Traveling can profoundly affect one’s soul by broadening one’s perspective and understanding of the world. It can also help break down cultural barriers and prejudices and foster empathy and compassion for others. However, recent travel restrictions have made it challenging to go out and explore the world. So, for now, one good way to plan your next trip or adventure is to watch these inspiring movies about nomads.

It can be a source of personal growth and self-discovery because it allows people to step outside their comfort zones and gain new experiences and insights. Traveling can also be a source of inspiration and renewal for the soul because it allows people to connect with new places, people, and cultures while recharging their spirits through exposure to new and different environments.

9 Movies About Nomads That Will Inspire You To Explore The World

If you’re still figuring out where to go, check out these movies about nomads to help you decide. These nomad movies and documentaries inspire viewers to travel the world by showcasing the beauty and diversity of different cultures, landscapes, ways of life, and even the minimalist lifestyle.

These movies about nomads highlight the personal growth and self-discovery that can come from embarking on a journey, like an epic road trip, solo hike, exploring the Alaskan wilderness, or crossing the Indian Ocean.

Learning about the nomadic life of actual and real life nomads could provide a powerful motivation to help you go after a location independent lifestyle and craft your own real life story filled with your own adventures as you step outside your comfort zone. Additionally, these famous nomad movies can provide a glimpse into the freedom and adventure experienced while traveling and experiencing the digital nomad lifestyle.

Nomadland

One of the best movies about nomads is “Nomadland,” which is a 2020 American drama film directed by Chloe Zhao and written by Zhao and Jessica Bruder. The film stars Frances McDormand as a woman named Fern who, following the economic collapse of a company town in rural Nevada, becomes a modern-day nomad, living the van life throughout the American West and camping in Bureau of Land Management sites.

The movie received critical acclaim and has been praised for its stunning cinematography, performances, and portrayal of the nomad lifestyle. The film was nominated for multiple awards, including six Oscars, and won several of them, including best picture and best director, at the 93rd Academy Awards.

Critics have praised the film for its realistic and compassionate portrayal of the nomadic lifestyle and its sensitive and nuanced exploration of themes such as community, loss, and resilience.

The film has been described as a “beautiful and deeply felt tribute” to the nomadic community and has been commended for its ability to convey the sense of freedom and adventure that comes with living on the road, as well as its honest and unflinching depiction of the challenges and hardships that the nomads face.

Expedition Happiness

Another headliner in the list of best movies about nomads is “Expedition Happiness,” which is a 2017 German documentary film directed by Felix Starck and Selima Taibi. The film follows the journey of a young couple, Felix and Selima, as they renovate a school bus and travel across North America with their dog.

The movie received mixed reviews from critics; some praised the film for its stunning visuals and portrayal of the nomadic lifestyle, while others criticized it for its lack of depth and focus on privileged travelers.

Critics have commended the film for its beautiful and evocative cinematography, which captures North America’s stunning landscapes and natural beauty. They also praised the film for portraying the couple’s relationship and their experience living on a bus.

However, some reviewers have criticized the film for its lack of depth and focus on privileged travelers and for not fully exploring the challenges and difficulties of living on the road, neglecting the issues faced when embarking on a digital nomad lifestyle.

Overall, the movie is visually stunning, capturing the beauty of the nomadic lifestyle and the adventure of traveling with a loved one. Still, it may need a deeper exploration of the challenges and difficulties of living on the road.

Wild

Among the movies about nomads released in the past years, “Wild” is arguably one of the most widely acclaimed. It is a 2014 American true story drama directed by Jean-Marc Vallée and written by Nick Hornby. The film stars Reese Witherspoon as Cheryl Strayed, a woman who hikes the Pacific Crest Trail alone as a way to cope with the recent loss of her mother and the dissolution of her marriage.

Critics have praised the film for its powerful and emotional performances, particularly Witherspoon’s portrayal of Strayed, which has been described as “brave and raw.” They also praised the film for its realistic and honest portrayal of Strayed’s challenges and emotional turmoil on her journey.

The film has also been lauded for its cinematography, which captures the breathtaking scenery of the Pacific Crest Trail, and for its ability to convey the sense of independence and self-discovery that accompanies a solo journey.

Overall, the movie is a well-crafted and emotionally powerful film that tells a story of personal growth and self-discovery through the lens of a solitary journey.

Tracks

“Tracks” is a 2013 Australian biographical drama film directed by John Curran and written by Marion Nelson. The film stars Mia Wasikowska as Robyn Davidson, a young woman who embarks on a solo journey across the Australian desert with her dog and four camels.

The movie generally received positive reviews from critics. It was praised for its performances, particularly Wasikowska’s portrayal of Davidson and the harsh and unforgiving terrain of the Australian desert.

Like most movies about nomads, it featured spectacular landscapes. It particularly focused on the Australian desert, which was captured in the film’s beautiful and evocative photography.

The film has been hailed for its ability to depict the sense of adventure and self-discovery that comes with setting out on a journey alone. They also gave the performances high marks, singling out Wasikowska for her “compelling” and “nuanced” turn as Davidson.

The film has also been commended for its realistic and honest portrayal of the physical and emotional challenges that Davidson faces on her journey and its exploration of themes such as identity and self-discovery.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Another standout in this list of movies about nomads is “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” It is a 2013 American fantasy-comedy-drama film directed by Ben Stiller and written by Steve Conrad.

The film stars Ben Stiller as Walter Mitty, a timid and daydreaming photo editor at Life magazine who embarks on a journey to find a missing negative for a photograph that will be the last ever printed in the magazine.

Critics have praised the film for its visually stunning shots and performances, particularly Ben Stiller’s portrayal of Walter Mitty, which has been described as “charming” and “endearing.”

They also found the film’s depiction of the beauty of the world and the process of coming into one’s own to be uplifting and moving.

However, some reviewers and fans of digital nomad movies criticized the film for its slow pacing and for not fully exploring its themes, such as the transition from print to digital media, the loss of jobs and the sense of identity that come with it.

All in all, the movie is a visually stunning film that tells a story of personal growth and self-discovery through the lens of a journey to find a missing negative and the beauty of the world. It’s one of the most inspiring movies for any aspiring digital nomad. But it may need to explore the themes of a nomadic journey it presents fully.

The Way

“The Way” is a 2010 American drama film directed by Emilio Estevez and written by Estevez and Jack Hodge. The film stars Martin Sheen as Tom, an American ophthalmologist who travels to France to collect the remains of his adult son (played by Estevez), who died while hiking the Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrimage trail in Spain.

The movie generally received positive reviews from critics. It was praised for its performances, particularly Martin Sheen’s portrayal of Tom and its portrayal of the personal journey of the main character.

Critics have praised the film for its performances, particularly Martin Sheen’s portrayal of Tom, which has been described as “poignant” and “moving.” They also praised the film for its realistic and honest portrayal of the emotional journey that Tom goes through as he grapples with the loss of his son and the meaning of life.

The film has also received praise for its superb cinematography, which portrays the stunning scenery of the Camino de Santiago, as well as its ability to express the spiritual and personal revelation that comes with embarking on a pilgrimage.

Overall, it is one of the movies about nomads that’s well-crafted and emotionally powerful. It effectively tells a story of personal growth and self-discovery through the lens of a pilgrimage journey and the loss of a loved one.

Eat, Pray, Love

No list of movies about nomads is complete with “Eat, Pray, Love.” This is a 2010 American true story romantic drama film directed by Ryan Murphy and written by Ryan Murphy, Jennifer Salt, and Elizabeth Gilbert. The film stars Julia Roberts as Elizabeth Gilbert, a woman who embarks on a year-long journey of self-discovery across Italy, India and Indonesia.

Critics have praised the film for its performances, particularly Julia Roberts’ portrayal of Elizabeth Gilbert, which has been described as “engaging” and “sincere.” They also praised the film for its ability to convey the personal growth and self-discovery that comes with embarking on a journey of self-discovery.

However, some reviewers criticized the film for its lack of depth and focus on privileged characters and for not fully exploring the challenges and difficulties that come with personal growth and self-discovery. The movie has also been criticized for its representation of the culture and spirituality of the places the main character visited.

Overall, the movie is a well-crafted and engaging film that tells a story of personal growth and self-discovery through the lens of a journey across three different countries. But it may need a deeper exploration of the themes it presents and the representation of culture and spirituality of the places visited.

A Map for Saturday

“A Map for Saturday” is a 2007 American documentary directed by Brook Silva-Braga. The film follows Silva-Braga as he embarks on a solo journey around the world, backpacking and staying in hostels, to explore the world of long-term solo travel and the people he meets along the way.

The movie generally received positive reviews from critics and was praised for its portrayal of the nomadic lifestyle and the director’s personal journey.

Critics have praised the film for its honest and unflinching portrayal of the nomadic lifestyle and for its ability to convey the freedom and adventure that comes with living on the road. They also praised the film for its portrayal of the director’s personal journey, which has been described as “inspiring” and “eye-opening.”

