The Internet in South East Asia is working quite well. Usually, travellers do not encounter any particular problems. Many of them are bloggers and this encourages them to be connected to the Internet most of the time. Show their photos to their friends and family and share my articles on the other side of the world. These are the main good reasons for being connected. And then with today's smartphones that are so sophisticated; it's hard to do without them. But how can you stay connected to the Internet during your trip to South East Asia?
Why connecting to the Internet in South East Asia?
Who among you can't do without the Internet? I thought I could do without a phone, but in the end I didn't because I like having it with me to use the Internet.
When travelling, we often use many travel applications. There is an application that uses GPS tracking (MAPS.ME) which is a convenient way to locate yourself on a map. It should also be noted that social networks allow you to publish your travel photos and videos at any time of the day in a few clicks. Many travellers also like to contact my family and friends through the several voice applications like Skype, Viber or Facebook messenger.
Using 3G internet connection or Wi-Fi?
Here you can find different ways to stay connected while travelling.
Local prepaid SIM card
The prepaid SIM card is the convenient way to connect from anywhere (in the covered areas). In South East Asia, many operators offer prepaid packages including a credit for a number of minutes to make your calls and the possibility of connecting to the Internet in 3G with a limited volume of data. You can use prepaid SIM cards (for "tourists") three times during my stay in Bangkok. It's suitable when you want to enjoy a cheap trip to Bangkok. You can visit
simoptions.com for more information about prepaid SIM cards.
100% Roaming international prepaid SIM card
The international prepaid SIM card can be ordered on the internet, once you receive it at home, you are ready to go equipped.
3G connection with your operator (Roaming)
You can connect to the Internet from your smartphone by taking advantage of your current mobile package (France, Belgium, Canada) on the network of a national operator in the country in which you are travelling, this is called roaming.
Pocket Wi-Fi
In recent years, there have been companies that offer pocket Wi-Fi. The pocket Wi-Fi allows you to connect to the Internet with a box in unlimited, no more off-packages abroad.
Before your departure, you book the box on the site, it is delivered to your home, and then you take it with you on a trip. When you return, nothing could be easier; you put all the material (box + charger) in the pre-stamped envelope and put it in the mailbox.
Wi-Fi (Classic)
Wi-Fi can be found everywhere in South East Asia: airports, shopping malls, shops, hotels and guest-houses... You can even notice that in the metros of Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, people are very connected. Wi-Fi is the economical solution for all those who want to enjoy a free connection even if sometimes in some places, Wi-Fi is limited (paying offer to connect longer).
It's a simple way to connect to the Internet; all you need is a username and password. In guest-houses and hotels, we are happy to provide it to you, just ask for it if it is not indicated anywhere. In restaurants, it often happens to find A4 sheets "Free Wi-Fi here" as if it were an advertising poster in order to encourage customers to come in and eat their food and Wi-Fi!