Communication
when traveling
When traveling, it is particularly important to stay in touch with friends and family in your home country. At the same time, you make many new acquaintances and often need good local communication – be it for making appointments, spontaneous meetings or important information. The Internet plays a key role in ensuring that this runs smoothly – a topic to which we will dedicate a separate section on this page.
Internet: The basis of communication when traveling
A reliable Internet connection is the basis for smooth communication when traveling. There are various ways to get online while traveling:
- Local SIM cards:
You can organize a SIM card in any country. This is usually the cheapest option. However, be aware of country-specific regulations, such as the mandatory registration of the IMEI number in Chile. - Mobile internet in the vehicle:
Solutions such as Starlink or mobile routers with SIM cards from the respective country offer a stable internet connection. However, only Starlink is currently able to provide reliable internet even in remote areas.
- Public Wi-Fi hotspots:
Particularly useful in cities, cafés or restaurants. Tip: Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to protect your data from potential security risks.
International eSIM cards (e.g. Saily): With international eSIM providers, you can go online in over 150 countries without a physical SIM card. Set-up is usually straightforward, the connection is stable – and credit can be conveniently topped up online. With our affiliate link to Saily, you can even support us a little without paying more.
Messenger services: Which ones make sense?
Choosing the right messenger for communication while traveling depends on your needs and your environment. Here is an overview of the most common options:
- WhatsApp:
A must-have for almost every traveler. In many countries, especially in South America, WhatsApp is the main way to communicate and make appointments. Many overlander chat groups also run via WhatsApp, such as the German-language Panamericana group or English-language overlander groups for Chile.
- Signal, Telegram, Threema:
These services offer alternative options, but are less widespread. It makes sense to use them if you value data protection – however, the range can be limited.
- Facebook and Instagram:
Excellent for keeping in touch with other travelers. Both platforms offer phone and video functions, and Instagram also allows you to see where others are at the moment. Another plus: inspiration for your own travels is virtually guaranteed! We use Instagram, we have linked our channel here.
- TikTok:
Still on the rise, but growing steadily. TikTok offers a platform for young travelers in particular to share experiences and make new contacts.
Data protection: How to stay safe
Data protection is an important issue when traveling, especially if you frequently use public networks or transmit sensitive data via messaging services. Here are some tips:
- Use a VPN:
A VPN encrypts your connection and protects your data from hackers – especially with public Wi-Fi hotspots, which are often insecure. We have been using NordVPN for years and can recommend the service from our own experience.
Since we are convinced of the quality, we contacted NordVPN directly – and are pleased that they have agreed to cooperate with us. If you would like to support us and are looking for a secure VPN yourself, you can book NordVPN via our affiliate link: Link to NordVPN
- Security-conscious messengers:
Services such as Signal or Threema offer end-to-end encryption and a more privacy-friendly alternative to WhatsApp. However, they are also not as widespread. - Back up your data:
Regularly save your photos, documents and important information in the cloud or on an external storage device.
- SIM card security:
Find out what data is collected when registering local SIM cards and which providers are trustworthy in the respective countries.
Mobile communication: Our recommendations for communication while traveling
Our most important tips for smooth mobile communication on the move:
- Starlink:
For off-road adventurers and remote locations, Starlink offers an excellent solution with satellite-based internet. Perfect for anyone traveling away from civilization.
- Global eSIM cards:
Providers such as Saily offer eSIM cards in over 150 countries that are easy to use – simply select the desired country and follow the instructions in the app. You can find our affiliate link to Saily here. With these cards, the time-consuming search for a new provider after every border is a thing of the past. - eSIM technology:
Many modern smartphones support eSIMs. This saves time and offers flexibility as you don’t need a physical card.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network):
Especially important when using public networks. We rely on NordVPN here (affiliate link)
- Messenger services – we prefer Threema, but also use WhatsApp and other services, as communication is particularly important to us.
Want to find out more about traveling? Book a personal video call with us now and get valuable tips and inspiration for your adventure!