The film has also been commended for its ability to capture the diversity of experiences and perspectives of travelers from around the world and for its exploration of themes such as identity and self-discovery.

Seven Years in Tibet

“Seven Years in Tibet” is a 1997 American biographical war drama film directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud and written by Annaud and Becky Johnston, based on the 1952

book of the same name by Heinrich Harrer. The film stars Brad Pitt as Heinrich Harrer, an Austrian mountain climber imprisoned in India during World War II, who escapes and travels to Tibet, where he befriends and becomes a tutor to the young Dalai Lama.

The movie generally received positive reviews from critics. It was praised for its performances, particularly Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Heinrich Harrer, and for its portrayal of the culture and spirituality of Tibet.

The film has also been commended for its cinematography, which captures the stunning landscapes and culture of Tibet and for its honest and unflinching portrayal of the story’s historical context, including the Chinese invasion of Tibet.

Overall, the movie is a well-crafted and evocative film that tells a story of friendship and personal growth through the lens of a journey to Tibet and the people and culture encountered along the way.

Conclusion

Travel-related or digital nomad movies can be a great way to explore the world without leaving your home, and they can inspire, educate and entertain you. They offer a glimpse into the freedom and adventure experienced on the road.

Many movies about traveling feature characters on a journey of self-discovery; these stories can be relatable and inspire personal growth in the viewers.

More importantly, movies about traveling can inspire anyone to travel and pursue the digital nomad experience. By showcasing the beauty and diversity of different cultures, landscapes, and ways of life, movies about traveling can spark a sense of curiosity and adventure in viewers.

They can also highlight the personal growth and self-discovery that can come from embarking on a journey and stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Additionally, digital nomad movies or films about traveling can provide a glimpse into the freedom and adventure that can be experienced while traveling, inspiring people to plan their trips.

However, it’s important to note that digital nomad movies are a form of storytelling, and the representation of a place or culture may not be entirely accurate or reflective of reality. Nonetheless, this list of remarkably inspiring and most famous nomad movies can still push people to explore the world and have their own experiences and perspectives as digital nomads.

Whenever we go abroad, we tend to focus on the positive aspects of our trip – hotel bookings, sightseeing, indulging in local specialties, etc. But there’s one crucial aspect some people tend to overlook – travel insurance for digital nomads.

What Is Travel Insurance For Digital Nomads?

Basically, travel and health insurance for digital nomads protects you from the unexpected especially when you’re in a foreign country. The longer you travel or, the more money you invest in your trip, the more things could go wrong.

Travel insurance helps provide insurance and medical coverage for digital nomads in cases of accidents, injuries, lost belongings, stolen items, trip cancellations, and other emergencies or health-related issues. These types of global health insurance plans from travel insurance providers include medical coverage,

What Are the Different Types of Travel Insurance?

Depending on your digital nomad insurance package, your travel insurance coverage and nomad healthcare plan can include the following:

– Medical or health insurance coverage

– Emergency insurance (dental and medical) and emergency evacuation

– Electronics, baggage, and other personal belongings

– Trip cancellation

– COVID-19 insurance

– Repatriation

– Car rental

– Recreation or adventure travel

Do I Need Travel Insurance?

The answer here mainly depends on the duration of your trip. For short trips, you may not need digital nomad insurance.

However, for long-term travel and expensive vacations, the answer is yes, you do need travel insurance for digital nomad health insurance such as medical expenses, routine check ups emergency evacuation, trip interruption, and even trip cancellation insurance.

I used to believe that insurance for digital nomads is an unnecessary investment and that I could simply take my chances. I felt no need to reach out to any insurance company at that time. I carry only a traveler-friendly credit card (think American Express Gold Card, Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Venture Miles Rewards, American Express Platinum Card), which does help as a backup for digital nomads in times of medical emergencies.

But if you’re on a trip for a longer period or more than 100 miles from your home country, it’s best you get travel insurance.

Once, I was in a cafe in Morocco during Ramadan. A waiter accidentally dropped a tray and spilled burning hot tea on my arm.

My wrist burned like never before and shortly after was covered in giant bubble blisters. The cafe owners went to the kitchen, cut a tomato in half, and brought it to my table.

They also gave me toothpaste to cover my wrist. Yes, they offered me toothpaste and tomato for my burn.

While this combination was unique, it wasn’t entirely effective. If I’d had taken the time to talk to an insurance provider before I left my home country and invested in private health insurance coverage for digital nomads, particularly international medical insurance, I would have been able to get proper treatment.

What Exactly Does Travel Insurance For Digital Nomads Cover?

The Unexpected

Travel insurance for digital nomads protects you in case things go wrong on a trip or long-term travel.

Any travel insurance company or insurance provider with a reputable name offers digital nomad health insurance plans that cover trip cancellation or trip interruption, delays, routine health exams, lost luggage, 24-hour assistance, medical emergencies, and specific medical benefits related to travel.

Often, digital nomads need to cancel their trips due to unforeseen illnesses and injuries that prohibit them from traveling, or family member deaths. Having international health insurance would go a long way in these situations.

The Medical, Lost Items, and Activities

A general remote health insurance package doesn’t cover adventure travel or additional risk outside of what might be considered standard, lower-risk travel or recreational activities like kayaking. This type of digital nomad insurance also doesn’t generally cover the medical needs linked to pre existing medical conditions and medical bills for ongoing medical care.

Typically, international health insurance companies or travel insurance provider businesses don’t want to cover skydiving, swimming with great white sharks, or volcano tours. Some digital nomad insurance companies and nomad insurance providers will, but you’ll most likely end up paying a premium.

Let’s have a look into the coverage limits and what each travel insurance element offers digital nomads.

Medical / Health Insurance

One of the most common travel insurance categories for digital nomads is travel health insurance.

If you are a remote worker or digital nomad, having a health insurance policy or a more specific digital nomad health insurance in your home country isn’t enough. The longer digital nomads stay away from home, the higher the risk of something going awry.

Here’s a list of what standard medical or health insurance packages from any reputable company cover:

– Hospital stay, including operating room usage

– Physician services

– X-rays, laboratory tests, and similar analysis

– Drugs, anesthetics, medicine, and other therapeutic expenses

– Ambulance ride services

Emergency Medical Assistance

The emergency medical expenses covered in most travel insurance companies’ plans for digital nomads include the costs of any life-threatening treatment you receive locally.

For example:

• Sudden illness, injury, or a medical condition with the potential of causing severe harm
• Dental injury
• Dental infection
• Broken tooth

Dental Insurance

Here’s what standard dental insurance plans cover:

• An unexpected infection
• Broken tooth
• Accidental mouth or jaw injury

Pandemic-Related Travel (COVID-19)

You may have suffered the misfortune of being mid-travel when the world went into lockdown in 2020.

Prior to traveling, ensure that you are vaccinated and check the following sites:

• List of COVID-19 precautions per country to get information on testing, quarantine, vaccine requirements, transportation, travel waivers, curfews, and exit/entry requirements:
• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/COVID-19-Country-Specific-Information.html
• List of current travel advisories to see if the country you’re considering visiting is listed: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/
• Updated travel map of varying risks of COVID across the globe by the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html

In the event of a pandemic, travel medical insurance coverage may include the following:

• Emergency medical insurance
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Trip delays or interruptions if contracting COVID-19

Some travel medical insurance packages can also include:

• Flight, hotel, and excursion trip cancellations are covered by your Travel Protection Plan

This type of coverage is possible if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 before the scheduled departure, and the doctor has advised you to stay home.

Trip Cancellation

The best digital nomad insurance plans will offer to reimburse you for non-refundable, prepaid expenses if you need to cancel your trip before departure. Some common reasons include injury, sickness, or a family member or companion’s death.

Luggage/Baggage & Personal Belongings

Insured nomads and long term travelers enjoy travel insurance packages that include baggage insurance and help and reimbursement with the following:

• Lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged belongings on your trip
• Lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged checked-in baggage or sporting equipment by the common carrier
• Stolen or damaged travel visa, driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport

Accidental Death and Dismemberment

Nobody wants to think about this happening, but you will want to be covered if it does.

The way it works is you name a beneficiary, and that person will receive benefits in the unlikely event of your death or a dismembering injury during your travels.

There are different types of AD&D coverage:

• Flight Accident – This insurance is only valid if the incident happens on board
• Common Carrier – This package covers incidents that occur on trains, airplanes, or cruise ships
• 24-Hour – This is the most comprehensive package that covers you during the whole duration of the trip, regardless of whether you’re on a common carrier or not

Evacuation

Evacuation covers transportation to a medical facility for medical care.

Repatriation

Repatriation covers your return home expenses for medical care.

24-Hour Assistance

Travel insurance companies provide 24-hour assistance when you need help, such as booking a flight after a missed connection, locating lost luggage, or finding a doctor.

Some insurance companies will also offer concierge services for reservations as well as help seeking legal counsel.

I Have Medical Insurance in My Home Country. Does My Health Insurance Cover Me While Abroad?

