Everything you need to know about dealing with local SIM cards.
Purchasing a local SIM card is absolutely key as it’s way cheaper, more reliable, and also doesn’t spam your home number. But I’ll cover the usual methods of purchasing and recharging…as it’s not always as common sense as you think.
Where (and how) to buy a local sim card.
- Locations – official mobile carrier store, mobile shop, kiosko (or newspaper stands) shops.
- Pricing – is usually cheap.
- Activation requirements – this is the hardest part. Some countries allow foreigners to register/activate SIM cards on their own. Other countries require you to go to the official SIM carrier store and show your passport.
- Activation time – another annoyance. Sometimes SIM cards activate right away. Other times, they partially work (can call & SMS), but the data takes another 24hrs before it starts working.
Don’t know where or how to recharge your foreign SIM card?
- Convenience store or kiosk. (Ask a local where/how to do this.)
- Use their website or mobile app.
- Use a 3rd-party top-up service. (Necessary if the company won’t allow foreigners to top up through their site/app…and you don’t have a physical location available.)
Other tips:
- Use dual-sim/eSIM features!