Hockeylovinmom Posted July 31, 2019 #1 Share Posted July 31, 2019 I am confused about whether I need a VPN or a SIM card or both on my upcoming trip to China, Japan and South Korea. Can anyone shed some light on the subject. I mainly plan on sending pictures and messages “home” from my visits. I could foresee making calls to my cruise ship if I happen to get separated (or lost) from my tour group. Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jojiboy Posted July 31, 2019 #2 Share Posted July 31, 2019 Who is your current carrier? Some carriers have international roaming that might work better for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philob Posted July 31, 2019 #3 Share Posted July 31, 2019 (edited) Who's your phone carrier? The biggies AT$T, Veri$ion, and T-Mobile all have international plans, check with them and you won't have to get a SIM card. We have T-Mobile that includes coverage for over 120 countries. SWMBO's iThingy there were no issues except maybe the speed; I have an older phone and it was basically a camera. U only need a VPN if you're planning on using the internet a lot, the Great Firewall blocks out about 90% of non-Chinese websites. Anything Google and a lot of VPNs are blocked. Edited July 31, 2019 by Philob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mking8288 Posted July 31, 2019 #4 Share Posted July 31, 2019 Are you using iPhone or Android - does it have global/world band as China's main LTE frequencies are a little different from N.A. - same is true for Japan, although they are more flexible. SK is more strict with prepaid sims from non-residents & visitors, those are best "rented" on arrival, which you might not need for a short/port stop visit - many places have ultra fast WiFi, free or with a small purchase at cafe & places. Gmail & Google accounts might be blocked sometimes while in China, maybe but as long as you aren't doing, sending or receiving anything sensitive - VPN really isn't necessary as an extra layer. If you are a frequent world traveler & cruiser, I highly recommend looking into Google Fi - inexpensive coverage including fast 4G/LTE at highly competitive & reasonable rates in 170+ countries, and iOS (iPhones) devices are now supported although the main platform is Android. DW has been on their plan for 3+ years, her monthly charges are usually under $40 w. taxes/fees & when we cruise abroad, seldom spend more than $10, $20 or $30 extra on top depending on how much "roaming data we burn, including tethering on multiple devices and 3 active data only sims thar piggyback on the single line. $10 per 1GB of fast "roaming" LTE data in the Caribbeans, Bermuda & Canada, etc. and it is VPN encrypted when possible on secured WiFi networks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hockeylovinmom Posted July 31, 2019 Author #5 Share Posted July 31, 2019 Thank you to all who have given me good advice. I will be investigating these ....very helpful ! 👍 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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