Being covered by your medical plan in your home country does not mean that you will be covered under your policy while you are away. Things like routine checkups, pre existing conditions, or non-emergencies are not covered.

That doesn’t mean you can’t get dental work at a local dentist, prescriptions, or general health checkups. Many countries have low-cost medical care, and you don’t need insurance at all.

Often, the out-of-pocket cost can be less than what you’d spend at home. I’ve had dental work in several countries, and the most I’ve spent was 50 USD.

However, as remote work continues to trend upward and more and more people choose to travel and work remotely, finding the best digital nomad insurance is a must.

Also, the unexpected can happen, like COVID, and you don’t want to be stuck without coverage, particularly for emergency assistance, medical evacuation, sky-high hospital bills and other medical bills, cancellation coverage, urgent need for medical facilities, and even lost baggage concerns.

The tomato and toothpaste combo in Morocco didn’t take away the burn or prevent scarring (just in case you wanted to try it).

Now, when I jumped off a platform into Victoria Falls Gorge in Zimbabwe attached by a rope swing, travel insurance may not have covered me had the rope swing broken, which leads me to …

What’s Not Covered by Travel Insurance?

Standard travel insurance packages and insurance service may not cover the following instances:

• Pre existing conditions
• Non-emergency treatments or surgeries, including routine physical examination expenses
• Pregnancy or childbirth, with the exception of pregnancy complications
• Any medical expenses after your return to the US, or home country coverage (depending on the digital nomad insurance plan)
• Expenses surpassing the usual and reasonable charges
• Expenses your regular medical insurance covers at no cost, for a deductible, or a co-pay
• Everything from the “Limitations and Exclusions” policy section.

As for dental insurance, most plans won’t include:

• Standard checkups
• Teeth straightening
• New teeth and fillings that may come as a result of pain-relieving treatment
• Significant dental work including crowns, implants, and similar
• Purchasing the policy after the initial pain
• Non-urgent care

The luggage insurance doesn’t cover:

• Unsupervised baggage

While being insured nomads is a step closer to ensuring your safety, it’s realistic to keep in mind that the insurance company won’t cover everything.

There’s a certain expectation of personal responsibility even for insured nomads. If you leave your bags unattended, you are taking an unnecessary risk.

You’ll need to report the matter to the local authorities immediately and submit proof of receipt that the items are yours, along with evidence of the value. The insurance company will factor in depreciation.

The more documentation and receipts you have, reporting promptly, the better your chances of the claim process going smoothly.

If something was lost on a plane, for example, you’ll also need to show proof that you sought compensation through the airline.

FAQ About Travel Insurance

Do I Have to Buy My Plan Before I Leave?

Technically, you can get a travel insurance plan after the official beginning of your trip.

You are free to choose the dates of your insurance policy, and those dates can only cover a certain period of your stay.

However, if you want to have common carrier insurance or be covered for the whole duration of your trip, you should buy your plan before you leave.

When Do I Need to Buy My Travel Insurance?

I guess you want to purchase a quality travel insurance plan but also save where you can.

If so, it’s best to get travel insurance within the first two weeks of making your first deposit for the trip. You’ll often qualify for bonus coverages for purchasing the insurance at this time.

Note that most insurance companies will let you purchase your package up until the day of your departure.

Is Travel Insurance Retroactive?

No, travel insurance is never retroactive. This means you can’t get reimbursed for the expenses that happened before your policy went into effect.

Will My Rental Car Be Covered?

Generally, you purchase protection for rental car damage through the rental car company (e.g., Hertz, Sixt, Avis).

Also, you can buy it through your credit card (e.g., Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, United Explorer Card).

Travel Insurance Can Be Worth the Investment

Whether you’re planning to work abroad or simply travel for an extended time period, becoming insured nomads is an essential step to ensuring your safety.

As Medicare doesn’t cover medical expenses outside of the US, getting a travel insurance package is your only way of avoiding unexpected health and other emergency costs when abroad.

Get a Travel Insurance Quote

To help you understand how to use your cell when traveling overseas (and what it means if you do), I’ve addressed some of my most frequently asked questions so you know exactly what to expect if you decide to keep in touch with family and friends via your mobile phone while on your next far-away adventure.

How to Text Internationally for Free

Questions answered in this post

• Can I use SMS overseas over Wi-Fi?
• Will my phone use data when connected to Wi-Fi?
• How to turn off data so I don’t get charged roaming fees?
• My data is turned off, will I still get charged?
• What’s the difference between cellular data and Wi-Fi?
• Can I use my phone as a mobile hotspot?
• Should I get a local SIM card or International Sim Card?
• What services or apps can I use to send messages while overseas?
• How can I receive SMS messages overseas?
• Can I receive texts after Airplane Mode is turned off?

Can I Text Someone in Another Country for Free over WiFi?

Usually, to send an SMS or text messages, you need to be connected to a cell tower. That’s not always the case though. Times are changing and cell phone carriers are making it easier than ever to stay connected.

For example, T-Mobile has introduced texting and calling over Wi-Fi. This allows you to communicate using Wi-Fi or an internet connection as though it were a cellular connection. You still need to be careful though. Just because you’re on Wi-Fi doesn’t mean your carrier won’t charge you for data usage, international calls, and international texting.

Your best option for free international texting, video calls, and international calls over Wi-Fi while overseas is to use a third-party messaging app. Using a free app will make international texting free and allow you to communicate with your friends and family for free even when you’re in other countries – as long as you’re on Wi-Fi.

Will My Phone Use Data When I Am Connected To Wi-Fi?

It depends. Your phone cannot use both mobile data and Wi-Fi at the same time. Your phone may have settings, however, that allow you to use mobile data to connect to the Internet instead of Wi-Fi when you have a poor connection.

For example, iPhones have a feature called “Wi-Fi Assist.” When toggled, you’ll keep your internet connection (via cellular data) if your Wi-Fi slows down.

The good news is, according to Apple, your iPhone won’t make the switch when you’re data roaming.

How Do I Turn Off My Cell Phone Data So I Don’t Get Charged Roaming Fees While Overseas?

To understand roaming fees, it’s important to first understand what cellular roaming is.

International roaming is when your phone uses cellular data to access the Internet using a different cellular network than your carrier. Depending on your network carrier plan this setting may or may not be included with your international data plan. If it’s not, and you’re traveling overseas, you could incur some very large fees for international communication like SMS messaging and video calls.

Even if you aren’t actually using your phone to make calls or texting internationally, many apps use data in the background without you realizing it.

To avoid charges from roaming, you have a few settings on your phone depending on your needs:

• Airplane Mode
• Turn off cellular data
• Turn off roaming

Although turning off cellular data and data roaming will prevent your phone from using data, these won’t necessarily stop phone calls and SMS messaging. To completely avoid these costs when traveling abroad, be sure to set your phone to AIRPLANE MODE.

Airplane Mode

The simplest way to ensure you won’t be charged for roaming is to put your phone in Airplane Mode. Airplane mode will prevent you from using cellular data abroad as well as receiving unwanted international messages and phone calls. Additionally, with Airplane Mode on, you can still enable Wi-Fi which allows you to access the Internet without worrying about data plan roaming charges.

Here’s how to enable Airplane Mode based on which smartphone you have:

iPhone

Go to Settings and the very top option is Airplane Mode. Set this to ON and wait for the airplane icon to appear. Then go to the option below it for Wi-Fi. You can set this to ON so it picks up any network that is available; otherwise, just leave it off for now. 

• Additionally, you can simply swipe up from the bottom of your screen and tap the top left airplane icon. If you wish to enable Wi-Fi, simply tap the button below the airplane button and wait for it to turn blue.

Android

Click Menu and go to Settings. Under Wireless & Networks, select MORE. You will see that the top option is Airplane Mode. Check the box and wait for the ON button to turn blue.

Turn Off Cellular Data

The next best way to avoid data charges is to completely shut off cellular data. This restricts all cellular data to Wi-Fi instead, keeping you from using data unintentionally for things like emails, browsing apps, and app notifications.

With cellular data shut off you can still receive text messages and phone calls, which means if your plan charges you for these, you should just turn your phone to Airplane Mode.

To turn off cellular data on an iPhone go to Settings -> Cellular and toggle the Cellular Data switch to off. Additionally, you can also swipe up from the bottom and toggle the button next to the airplane from green to grey.

On an Android, you have more options. There are also tools that allow you to warn you when you’re approaching your monthly limit. You can also choose to use apps only over Wi-Fi.

Turn Off Roaming

Turning off roaming means that you won’t access other cellular networks when you’re out of your cell phone carrier area. Depending on your plan, you may be able to roam and enjoy unlimited texting without being charged.

Better safe than sorry though, it’s good to also put your phone in Airplane Mode when abroad.

To turn off roaming on an iPhone, go to Settings -> Cellular -> Cellular Data Options. Toggle the roaming switch from on to off.

To see how to turn off roaming on Android, you can visit here.

