When traveling internationally, you might want to consider renting a wifi egg aka mobile hotspot device, especially if you don't know the language, aren't familiar with the area, are addicted to social media, or traveling alone. 

Of course you can find wifi pretty easily these days at establishments like cafes, stores/malls, and museums, but it's more of a convenient factor to have wifi on hand should you need it. I wouldn't consider it something essential to your trip, especially if you'll be visiting areas that are quite technologically developed.

When I went to Korea last year, I used Pocket Wifi Korea. It was convenient, decently cheap (especially if you're sharing with a friend), and I'd for sure rent one again the next I go. I'm actually renting one when I go to Europe next month so I'll probably update this post once I come back with my thoughts on how it worked in Europe vs Asia.

In Korea specifically, I noticed a lot of AirBnBs let you rent one for free, which is a crazy great perk, but obviously only for the duration of your stay. So if you're staying at multiple AirBnBs/hotels, you'll only be able to use it during your reservation.

Most devices should...

• be able to connect to multiple devices at a time (good if you're traveling with a friend or bring a laptop/tablet)
• come with a charger
• come slim and compact 
• have good connection

The only CON I can think of is that it heats up easily!

Companies vary in product and plan. To find the right one for you, consider these questions:

• Usage: ​How much data do you estimate on using? Do you plan on using it only for emergencies or do you plan on regularly posting things on social media, using your maps, etc. You'll usually see two options: 1gb/day, or unlimited data.
• Coverage: Do you plan on staying only in the city, or plan on going to smaller or distant towns? 

• Pick up: Do you want to pick up and drop off at the airport? Other options I've seen: extra fee to get it shipped to your home/hotel, or free pick up at their store in the city
• How many: If you're visiting Asia, you'll more likely see options to rent by the country; meaning you'll have to rent a wifi egg separately per country. If you're visiting Europe, I've found that most places will let you choose one of two plans: by country, or by all of Europe

I used a SIM card during my trip in Australia for the first time. I used my friend's old Australian phone, went to a local grocery store to buy a reloadable card, activated it online, and then started using it. I bought 10 GB worth of data for $30 (it was either that or $10 for 2 GB or something similar). 2 GB still would've been enough for me since I was there for only 4 days, but the offer enticed me. 

I also had my phone and didn't want to use her phone to log into all of my stuff so I used her phone mainly as a hotspot to have data on my phone. 

The phone I used was an iPhone 4 so the battery died quickly, and it got so so hot. Even after I connected hotspot to my phone, if it was idle for like 15 minutes, I'd have to reconnect it again if I wanted to use it. 

Now that I think about it, I think the policy nowadays is that your network provider will unlock your phone for you but it's something you'd have to go into to do, and not sure if there's an additional service charge for that. 

My advice: if your phone is compatible with international SIM cards and you don't mind the trouble of going into your provider's store, and buying a SIM card when you get there, then by all means, go for it. It ended up being about the same price in my experience. I think after experiencing both, I prefer renting a wifi egg at the airport, making it simple and easy!


Below is a post that might be helpful if you're considering which to get.
​http://blog.trazy.com/sim-card-wifi-egg-which-to-use-in-korea/

Thanks to many friends who have gone before me and discovered great places and passed those suggestions onto me, here is my map of Seoul. I absolutely recommend you make a copy of the map so you can add what you need, delete what you don't want, etc. For example, probably good for you to pin your hotel or AirBnB. Another reason I tell people to make their own copy is so you can access it straight on your phone or tablet via Google Maps by going to the Settings icon --> Your places --> Maps, et viola!

PLEASE don't not live off of this map. There is crazy good food in Korea ALL around you.
Support mom&pop shops & small businesses!!

Some recommended musts in Korea:

• try street food (particularly spicy rice cakes)
• karaoke (AKA noh-rae bang)
• go to an open market like DDM or namdaemun and bargain for some discounts on an item
• take the Korean subway! Warning: you WILL return to the States disappointed than ever in American transportation
• go to a Korean spa (AKA jjim-jil bang), and eat hard boiled eggs

Let's collaborate! I've enabled comments on this post so you can suggest more places people would like. (: