When spending multiple months in a country, it’s worth getting a local phone plan.

A local plan lowers costs and guarantees improved phone service. Rather than getting a prepaid chip (chip prepago), it’s more beneficial to sign up for a formal local plan. I had a rechargeable chip (chip prepago) in Argentina, and the data ran out at the most inconvenient times, like in the middle of booking a doctor’s appointment.

Why a local plan over a prepaid chip?

The prepaid chips require you to recharge them at specific locations when you run out of data. However, a local plan often allows for easier recharging and payments using an application or online portal.

Benefits of getting a local phone plan:

1. You can set up the plan to best meet your personal and work needs.
2. Many carriers allow you to make changes and updates via an application or online rather than recharging at specific locations.
3. More affordable than international plans that often have roaming fees and charges.
4. You can tether for Wifi as a backup Wifi source. This is a great hack for working remotely.

Tips for getting a local phone plan:

1. Make sure your phone is unlocked.
2. Do a Google search for the best providers in the region that you’re traveling.
3. Go into the local provider office with your passport to set up your plan.

Drawbacks: It takes more time for in-store setup and you’ll have to get a new phone number. Yet, patience pays off.

Disclaimer– This is sharing from experiences traveling mainly in Latin America.