Stay connected on your next trip 

For most of us, our phones have become the most important item in our luggage. Whether you use yours to navigate unfamiliar cities, book hotels on the fly or stay connected with family, chances are you won’t be able to rely on free WiFi connections throughout your entire trip.

That’s where local, international and travel SIM cards come in.

Each of these options has its pros and cons and the best choice for you can depend on several factors. In this guide to using SIM cards overseas, we weigh up the benefits and drawbacks of each option and give you the information you need to use your phone with confidence on your next adventure.

 

The basics of using SIM cards overseas

The term “SIM” card stands for Subscriber Identity Module. They’re small plastic cards you insert into your mobile phone so your phone company can identify your device, provide data for internet browsing, and SMS/call credits as per your phone plan.

Using a SIM card within New Zealand is no big deal, but when it comes to going overseas, things can get a little tricky. Travellers have a few options to choose from, such as “local”, “international” and “travel” SIMs. These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, however, it’s important to note that they’re not quite the same.

 

What’s the difference between a local, international and travel SIM card?

Local SIM cards

“Local” SIM cards only work within one geographic area and are purchased when you arrive at your destination. For example, if somebody travelling to New Zealand wants to use their phone here, they might buy a local prepaid SIM card from a phone store, which will let them use their device only within New Zealand.

 

International SIM cards

Like local SIM cards, “international” SIM cards can also be bought when you arrive at your destination. However, unlike a purely local SIM card, international SIM cards can be used across multiple countries.

For example, if you’re travelling to the USA and then Mexico, you might visit a T-Mobile store when you land and buy a SIM card which will work across both countries.

 

Travel SIM cards 

Lastly, “travel” SIM cards are similar to international SIMs but include coverage for a broader range of countries. These prepaid cards can be bought before you leave New Zealand and will connect to the mobile networks of your chosen countries overseas. Travel SIMs are most often operated by smaller third-party providers instead of directly through a carrier.

 

What is data roaming?

Data roaming is when your existing New Zealand SIM card connects to a new carrier when you land overseas, without you needing to visit a phone store to buy a different SIM.

For example, if you arrive in the United Kingdom with data roaming enabled on your phone, your SIM card from New Zealand may automatically connect to a local UK carrier’s network like EE.

It might sound convenient not having to worry about visiting a local phone store to organise a new SIM card, however, data roaming fees are notoriously high and can leave you with an unexpected bill shock at the end of the month. That’s why unless you’re travelling for a very short period, local, international and travel SIMs are almost always a cheaper solution than data roaming.

 

Local, international and travel SIM pros and cons

As we mentioned, finding the right SIM card for your next trip can be confusing. Let’s outline the pros and cons of local, international and travel SIMs so you can make a more informed decision.

 

Local SIMs 

Pros

• Usually more affordable than data roaming
• Easily available at phone stores, electronics stores and some supermarkets
• You can tailor data limits and call/text benefits to your needs
• Are often prepaid pay-as-you-go options with no lock-in contracts.

Cons

• Require you to visit a store when you arrive at your destination to get connected
• Only work within a single country
• You won’t be able to retain your New Zealand phone number (more on this later)
• Can be tricky to purchase in some non-English-speaking countries.

International SIMs

Pros

• Usually more affordable than data roaming
• Easily available at phone stores, electronics stores and some supermarkets
• You can tailor data limits and call/text benefits to your needs
• Are often prepaid pay-as-you-go options with no lock-in contracts
• Will work across multiple countries, such as the USA and Mexico, or Thailand and Vietnam.

Cons

• Require you to visit a store when you arrive at your destination to get connected
• You won’t be able to retain your New Zealand phone number
• Can be tricky to purchase in some non-English-speaking countries
• Can be slightly more expensive than purchasing separate local SIM cards in each country you visit.

Travel SIMs

Pros

• Can be arranged before you leave New Zealand so you’ll be connected from the time you land at your destination
• You can retain your existing New Zealand phone number
• You can avoid switching out SIMs every time you enter a new country or region on your trip
• You can tailor data limits and call/text benefits to your needs.

Cons

• Often less affordable than buying a local or international SIM when you arrive
• Are often provided by smaller third-party companies instead of the phone carrier
• Their service can be less reliable than local and international SIMs.

What should you choose for your trip?

Local SIM, international SIM, travel SIM, data roaming - it’s no surprise that picking a SIM card to use overseas can be overwhelming for travellers.

