Getting Connected Even While Traveling in Taiwan
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Getting Connected Even While Traveling

Getting access to the internet is considered a luxury to travelers. If you are an influencer or you are someone who works online, one of the first things that you will think about when traveling is how you can get an internet connection.

Getting Connected While Traveling
Getting Connected While Traveling

Luckily, there are different options to stay connected even when you’re abroad. No matter which country you are in, there is always a way to access the internet.

Roaming Services Of Your Mobile Provider

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One of the fastest ways to get an internet connection is through your mobile service provider. However, this may not be the cheapest and the most reliable service out there.

Check with your provider if there are roaming packages that they can offer. Some providers will charge you per day while there are others that offer per data allocation.

Smartphone Internet
Smartphone Internet

However, the problem with using your mobile provider is that you cannot share the connection with other devices when you’re abroad. The speed maybe not as fast as it depends on your provider. You also have limited time to browse videos and make calls as your bill might increase with prolonged usage.

Advantages:

  • You can activate the services even if you’re still in the Philippines.
  • Pay only when you use the services.
  • You can still receive messages sent from the Philippines

Disadvantages:

  • Rates can be very expensive.
  • The internet speed may not be as fast as what you can get from a local service provider.
  • You have limited time to browse and make calls.

Buying A SIM Card From Your Destination Country

Depending on your destination country, you can buy a SIM card from a local service provider. You can use this SIM card on your smartphone, just make sure that your device is unlocked and can carry other SIM cards.

Foreign Sim Cards
Foreign Sim Cards

The advantage of using a SIM card from a local service provider is that you can get the maximum speed available in that country. You can also tether or connect other devices to your smartphone.

Be aware that in some countries, it can be difficult to purchase a SIM card. Some providers may require you to show your passport as a proof of your identity. Since you will be using your own smartphone to use the SIM, you would need to constantly charge your phone, especially if you will be using your phone all day. Plus, if you are traveling to another country again, you need to purchase another SIM card.

Advantages:

  • You can get the fastest local speeds available.
  • There are providers offering unlimited connection packages at a fraction of the price.
  • You can tether or connect other devices to your smartphone.

Disadvantages:

  • Activation can be tricky.
  • You need to find the best provider that can offer the service that you need.
  • Requires an unlocked handset to work.
  • You need to purchase another SIM card if you are traveling to another country or jumping cross border.

Renting A WIFI Router

Renting a WIFI router or mobile hotspot allows you to stay connected 24/7. It lets you connect to a local service provider and connect up to 5 devices at the same time.

Huawei Pocket Wifi
Huawei Pocket Wifi

The prices may vary depending on where you are going and how much data allocation you need. However, a lot of providers are offering unlimited data per day. Plus, since you are connected to the country’s online network, the connection is fast and consistent.

Advantages:

  • You can get the fastest local speeds available.
  • There are providers offering unlimited connection packages at a fraction of the price.
  • You can connect up to five devices and use the connection at the same time without slowing down.
  • Can be used as a secondary power bank.
  • Some services are offering multi-country connection, especially if you are doing cross border.

Disadvantages:

  • Some services require you to make an initial downpayment or collateral.
  • You need to purchase the WIFI device in advance to get the cheapest rates possible.

Using A WiFi Device When Traveling In Taiwan

The trick when renting a WIFI router is to get from a third-party provider.

Luckily, there are a lot of service providers offering you to rent WIFI devices for cheap. When I went to Taiwan, I used the services of KKday for five days. Internet connection is important as I’m working online.

The process is fast and easy. Upon paying for the rent online via the KKday app, I received the voucher in just five minutes. You can either print this out or save it in your smartphone (go green!) to claim the WIFI router.

Getting Connected Even While Traveling in Taiwan
Getting Connected Even While Traveling in Taiwan

You can claim the device at the Arrival Section at the Taoyuan International Airport. You can easily spot the booth as it’s just right after the series of banks for Money Exchange.

The internet connection is smooth and consistent. There are no “lagging” moments even if we’re up in the mountains. The battery also lasted for a good eight to ten hours.

There are plenty of options for you to choose from and it all depends on your budget and how much you need to use the connection. But before you avail of any services, make sure to do your research first.

Searching for the best hotels and affordable flights? Check out our complete list of affordable hotels and resorts via Agoda or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Want more stories like this? Please follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, and Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.

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Written by Team Out of Town

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