How to Get High-Speed Internet While Traveling?

Staying connected while traveling doesn’t have to be complicated. From local SIMs and portable hotspots to advanced options like eSIMs, there are multiple ways to get high-speed internet while traveling. For travelers who value speed, coverage, and ease of use, an international eSIM like Jetpac offers the best balance, instant setup, 5G access, and affordable data in 200+ destinations. Wherever you go, the right connection keeps you closer to what matters.

When you’re on the move, a fast and reliable internet connection matters more than ever. Whether it’s checking your flight status, joining an online meeting, or using maps in a new city, having access to data is no longer optional. Knowing how to get high-speed internet while traveling helps you stay connected, productive, and secure wherever you go.

Several options make this possible, from local SIM cards and portable Wi-Fi devices to international eSIMs that activate instantly. Each works differently and fits different travel styles. This blog explains what they are, how they work, and which one makes the most sense for you.

Why High-Speed Internet Matters When You Travel

Reliable internet keeps every part of your trip running smoothly. It powers bookings, payments, navigation, and communication. Slow or unstable connections can cause missed updates, delayed plans, or unnecessary stress.

Here’s why travelers value high-speed access:

Navigation and maps: Real-time directions, traffic updates, and local transit info.

Commute and cab bookings: Quick access to ride apps like Uber or local taxi services.

Hotel and flight bookings: Smooth check-ins, confirmations, and last-minute changes.

Ordering food: Access to delivery platforms and digital payments without interruptions.

Communication: Calls, messages, and emails that reach instantly, without lag or dropouts.

Social and email updates: Staying connected with friends, family, and work while sharing moments securely.

Security: Safe online banking and access to boarding passes or ID documents when needed.

Remote work: Stable speeds for video calls, uploads, and file sharing.

Streaming and sharing: Reliable quality for entertainment and uploads without relying on public Wi-Fi.

For most travelers, strong connectivity is as essential as a passport; it keeps your plans, work, and safety within reach at all times.

What are the Internet Options for Travelers (and How They Actually Work)

Getting reliable data abroad isn’t about how many options exist; it’s about choosing the one that fits how you travel. Here’s a practical guide to the most effective ways to get high-speed internet while traveling without dealing with technical issues or inflated costs.

1. International eSIMs

An international eSIM is a digital SIM profile you install directly on your phone, no physical card required. You can activate it by scanning a QR code or using a provider’s app, and it connects automatically to local networks in the countries you visit.

• Best for: Frequent travelers, business trips, and multi-country itineraries.

Advantages:

Instant setup, no need to visit stores or swap SIM cards.

Connects to multiple local networks for a stronger signal and faster speed.

100% prepaid plans, helping avoid unexpected roaming charges.

Supports 4G and 5G, depending on network availability.

Considerations:

Your phone must support eSIM (most new iPhones, Google Pixel, and Samsung models do).

Some eSIMs are data-only, so use messaging apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime for calls.

Read More:

Not sure if your phone supports eSIM? Checking takes less than a minute. Learn how to find the “Add eSIM” option in your settings, verify compatibility by model, and get ready for instant connectivity on your next trip.

👉 Read our blog: How Do I Know If My Phone Supports eSIM? Easy Steps

Example: Jetpac eSIM offers travelers a seamless blend of reliability and simplicity, and is one of the best ways to get high-speed internet while traveling.

2. Local SIM Cards

Buying a SIM card from a local carrier gives you native network speeds at local prices. It’s ideal for long stays or travel in one country.

• Best for: Slow travelers, students, or extended stays.
• Advantages: High-speed local data, affordable pricing, reliable coverage.
• Considerations: You’ll need to visit a store, provide ID, and insert the SIM manually. Phones locked to certain carriers won’t accept foreign SIMs.

Read More:

Tired of paying extra for roaming? You don’t need to anymore. Discover how to get an eSIM online in minutes, stay connected across 200+ destinations, and cut your data costs by up to 70%.

👉 Read our blog: How to Get an eSIM Online and Save on Roaming

3. Pocket Wi-Fi (Portable Hotspot)

A pocket Wi-Fi device creates a personal hotspot using mobile data. It’s powered by a SIM or eSIM and lets you connect multiple devices like laptops, phones, and tablets simultaneously.

• Best for: Families, small groups, or travelers using multiple devices.
• Advantages: Secure, shareable connection with fast speeds.
• Considerations: Battery life averages 6–10 hours, and rental or purchase adds cost. You’ll need to keep it charged while traveling.

4. Travel Routers

A travel router connects to hotel Ethernet or public Wi-Fi and creates a private, encrypted connection for your devices. It doesn’t generate its own mobile data but helps you stay secure on shared networks.

• Best for: Business travelers and anyone handling sensitive information.
• Advantages: Protects your connection and improves Wi-Fi range.
• Considerations: Requires an existing Wi-Fi or wired network to work.

