Tech Tips
eTravelSIM promises instant global connectivity with the best plans within the industry. We like these big promises, but of course they have to be kept. Otherwise, these words are worthless. We dive into eTravelSim to see if they keep their promises. In this review you can read everything you need to know before ordering an eSIM from ETravelSim.
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Since Brexit, the UK has increasingly separated itself from Europe and the EU and travelers are more and more noticing this. The UK ETA for example, which will be mandatory for all travelers to the UK from 1 April 2025.
Travelers also suffer when it comes to mobile data. Previously, the UK was part of the European Union and you could use data freely without additional roaming costs. That too is now a thing of the past.
Therefore when traveling to the UK and around Europe pick the right eSIM to not end up with high roaming charges.
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Everything that is 'Swiss made' has a rock-solid reputation. Now it turns out that Yesim, a new eSIM provider, is also Swiss Made. So we immediately started testing this eSIM service to see what it is like. Here are our experiences and review after using Yesim eSIMs.
Yesim is an eSIM provider from Switzerland. They offer eSIM for travelers and business purposes. They offer coverage in over 200 destinations. Yesim has a wide range of data plans.
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Ubigi is a unique provider in the world of eSIMs. Many eSIM providers just focus on travelers. But, there are of course many more target groups for which eSIMs can be interesting and Ubigi focuses on much more than just eSIM for travelers.
As you know, at Traveltomtom we love eSIMs and we love to independently review eSIM providers. We enjoy discovering new providers so when Ubigi was brought to our attention we immediately decided to delve further and find out everything you should know before using Ubigi eSIMs.
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Sometimes renowned and leading companies come up with a new idea that turns into something promising. In the world of secure internet connections anywhere in the world, NordVPN is an important and large provider. Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN, decided to discover, innovate and take the world of eSIM to new heights through Saily.
In fact, eSIMs aren't that different from VPNs. Both are actually designed to give people a reliable connection, especially away from home.
Where a VPN protects your privacy on different networks, an eSIM gives you a secure and reliable internet connection when you travel, wherever you travel.
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eSIM technology is on the rise and it will be the next and upcoming standard for mobile data consumption offering total freedom from physical prepaid sim cards. Following that trend at Traveltomtom we stumbled upon Airhub eSIMs. Airhub has created a global technology marketplace to buy and sell mobile services.
At Traveltomtom we love putting eSIM providers to the test and next in row was Airhub. Read below our honest review and our experiences using Airhub eSIMs.
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As long as we continue to travel the world, we will continue to use eSIMs. Because no one wants high roaming costs and we all want to stay connected. There is nothing better than getting connected to a local network quickly and easily at local costs and aloSIM is one of those eSIM providers that make this happen.
aloSIM is a travel app made by people who love to travel. That sounds good because as travelers they probably know the struggles you can have connecting to a network and having data on your phone when you arrive in a new country. So at Traveltomtom we were extra curious if aloSIM is able to offer what we as travelers need.
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We recently came across Firsty eSIMs. An originally Dutch company with the ambition to completely shake up the eSIM market. Now that sounds definitely interesting to the Traveltomtom Team.
We are all about eSIMs at Traveltomtom so we jumped straight at it to discover everything about Firsty eSIMs and whether the sky-high expectations are actually met.
We ordered a Firsty eSIM, downloaded their app and tested their service. Here is our unbiased review!
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Although the world of eSIMs is no longer unknown to us, it still surprises us every now and then. We recently discovered the eSIM provider GigSky. Their website immediately promises a lot of good things. GigSky offers a couple eSIM services we didn't see yet with other eSIM providers.
Therefore the Traveltomtom Team had to put the GigSky services to test to see whether the promises are kept. Here is our honest review with all pros and cons about GigSky.
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As a traveler you aim to enjoy different places, learn about cultures, and try local food everywhere you go. But that also means your online footprint changes everywhere you go. Your IP address is a critical piece of your online footprint and changes as you travel from one place to another.
Your IP address can limit you to use certain services in some regions of the world and can also put you at risk of security breaches.
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What's an IP Address?
