Can You Travel with Just Wi-Fi? 7-Day Challenge + Pro Tips

Spoiler alert: It's technically doable… but you'll probably regret it.

We’ve all been there: staring at our phone with roaming turned off, thinking:

“I’ll just use free Wi-Fi. Everyone does it. Why spend extra on a SIM or eSIM?”

The idea of saving money and relying only on public Wi-Fi while travelling sounds great — in theory. So I put it to the test: no SIM, no eSIM, just Wi-Fi, for seven days in a foreign city.

Here’s what happened — and what you really need to know if you’re thinking of doing the same.

Day 1: The Honeymoon Period

Airport Wi-Fi? Connected. Quick message to the group chat? Sent. Social media update: “Just landed!” Success. Feeling clever and thrifty? Absolutely.

The hotel has Wi-Fi, I’m online, I plan tomorrow’s day trip. "This is a breeze", I think. Oh, how quickly things change.

Day 2–3: The Cracks Begin to Show

I head out with offline maps and confidence. But then:

I want to check a café’s reviews
I take a wrong turn and need Google Maps
I want to share a street photo with friends

But I can’t — there’s no Wi-Fi. Suddenly, travel becomes less spontaneous and more stressful. I start memorising where to find cafés not for the coffee, but for the signal.

Day 4–5: Peak Frustration

This is when the “challenge” becomes a chore. I miss updates from my Airbnb host. I can’t call a rideshare. I need translation but have no connection. I awkwardly ask for Wi-Fi passwords all day long.

I spend more on café purchases than I would have on a travel SIM. My patience is wearing thin.

Day 6–7: “Never Again”

I’m exhausted. I miss:

Instant directions and schedule changes
Staying in touch with my travel group
Booking last-minute tours or transport
Simply feeling secure while exploring

The novelty has fully worn off. I survived — but I didn’t enjoy it.

Still Tempted to Rely on Wi-Fi? Here's Where It's Actually Not Bad…

Some destinations do offer fast, reliable public Wi-Fi. If you're visiting one of the following countries, you may be able to get by with Wi-Fi — but it’s still wise to plan ahead.

Best Countries for Free Public Wi-Fi

South Korea – Leading internet speeds and widespread city coverage
Estonia – Free Wi-Fi even in rural areas
Japan – Convenience stores, trains, and cafés often offer Wi-Fi
Finland – Strong, free citywide networks
Taiwan – Government-sponsored free Wi-Fi across cities
United States – Accessible in chain cafés, libraries, and airports (but speeds vary)

Even in these countries, you may experience dropouts, limited range, or security concerns — especially outside major cities.

How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi

If you do rely on public Wi-Fi, keep your data protected with these simple steps:

Avoid logging into banking or making online purchases
Use a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic
Turn off automatic connections to open networks
Forget saved networks after you leave
Enable two-factor authentication on important accounts
Ensure your device and apps are up to date before travel

Public Wi-Fi may be free, but the risks can be very costly.

The Smarter Way: Travel with a SIM or eSIM

Why deal with connection stress or safety risks when there’s a better alternative?

A travel SIM or eSIM gives you seamless, secure connectivity no matter where you go. Whether you’re navigating new streets, booking a last-minute tour, or simply keeping in touch with loved ones, staying connected makes travel simpler and far more enjoyable.

Benefits of Using a Travel SIM or eSIM

Instant connectivity the moment you land
Freedom to explore without Wi-Fi limitations
Peace of mind in case of emergencies
Cost-effective data plans without roaming fees
No need for plastic SIM cards if using eSIM

Don’t Just Survive Your Trip – Enjoy It

Travelling should be about discovering, connecting, and creating memories — not searching for Wi-Fi or stressing over weak signals. A reliable travel SIM or eSIM can turn your journey into a smooth, connected adventure from start to finish.

Explore our eSIM and SIM plans now and make sure you're ready to go the moment your plane touches down.