How to secure your data, connection, and wallet: Travel tips

Travel tools for communication and emergencies

In 2025, there are several technologies to help protect personal data, ensure stable communication with one's home, and control the budget.

Travel eSIM

Just a few years ago, travelers would determine which local operator was the cheapest before departure, fearing they would overpay for roaming while searching for Wi-Fi access points at the airport.

Now everything is different. Travel eSIMs make connecting abroad as simple and secure as logging into an online banking account. A microchip built into your smartphone allows you to download a virtual operator profile online. Connection takes minutes, and its quality will be as good as locals'. Travel eSIM services, like Yesim , automatically connect to the operator with the best signal available. However, when purchasing a local SIM card, travelers can only connect through one operator, and the connection may deteriorate in some areas.

Security is important. Yesim uses secure data transfer protocols similar to banking standards (TLS and AES-256). This means that your data remains encrypted and inaccessible to interception compared to public Wi-Fi.

Modern routers with eSIM support enhance this security feature. The device creates its own Wi-Fi area where only verified connections work. For digital nomads, this is a guarantee that an encrypted and stable personal network is accessible, even in a guest house by the ocean.

yesim woman sitting on a wicker chair with laptop — Yesim

In practice, it's simple. For example, IT specialist Dominic is going to Istanbul. The first thing he does before his trip is download the Yesim app , choose a subscription plan, and set everything up at his leisure. As soon as Dominic arrives at Istanbul Airport, he simply opens the Yesim app and activates the subscription plan. Within a minute, his smartphone is connected to a Turkish 4G/5G operator, and if he needs internet on his laptop, all he has to do is activate the personal hotspot on his smartphone, and he's ready to go.

This makes eSIM a great alternative to roaming, avoiding unpredictable bills and the risks of public Wi-Fi. There is no need to delete the main eSIM, as modern smartphones support multiple profiles.

Fixed rates instead of unpredictable roaming allow you to optimize your budget. For example, unlimited internet for a week in Thailand will cost $20.40 with a discount . Moreover, Yesim offers packages for more than 200 countries, all from a single app.

Multifunctional power banks with USB-C power delivery and a built-in solar panel

Imagine that your smartphone's battery is completely dead in the middle of a narrow street in Marrakesh. Maps, translators, and your emergency contacts are out of reach. In this case, a reliable power bank can save the day. So, there's no need to search nearby cafés for a charger.

For example, USB-C power delivery of up to 100W will charge your smartphone, tablet, and even laptop. A solar panel may be useful in remote locations, such as in the Egyptian desert. And power distribution is an excellent protective measure against overheating and overcharging.

GPS luggage trackers with cloud services

According to SITA , in 2024 alone, airlines around the world lost, damaged, or delayed more than 33 million luggage units. This is a nuisance for tourists and a real disaster for digital nomads. Their suitcases may contain a laptop, a camera, and other equipment worth thousands of dollars.

Today, technology provides security against such situations. Compact trackers, such as the Apple AirTag, Samsung SmartTag, Tile Pro, and Chipolo, have returned control to travelers. They sync with your smartphone and work through a network of millions of devices to show your luggage's exact location.

yesim man taking a photo of a mountain on his phone — Yesim

Even if your suitcase has flown elsewhere, the tracker will always pinpoint its location. It will send a notification if your luggage is too far away, save its movement history, and provide contact details if it's lost.

For example, thanks to an AirTag, one traveler wintering in Morocco could track down his suitcase full of equipment mistakenly sent to another city. A couple of days later, the luggage was returned to him.

Smart locks for suitcases

Imagine you're catching an early flight, hurriedly checking in your luggage, and heading to the boarding gate. A few hours later, already at the hotel, your smartphone suddenly sends a notification, "Lock opening attempt detected." You open the app and see that someone tried to open your suitcase at the airport. A minute later, you get another notification, "Access denied."

This is how modern smart locks work. A built-in fingerprint scanner replaces keys and codes, and Bluetooth synchronization with a smartphone records every action, from the time of opening to attempted break-in. Even if the lock's battery dies, the luggage can be unlocked remotely via the app.

From words to action: solution examples

yesim woman leaning on a railing and looking at her phone with a body of water behind her — Yesim

Modern travelers face three key threats: data leaks, an unstable internet connection, and financial risks. The first problem arises when a device connects to open Wi-Fi networks in hotels, airports, or cafés, where it only takes hackers a couple of minutes to intercept traffic and your passwords. The second problem occurs when there are expensive roaming charges from American operators (up to $10–15 per day) and confusing local subscription plans. And the third problem happens when equipment or luggage is lost.

So, when it comes to digital security when traveling, don't wait for an incident. Reduce risks in advance.

Basic rules that should become a habit

Enable two-factor authentication on all services, back up your documents in the cloud, and set transaction limits in banking apps. Do not keep Bluetooth and AirDrop enabled unnecessarily. These are potential entry points for attacks. And, of course, use mobile internet instead of public Wi-Fi. This significantly reduces the likelihood of hacking.

Hardware solutions

Physical tools add an extra security layer. YubiKey 5C NFC works as an offline key for 2FA, the Kingston IronKey D300 is a military-grade encrypted flash drive for storing documents, and the Kensington VeriMark Guard is a compact biometric scanner that prevents unauthorized laptop access.

Software solutions

Software is just as important. For example, 1Password and Bitwarden help manage your passwords and offer a travel mode that hides sensitive data when you cross borders. ProtonVPN and Mullvad VPN encrypt internet traffic and do not keep logs, while Cryptomator and VeraCrypt allow you to create encrypted containers for files in cloud storage.

Reliable communication at no extra cost

The eSIM operator Yesim has apps for iOS and Android. Users can choose a local, regional, or global pay-as-you-go subscription plan and pay only for the traffic they actually use.

Yesim also cares about user security. Built-in VPN functions and virtual numbers secure your traffic and personal data. You can top up your balance directly in the app without any fees, and the 24/7 support service is always available regardless of which country you are in. And for those who want to test the technology before traveling, there is a trial package for only $0.60.

Prepare for your next trip

Only 10 years ago, traveling with a laptop was stressful, including looking for a power outlet at the airport, chasing Wi-Fi in the hotel lobby, and hoping that a local SIM card would work with your smartphone. But in 2025, everything is definitely different. Whether it's a holiday or a workcation, a little technology is all you need to get comfortable in another country.

Today, you can wake up in Lisbon, organize a work call from a co-working space in Istanbul, and edit videos by the ocean in Bali in the evening with the same level of data security and connection stability as at home. eSIMs provide instant access to the network without the hassle of local subscription plans, VPNs encrypt all traffic, biometrics protect devices, and password managers store and encrypt dozens of logins.

When you connect with Yesim , you get a secure channel. Data is encrypted, and virtual numbers help maintain confidentiality. Add backups and basic digital hygiene to this, and even on a long trip, you can feel confident that everything is under control.

New Yesim customers can use the promo code GETYESIM15for 15% off their first order.

This post is sponsored by Yesim.

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