Few people want to be online all week on a resort holiday, but almost everyone needs a little connection. You may want to message family, check a flight, use a map or book a table. The risk is a surprise phone bill, or finding that the resort Wi-Fi only works in the lobby. A few decisions made before you fly keep it simple and inexpensive.

Option one: your own phone plan

Most mobile carriers sell a daily or monthly roaming pass for use abroad. These let you keep your normal number, so calls and texts arrive as usual, and they are easy to set up. The drawback is that daily passes can add up over a long stay, and the terms vary by carrier and destination.

Before you travel, ask your carrier three things: whether your plan covers the country you are visiting, what a roaming pass costs per day, and what the data allowance is. Also ask what happens when you reach the limit, because some carriers slow you down while others bill extra. If you do not want any roaming, switch it off in your phone settings so that apps cannot use data in the background.

Option two: an eSIM

An eSIM is a digital SIM that you install on a compatible phone, with no physical card to swap. Several providers sell regional or country plans that you can buy and install before you leave. Many travellers find them cheaper than roaming, particularly for longer trips or heavy data use.

Check a few things first. Your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked, meaning it is not tied to one carrier. Check the plan’s coverage in your destination, the amount of data, and the validity period. Install and test it at home if the provider allows, and keep your normal SIM active for calls or text verification codes, since eSIM plans are often data-only. Read the terms carefully, as some plans do not include a phone number.

Option three: resort Wi-Fi

Many resorts offer Wi-Fi, but the quality differs a great deal. Some include it free in rooms and public areas, some charge for premium speeds and some limit it to specific zones. In older or very large resorts, the signal may be weaker in outlying buildings.

Ask the resort before you book about three things: whether Wi-Fi is free, whether it reaches your room and the beach, and whether it supports video calls. If you plan to work remotely, ask about the speed in practical terms, for instance whether guests regularly use video meetings. Do not rely on a single rule. A resort that advertises Wi-Fi may still be slow at busy times.

Staying safe on public networks

Resort Wi-Fi is a shared network, and you cannot be sure who else is on it. Avoid logging in to banking apps or entering card details on an open network if you can use mobile data instead. A virtual private network, or VPN, adds a layer of protection, and keeping your phone and apps updated closes known security gaps. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication on important accounts.

Prepare before you leave

• Download offline maps of the resort area and airport, so you can navigate without data.
• Save key documents such as booking confirmations, transfer details and your passport photo page, in a place you can open offline.
• Charge and pack a power bank, and check whether you need a plug adapter for local sockets.
• Tell family how to reach you and agree on a simple plan, such as one daily message.
• Turn off automatic updates and cloud backups over mobile data to avoid using your allowance.

Calls and messaging

Messaging and calling apps use data rather than your carrier’s call minutes, so they are usually the cheapest way to stay in touch. Make sure family has the app installed and knows how to use it. Do not assume that a free call is free if you are using roaming data, since the data still counts against your allowance or charges.

Choosing the right option

For a short trip where you only need occasional access, a roaming pass or resort Wi-Fi may be enough. For a longer stay, or if you plan to use maps and apps heavily, an eSIM often costs less. If you work remotely, test your connection setup before you go and check what the resort offers. For wider planning advice on costs and preparation, see our articles and news section.

Prices, coverage and terms change, so check them with your carrier or provider close to your departure date. This guide gives general advice and does not quote current rates.