5. Mobile Hotspot from Your Phone

Most smartphones can share data as a hotspot. It’s quick and doesn’t require extra devices, though it drains battery life and uses your data plan faster.

• Best for: Solo travelers or short-term use.
• Advantages: Easy to set up, no additional equipment.
• Considerations: Consumes data quickly and limits speed if multiple devices connect.

6. USB Dongles (Data Sticks)

A USB dongle plugs into your laptop and provides mobile internet using a SIM card. It offers a dedicated connection and is especially useful for remote work.

• Best for: Laptop users who need stable connections.
• Advantages: Direct, fast connection without Wi-Fi.
• Considerations: Works only on one device at a time and requires driver installation.

7. In-Car Wi-Fi or Built-in Vehicle Hotspots

Some rental cars and RVs include built-in Wi-Fi powered by SIM or eSIM connectivity. It provides consistent data access on the road for passengers.

• Best for: Long road trips or families driving across regions.
• Advantages: Strong connectivity while driving, supports multiple users.
• Considerations: Coverage depends on the mobile network in each area; limited range outside the vehicle.

8. Public Wi-Fi (Airports, Cafés, Hotels)

Public Wi-Fi is widely available but varies in speed and safety. Always use a VPN on open networks to protect your data, and avoid online banking or confidential logins.

• Best for: Light browsing, checking messages, or short updates.
• Advantages: Free, easy to access.
• Considerations: Unsecured, unstable, and easily congested.

9. Satellite Internet

For destinations beyond cell coverage,  like deserts, mountains, or open seas, satellite internet is the only dependable option. Devices like Starlink Roam provide connectivity almost anywhere, but the cost and setup are significant.

• Best for: Explorers, remote workers, and off-grid travel.
• Advantages: Works globally, even with no cell towers.
• Considerations: Expensive hardware, slower uploads, and limited portability.

Each option has its advantages, but for most travelers looking for fast, secure, and convenient internet while traveling, an international eSIM remains the most practical and modern solution.

How to Get High-Speed Internet While Traveling

Getting high-speed internet abroad depends on a few simple but important factors: your connection type, network coverage, and how your device handles data. Here’s what matters most and how to get the best results wherever you go.

1. Choose the Right Network Option

Use mobile data through an international eSIM or local SIM rather than public Wi-Fi. Mobile data networks (4G or 5G) generally provide faster, more stable speeds and lower latency compared to shared hotel or café networks.

2. Check for 4G or 5G Availability

Before you travel, confirm that your destination supports 4G LTE or 5G. Major cities in most countries have 5G access, but remote areas may still rely on slower 3G networks. If your device and plan support 5G, it will automatically switch when available.

3. Keep Your Device Settings Optimized

Turn off background app refresh or automatic updates; they consume bandwidth.

Use “Data Saver” or “Low Data Mode” when needed.

Ensure your network mode is set to “Auto 4G/5G” to allow seamless switching.

4. Avoid Overloaded Networks

In busy areas like airports or stadiums, shared connections slow down. Switch to mobile data instead of relying on public Wi-Fi, or use a multi-network eSIM that connects automatically to less congested carriers.

5. Use Hotspot Devices or Routers for Consistent Speed

If you’re traveling with a laptop or multiple devices, a portable hotspot or travel router gives more stable performance. These devices reduce signal interference and keep speeds consistent, especially for streaming or remote work.

6. Secure Your Connection

For any online activity involving personal or financial data, use a VPN to protect your connection on open networks. It won’t increase speed, but it ensures privacy and prevents data theft on public Wi-Fi.

7. Test and Compare Networks Regularly

Use tools like Speedtest.net or Fast.com to check your connection. If speeds are low, switch between mobile networks or Wi-Fi providers; sometimes one carrier performs significantly better in certain regions.

In short, getting high-speed internet while traveling is about pairing the right network (eSIM or mobile data) with smart device settings and awareness of where coverage is strongest. With the right setup, you can expect consistent, fast connectivity anywhere,  whether it’s for work, streaming, or staying in touch on the go.

Myth Buster: Can a VPN Make Your Internet Faster While Traveling?

Many travelers believe using a VPN can boost or speed up their internet, but in reality, it doesn’t.

However, on certain public or restricted networks like hotels, airports, or cafés, a VPN can make browsing feel smoother. That’s because some networks throttle or block specific websites and apps, and a VPN helps bypass those limits. It doesn’t technically increase speed, but it can make your connection more consistent.

Where a VPN truly helps is in security and privacy. It protects your data from tracking or interception, crucial when using public Wi-Fi abroad.

So, while a VPN won’t turn slow Wi-Fi into high-speed internet, it keeps your connection stable, private, and safer, which is just as valuable when you’re traveling.

How to Troubleshoot Slow or Unstable Internet While Traveling

Even with the best plan or device, network issues can happen, especially when switching between countries or moving through areas with weak coverage. Here’s how to handle slow or unstable connections effectively while traveling.

