At some point in life, you may have wished for Wi-Fi signals to grow on trees. After all, why wouldn’t we want something so essential to modern life to be readily available? But there’s a catch – it’s actually fortunate that Wi-Fi signals aren’t as ubiquitous as we might desire. Keep reading to find out why.

What are Public Wi-Fi networks?

To those traveling overseas, public Wi-Fi networks can appear to be a technological oasis—a readily available resource that never fails to address our predilection for constant internet data connectivity. They don’t require passwords and are free to use, so you could walk into a coffee shop, airport, or other public space and find a friendly Wi-Fi signal waiting to cling to your phone.

But does it come with no strings attached?

That’s unlikely.

Public Wi-Fi networks, while serving as an easy portal to connectivity, may also serve as a portal for malicious cyber attacks. Cybercriminals often target public Wi-Fi networks to infringe on the personal data of the device that the network is connected to. Hypothetically, travelers who aren’t well-versed in safety risks may be more susceptible to facing such cyber attacks.

How can this be prevented?

There are several ways for overseas travelers to ensure their online safety. The core solution involves purchasing a personal global data plan. 

There are three popular ways travelers can acquire internet plans when they’re abroad.

1. Getting an eSIM:

An eSIM is a virtual SIM card that can be installed online. It functions like a regular SIM card providing access to the Internet with an eSIM data plan. The only difference is that it eliminates the hassle of physically changing SIM cards from devices. 

2. Enabling data roaming plans: Some travelers who want to retain the phone number they use back home often choose to purchase a data roaming plan from their existing service provider. This special data plan provides connectivity in the country being visited.

3. Buying a physical SIM card: Lastly, some travelers may prefer opting for the traditional route – purchasing a physical SIM card from the country they’re traveling to. The SIM would work normally and will get the user a new number. This approach is usually not advised because each country has different regulations pertaining to the purchase of a SIM card, and failure to meet them could result in the traveler being stranded with no internet connectivity.

Are the alternatives cheaper than public Wi-Fi?

Short answer – No.

Public Wi-Fi is usually available at no cost, but alternatives like eSIMs, data roaming plans, and SIM cards require users to shell out some bucks. Nonetheless, the alternatives are more cost-effective, given that they completely dodge the risks that are typically associated with public Wi-Fi.  

To conclude, public Wi-Fi networks could be siren lights disguised as easy internet service, given that they’re commonly used by cybercriminals to steal personal user information. To safeguard against such risks, travelers should get a personal mobile data plan on their eSIM or new SIM card when they’re overseas. Enabling data roaming may also be suitable, although the costs are typically higher.