In today’s world, living without a mobile phone has become incredibly difficult. On vacation, we still use them more often, because they allow us to always be in touch and search for the necessary information. But what if you go abroad? Perhaps having a connection worries you more about the bills that may come.
Today we will talk about three options to avoid surprises: roaming, a prepaid SIM card, or a virtual phone number SMS. Let’s consider it together.
What is roaming, and what are its advantages?
You’ve probably heard a lot about this option. Perhaps it is the most convenient and already has an implicit advantage. But firstly, it must be said that roaming, also called roaming, occurs when we connect to a network other when we are outside the national coverage of our company. Telephone companies have established agreements that facilitate our ability to connect to foreign networks.
So, the connection is guaranteed, but be careful, the rates that apply to you will already depend on the country in which you are located. In this case, they will have nothing to do with the operator.
To the relief of many travellers, in the summer of 2017, an agreement was reached to refuse roaming to EU countries. This translates to the fact that we no longer need to pay for the ability to connect to the Internet or make calls.
So we can say that we are facing a simple option that has more and more possibilities, and that, in addition, there are already many companies that offer some bonuses or even include certain free countries from which we can call without worrying about when the invoice will arrive.
Prepaid SIM cards of local operators
Most travellers immediately buy prepaid SIM cards from local telecom operators upon arrival. And that’s right, the small cozy editorial office of the site has always done this before.
In Europe and Asia, SIM cards for tourists can be bought at almost every corner — in small food shops, at supermarket checkout counters, at tobacco and newsstands, etc. And you won’t even need a passport. Just pay some fixed amount — 10, 15 euros and get a packed envelope.
The only thing is you will not be able to buy a SIM card in India in this way. There you will have to go to the office of a mobile operator, be sure to have a passport, buy a SIM card that will be activated for a day, then find out that the SIM card does not work, come to the office again, wait, and it will work on day 3.
Prepaid SIM cards are created especially for tourists. As a rule, all operators who work in this country have them. Since most users need the internet, not calls, some gigabytes will most likely already be included in the package.
And with the cancellation of roaming in 28 EU countries, it’s generally a beauty for travellers from other countries — buy a SIM card in Greece and use it on a trip to Spain.
But with prepaid SIM cards, there are several nuances. In 99% of cases, the SIM card has a certain life span — for example, 1-2-3 months from the moment of activation, or 6-12 months from the last replenishment, making a call or sending an SMS. In addition, despite the lack of roaming within the EU, prepaid cards have tariffs and conditions of use worse than those who have full-fledged SIM cards.
In addition to the “lifetime” of the SIM card, there may be restrictions on the use of the internet outside the country where the card was issued, and most of the time the SIM card must be used in the country where it was issued.
Virtual phone number
A virtual phone number is a service of an online operator that a customer receives when purchasing a virtual SIM card. Its main feature is that it does not require installation at a specific address.
To use a cloud number, you only need a device with internet access and software that allows you to use it on any device: smartphone, laptop, tablet, PC, etc.
The demand for virtual numbers is heavily influenced by the numerous advantages they offer. These advantages include:
1. Cost-effectiveness: Virtual numbers prove to be highly economical, especially when making international calls. Their usage presents a more profitable option compared to traditional methods.
2. Easy connectivity: Connecting to a virtual number does not require specialized skills or expensive equipment. All that is needed is access to the internet, making it a convenient option for businesses and individuals alike.
3. Location independence: One of the key benefits of virtual numbers is the freedom they provide from being bound to a specific physical location. Even while travelling around the world, individuals can maintain seamless communication with clients or customers, as if they were at their regular workplace.
4. Establishing reputation: Virtual numbers allow businesses to create a strong reputation by selecting a specific area code that aligns with their target market. This means that a company can be physically located in one city but still possess a virtual number with an area code associated with their primary business area, enhancing credibility and local presence.
FAQ:
What is roaming, and what are its advantages?
Roaming allows mobile users to connect to networks outside their home country while travelling. Advantages include guaranteed connectivity, convenience, and access to mobile services abroad, but rates vary by country.
What are prepaid SIM cards, and why are they popular among travellers?
Prepaid SIM cards are pay-as-you-go cards for travellers. They are popular due to availability, affordability, and included data allowances. However, they may have limitations like expiration dates and international use restrictions.
What is a virtual phone number, and what are its advantages?
A virtual phone number is a location-independent service provided by online operators. Advantages include cost-effectiveness for international calls, easy connectivity, location independence, and the ability to establish a local presence.
Which option is recommended for travellers seeking cost savings and reliable connectivity?
Buying a virtual SIM card is often recommended. It offers unlimited internet, ample data, and cheaper calling rates, providing a cost-effective and reliable solution for travellers.
Conclusion:
If we compare, then for many users, it is still the best idea to buy a virtual SIM card. Because you will have an unlimited internet connection, with numerous downloaded megabytes, as well as cheaper minutes for calls. Numerous opportunities to save a few euros.
A computer engineer by day, gamer by night. He grew up playing Mario and contra, and just like every other 90s kid, he got passionate about mobile gaming. He had done bachelors in computer science and played fps and MOBA games for years.