(Note: If you do not have a smartphone (i.e., iPhone, Android phone, or Windows phone) or a phone that allows you to turn off your data and still access Wi-Fi, then you should turn your phone completely OFF while traveling.)

If My Data Is Turned Off, Will I Still Get Charged?

As long as your phone’s data is turned off, then you cannot be charged for any data roaming charges, even with Wi-Fi enabled. You may still be able to send and receive phone calls and text message. This means depending on your cell phone plan, you might still get charged. To be completely sure you won’t be charged, you should enable Airplane Mode.

In other words, the safest way to use your phone abroad is while you are in Airplane Mode. No carrier fees will apply, and you can still enable Wi-Fi.

What Is The Difference Between Cellular Data and Wi-Fi?

The difference between carrier’s network cellular data and Wi-Fi is that cellular data is transmitted over your cell phone network (think of your cellular network like AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint), whereas Wi-Fi data is over a wireless Internet network, such as what you would have when using Starbucks Wi-Fi.

Should I Get A Local SIM Card or International SIM Card?

If you’re planning on using your cell phone overseas to make cheap calls, or for text messaging, it is probably a good idea to change your SIM card. You may also need to unlock your phone. If your carrier doesn’t have an option for extended stays, then you’re going to need a new SIM card.

When getting a SIM card for international travel, you have two options:

• International SIM Card
• Local SIM Card

While they both have their own benefits and drawbacks, international SIM cards are ideal if you plan on moving around while overseas, while a local SIM card is great if you just plan on spending all of your time in one country.

Here’s some more information on both:

International SIM Card

When you’re planning to travel abroad, international SIM cards are usually the best way to go. They’re best used by someone who is traveling to multiple countries, as it’s difficult to keep track of phone numbers, unlimited data plans can get expensive, and some data carrier options can be limiting.

With an International SIM card, you get a designated phone number, and you can manage your entire account in one place. Additionally, an international SIM card is great because you can get everything set up and ready to go before you even leave – without any language barriers.

Although they can be slightly more expensive than a local SIM card, typically the small increase in cost is worth avoiding the hassle of getting a local SIM when you arrive at your destination.

One SIM Card and World SIM are some of the possible choices you have when selecting an international SIM card. 

Local SIM Card

Another option if you want to get Internet while traveling abroad and not roaming, is to get a local SIM card with a data plan. Most SIM cards can be purchased at a local gas station, drug store, or, of course, one of your cell phone carrier’s stores or kiosks.

What Is the Difference Between a Local SIM Card and a Regular SIM Card?

The difference between a local SIM card and your regular SIM on your phone is that, with a local carrier, you will have a local number. This means that friends and family trying to reach you will have to text you on your local number.

For example, let’s say you go to Berlin, Germany and you get a local Vodafone SIM card. Your phone number will begin with “49,” which is the country code. It’s a great option for texting within the city, but not such a great option for contacting mom.

You do have a few options when getting a local plan, though.

• Buy a phone with a SIM card that you can recharge. These usually start at around USD $20 and you can add credit as you go.
• Buy an unlocked cell phone and purchase a SIM card. I currently have an unlocked iPhone 7 Plus with a T-Mobile SIM card on the US-based Magenta plan. This means that I don’t have to change out to a new SIM card when I arrive in a new country and I get unlimited data and texting, Wi-Fi calling, and in-flight texting. Plus, if my plan goes over, data doesn’t shut off, it just slows down. This can come in very handy when you would have otherwise been stuck with zero Internet. Also, with the T-Mobile plan in the US, you can call many other countries for only $15 per month, and international texting is free.
• Buy a phone with dual SIM, like the Sony Xperia .

Here are some examples of local SIM card providers:

• Mexico – TelCel (wider coverage) and Movistar (cheaper)
• Germany – Vodafone, E-Plus, and Telekom
• USA – T-Mobile, AT&T, and Boost

Can I Use My Phone As A Mobile Hotspot While Overseas?

Most major carriers allow you to use your compatible smartphone to act as a mobile hotspot. You just have to turn your phone on as a hotspot and connect to it via your wireless device.

However, as of this writing, I carry my mobile phone as a hotspot, as well as carry 2 additional mobile hotspots depending on whether I’m traveling in Europe or in the Americas.

If you decide to use your phone as a mobile hotspot when traveling overseas, be sure your plan includes data roaming, otherwise you’ll be racking up a huge bill.

What is Mi-Fi?

Mi-Fi is a brand name for a wireless device that functions as a mobile Wi-Fi router. Your device may or may not technically be a Mi-Fi device, but the term has become shorthand for any mobile hotspot.

A mobile hotspot will typically work in a wide range of countries. Many of these devices use “virtual” SIM cards that allow you to change regions with just a few buttons.

Does my Mi-Fi work in other countries?

It isn’t enough to simply have a mobile hotspot, you need to be certain that your device is actually going to work in the places you travel. Many countries actually have different service frequencies, which means a lot of devices (even “unlocked” ones) may not work all over the globe.

When you purchase a Mi-Fi device, be sure to check how many frequencies it supports. The more it supports, the better it will do on your globetrotting adventures. For an in-depth guide, check out Best Mobile Hotspot Devices [2022].

Subscription vs. non-subscription Mi-Fi devices

Traditional Mi-Fi devices are non-subscription. You insert your SIM card and the device creates a mobile Wi-Fi network with a password that you can connect your devices to. However, in the last few years, a new breed of Mi-Fi device has become prominent: the subscription model.

Think of subscription Mi-Fi like a hotspot crossed with a global data plan. With these devices, you have the option to swap out the SIM card associated with your global plan and replace it with a local SIM, giving you 100 percent control over when you use your plan data and when you don’t.

How to Text Overseas: What Services or Apps Can I Use?

Most travelers and remote workers want to know how to receive text messages overseas without roaming. They want to know ways to send free text messages and voice messages, get free data, or other free services while traveling abroad.

Typically, you aren’t technically sending SMS messages or “international texting” when you have Wi-Fi on and data off, but you can still enjoy SMS messaging or send text-like messages to your family and friends using services like these.

Even now with Wi-Fi-enabled ways to send text messages and calls, your provider still may charge you the same as for a normal text message.

(Note: If you have AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, or a regular T-Mobile cellular plan and you set your phone to Airplane Mode, you will not be able to send text (SMS) messages.)

To text with a family member, a friend, or go on group chats while abroad, make sure your Wi-Fi is turned ON and that you both have one of the following services on your phones:

How to Send Texts Over WiFi

iMessage

This option causes the most confusion and the reason is that if you and five of your friends all have iPhones, each iPhone user can engage in “text messaging” as if nothing ever changed. However, you aren’t actually sending international texts; you’re just using Apple’s messaging service to send correspondence (or send “text messages”) back and forth over a Wi-Fi connection. Therefore, you can only converse with others who are also iPhone users or use an Apple device.

Does iMessage Work Internationally?

With iMessage, you can still send text messages and receive messages abroad while data is turned off. You can iMessage free internationally. And if you’re in Airplane Mode but have Wi-Fi set to “on,” then you can receive iMessages which appear like text messages but they will be in blue versus green, like this:

Ultimately, you will not receive the green message when you are abroad and your cell phone data is turned off. So, if you have data turned on and you see green messages – look out! You may be getting charged insane rates. Remember, Airplane Mode – on; Wi-Fi– on.

Google Voice

 This one has been around for a while and is still quite functional, but not the most popular messaging app. To use it, simply download the Google Voice app, sign up for a Google Voice phone number (free in the U.S.), and you can send international texts back and forth from that number. They will appear on your phone via the app, allowing you to send messages overseas as much as you’d like!

Google Hangouts may start to soon replace Google Voice, but for now, it’s still a great option and I use it all the time for international messages and even voice messages. At the very least, it’s like having a second number on the same phone so you have two options. Give friends and clients your Google Voice number so you’ll always have a local US number for international texts.

WhatsApp

WhatsApp became very popular when it was acquired by Facebook for $19 billion. To utilize it, just download Whats App, find your friends, and send messages back and forth. It’s not the first of its kind, but it is fairly popular and growing in popularity. If your friends are tech or travel savvy, or if they/you are European, you’ll most likely find them here. It’s a must-have app for travelers or for communicating and texting your friends overseas.

To use WhatsApp (and all the other apps), you must be connected to Wi-Fi.

A kind of fun feature of WhatsApp is that you can send MMS, or picture messages, for free as well – all over Wi-Fi.The images will also automatically be added to your photo album on your phone (at least on iPhone). No more asking your friend to share an album with you and no more having to ‘save image’; it just shows up.

Viber

 Not dissimilar to Google Voice and WhatsApp, Viber takes the best of the two and combines them. Once you download the app, you find your friends who are also using Viber, and you can connect immediately. The nice thing about this particular messaging app is that, not only can you send free messages back and forth inside of the app, but you can also make free calls. Viber even uses your cell phone number as your identifier.

There are a growing number of options for sending messages to family and friends, and these are just a few. For instance, GroupMe is another popular group messaging app that allows you to communicate with a number of people at once (and you can still use emoji!).

