How to stay connected to the internet while traveling?

Whether it’s a weekend getaway, summer holiday or workation, nowadays, going on holiday without mobile internet is almost unthinkable. Navigation, hotel check-in, translations, streaming or social media: you want to stay flexible, connected and avoid any nasty surprises on your bill.
Fortunately, there are now many smart ways to take mobile Wi-Fi internet with you on your travels. In this guide, you'll find reliable solutions and useful tips for your next trip – whether to Italy, France, the USA or Canada.
What is data roaming and what should you watch out for?
With data roaming, you can use your mobile network abroad. Within the EU, the “Roam Like at Home” rule applies but not automatically for Swiss SIM cards. Traveling to the USA or Canada also requires special attention: without preparation, extra charges can quickly add up.
The best mobile internet plans for international travel
- Valid in the top 10 countries with unlimited data
- 60 minutes of calls in the top 10 travel destinations
- Perfect for holidays in Italy, France, the USA, Canada and more
Ideal for travellers who want to stay spontaneous and flexible.
- Unlimited data in the EU zone, USA, Turkey + 5GB in 49 countries
- Ideal for frequent travellers or digital nomads
- Works reliably in North America too
Perfect if you need mobile internet on holiday without constant top-ups.
- Unlimited data and calls in all EU countries, the USA, Canada and Turkey
- The best solution for travellers in Europe
Ideal for beach holidays in Spain, weekend trips to Paris or tours across Italy.
Mobile Wi-Fi for international travel: How mobile Wi-Fi works on the go
A mobile Wi-Fi router or hotspot works like a portable modem: you insert a SIM card (local or global) and connect multiple devices at once – laptop, smartphone, tablet. Ideal for groups, families or if you're working while traveling.
This solution is perfect if you want to always have mobile Wi-Fi internet with you while traveling without relying on hotels or public networks.
What to watch out for when surfing abroad
- Network coverage & Frequency compatibility
Check whether your device supports the mobile frequencies of your destination country (especially important in the USA). Coverage in remote areas may also vary – an external hotspot with an antenna can be helpful. - SIM lock & Device compatibility
Your device must be SIM-lock-free if you want to use a local SIM card, for example. - Public networks & Security
Public Wi-Fi in hotels or cafés is often unencrypted. Use a VPN when doing e-banking, online shopping or transmitting sensitive data. - Battery consumption
Constant online use drains your battery. Power banks are worth their weight in gold on holiday, especially when navigating or streaming videos.
Local SIM card or international solution?
When is a local SIM card worth it?
In many countries, you can get inexpensive prepaid SIM cards with large data volumes at the airport or in supermarkets.
Advantages:
- Very affordable rates
- High data volumes
- Good network coverage
Disadvantages:
- Setup can be complicated (language barrier, ID verification)
- Your Swiss number remains inactive
- No customer service in Switzerland
Why an international solution is often more convenient
Plans like yallo Travel Max or Travel Top10 work instantly – no SIM card swap, no hassle.
Advantages:
- Ready to use immediately
- No new apps or phone numbers
- Support in German
- Convenient and reliable
Especially for short trips, multiple countries or business travel, an international solution is the stress-free option.
Mobile internet when traveling in Italy
Italy is one of the best countries for mobile internet: widespread LTE/5G coverage, affordable local SIM cards and reliable hotspots. If you don’t feel like swapping SIMs, yallo Travel Top10 or Europe Max are great options.
Tip: Wi-Fi in hotels is often weak, so a mobile hotspot can help. Wi-Fi on trains rarely works well either.
Mobile internet for holidays in the USA
In the USA, roaming without preparation can be costly. Swiss plans often charge high rates (several francs per MB).
Recommended:
- yallo Travel Max – unlimited in the EU zone + 5GB for the USA, Canada & Turkey
- Local SIM card – but often requires registration
Mobile internet for holidays in France
France offers good internet, even in rural areas or at the beach. With yallo Europe Max, you can surf without extra charges. If you're staying longer, local SIM cards are an option, though a French address is often required.
Tip: you’ll find free Wi-Fi in almost every city library, on TGV trains, and in shopping centres.
Wi-Fi on holiday: public hotspots & tips
Many people use free Wi-Fi while traveling – in hotels, cafés or airports. But be careful:
Security tips:
- Use VPN apps like ProtonVPN or NordVPN
- Avoid logging into sensitive sites (banking, email)
- Avoid “Free WiFi” networks without password protection
Alternative: mobile router or smartphone as a hotspot – safer, more stable and flexible.
Extra tips for when you're on the go
- Monitor data usage: turn off automatic updates and background data
- Use offline maps: e.g. Google Maps or Maps.me
- Enable hotspot from your phone: use your smartphone as a Wi-Fi router for your laptop or tablet
How to stay online no matter where you travel
With the right solution, you won’t have to worry about internet access on holiday. Whether it’s Wi-Fi while traveling, mobile internet for Italy, France or the USA, with plans like yallo Travel Max or Europe Max, you’ll stay flexible, secure and always connected.
For spontaneous trips, business travel or backpacking adventures:
mobile internet always with you – no stress, no unpleasant surprises.
FAQ – mobile internet on holiday
How does mobile Wi-Fi work while traveling?
Mobile Wi-Fi on the go works via portable hotspots or by using your smartphone as a router. You insert a SIM card and connect your devices via Wi-Fi, ideal for laptop, tablet and phone at the same time.
What’s the best plan for mobile internet on holiday?
For international travel, yallo Travel Max with 5GB in over 45 countries is a great option. Within Europe, yallo Europe Max is ideal. Both plans work without needing to change your SIM card.
How much does mobile internet cost in the USA?
Without a roaming package, costs can run to several francs per MB. A special plan like yallo Travel Max is highly recommended.
Is unlimited internet available in Italy for holidays?
If you want to surf stress-free during your holiday in Italy, yallo Europe Max is the ideal solution. It gives you unlimited data valid throughout Europe – including Italy. So you stay online at all times without needing local SIM cards or complicated settings.
Is Wi-Fi safe while on holiday?
Public Wi-Fi carries risks. Always use a VPN for online banking or logins. Avoid unsecured networks with no password protection.
How can I reduce my data usage on holiday?
Turn off automatic updates, use offline maps, and rely on Wi-Fi instead of mobile data. Streaming in lower quality also helps save data.