Get Unlimited Data in 80 Countries for Cheap
Staying connected while traveling is crucial. But Wi-Fi can be incredibly expensive whether you're in the US or traveling internationally. And buying a prepaid SIM card isn't always an option in some countries, so having a portable Wi-Fi device can save you money and keep you in touch.
Disclosure: My TEP Wireless unit was provided courtesy of TEP in exchange for a review. All opinions are 100% mine.
TEP Wireless Pocket Wi-Fi
TEP (affiliate link) is a pocket Wi-Fi unit that lets you connect to the internet. Basically it's a hotspot.
You can use TEP with your smartphone (Android, Blackberry, and iPhone), tablet (iPad, Kindle, Samsung Galaxy), laptop (Mac and Windows), and other Wi-Fi enabled devices like Nintendo and PlayStation.
Three best things about TEP:
- Can connect up to 5 devices (including locked cell phones)
- Battery lasts up to 8 hours
- Works in 80 countries (get online almost everywhere)
You pay $9.95 a day (24 hours) to use TEP. And you're only charged when you activate your TEP. So if you're traveling for 5 days but only activate the TEP once, you only pay $9.95.
And there's no worry that you'll accidentally be charged because you'll get an on-screen prompt that asks you to confirm that you want to start the service.
Easy to Use
TEP is really easy to use. You don't need to be a techie. All you have to do is turn on the unit, connect your device via Wi-Fi, and enter the password. It's so convenient.
Ways to Use TEP
In addition to getting online to access your email, use Google Maps, check Facebook, Tweet, or post photos to Instagram, you can also use TEP in other ways.
1. Hotel Wi-Fi
Because you can use TEP in the US and internationally you can use a TEP instead of paying for the hotel's Wi-Fi.
And you can connect multiple (up to 5) devices without additional charges. Whereas some hotels charge extra for more than one device.
2. Phone Calls
You can also use TEP to make phone calls via Skype, GoogleVoice, and Viber.
TEP Wireless Review
I used my TEP wireless pocket Wi-Fi in the US, Brazil, Argentina, Thailand, Hong Kong, and China.
All I had to do was turn on the unit and within minutes I was online without having to find a local SIM.
Connection was quick and I never experienced any slow down or throttling.
The TEP even worked in some areas where my friends didn't have cell service. They stared blankly at their phones while I was happily surfing the net.
And I used the TEP while sitting on a plane so that we (me and two of my friends who had connected their devices to my TEP) could get some work done before our flight took off.
However, the TEP isn't perfect. I couldn't connect while in Iguazu Falls whereas my friend had coverage using his T-mobile plan.
Conclusion
You can get unlimited data in 80 countries with a TEP wireless pocket Wi-Fi.
The battery lasts up to 8 hours. And you can connect up to 5 devices for only $9.95 a day. But you only pay when you activate the unit. So if you're traveling for 5 days but only use the TEP once, you only pay $9.95.
I was extremely pleased with how well the TEP performed.
Being able to get online quickly as soon as you arrive in another country and connect up to 5 devices with unlimited data for $9.95 a day when traveling is a bargain.
Would the convenience of getting connected with unlimited data for up to 5 devices be worth $9.95 a day for you? If so, then consider using a TEP wireless pocket Wi-Fi the next time you travel.
Like this post? Pin to your travel board, vacation board, or great tips board.
Or choose this one to pin to your board.
Comment, tweet, or share this post.
Get the best credit card signup bonuses.
Follow us on Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | YouTube
Got a question? Or want help, suggestions, travel tips, learn how to travel for free, find out about travel deals, and maximize your miles and points? Use the subscription box below to sign-up and get post updates by email.
This seems like a cool tech tool to have at your disposal for certain situations, like if you're staying at non-brand hotels or will be doing a lot of "on the go" travel.
I went to their site with your link, and it doesn't seem like you can actually buy a unit. Instead, you have to rent it and are billed for however many days you have the unit vs. the "pay per use" model you described above. Plus, the shipping charges of $20 to receive it and $10 to return it are fairly hefty.
With so many carriers following T-Mobile's lead of including international roaming voice and data, and free wi-fi being included if you have decent status with hotel chains, they may want to reconsider their pricing/delivery model.
I talk as a truly ambassador of Tep since the first time I used them. My option might be skewed then, but this worth sharing. It is a big miss-concept that network roaming packages are a good alternative. T-Mobile offer 2G connection so pretty pretty slow. Bundle packages might not be available to all subscribers and yet are data limited and quite expensive. Free WiFi...good luck on not finding that connection congested, slow and unsecured. Hotel WIFI might be an option, but it is about $20 per day. Tep really becomes your tiny travel companion to provide you with that peace of mind that if you need internet for whatever reason you have it next to you. That is why once you try it you will see why I become an ambassador of it! Thanks.
Hi Mr. P.K.,
I agree, once you try it, you'll realize that TEP is totally worth it.
Hi Lee @ Bald Thoughts,
Yeah, the TEP is a rental. I'll update the post to make that clear. And yes, you do pay for shipping to receive and send back the unit.
I'm reaching out to TEP to confirm if you have to pay for all days even for days you don't use the unit. My understanding and how it worked for me was that you only pay for days that you activate the TEP. I'll let you know when I hear back.
For those without hotel status, TEP is a good resource because you can connect 5 units for the flat rate of $10 a day.
I'm a low budget traveller and 10$ would be more than I usually spend a day. I use public WiFis and a prepaid sim card for urgent phone calls. As a sim card with cheap roaming rates I can highly recommend TravelSim... http://www.travelsim.com/
Hi Stevie on the Move,
I'm a big SIM card fan as well. When traveling with friends or family, the TEP can be more cost effective because you can share 5 devices on 1 TEP. Just a thought. 🙂
Makes sense! Thanks for the advice! Happy travelling to you! 🙂
Hi Stevie,
And to you as well. 🙂
Very interesting. I've never heard of this before. Thanks for sharing it!
Hi Maureen,
Glad you liked the post. 🙂
This is awesome for people that travel a lot! For the price it is totally worth it. Don't forget you can also make calls via FB too!
Hi Marielle Altenor,
Thanks for the tip! I didn't know you could make calls via FB. I'll have to give it a try. 🙂
HI there
Great post and this looks really really useful.
I am traveling to europe this upcoming summer and it will definitely come in handy, I must look into it !!
xo
Estephanie
Hi Estephanie,
Definitely rent a TEP. I loved being able to connection as soon as I landed without having to search for a SIM card.
Plus you can post to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram without data restrictions. 🙂
This is definitely interesting! If you were planning on only working for one day out of a trip or something like that, this would be amazingly useful. (Plus, having the ability for multiple devices to be hooked up means that the boyfriend would be able to go online while I was preoccupied with writing. ;)) - Great review, thanks!
Hi Fox,
Thanks for the compliment.
Agreed, being able to connect 5 devices at a time for the one low price and with unlimited data is a huge plus! 🙂
Great tips! I never think about my data when traveling. I guess I will be now!
Hi Roxanne,
Thanks 🙂
I am really going to check this out! I hate having to add an expensive international data package to my phone when traveling. Thank you!
Hi Sarah,
Please do. The TEP is so easy to use. I liked being able to get connected for cheap without having to pay roaming and international data use on my phone.