For more international texting options while traveling overseas, I suggest you read: Top 7 Communication Apps to Use While Travelling.

How Can I receive SMS Messages Overseas?

When traveling overseas, you have a few different options for receiving SMS messages:

Option 1 – International plans via US carriers

For most providers, you have an option to use an international plan, which covers international texting. Here are some common providers, and some of the options available for international plans:

T-Mobile

The T-Mobile Magenta plan is great for short trips, where you don’t plan on staying abroad for an extended period plan. With the T-Mobile Magenta plan, international texting and data are unlimited in 210 countries and nations. This plan also includes calling landlines in 70+ countries, or calling and texting to cell phones in 30+ countries. You can check to see what kind of coverage you will have here.

Verizon

Verizon offers multiple plans for either short or long term international trips international plans depending on how connected you need to be.

If you’re having a difficult time deciding which plan you need, Verizon also has a great guide to help you pick out what plan or upgrade you will need for your travels.

Sprint

With Sprint, you have free unlimited SMS and basic data abroad with any smartphone enabled plan in 200+ countries. You only have to pay $.25/call while abroad.

AT&T

AT&T offers a passport plan for either short term trip or for extended international stays.

Option 2 – Google Voice Phone Number

If you’re looking to ditch your cell phone contract, Google voice is a great option. This allows you to be able to send and receive text messages and phone calls via Wi-Fi, making this a much cheaper option. All you have to do is set it up and tell your friends and family about your new phone number.

Additionally, if you’re not on Wi-Fi, Google voice will transcribe the audio so you can read it later. You can use the google voice app to text or you can text via Wi-Fi anytime you’re on Wi-Fi.

Can You Text on Airplane Mode?

This varies depending on each provider, but as a general rule, anytime you need to have your cellular data shut off for more than 2 days (48) hours, you may not receive the messages sent to you.

Each provider will have a unique “retry” period, in which it will attempt to send the message. If the message is not delivered within this period, the provider will stop trying to send the message, and it will be discarded.

Summary Of International Texting

Just to hammer the main points home –

DO NOT send SMS messages or text messages while traveling overseas unless you want to pay out the nose for them. (Also remember that it’s usually not possible to send SMS over Wi-Fi.)

You CAN receive SMS messages/texts, but you might pay for them. So turn off your cell phone data by putting your phone in Airplane Mode and turning on Wi-Fi.

You CAN receive messages (non-SMS) over Wi-Fi, for free.

You CANNOT send or receive SMS messages (“texts”) via your cell phone carrier when you are in Airplane Mode.

Eventually, we may not even need cell phone carriers to keep in touch but, until then and until you get rid of your cell phone plan, be careful of extra charges when traveling overseas. They’re simply not worth it when you have so many free options available.

Again, just remember that SMS is always associated with your carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, etc.) and a message can be either a text message synonymous with SMS or a non-SMS text message image, or other form of communication.

What Have YOU Learned about Sending SMS or Text Messages Overseas? What Would You Like to Learn?

Do you have other questions or see anything I’m missing? Please feel free to drop your questions or comments below.

No one has embraced the all-digital lifestyle more than our band of globe-trotting freelancers and entrepreneurs. We run our businesses on laptops and wi-fi from beaches, villas, cruise ships…and airport terminals, parked cars, and rural bus stations.

We do everything via email, Trello, Slack, and other messaging and organizational apps. We hold conferences using Skype, Zoom, or GoToMeeting. Living the nomadic life means we use everything we can to stay flexible, available, and above all, free.

But the rest of the world hasn’t entirely caught up to us.

Death to Snail Mail

No matter how hard we try, there are still companies and government agencies who insist on recording a real street address and sending snail mail to that home address. Paper messages that have to travel to a fixed, physical location, and that often needs a prompt response.

The need to have a physical address to receive mail is the one remaining thorn in our ever-roaming paws, and for a long time, there wasn’t a good solution.

You can have the local post office hold your mail and accept packages, but when you’re gone for weeks or months at a time the odds are good you’ll miss something important.

You can receive postal mail by having it forwarded to a physical address anywhere in the world, but that type of postal service has a host of problems: expensive international forwarding fees, mail that doesn’t keep up with your frequent travels and multiple destinations, and the need to plan ahead for packages delivered instead of enjoying spontaneous trips.

You can have the package delivered or postal mail sent to the actual street address of a friend or family member, then ask them to look for anything important. However, the privacy and reliability concerns are real especially when you’re not the primary box holder.

I’ve been doing this awhile, and I’ve tried practically all solutions to this mailing address conundrum. That is, I’ve explored how to get a PO box without an address.

The best solution I’ve found, far and away, is a virtual mailbox.

Short of not having any snail mail sent to a permanent address or commercial address to begin with—which is still a dream of mine, but one the world has yet to accommodate—it’s the best thing out there when it comes to staying up to date with all of your important correspondence.

There are a few virtual mailbox services out there that can handle general delivery requirements like receive mails and package receiving services. But, not all virtual address providers are created equal. So, I do have a favorite, and I’ll let you know who it is in a second.

First, I want to explain the concept of a virtual mailbox just so we’re all on the same page.

(Page! Get it!?…OK, moving on…)

How Virtual Mailboxes Work

This modern “postal service” is pretty simple, really, like most ingenious things are.

You get a mailbox and a real street address provided by your virtual mailbox service, which you can claim as your business address or office address if you’re a business owner and want to appear more professional. When sending out your “street address,” you might want to add business hours to your postal address information for receiving packages to amp up your professional image.

This is a real, honest-to-goodness street address where you can get your parcel delivered. The USPS acknowledges this mailing address and will actually deliver packages to the “home address” you provided along with all of your mail.

It’s just like how you receive mail via a post office box with a physical address or a private mailbox with a mailing address that you typically rent from the USPS or any number of PO box address providers.

The key difference is that the top virtual mailbox providers give you a completely unique street address, which looks more professional and inspires a great deal more trust than a package acceptance service provider or post office boxes.

Another difference with a virtual mailbox service is what happens after the mail is delivered, though. Instead of simply holding your mail until you either come pick it up or have it forwarded to a new location, a virtual mailbox service opens and digitally scans your mail (ensuring complete privacy, of course), then uploads the digital images to an email inbox so you can read your mail from anywhere in the world.

You can also have your postal mail forwarded to a mailing address or a home address, of course, and packages delivered can be sent along wherever you happen to be, too. I find that the more we become digital, the less I need to physically forward my mail. But this is a handy option.

A quick bulleted recap for the article skimmers:

1. A virtual mailbox company contracts with a physical location to aggregate postal mail in one location, in multiple cities.
2. The postal mail is received and the front cover of the mail is scanned.
3. You then receive an email letting you know that the mail has arrived.

Some Types of Postal Mail You Might Receive (and don’t want to miss):

• Client Checks
• Bank Statements (go digital if you can)
• Mortgage Statements
• Student Loan Documents
• Legal Documents

Virtual Mailbox Signup Process

When you sign up for a virtual mailbox service, here is the signup process in action step by step:

1. Select an address in one of the designated pick up cities, location, or even just a nearby state. For example, I have a mailbox in New York. I live there part-time, but I don’t have to in order to have a local address. It can also help make your business look more official by having a local mailbox (versus PO Box) especially in a world renowned city even when you’re in a completely different location.
2.  Select a plan that suits your needs and budget
3. Give out your new address to clients and agencies
4. Receive an email when new mail is received
5. Decide if you want to open it (have it scanned), download, delete, recycle, or forward to a physical address.

Important: Make sure to include your MAILBOX number or the mail will not be delivered.

Virtual Mailbox Services: EarthClassMail vs. Traveling Mailbox

I have personally tried two of the leading virtual mailbox services:

1. EarthClassMail
2. TravelingMailbox

EarthClassMail 

A catchy name and a service I used for years, EarthClassMail, offers

• A physical address for your business
• Mail scanning
• Secure mail shredding and handling
• Free physical mail storage for 30 days
• Check deposits

Prices start at $19/month for personal and $139/month for business accounts.

See a list of virtual addresses for EarthClassMail.

TravelingMailbox

TravelingMailbox offers three plans that you can pay for annually or monthly.

The lowest tier includes 40 envelope scans and 35-page scans per month, which I’ve found is usually plenty for me. The mail comes in, I get a PDF of each envelope emailed to me, and I decide what I want to happen with each envelope.

Nothing gets opened and scanned unless you select that option, so you don’t end up burning through your monthly scans on junk mail. There’s no additional cost for shredding the mail you don’t want, and forwarding mail and packages only costs $2 (plus postage fees—but by bundling your mail, Traveling Mailbox helps you save there, too).

If you end up receiving more envelopes and/or needing more pages scanned than your plan covers, overage charges are only $0.25 per envelope and $0.50 per scan, and if you’re paying monthly you can switch to a higher plan if you’re expecting a higher-than-usual volume of mail in a given month.

