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.
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Sarah
Wednesday 10th of February 2016
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!
Debra Schroeder
Thursday 11th of February 2016
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.
Roxanne
Monday 18th of January 2016
Great tips! I never think about my data when traveling. I guess I will be now!
Debra Schroeder
Thursday 21st of January 2016
Hi Roxanne,
Thanks :)
Fox
Sunday 17th of January 2016
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!
Debra Schroeder
Thursday 21st of January 2016
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! :)
Estephanie
Saturday 16th of January 2016
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
Debra Schroeder
Thursday 21st of January 2016
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. :)
Marielle Altenor
Saturday 16th of January 2016
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!
Debra Schroeder
Thursday 21st of January 2016
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. :)