Travel SIMs might seem like a convenient option, but with more phone carriers providing affordable international SIM cards that cover multiple countries, travel SIMs through smaller third parties have become less popular.

Remember to search for customer reviews and testimonials when evaluating your choice.

 

Using an overseas SIM card with a “locked” phone

New phones are often “locked” to a certain carrier, making it harder to simply swap your existing SIM for an overseas SIM.

For example, if you walked into a phone store to buy a new iPhone, you might purchase the device on a plan for a set plan period, like one or two years. Your phone will be “locked” to the company’s network until that time period is complete and you won’t be able to use an alternative SIM card.

If your phone is locked, you’ll need to contact your current carrier and request them to unlock it before you can use local, international and travel SIM cards overseas. Phone companies usually charge a fee to do this and it can take a few days, so don’t leave it until the last minute before you travel.

 

Best overseas SIM cards for the UK, USA, Europe and Asia

The cost of data and phone calls and the effectiveness of network coverage can differ widely around the world, which is why it’s a great idea to do your research before leaving New Zealand.
Here are some of the most popular local and international SIM cards for the UK, USA, Europe and Asia.

 

UK and Europe SIM card options

1. EE

EE is the UK’s most popular phone network and has a variety of prepaid SIMs that work throughout the UK and Europe. EE also offers data-only prepaid SIMs if you don’t need to make phone calls or send text messages.

 

2. Orange Holiday Europe

The Orange Holiday Europe prepaid international SIM is a popular option for travellers visiting Europe for less than two weeks. It includes 20GB of data plus talk and text and works across 30 European countries. It’s only valid for 14 days, but you can easily top up your data or extend your plan online.

 

USA SIM card options

1. T-Mobile

T-Mobile has a range of affordable prepaid SIM cards that work across North America, including Canada and Mexico. You can add this international coverage for just $5.

 

2. AT&T Prepaid SIM

The largest carrier in the USA, AT&T also offers prepaid SIM plans that work throughout the US, Canada and Mexico.

 

Asia SIM card options

Many phone providers in Asia offer affordable international SIM cards geared towards tourists, but the specific SIM you choose will mainly depend on where you land.

For example, if you’re landing in Bali before continuing on to other countries in Asia, you might purchase an international SIM card from Telkomsel. However, if you’re flying into Thailand first, you might choose an international SIM from the Thai company TrueMove H, which includes cover throughout 20 countries in Asia.

An international SIM is a good choice if your Asian adventure encompasses multiple countries. But if you’re only staying in one country, a local SIM card that works only within that country could be a more affordable option.

 

Buying a SIM card overseas: tips and tricks 

If you’re leaning towards choosing a local or international SIM card for your next trip, there are a few tips to remember to ensure you can get connected with as little fuss as possible. Remember that if you choose this option, you’ll need to visit a store when you arrive at your destination.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Airport arrivals terminals often have phone stores where you can get set up as soon as you clear customs and immigration. Having an internet connection before even leaving the airport can help you find your way to your accommodation, so research your arrival port to see if there’s a suitable shop you can visit when you land.
• It’s easy to feel a bit vulnerable if you have to start your trip without an internet connection on your phone. If there’s nothing suitable at the airport, take advantage of the free airport WiFI for important housekeeping like communicating with your hotel, booking an Uber or finding a phone shop close by.
• Phone companies often sweeten the deal of their prepaid local and international SIMs by including freebies with the plan, like using certain apps without consuming any data. Look out for these and get more bang for your buck.
• It’s important to keep your existing New Zealand SIM card safe because you’ll need it when you get home. Store it somewhere you won’t forget, like the inside of your phone case.
• You’ll be given a new phone number if you set up a local or international SIM card when you arrive overseas. However, you can still use your current New Zealand phone number via online messaging apps like Whatsapp.

The final say

If you’re only visiting a single country on your trip, buying a prepaid local SIM once you reach your destination is a simple, affordable and reliable option.

If you’re visiting several countries within a geographic region (such as Europe or North America), then buying an international SIM once you reach your destination could save you the hassle of switching out local SIMs every time you cross a country border.

But if your trip encompasses several countries across different continents, like Asia, Europe and North America, then buying a specialised travel SIM before you leave New Zealand could be worthwhile.

Phone companies around the world have prepaid SIMs geared towards travellers like you, which is why it’s a great idea to research the local carriers within your destination before you leave New Zealand.

With some planning, you’ll be able to navigate new cities, stay connected with family and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

*Information correct as of October 2022.