Tip: Save the PDFs of your important mail in Dropbox, Google Drive, and/or on your computer and delete them from your Traveling Mailbox account to avoid going over your storage limit and getting hit with additional charges.

Depositing Client Checks from your Virtual Mailbox – a Quick Hack

Remarkably, I still have clients who prefer paying by check. Traveling Mailbox offers a check depositing service, where they mail your checks straight to your bank to be deposited, but they do (understandably) charge a handling fee and postage.

To get around that, I have the back and front of my incoming checks scanned then use the PDFs to deposit checks through my bank’s mobile app.

The bank keeps a copy of the check handy in case there are any issues, and I get paid without any extra fuss.

• Client sends me a check
• I request a scan and open the mail
• I use my mobile phone banking app to screen capture and deposit the check directly into my bank account
• I save pdf of the check to my dropbox
• Lastly, I delete the scan to save space and costs
• Done!

Which Virtual Mail Service Should You Choose?

I’ve used both and I prefer TravelingMailbox for three reasons: it’s cheaper for most freelancers and solo travelers, it got my scanned mail to me faster, and the customer service was fantastic (surprising given that they’re the budget option, but hey—some things that seem too good really can be true!). It may not look as sexy as EarthClassMail but it does the job!

Want to Avoid Paper Altogether?

Tip: Use programs like Photoshop and Automator on Mac to turn PDFs into editable images. Use your smartphone camera to make signatures and documents digital, make edits in Photoshop, and combine docs in Automator or Photoshop.

Slowly you can make your life free from snail mail and completely digital, but it starts with postal mail being virtually managed.

Unfettered Travel with TravelingMailbox

Physical mail used to be a barrier to flitting about the world while running a freelance business or entrepreneurial venture, but not any more. Traveling Mailbox is one of my favorite services as a remote working entrepreneur, and saves me tons of time, money, and stress. With my virtual mailbox in place—and virtual phone and fax services set up—I stay accessible across all channels without sacrificing my love of travel.

It sure is a sweet time to be alive and virtual!

Speaking of the digital nomad lifestyle, check out Best Mobile Hotspot Devices [2022] for a guide to making sure you have wifi anywhere.

Is there another service you use or recommend? Or another hack you have to share? Let us know in the comments below!

WiFi is the lifeblood of any digital nomad, but it’s often the most challenging to access. After all, how will you stay connected with your clients and deadlines if you don’t have a reliable internet connection? That said, though, finding good signal can be challenging even in more developed areas like cafes or hotels. Meanwhile, that becomes downright virtually impossible when you travel to remote villages. This is where mobile hotspot devices come in.

Best Portable Wifi Hotspot Devices for Traveling and Working Remote [2022]

For digital nomads and remote workers, stable internet access is a must. Whether you’re working on a laptop at a cozy coffee shop or trying to get some tasks done on your mobile phone during your commute, being able to connect to the world wide web is a gamechanger when it comes to productivity.

Mobile hotspot devices provide a great option to ensure a reliable internet connection. These devices create a small wireless network that you can connect to with your devices.

As a digital nomad, you may benefit from mifi device features such as a battery-saving mode and the ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously. You can gain a more in-depth understanding of global wifi and mobile hotspots in our Ultimate Internet Guide for Digital Nomads.

Mobile hotspot devices can connect more than your laptops to the internet. These can also work just fine with your tablet, camera, and pretty much any gadget that’s wi-fi enabled. These can support multiple connections better compared to your phone’s mobile wifi hotspot mode as well as ensure that you don’t drain your phone battery.

In certain countries where cellular coverage might pose a problem and you might be worried about getting a secure connection, you can hook up these portable wifi hotspot devices to antennas to achieve better internet connection.

When looking for a mobile hotspot for digital nomads, keep the following factors in mind:

Battery life

A vital consideration when it comes to choosing a mobile hotspot device for international travel is battery life, which can range from lasting a full day on a single charge to a measly few hours. Some devices provide extra portable batteries, while others allow you to even use the mobile hotspot as a powerbank.

Determine your expectations about your wifi connection. If you plan to use the internet all day long and need to be constantly connected to search for restaurants or museums, you might need a mobile hotspot device with a longer battery life. Meanwhile, if you don’t really need wifi connection for the entire day or only need WiFi for a handful of hours, then splurging for an extra battery might not be worth it.

Budget and data allowance

The price of the device isn’t the only consideration when it comes to portable WiFi for travel. Depending on your provider and chosen mobile hotspot plan — whether you’re opting for international roaming plans or buying a local sim card when you visit other countries — you will probably have a limited use rate monthly or even daily. On top of your general mobile plan, this will also determine how much data you can use. This would also most likely affect your data speed.

If you’re under a tight budget, you should figure out how to compromise with regard your plan’s speed or data cap. Generally, though, the longer you avail of the hotspot plan, the lower the costs.

Size and weight

Mobile hotspot devices need to be exactly that: mobile. Your device needs to be portable and easy to pack. While opting for the more compact devices is the norm these days, the decision is dependent on your needs and how you envision your days.

If you’re mostly on the move, particularly on foot or use public transport, then choosing a smaller mobile hotspot device for international travel would be better for your needs. On the other hand, if you’re one of the remote professionals who plan to use the wifi device for business or corporate trips and have remote jobs requiring you to spend most hours in a single location, then a bigger hotspot device that offers longer battery life or a portable battery would benefit you more.

Check out our list and find the best mobile hotspot that suits your needs.

Best overall mobile hotspot: Skyroam Solis X

Skyroam Solis X is a new addition to the Skyroam family of mobile hotspot devices. This Skyroam device is different from its predecessors. This sleek little gadget, which basically looks like an orange puck, offers lightning-fast wifi speeds, allowing you to stay connected anytime, anywhere. Plus, the Skyroam Solis X comes equipped with a built-in power bank to keep your devices charged while you’re on the go. Simply plug your gadget in the allotted USB port, and you’re good to go.

The Skyroam Solis X wifi Smartspot sold out within the first day of its release. In fact, there were overwhelming positive Skyroam Solis X wifi Smartspot reviews from those who were able to get their hands on one. Now that the Skyroam Solis X wifi Smartspot is back in stock, I decided to take a closer look at this Skyroam device and see if it lives up to the hype.

The power button can be found at the top part of the device. A white stripe serves as the indicator for your remaining battery life, while three blinking indicator lights will tell you whether you have a good data connection.

One side of the Solis X is equipped with an 8MP camera, while the other side holds the USB-C port that you use to charge the mobile hotspot and connect your gadgets when you need a powerbank. While this is a great feature, one concern is that the powerbank can be very slow in charging your gadgets.

At the bottom, you can find a QR code. Scanning this will lead you to the Solis app, which you can connect to your smartphone. If that’s not enough, the Skyroam Solis X’s LED display can also be used as a flashlight or an emergency beacon.

Skyroam offers multiple plans depending on your needs, ranging from a single day pass to month-long contracts with unlimited data. Check out the pricing plans here.

The expected battery life for the Skyroam Solis X is 18 hours, but it only lasted roughly 10 hours when I used it. Considering that I tested it by connecting my two smartphones and laptop while also using it as a powerbank, this is pretty impressive.

With that in mind, one thing I found challenging with the Skyroam Solis X is the design of its charging port. The USB-C charging port for this device has a tiny ridge that makes it incompatible with many types of USB-C cables. Skyroam solves this issue, though, by including a USB-A adapter in the package.

After testing the Skyroam Solis X wifi Smartspot, I can say that it is an impressive device that offers excellent value for its price. Although it doesn’t come with a rental option, this device works in more than 130 countries covered. So, the Skyroam Solis X can be considered a worthy investment for digital nomads.

Best no-frills mobile hotspot: Skyroam Solis Lite

For those who don’t need the bells and whistles offered by Skyroam Solis X, there’s Solis Lite. Like the Solis X, this portable wifi device can also support up to 10 devices. It’s also small enough to easily fit in your pocket and weighs roughly the same as a regular smartphone. Considering that this gadget offers a rental option starting at $9 per day, this is a great alternative for those who want a no-frills Skyroam device.

It has the same look as the Skyroam Solis X, including the convenient QR code at the bottom for the mobile app and the problematic USB-C charging port that makes it challenging to use third-party cables. It also works as a powerbank, but likes the Solis X, it charges devices quite slowly at 5V/1A.

What differentiates the Solis X from the Solis Lite is the absence of the remote-enabled camera, speaker, and microphone, which are used for the built-in smart assistant. That means the Solis Lite is simply your basic international hotspot device with no special features and focuses solely on providing internet access. Truth be told, I didn’t really miss the smart features of the Solis X and actually prefer this option for my digital nomad needs.

Best 5G mobile hotspot: NETGEAR Nighthawk M5

NETGEAR’s Nighthawk M5 5G Mobile Hotspot Pro is one of the latest mobile hotspot devices to hit the market. NETGEAR is known for its high-quality router products, so I was curious to see how its portable wifi device would perform. The Nighthawk M5 5G Mobile Hotspot Pro did not disappoint. The device is easy to set up and use, and it offers fast reliable connectivity. I was also impressed by the Nighthawk’s battery life; I was able to use it for several hours before needing to recharge.