An IP address is a short term for Internet Protocol address. It is like a phone number for your device when you are using the internet. It lets websites know where you are browsing from.
When you connect to any network, you get a unique IP address associated with that region. Your IP address changes every time you connect to another network from another place.
How Travelling Impacts Your IP Address
Suppose you're connected to a network abroad. In that case, your IP address is switched to your new location, and this can influence what websites and online services you interact with. For example, if you're visiting Germany, your IP address will match the region, which can cause some surprising results:
Location-Based Content
When you Google something in Germany you will see that the Google search results are German based. Or have you noticed that Netflix shows you different movies and TV shows when you login from abroad?
Streaming services use your IP address to show you the content available in your region. This means that while travelling, you might not be able to catch up on your favourite shows. On the other hand, you might discover new ones.
Online Banking and Security Checks
Many banks are concerned about IP addresses being used for ‘unusual activity.' Sometimes, when you log in from a foreign IP, this can cause a security alert, and you may need to perform additional verification or be temporarily locked out of your account until you confirm it's actually you.
Public Wi-Fi and Privacy Concerns
Public Wi-Fi networks at airports or cafes are convenient, but they expose your IP address. Connecting to an unsecured network can lead to unauthorized data access and unwanted tracking. On an open network, your IP and internet activity can be visible to others, including hackers.
The Role of an IP Address Lookup Tool
An IP address lookup tool is a quick and easy way to check where your connection says you are. This can be helpful when you're travelling, especially if you're using a virtual private network (VPN) to keep your online activity secure. An IP lookup tool lets you see your “location” online. This way, you'll ensure your VPN is working properly and showing your intended location rather than your real one. This extra step helps you feel more secure when doing things like online banking or accessing sensitive accounts on the go.
Security Risks with an Exposed IP Address
An exposed IP address when you travel can lead to several issues, that you need to be aware of before using open hotspots:
Unauthorized Data Access
Many public Wi-Fi networks are unsecured, meaning hackers can snoop on your online activities. Your IP address can be a stepping stone for a hacker to intercept your data and even steal your login or other sensitive information.
Tracking and Targeted Ads
You might notice more targeted ads or messages based on where you're connecting. While some of this is normal, your IP address can allow companies, and potentially hackers, to track your online patterns more closely when travelling.
Device Access Attempts
Hackers can use exposed IP addresses on public networks to attempt unauthorized access to your device. Without protection, your device can be vulnerable to intrusions, especially if your security software isn't updated.
Simple Ways to Protect Your IP Address When Travelling
Keeping your IP address private and secure is no rocket science. Here are some easy ways to stay protected while exploring new places:
Use a VPN to Keep Your Location Private and Connection Secure
A VPN is the greatest tool you can use anywhere you travel. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and assigns a new IP address to whichever VPN server you use. It can be in your home country or in another country. One of its most valuable features is that it lets you access Canadian services like online banking without alerting security about being outside Canada. It also keeps your real IP hidden on public Wi-Fi networks.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Transactions
Public Wi-Fi networks are here to stay, and they are convenient, but you shouldn't use them for things like banking, shopping, and accessing sensitive information. If you must do it in an emergency, ensure your VPN is on to encrypt your connection. If someone tries to intercept your data, they won't be able to read it.
Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication boosts your online security because it requires you to add another form of verification to access your accounts. This added layer of protection goes a long way. If someone discovers your IP address or password, they won't be able to gain access to your accounts until they go through the second verification step. This is useful for accounts you'll have to access abroad, such as banking or email.
Update Security Software
Always ensure your device's security software is up-to-date. New updates come packed with security patches to protect you against the latest cybersecurity threats. This step is essential since you'll probably be using different networks while travelling. Regular updates for antivirus, firewalls, and your device's operating system will help protect you from unwanted access attempts.
A Few Final Words
As you travel, your IP address will change, affecting your online security and online content. If you know how to protect your IP address, you can travel worry-free while keeping your personal information private. To protect yourself from possible cyber threats, verify your connection through an IP address lookup tool, and rather than using public Wi-Fi unprotected, always turn on a VPN.
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