service and ease of use.

Let’s begin with cost savings. OneSimCard offers data packages which bring down the international roaming cost per MB to less than $0.02. When using voice services, incoming calls are FREE in over 160 countries. The major carriers’ data cost are many times more expensive than OneSimCard and their voice rates are much higher too and they always charge for both incoming and outgoing calls. International Roaming SIMs like OneSimCard clearly offer excellent saving, but this is only the beginning of their advantages.

OneSimCard roams on many different networks in each country. The chosen network at any given time is the one providing the best signal strength and coverage. OneSimCard usually has at least 2 network partners in each country and often many more. This is very different from the major telecoms who just put their international roamers on their main partner network. When roaming with OneSimCard, you are assured the best quality service and coverage available in your destination country. The major carriers are not able to make this guarantee.

Finally, OneSimCard offer enterprises an outstanding administrative portal which allows easy management of thousands of individual SIM cards. OneSimCard corporate accounts also feature pooled account balances, full control of deployed SIM cards and easy addition of airtime and data packages. Enterprises considering an international roaming SIM should also keep in mind that they do offer “Direct Dial” calling and most GSM devices are now “Dual SIM.” “Dual SIM” devices with 2 SIM slots can easily accommodate the domestic SIM in one slot and the International Roam SIM in another slot. Both SIM cards will work automatically in this kind of phones and the user just pick the service that suits him the best.

Enterprises can and should use International Roaming SIMs like OneSimCard to substantially reduce their telecoms bill and enjoy much better international roaming services. In addition, OneSimCard is very easy to use for both cooperate administrators and travelers. International Roaming SIMs are certainly the best way to go for Enterprises.

January 19, 2017January 19, 2017

Does Verizon’s International Data Travel Pass Offer Good Value?

Recently, Verizon has launched a new “Travel Pass” program where their customers can take the data, minutes and text messages they have already purchased from Verizon for US domestic use with them to about 100 countries for an additional $10 per day. On the surface this may seem like an OK deal, but when one delves deeper the real cost of the $10 per day “Travel Pass” is actually quite expensive and many times the cost of using an International Roaming SIM card like OneSimCard. In addition, the international Roaming Services provided by Verizon Roaming are inferior to OneSimCard’s in 2 very important ways.

Let’s focus on data, as most international travelers want to use their smartphones abroad and many run a VoIP service like Skype for their voice calls. Using an average of 35 MB of data per day, (Enough for surfing about 60 web pages or 60 minutes of Skype voice calling) a 14 day European trip would consume 490 MB of data. Using Verizon’s “Travel Pass” this would cost $140 in addition to the regular monthly Verizon costs. Compare this to the data packages offered by OneSimCard. Using OneSimCard’s Europe & More data package, 500 MB of data would cost only $25. If your trip involves travel to France, the UK, Germany, Israel or any of the other 20+ countries included in the OneSimCard’s new “Super Select Data Packages,” 1000 MB of data will cost just $19. That is less than US $0.02 per MB and makes using Verizon’s “Travel Pass” more than 7 times the cost of using OneSimCard. Plus, all major US carriers will be charging taxes on your roaming of around 10%, while OneSimCard only has to charge taxes on residents of Massachusetts and California.

In addition to the dramatic cost savings, OneSimCard also offers better international roaming service. Here is why. When using a major carrier’s international roaming service, they almost always roam on only their partner’s network in the foreign country. OneSimCard is different. Typically, OneSimCard roams on 2 or more different networks in each foreign country and switches networks based on signal strength in order to give our customers to best possible service always.

Finally, OneSimCard offers numerous other international roaming benefits such concierge services, extra phone numbers in 60+ countries, Mobiles Miles for calls and no contracts required to use OneSimCard services.

So is Verizon’s $10 per day “Travel Pass” worth it? No, it certainly is not. An international roaming SIM, like OneSimCard, is a far better alternative, providing superior service at much lower cost.