Theoretically, 5G can go as fast as 10 to 50 Gbps, but that’s a long way off. 5G mobile broadband should be 11 times faster than 4G if the signal is strong enough. However, there’s a catch: the Nighthawk M5 will only run at 5G speeds if you have a strong 5G signal. If you are in an outlying area, you may only get 3G or 4G speeds.

In real-world testing, I was able to consistently get speeds in excess of 100Mbps on both bands. The Nighthawk M5 also supports up to 32 concurrent connections, so you shouldn’t have any trouble connecting all your devices. It’s ideal for teams or small groups.

One of the best features of the Nighthawk M5 is its battery life. NETGEAR claims that the Nighthawk M5 can last up to 13 hours on a single charge. In practice, I discovered that this varies greatly; Wifi-6 and 5G / LTE are simply power hogs. Nonetheless, a realistic time frame of 6 to 9 hours is still good value.

However, what makes the Nighthawk M5 stand out is the fact that it’s the first C-Band hotspot in the US. Let me offer a bit of context to explain why this is a great feature. While the services of the 5G networks aren’t exactly noticeably faster than 4G networks these days, this situation will change in the coming years. When this happens, you will need a C-Band gadget to be able to take advantage of the additional capacity.

Actually, the iPhone 12 and up phones, the Samsung Galaxy series starting from the S21, and Google Pixel 5 and above are already using C-Band. Before the Nighthawk M5, no mobile hotspot has ever supported this technology.

All these features come at a steep price of $699.99. This is generally more expensive than most mobile hotspot devices and plans.

Before you get one, make sure to check the model you’re buying. The US version doesn’t seem to support 5G outside North America, which means it’ll only work as a 4G hotspot abroad. According to Netgear, this hotspot device is most compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile. If you get the international version, you’ll be able to take advantage of a different group of 5G bands in most countries.

Best plug-and-play mobile hotspot: GlocalMe Mini Turbo Wi-Fi Hotspot

You can say goodbye to expensive international roaming charges and spotty public Wi-Fi with the GlocalMe Mini Turbo Wi-Fi Hotspot. This handy little device offers fast connection and dependable LTE coverage in over 140 countries, making it an indispensable travel companion for the modern digital nomad.

I had never used a touchscreen portable wifi before the GlocalMe G4 Pro Smart 4G Mobile Global Wi-Fi Hotspot. The previous mobile hotspots I used made the apps linked to the devices indispensable, which means I needed them whenever I had to check my remaining data or battery life. This made this particular mobile hotspot different. All those information are readily displayed on the 5-inch touchscreen of the GlocalMe G4 PRO as well as in its user friendly app.

The touchscreen makes it easy and convenient to add data. Plus, it already has Google Maps, voice recognition translator, and TripAdvisor installed. Its straightforward interface and limited but essential options almost feel like a user-friendly apps on my smartphone, so there is an innate comfort in using it to set things up.

The GlocalMe Mini Turbo is also extremely simple to use; just insert a SIM card and connect up to 10 devices to the hotspot. With a battery life of up to 10 hours, you can be confident that you’ll always have a reliable connection, even on long trips.

Best unlocked mobile hotspot: Huawei E5576-320 Portable 4G

The Huawei E5576-320 Portable 4G is one of the low-cost options for mobile hotspot devices on the market. I was curious to see how this device would perform and how it would compare to the more expensive options, so I decided to put it to the test. I have to say, I was impressed with the Huawei E5576-320 Portable 4G.

With 150Mbps download speeds and 50Mbps uploads, this is a great mobile hotspot option that’s tiny, lightweight, and easy to transport. You can also connect up to 10 devices to this 4G mobile router, which has a standby time of 350 hours and a working time of 6 hours, thanks to its 1500mAh battery.

The Huawei E5576 was easy to set up and use, and it provided a reliable connection even in areas with poor cell coverage. Unfortunately, this device only works in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. For countries outside this list like the US, Canada, and Mexico, you’ll need to get a separate Huawei hotspot device.

Overall, the Huawei E5576-320 Portable 4G is relatively affordable, making it a great option for budget-conscious digital nomads. Like the Skyroam Solis Lite, the Huawei E5576-320 Portable 4G is simply a no-frills low-cost mobile router. Basically, this mobile hotspot device focuses solely on connecting your gadgets to the internet, no matter where you are.

Best mobile hotspot for remote areas: Verizon Jetpack MiFi 8800L Wi-Fi Hotspot

Verizon’s Jetpack MiFi 8800L is one of the best mobile hotspot devices on the market. Like the previous models, this one also comes in matte black and gray and is a plastic oval that’s about the size of a deck of cards with a touchscreen front. It has two external antenna ports plus a USB-C port.

It can connect up to 15 devices at once and has a built-in battery that lasts up to 15 hours. On top of these, the Jetpack MiFi 8800L also works great for digital nomads who want to explore extremely rural areas. This is because unlike other units that can only see 3G in these remote places, Verizon’s wifi hotspot can actually still offer 4G LTE.

If you’re worried about data overage charges, don’t be – Verizon offers unlimited data plans for Jetpack MiFi 8800L devices. So whether you’re working on the go or just want to stay connected while traveling, Verizon Jetpack MiFi 8800L is the perfect solution.

Best low-cost prepaid mobile hotspot: ZTE ZMax Connect MF928

As long as you have a compatible AT&T or T-Mobile prepaid service plan, you can use the ZTE ZMax Connect MF928 hotspot. Like most low-cost mobile hotspots, this device also comes in the form of a tiny black box that’s roughly the size of a playing card. Unlike the more expensive options like the Skyroam Solis X, it has no dedicated indicator for battery life or signal strength.

However, the ZTE ZMax Connect MF928 offers a special feature. It has a pair of TS9 antenna ports, which could be used to attach an external antenna to boost the signal. Its LTE covers AT&T and T-Mobile but doesn’t include Verizon and other foreign providers. Moreover, the hotspot’s internet speed tends to flounder when it reaches LTE performance. It becomes more problematic when additional you try to add more than two devices at a time, with the issue being more obvious when you’re having Zoom calls.

I appreciate the wifi management options, though. I like the accompanying mobile app, which sends me updates on data usage and allows me to tweak the hotspot’s settings.

The ZMax Connect MF928 supports up to 10 devices at a time and can last up to 10 hours, making it ideal for international travelers and digital nomads who need to work remotely while on the road. Overall, the ZTE ZMax Connect MF928 is a great option for those who need a reliable and affordable mobile hotspot device.

How to maximize your mobile hotspot plan

Mobile hotspot plans evolve all the time. If you add a hotspot data plan to an existing “unlimited” phone plan, Verizon gives you up to 50GB of high-speed data, 40GB from AT&T, and 40GB from T-Mobile. Once you consume that, the carriers tend to “deprioritize” your data or start to throttle it randomly.

So if you’re an AT&T or Verizon subscriber, the best way to make the most of your mobile hotspot data plan is to add your hotspot line as a separate line to your pre-existing phone plan. That offers you the most data for your budget.

Reality check

Admittedly, some of the devices listed here are pretty old. That’s because mobile hotspots have not exactly progressed as quickly as other technologies. While I’m not thrilled over this lack of innovation, I’m still grateful that these mobile internet devices are available to make our lives easier. However, I’m hoping to see more wifi hotspots with the most advanced 5G technologies out in the market soon and making our digital nomad life easier and more convenient!

Conclusion

Talking about portable hotspot devices brings back memories, particularly one that started out cold and daunting. I was driving around the Ring Road in Iceland when the roads got narrower and icier. Everything was foggy, and I had no idea where I was since I couldn’t see anything. I couldn’t tell where I was going. Eventually, I realized that I had been driving in circles for hours on end, and it felt like there was no way out.

Thank goodness I had my mobile hotspot device with me, which turned out to be a lifesaver. I used it to help me navigate the Ring Road. The fact that I had something with me that allowed me to still be able to communicate with my family and friends as well as help me navigate the unknown place offered me an invaluable sense of comfort and relief.

Truth be told, I would have felt a lot less safe traversing that road in Iceland without my mobile hotspot device. It just felt better because I knew I could rely on something in case of emergencies–or in this case, led me to a spectacular town with hot springs that soothe my frayed nerves and sore muscles.

These days, it’s hard to imagine life without the internet. Whether I’m working from a cafe in Barcelona or a hotel in Bali, I need to be able to stay connected. Plus, mobile hotspot devices have been a lifesaver. On more than one occasion, I’ve been out and about without any wifi, only to find that my mobile hotspot device has come to the rescue.

I’ve also used mobile hotspot devices to stay connected when travelling through remote areas where there is no cell service. So if you’re looking for a way to stay connected while on the go–whether you’re trying to check directions, find a nearby restaurant, or just stay connected with friends and family–I highly recommend investing in a mobile hotspot device. You’ll never know when you’ll need it!

Running a business as an international globetrotter has never been easier, there’s no question. Getting from A to B is more convenient and more affordable than any other point in human history, and the Web means we can communicate with ease no matter where in the world we end up.

While the Internet has made overseas communication a lot easier than it used to be, there are still some gaps when it comes to convenient chatting.  There’s the struggle to find decent WiFi in many parts of the world, the need for the right kind of power cord or adapters, and a few other hiccups you can run into when trying to get connected away from home. And the biggest pain in the neck by far is using the same smartphone both at home and abroad.

Use a SIM Card with Your Smartphone Overseas

The first major problem is that not all phones work with all cell networks. If you’ve ever bought a phone from someone other than your service provider—Amazon, eBay, a guy in a parking lot, whatever—you may have already run into this difficulty. Even if you’re staying in the US, you have to make sure your phone has the right hardware to work with your network of choice, and it’s not always as simple as it should be.

Second, assuming you’ve found a phone that works with all the networks you’ll be traveling through, there are roaming costs that can quickly send your bill through the roof. In case you’re unfamiliar with the term, “roaming” simply means you’re using a cellular network that you don’t normally pay for. If you pay T-Mobile each month but end up making calls that go through a Verizon-only cell tower, T-Mobile has to pay Verizon for the use, and T-Mobile will pass those fairly significant charges on to you.

If you have a strictly US-based plan, you’ll be roaming anywhere else in the world you go. Even if you’re using your smartphone while connected to WiFi, you might not be safe—texting and phone calls might still end up on your cellular service plan, and they won’t be cheap.

There are a couple solutions to these international cell phone problems. Here are my two favorites—if you’ve found something you think we should know about, let me know in the comments!

T-Mobile Simple Choice Plan

AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint we could say have had a more US-centric approach to cell phone service. T-Mobile has long been owned by Deutsche Telekom, a German company that operates cellular networks and provides customers service in countries all over the globe. It makes sense, then, that T-Mobile is the most international-friendly of the major US service providers—if you’re on one of their Simple Choice plans, you already get unlimited data and texts in more than 140 countries (as long as you’re using one of T-Mobile’s networks—it’s still possible to get caught roaming, so be careful).

I was in Doha, Qatar recently and my T-Mobile plan allowed me to text friends, post to Instagram and Facebook, and do most of what I typically do with my phone without spending an extra dime. After years of unreliability when it comes to staying in touch while abroad, it was nice to be able to rely on!

The clear downside is that calls made over the cell network aren’t unlimited. In fact, they aren’t included in the plan at all and cost $0.20 per minute. You might be able to get around using a VoIP app like Google Voice or Skype, but these services tend to charge for international calls, too. And if you forget to use the app to make a call or pick up an incoming call without thinking, you’ll be hit with a surprisingly large bill.

T-Mobile ONE

Starting September 6th, T-Mobile introduced its T-Mobile ONE plan. At a glance, it seems pretty similar to the Simple Choice plans in terms of international benefits—unlimited text and data in most countries, but without calls included. You can also add a plan for your tablet and/or any wearables nice and cheap, though, so this might be worth looking into if you’re not already with T-Mobile.

AT&T Passport and Sprint Global

AT&T also has a Passport plan that offers unlimited texting and reduced prices for calling and data usage. There’s also an additional monthly fee, however, and all in all it’s pricier than T-Mobile. If you’re already with AT&T and only planning on traveling for a short while this might be your best bet, but if you’re willing to shop around I think you can do better.

A friend using Sprint also just informed me that they have a very similar plan to T-Mobile.  It just launched a few months ago.  So, T-Mobile now has some competition.  But the fact that all the major carriers are recognizing international calling and communication via your smartphone and allowing you to use a SIM card with your smartphone overseas (in fact, the same card) while traveling is a giant leap forward in international communication.

Unlocking Your Smartphone and Getting an International SIM Card

T-Mobile’s plan is plenty for many, but there’s another way to achieve true smartphone freedom that any might find more appealing: an international SIM card for unfettered travel and spontaneity.

We won’t get too technical, but basically your phone’s SIM card allows it to”talk” to a cell network. If the network doesn’t recognize the SIM card, it won’t let you connect, or it will notify the network to charge those pricey roaming fees. You can get local SIM cards for each place you’re traveling, but you’ll need to get a local service plan, and international calls will still be expensive. An international SIM card that is designed to work with cell networks around the globe means you can use one phone to connect virtually anywhere.

Unlocking Your Smartphone

The SIM card is only one barrier when it comes to using your US-bought smartphone on international networks. You also need to make sure your phone has the right hardware to connect to a particular international network, which is pretty easy to do once you’ve selected an international SIM provider. Service providers also install software on their phones that can prevent you from using other carriers, so you’ll probably need to “unlock” your phone—mess with the software so your phone can work anywhere.

Unlocking your phone is perfectly legal and, when done correctly, perfectly safe. Digital Trends put together this awesome and updated unlocking guide that covers every major US carrier. You might have to bug your service provider a bit—they know that unlocking means you’ll be using someone else’s services—but they’ll get it done if you keep at them.  T-Mobile may take up to 6 weeks to unlock whereas Sprint will unlock instantly with a phone call – but, they will only lock for overseas and disable unlocking on US soil.  Once unlocked, you simply swap out your SIM card for the international SIM card you’ve purchased, and you should be good to go!

Getting an International SIM Card

Not all international SIM card providers are equal, of course. They all have their own coverage areas/countries and their own prices, and you should definitely research your selected provider based on where you want to travel. My personal favorite, and so far the one that has beat the competition hands-down for the places I’ve traveled, is OneSimCard.

OneSimCard sells you its international SIM cards for a flat rate of $29.95. There’s no monthly charge or connection fee, and your SIM card will work for calls and texts in more than 200 countries! You get both a US and an EU number for your phone, and incoming calls to the EU number are completely free, as are incoming text messages. Outgoing calls cost $0.25/min.—not bad when you consider you aren’t paying ANY monthly service fee—and you can also purchase them in bundles at a discount. Calls are even cheaper using OneSimCard’s VoIP app, which comes free with the SIM card.

Your international SIM card from OneSimCard will also give you access to mobile data networks in up to 180+ countries, depending on which SIM card you select (they have three available), with data rates as low as $0.02/MB. And of course, you’ll still be able to use data via any WiFi spots you find in your travels absolutely free.

For convenience and ease when you’re traveling to multiple countries, it really doesn’t get any easier than OneSimCard. When you’re back in the States you can swap out your cards again, and if you tuck your international SIM card somewhere safe—in a baggie with your passport, perhaps—it’ll be there for you the next time you’re ready for an international adventure!

Get Unlocked and Go International Today!

The barriers to international travel are falling every day. Whether you’re a business of one, have a small office you need to keep in touch with, or are a key figure in a multi-billion dollar enterprise, there are plenty of ways for you to stay connected as you travel. The Internet makes document sharing, social media, and a whole lot more readily accessible from your smartphone, and now you know a few tricks when it comes to texts and calls, too.

So what are you waiting for? You’re running out of excuses—stop reading, go get your international SIM card or switch up your phone plan (hint: try T-Mobile), and start booking those tickets today. The world is waiting!

The Digital Nomad’s Guide to the Top Airports in the World

One of the great things about being a digital nomad and living and working anywhere is that you get to travel. Of course, this

means spending time in various airports as you go from one glorious destination to the next. So, which ones are best when it

comes to keeping in touch with your business, family, and friends?

Here are some favorites for digital nomads from around the world, as well as what to expect when you are in them:

Budapest Airport – Budapest, Hungary

Budapest Airport offers free Wi-Fi for the first two hours you are there. And if you need to print something, you can do so by using

their passenger lounges. They even supply meeting rooms if  you happen to be there at the same time as someone else on your

team and want to find a quiet place to chat about work.

O’Hare International Airport – Chicago, Illinois

Find yourself at O’Hare in Chicago and you will enjoy the first 20 minutes of Wi-Fi free, with the option to pay $6.95 for an

additional 24 hours of service through Boingo, which means that you can access Internet through any of their locations during

that time period. If you need to power up any of your devices, there are numerous charging stations located throughout terminals

1, 2, 3, and 5. Plus, download the FlySmart app and you can find all of their amenities and services rather easily.

Heathrow Airport – London, England

Heathrow offers four hours of Wi-Fi free, even offering an additional four hours at no extra charge if you join their Heathrow

Rewards loyalty program. They also have pay-as-you-go computer desks scattered throughout the airport, if that helps. If you

want to print anything, you’ll have to do so before going through security though as there aren’t any public printers available

after that point.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport – Austin, Texas

Austin-Bergstrom gives you 90 consecutive minutes of Wi-Fi free per day through Boingo. To purchase more time, the rate for

24 hours is $7.95, or you can get Boingo Unlimited for a couple bucks more, or $9.95 per month. You might even want to stop

at Knot Anymore Massage (by gate 13) while you are there and get out all of the kinks that travel can sometimes create.