Admittedly, most mobile providers now offer international data plans, but depending on where you’re coming from, it can still be expensive. For example, as a Canadian, our roaming plans are not cost-effective at all. Plus, unless you have an unlimited data plan, there’s always the worry that you may go over your limit, which would result in massive charges.

In my KnowRoaming review, I’ll go over how KnowRoaming works, what it costs, and the differences between the KnowRoaming SIM card and KnowRoaming SIM sticker.

How KnowRoaming benefits

• Inexpensive roaming data
• Available in multiple SIM sizes

Don’t worry if the KnowRoaming benefits seem limited. The only thing that matters is that you can get data while you’re travelling for a reasonable price.

KnowRoaming is pretty easy to use. You purchase one of the three SIM card options, download the app, and purchase data plans. When you’re abroad, you switch to KnowRoaming’s network and you’re good to go. You get a free US number as an account holder and you can also purchase a local number when travelling to other countries.

This shouldn’t surprise anyone, but having data on your phone when you travel is a life changer. The first time I visited Japan, data phones didn’t exist. I had to rely on paper maps to get around. However, when I returned to the country a few years later, I had maps, instant directions, and even a translator thanks to data.

Admittedly, KnowRoaming can be more expensive compared to getting a plan with a local carrier, but it’s more convenient. With KnowRoaming, your SIM will pretty much work all over the world, so there’s no need to worry about switching SIMs. This is especially important when visiting multiple countries.

KnowRoaming SIM options

Depending on the SIM you choose, you may also have the option to have calls to your home number forwarded to you while you’re abroad. Which SIM you choose is a personal preference since you’ll have access to cheap voice and data plans regardless.

KnowRoaming sticker

The KnowRoaming sticker is arguably the most popular product since you’ll get voice and data access on your mobile phone without physically having to switch your SIM. As the name implies, the KnowRoaming sticker is a sticker. It literally sticks onto your existing SIM card.

The main advantage of the KnowRoaming sticker is that you can have your calls forwarded to you when you’re abroad via their ReachMe service. This is obviously handy for anyone who needs to take calls regardless of where they are.

KnowRoaming SIM card

The KnowRoaming SIM card is like any other SIM card. You replace your regular SIM with the KnowRoaming SIM card when you’re abroad and you’re good to go. You can’t have calls forwarded to you when using the KnowRoaming SIM.

With both options, you can not have any text messages forwarded to you. You’re better off using WhatsApp, or you can even purchase a local number if you need to talk to someone locally a lot.

KnowRoaming eSIM

You can also use KnowRoaming without worrying about a SIM card or sticker. With eSIMs, you scan a QR code to purchase a local or global data plan. The eSIM is an affordable option, but it’s only good for data.

I used to use the KnowRoaming SIM sticker, but I had a few times where my home carrier needed me to get a new SIM. Admittedly, this has only happened twice in the last six years, but since the SIM sticker can’t be reused, I had to repurchase them.

I’ve now switched to the KnowRoaming SIM card. Yes, it requires me to physically swap cards and I can no longer forward my calls, but no one calls my phone number anyways. If someone is going to call me, they can do it via WhatsApp.

Is KnowRoaming reliable?

Many travellers who have used global SIM cards in the past might be concerned about reliability. I’ll admit that I’ve had more than one experience where the product I’ve tested was barely useful. If the data speeds are slow or you have a hard time connecting to the network, then a global SIM card is useless.

With KnowRoaming, you can get data access in 200+ countries. The company has agreements with local carriers so your speeds should be decent. Throughout the years, I’ve mostly had access to 4G data speeds. On a few occasions, it’s been 3G but that was some time ago. 5G has just started to roll out throughout the world, and I haven’t travelled much recently due to COVID-19, so I haven’t been able to test things.

Admittedly, there were a few occasions over the years where I wasn’t able to connect to the network when arriving in a new country. That said, this issue was always resolved quickly by reaching out to customer service. All it really required was for me to manually connect to the proper network. As soon as I did that, I was good to go.

KnowRoaming rates

One problem with many roaming plans is that you have no idea how much you’ve spent until you return home. With the KnowRoaming app, you can manage your services and monitor your account making it easy to avoid roaming charges since you’ll know exactly how much you’re spending.

You would buy data plans in advance and then activate them when you’re abroad. Some of the data plan prices are as follows:

• Global unlimited data 1 day – $3.99 USD
• Global unlimited data 3 days – $9.99 USD
• Europe/Asia 1GB – $9.99 USD
• Europe/Asia 5GB – $39.99 USD
• Global 1GB – $24.99 USD
• Global 5GB – $99.99 USD

KnowRoaming does have pay as you go rates, but it’ll almost always be more expensive compared to buying a data plan. Pay as you go is turned off by default.

For reference, both the KnowRoaming SIM card and KnowRoaming sticker are $9.99 USD.

KnowRoaming promo code

If you’re looking for a KnowRoaming promo code, I’ve got you covered. Use KnowRoaming referral code BARRY18 when you check out and you’ll get 50% off the KnowRoaming SIM Sticker & receive a free $10 credit. This deal is only available when ordering directly through knowroaming.com.

The discount applies to SIM cards only and not data plans.

Alternative options

While KnowRoaming is incredibly convenient and has reasonable prices, getting a local SIM card will usually be the cheapest option since you can get a local plan. That said, if you get a local SIM, you won’t be able to take calls from your home phone number.

Also, if you’re going to be travelling to multiple countries in one trip, a local SIM may not be compatible once you change countries. KnowRoaming is great since you can visit multiple destinations and still get low rates. For example, their Asia data plans cover all of Asia.

You could also check with your regular mobile provider to see what kind of roaming voice and data plans they offer. Depending on where you reside, an international plan might not be that expensive. That said, I’m Canadian and the cost of roaming packages is insanely high which is why I use KnowRoaming.

In many Asian countries renting a pocket Wi-Fi is cheaper than KnowRoaming’s data plans but they’re only good for data. You won’t be able to make voice calls at the cheaper rate, nor will you be able to accept calls from your home number, so there are definitely pros and cons to each option. Of course, you could always make calls via WhatsApp if you really wanted.

Final thoughts

My KnowRoaming review is positive. Fast speeds and healthy data packages that are cheap are perfect for all types of travellers. If you need to make voice calls, the sound quality is excellent with no delays. KnowRoaming is a great choice for travellers who are looking for a single product that will allow them to stay connected while travelling.

First you want to verify that your phone will even work overseas. Cellular phones operate on different bands around the world so a quad-band GSM phone will work pretty much anywhere; while a tri-band phone will still have pretty good coverage. All smartphones these days are multi-band so it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll have no problem using it abroad. However, if you’re hanging onto an old flip phone that doesn’t even have a SIM card then it’s time for an upgrade.

Finally, you want to make sure that your phone is unlocked. When you buy a cell phone from your wireless provider, it comes locked; what that means is that you can only use that phone on that carrier. In Canada, phones come automatically unlocked if you purchased it after December 1st, 2017. If you bought it before then, it’s likely locked. If you contact your carrier directly, they’ll be able to unlock your phone for a small fee (about $50), alternatively, many cellular stores offer unlocking services for half the price. With your cell phone unlocked, you now have plenty of more options available to you.

Using your mobile abroad

SIM Sticker – This is a relatively new product and has quickly become my preferred method for using my cell phone when travelling. With the KnowRoaming SIM sticker you can you can use your phone in 200+ countries and save up to 85% off voice and data charges. Through the app you’re able to apply credit to your account and see exactly how much you’ve spent; there are no surprises when your return home. The other major advantage is that the SIM sticker allows you to continue to receive calls from your regular number no matter where you are. No other option allows this convenience.

Exclusive to Money We Have readers: Save 50% off the KnowRoaming SIM Sticker & receive a free $5 credit by using my KnowRoaming referral code BARCHO18 at knowroaming.com

Local SIM – Getting a local SIM is usually the cheapest option. For $20-25 you can get a SIM with a local number that should last you the duration of your stay. Local wireless providers usually have a shop set up in the airport so it shouldn’t be too difficult to pick one up. Don’t forget that every provider has different plans so it’s worth doing a little research in advance.

The downside is, you won’t be reachable at your regular number and there’s no way of knowing if you have any messages unless you access your voicemail; which is a long distance call. Also, if you’re travelling to multiple countries, your newly purchased local SIM might not work once you depart your new “home” city or be cost effective.

Roam mobility – If you’re a Canadian who frequently travels to the U.S. then Roam mobility is for you. Roam Mobility is basically a local SIM card but you can buy it in Canada in advance. The rates for both the U.S. and Mexico are exceptional and the card never expires so you can hang onto it for as long as you want.

Global SIM card – Still popular with business travellers, global SIM cards are available from a few different companies. Each provider offers different features that appeal to different types of travellers. The prices are slightly higher compared to say a SIM sticker, but it’s still way cheaper compared to if you just paid regular roaming charges.

Pocket WiFi – In Asia, pocket WiFi is very common for both locals and tourists. It’s literally a portable WiFi spot that’s about the size of a small cell phone which you carry around with you to give you instant internet access. You won’t be able to make phone calls, but at $5-7 a day for unlimited internet, that’s a pretty reasonable deal. Since it is a WiFi spot, you can connect multiple devices to it which makes it very cost effective.

Prepaid cell phone – Purchasing a prepaid cell phone on arrival was a popular option for travellers who wanted a local phone while still being able to take calls from their regular phone. However as mentioned above, with the introduction of SIM stickers, there’s no real reason to be travelling with 2 phones when abroad anymore. That being said, if you prefer a prepaid phone, finding a reasonably priced, low end model phone shouldn’t be too difficult.

Roaming plans – Technically speaking you don’t have to unlock your phone to use it abroad, you’ll just end up paying roaming charges which ends up being $2-3 a minute. You don’t even want to know how much roaming data will cost you, trust me. If you’re going to the U.S. you could purchase a roaming plan directly from your cellular provider but it’s still a rip-off compared to other options. That being said, Rogers customers can use the Roam like Home plan in the U.S. and Europe which has slightly better rates.

Final word

If you so desire, using your mobile abroad doesn’t have to cost you anything. Data roaming is turned off by default so if you stick to WiFi, you won’t need to worry about any charges. With so many options available, and different providers offering their services, be sure to do your research before you take off.

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