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In today's globalized world, access to the Internet is very important for many people, especially when traveling abroad. Not only is it important for staying online for social media or staying in touch with loved ones. Nowadays, we are traveling more and more for business, and during a company trip, employees need to perform their duties while away, making it necessary to have access to high-quality Internet outside Poland as well. However, roaming fees and other hidden costs can put a significant strain on a traveler's wallet. This is especially a real problem when traveling to a country outside the European Union, such as China, the US or Turkey.
In the following text, we will present effective strategies on how to avoid high Internet charges while abroad. From a technical point of view, it is practically impossible to completely avoid costs for network connectivity outside Poland. However, it is worth remembering a few tricks and solutions to be able to connect to the Internet while traveling and at the same time not pay huge amounts of money, as roaming can potentially do.
Roaming, or using your mobile operator abroad, is certainly a very convenient option for Internet on the go. This feature can be easily enabled on your phone and will provide high-speed Internet access through the intermediary of using a local mobile operator.
Unfortunately - this service can generate high costs. Many travelers have already had an unpleasant surprise, where just downloading a background update on a smartphone caused the subscription bill to rise to five-figure sums! By avoiding roaming and subscriptions, you can significantly reduce your Internet bill while traveling. Instead, consider the following options to ensure you can access the web while traveling abroad.
Secure Wi-Fi hotspots are one of the safest ways to avoid Internet charges abroad altogether. This option is by far the most advantageous for travelers who want to save as much as possible for a planned trip abroad.
In many public places, such as cafes, hotels and airports, free wireless access is offered. However, when using this option, it is important to follow basic security rules. Don't log in to banking services and other sites using a password, and if you absolutely must - make sure you have two-step authentication enabled. Try to use such hotspots that require a password to connect. And if you travel frequently, consider using a VPN service, which will give you complete privacy while traveling abroad.
Protecting your personal information when using the Internet is crucial, especially when traveling. With it, too, you can avoid unexpected charges that can be caused by the activities of virtual criminals.
Regardless of which Internet access option you typically use while traveling (whether it's secure Wi-Fi hotspots or the XOXO WiFi service, for example), it's always a good idea to keep your sensitive data related to your bank account, among other things, safe. Simple steps like using a VPN, keeping your software up-to-date and avoiding online banking at public hotspots are key aspects to guaranteeing virtual security while you're abroad.
An innovative solution for travelers is the use of XOXO WiFi services. This is the rental of portable Wi-Fi routers, guaranteeing a constant and reliable Internet connection in more than 100 countries from around the world. The service works by creating a secured, fully private hotspot, allowing one device to be used on several others, such as smartphones, tablets and laptops.
You can find a list of countries where the XOXO WiFi service is available directly on our website.
Using local SIM cards in the destination country is an effective way to avoid high Internet charges. It allows you to take advantage of local tariffs, usually much cheaper than roaming. In addition, purchasing a SIM card gives you the flexibility to choose a variety of data packages to suit the individual needs of the traveler.
This is one of the most well-known methods of securing Internet access outside of Poland, though it is not an option without drawbacks. This form will not provide network connectivity as soon as you land at the airport or cross the border of a country, while operation is limited to a single device - usually a cell phone.
Avoiding Internet charges abroad is a feasible task using several effective strategies. It's not always 100% cost avoidance (as this may only be possible through public Wi-Fi hotspots, at which you may pay with limited virtual data security). However, any form of roaming avoidance (through XOXO WiFi, for example) can already make a strong contribution to reducing excessive Internet spending. Choose the strategies that best suit your needs, and enjoy seamless network access on your overseas adventures.