1. Reconnect to the Network

If your internet drops, toggle Airplane Mode on and off to force a network refresh. This helps your phone reconnect to the strongest available tower, especially after crossing borders.

2. Manually Select a Network

If you’re using an international eSIM or dual-SIM setup, open network settings and choose another available carrier. Some networks restrict bandwidth for roaming users, while others maintain full speed.

3. Refresh Your eSIM or Data Plan

Turn your eSIM’s data plan off and back on, or restart your device. This resets the link between your phone and the carrier’s network, resolving most temporary speed drops.

4. Check Signal Obstructions

Physical barriers can disrupt signals, basements, thick walls, tunnels, and rural valleys are common problem zones. Move to an open or elevated area to re-establish a stronger connection.

5. Manage Heavy Data Use

Streaming in high resolution, cloud syncing, or using hotspot connections for multiple devices can quickly eat bandwidth. Reduce quality settings or pause background uploads until you’re on a stable signal.

6. Inspect Hardware and SIM Settings

If your speeds are unusually slow, remove any case or accessory that might block your phone’s antenna. Also, confirm your mobile data is enabled for the correct SIM or eSIM profile in settings.

7. Verify Local Coverage or Maintenance

Check carrier websites or outage maps; low speeds may come from regional maintenance or network congestion. Switching to a secondary carrier (if available on your eSIM plan) usually fixes this.

8. Use a Hotspot or Router as Backup

When mobile data is inconsistent, a pocket Wi-Fi router or shared hotspot can stabilize your connection. These devices pull signals more efficiently than most phones.

9. Contact Your Provider’s Support

If nothing works, reach out to your data provider. Quality services like Jetpac eSIM offer 24/7 technical support through WhatsApp or email, useful when you’re abroad and can’t access traditional helplines.

The One Solution for Getting High-Speed Internet While Traveling

So, when you want reliable, fast, and easy internet access in multiple countries, without having to juggle SIM cards, rent devices, or hunt for Wi-Fi. In that case, the best internet while traveling is to get an international eSIM, which is Jetpac!!!

Why Jetpac?

The Jetpac eSIM is designed specifically for travelers who value speed and convenience. It provides:

Coverage in 200+ destinations

5G access with automatic network switching for stable performance

100% prepaid plans, up to 70% cheaper than roaming

Unlimited hotspot sharing for laptops and secondary devices

Free access to essential apps like WhatsApp, Uber, and Google Maps, even when your data runs out

24/7 customer support via WhatsApp and email

For anyone who travels frequently, whether for work, study, or adventure, Jetpac is one of the most practical answers to how to get high-speed internet while traveling. It’s efficient, affordable, and built for today’s connected traveler.

FAQs

How to get high-speed internet while traveling?

The best way to get high-speed internet while traveling is by using an international eSIM. It connects automatically to local networks, supports 4G and 5G speeds, and eliminates roaming charges. You can also combine it with a portable hotspot for multiple devices or use local SIM cards for longer stays.

Does portable Wi-Fi work with an eSIM card?

Yes. Many modern portable Wi-Fi routers now include eSIM compatibility, allowing you to activate data directly without inserting a physical SIM.

How much does portable Wi-Fi cost?

Rental costs usually range from USD 8–15 per day, while buying one can cost between USD 100–200. Data plans are additional. For comparison, eSIMs start as low as USD 5–10 per GB, making them a more cost-effective option for most travelers.

How do I stay connected securely while traveling?

Avoid public Wi-Fi whenever possible, or use a VPN when you must connect to open networks. For safe, private browsing and steady speed, mobile data through an eSIM or hotspot is a better choice.

Which eSIM is best for international travel?

The Jetpac eSIM is one of the best eSIMs for international travel, offering 5G speeds, 200+ destination coverage, prepaid plans, and 24/7 support, perfect for anyone who needs reliable, high-speed internet across borders.

What is the best way to get internet while traveling?

The best way to get internet while traveling is through an international eSIM plan that works across countries. It offers consistent speeds, quick setup, and prepaid data, which is ideal for business trips, vacations, or remote work abroad.

How to have internet while traveling?

You can have internet while traveling by using mobile data through an eSIM, local SIM, or pocket Wi-Fi. Avoid relying solely on public Wi-Fi since it’s often slow and insecure. Mobile data plans provide better speed and stability wherever you go.

What is the best way to have internet while traveling?

The best way to have internet while traveling is to use an eSIM with global coverage. It ensures you’re connected immediately after landing without switching SIM cards or searching for Wi-Fi.

How to have high-speed internet for a laptop while traveling?

You can have high-speed internet for a laptop while traveling by pairing a travel-friendly eSIM plan with hotspot functionality or a portable Wi-Fi device. It’s fast, private, and works anywhere mobile networks are available.