Phones, Internet & Staying Connected Abroad

Everything You Need to Know Before You Move

Whether you're relocating permanently, buying a holiday home, investing overseas or simply spending a few months abroad, staying connected should be one of the first things you think about.

Today, a reliable internet connection isn't just for watching television. Many people work remotely, make video calls to family, manage their finances online and rely on internet access every single day. The good news is that staying connected has never been easier, and you have far more choices than you might think.

Every Country Is Different

Whether you're moving to Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, France, Spain, Portugal, the USA or almost anywhere else in the world, the local phone and internet providers will almost certainly be different. Every country has its own mobile networks, broadband companies, prices and levels of coverage.

However, one thing doesn't have to change every time you move.

Services such as international SIMs, eSIMs and Starlink allow many people to take their connectivity with them. If you regularly travel between countries, own more than one property or simply enjoy the freedom of working remotely, choosing portable technology can make life much simpler.

Do You Really Need a Phone Contract?

Many people automatically sign a long mobile phone contract, but ask yourself whether you actually need one.

If you're travelling regularly or spending time in different countries, a flexible monthly SIM or eSIM may suit your lifestyle far better.

Personally, I don't have a traditional mobile phone contract.

I use a SIM that's linked to my Revolut account. My monthly payment comes directly from my bank, I can manage everything through the app and it works well wherever I'm travelling.

It suits the way I live, but everyone's needs are different. It's simply worth knowing that long contracts aren't your only option.

Local SIM Cards

If you're moving abroad or staying for several months, buying a local SIM card is often one of the cheapest ways to stay connected.

Most countries have several mobile providers competing for business, offering generous data allowances at very reasonable prices.

Local SIM cards are usually available from:

• Mobile phone shops
• Supermarkets
• Airports
• Convenience stores

Some countries require identification before issuing a SIM card, so keep your passport handy.

What is an eSIM?

Many modern smartphones now support eSIM technology.

Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, you simply download your mobile plan directly onto your phone.

For frequent travellers, it's incredibly convenient. You can often purchase an eSIM before leaving home and be connected within minutes of landing.

Many phones also allow you to use both a physical SIM and an eSIM at the same time, meaning you can keep your existing number while using local mobile data.

Check Roaming Charges

Before buying another SIM, check what your existing provider offers.

Some mobile networks include international roaming in selected countries, while others charge daily or monthly travel fees.

A quick five-minute check before travelling could save you an expensive surprise later.

Home Internet

If you've purchased a property, one of the first things you'll probably arrange is your internet connection.

Ask:

• Which providers serve the area?
• Is fibre available?
• What speeds are available?
• How long does installation usually take?
• Are there any installation costs?

Never assume fast broadband is available simply because a property looks modern.

My Experience with Starlink

I've used Starlink in both Costa Rica and here in the UK, and I genuinely couldn't be happier with it.

Even during Costa Rica's heavy tropical rain, where many people expect satellite internet to struggle, I've found it to be fast and remarkably reliable.

What I probably like most isn't just the speed.

It's the freedom.

I don't think of Starlink as internet for one house.

I think of it as internet that travels with me.

I use the Starlink Mini, so if I move house, my internet moves with me. If I decide to spend a few days travelling in my van, I simply place the dish on the roof and stay connected almost anywhere with a clear view of the sky.

Whether I'm living in Costa Rica, back in the UK or travelling somewhere completely different, I don't have to learn a new broadband provider every time I cross a border.

For me, that's one of Starlink's biggest advantages.

Van Life & Travelling

If you enjoy travelling, own a campervan or spend time between different properties, portable internet can completely change the way you travel.

Instead of relying on campsite Wi-Fi or searching for cafés with a good connection, you can often take your internet with you.

For remote workers, digital nomads and people who simply enjoy exploring, that's a level of freedom that traditional broadband simply can't offer.

Public Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafés, restaurants, hotels and shopping centres around the world.

It's convenient, but public networks aren't always secure.

Avoid logging into online banking or entering sensitive information unless you're confident the connection is safe or you're using a trusted VPN.

Internet Speed

Not everybody needs the fastest broadband package available.

Think about how you'll actually use it.

• Browsing websites requires very little bandwidth.
• Video calls need a stable connection.
• Streaming television requires more data.
• Online gaming benefits from low latency.
• Working remotely often relies just as much on upload speed as download speed.

And let's be honest...

If you've got children, keeping the kids happy with fast internet can sometimes be just as important as keeping the adults happy!

Buying the fastest package isn't always necessary.

Buying the right package is.

Don't Forget Mobile Signal

When viewing a property, don't just ask about broadband.

Take your phone out of your pocket.

Can you get a signal?

Walk around the house.

Walk into the garden.

A beautiful countryside property may have excellent broadband but almost no mobile reception.

Equally, another property might have fantastic 5G coverage, allowing you to use mobile data instead of fixed broadband.

Always check both before making your decision.

VPNs

If you regularly use online banking, work remotely or simply value your privacy, a VPN is worth considering.

A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it more secure when using public Wi-Fi.

It can also allow access to services from your home country when travelling, although availability will always depend on local laws and each provider's terms and conditions.

Before Buying a Property

Internet is now just as important as electricity and running water for many buyers.

If you're planning to work remotely, stream television, run a business or simply stay in touch with family overseas, ask plenty of questions before making an offer.

Find out:

• Which internet provider the current owner uses.
• Typical download and upload speeds.
• Whether the service is reliable.
• Mobile phone coverage.
• Whether Starlink has been used at the property.
• If there are any known connection issues.

Five minutes of questions today could save months of frustration tomorrow.

Wayne's Tip

One thing I've learned over the years is not to overcomplicate technology.

Choose a phone plan that suits the way you live.

Choose internet that suits your lifestyle, not just your address.

If you move countries regularly, travel in a campervan or own homes in different parts of the world, having technology that travels with you can be worth far more than simply choosing the cheapest package.

The Slide'N Doors Difference

Buying a property isn't just about bedrooms and bathrooms.

It's about understanding how you'll actually live there.

That's why Slide'N Doors encourages sellers to share useful information such as internet availability, mobile coverage and connectivity options, helping buyers understand not only the property itself but the lifestyle that comes with it.

Wayne's Final Thought

A reliable phone and internet connection can help you work, stay in touch with family, navigate unfamiliar roads, manage your finances, entertain the children and even run a business from the other side of the world.

Technology should give you freedom, not tie you to one address.

Whether your next home is in Costa Rica, Panama, France, Belize, the UK or somewhere you've never even visited before, taking a little time to understand your options can make settling into your new home much easier.

Your next home might change... but your phone and internet don't necessarily have to.

Slide'N Doors

Helping you feel at home, wherever home may be.