Local SIM Vs. Roaming: Cost Showdown

Ah, travel! It is the opportunity to discover new cultures and try delicious foods, take great pictures and many others. The most significant lack, however, was in the way of communication. It is nothing less than a nightmare to get back home and find that the roaming charges have gone sky high making the holiday a messy experience. Well, what may be the cheapest ways to always be connected to the outside world when traveling? It’s time to untangle the war between local SIM cards and the international roaming.
Round 1: Cost
This is a clear win for local SIM cards as people will be encouraged to use mobile money services hence increasing its usage. Roaming charges are significantly high and data charges are even higher as compared to voice and/or message charges. A local SIM has the advantage and relatively cheaper plans as far as data, calls, and even text messages are concerned.
Round 2: Convenience
Here, it's a toss-up. Roaming also has the advantage of enabling the continuous use of one’s phone number, hence no need to change the SIM card and notify people. Local SIMs mean you lose your current phone number(s), but, often they come ready to plug into the device and go. Furthermore, applications such as WhatsApp provides the tab to make calls and send text messages using the existing telephone number through the WiFi connection only.
Round 3: Coverage
Roaming has the dependence on the network coverage provided by your carrier in the visited country. This might not be ideal especially in developement areas. Local Sims are used as they provide connectivity to the local network, which is likely to have better coverage and strength.
Round 4: Features
The plans entail restrictions on data bundle, calling and messages when one is on a foreign country. Local SIMs have endless plans to fit your needs, when it comes to data. Indeed some may have bonus items such as free local calls or a data plan that allows access to social media.

The Verdict:
In this regard, for those who are looking for an economical offer, who are concerned about data services and a wider network connection, the local SIM card is a total winner. However, if convenience and the use of existing phone number are an issue of uttermost importance, then a roaming plan might just be the best for short while trips.
Pro Tip: It is recommended to find out more about SIM card dealers in the country that you are going for your trip. Discuss available plans and procedures for activating such plans to avoid any difficulties during the arrival of the couple.
So, bye bye to the shocked with the roaming bill! By being a little strategic about it and knowing your options for SIM cards when you get there, it’s very easy to stay connected and document your travel and not necessarily spend an arm and leg.