21 Reasons You Need Internet On The Go When You Travel
“Internet on the go” means staying connected anywhere in the world, independent of local WiFi networks or your home carrier’s roaming charges. It’s usually delivered through a portable WiFi hotspot (also called a MiFi device or mobile hotspot) fitted with a local or international data SIM, letting you get multiple devices online without hunting for public WiFi or risking a surprise roaming bill.
1. Save Money on Roaming Charges
Say goodbye to data roaming charges for good — once a local or international data SIM is inside your device, standard carrier roaming fees no longer apply.
Low-cost portable WiFi fits in your pocket, wherever you go.
Unlocked portable WiFi routers accept any SIM card, so you can always shop around for the best local data rate.
Get online even when there’s no free WiFi on holiday or a business trip, without paying extortionate roaming rates.
Switching to a local data SIM instead of your home carrier’s roaming plan can cut costs dramatically — see the checklist below to confirm exact savings before publishing.
Stop worrying about an unexpectedly high roaming bill landing after your trip.
Devices start from around £20/$30, making portable WiFi one of the more affordable travel tech investments you’ll make.
2. Get Fast, Reliable Speeds Wherever You Travel
Get online anywhere in the world, not just wherever you can find a signal for free WiFi.
Benefit from 4G+ download speeds of up to 300Mbps, depending on local network coverage.
Skip the painfully slow speeds that many free WiFi hotspots force you to put up with.
Access the internet on phones, games consoles, tablets, laptops, and any other WiFi-enabled device — with up to 15 devices connected at once.
3. Perfect for Family and Business Travel
Control roaming costs for your whole family or business team with one pay-as-you-go data SIM inside the device.
Keep the kids entertained with internet access in the car on long journeys.
Cover your partner, family, or business associates with one portable WiFi device and a single data SIM, instead of buying a separate SIM for every tablet in every country you visit.
Stay productive with internet access whenever you’re waiting around — at the airport, in a taxi, or between meetings.
4. Extra Features That Make Travel Easier
Choose a portable WiFi router with a built-in power bank, so you can charge your devices while you’re out and about.
Slip it in your pocket and carry it with you easily wherever you travel.
Insert a microSD card and access your files wirelessly from any connected device.
5. Stay Connected for Everyday Moments Abroad
Search the internet to find a nearby restaurant or check your navigation if you get lost, without hunting for a WiFi hotspot or paying roaming charges.
Upload your holiday photos to social media as they happen, without it costing a fortune.
These travel gadgets are simple to use and worth having as a backup solution, giving you peace of mind that you can get online whenever you need to. Check out this portable WiFi buying guide to work out which features you do and don’t need — it could save you a good amount of money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “internet on the go” mean when traveling?
It means staying connected anywhere in the world without relying on local WiFi or your home network’s roaming plan, usually through a portable WiFi hotspot paired with a local or international data SIM.
Do I still need a portable WiFi device if I already have an eSIM?
An eSIM covers data on your own phone, but a portable WiFi hotspot lets you share one connection across multiple devices and multiple people's phones, laptops, tablets, even a games console which a single-phone eSIM can’t do.
How many devices can connect to a portable WiFi hotspot at once?
Most portable WiFi routers support up to 10–15 connected devices simultaneously, though the exact limit depends on the model.
Are portable WiFi routers unlocked, so I can use any SIM card?
Yes. Unlocked portable WiFi routers accept any compatible SIM card, so you can switch to the cheapest available local data plan in each country you visit.
How much can I save compared to standard roaming charges?
Savings depend on your destination, carrier, and data plan, but using a local or international data SIM instead of your home carrier’s roaming rate typically costs significantly less than pay-per-MB roaming fees.
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