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Staying connected on a long-distance cycling trip is less complicated than it sounds — but it requires a bit of preparation. This page covers the practical side of mobile data and internet access on the road — including eSIM options, when a VPN actually matters, and more — based on what has worked across dozens of countries and thousands of kilometers.

eSIM

For years I have used eSIMs exclusively for local internet access while traveling. A physical SIM might save a few euros in some cases, but the advantages of eSIM are clear enough that I have not looked back.

The practical benefits are straightforward: no time spent searching for a SIM vendor on arrival, no guessing what you are buying in a language you do not speak, and no waiting. You pick a package that fits your needs, activate it before landing, and have a working connection the moment you step off the plane. That last point matters more than it sounds — having internet access immediately at the airport makes finding a taxi or rideshare significantly easier and usually cheaper than whatever is waiting outside arrivals.

• MobiMatter (use code Roadsandchains for up to 50% cashback — up to $5 — on your first order)
• GoMoWorld (use code ROADSNCHAINS for 10% discount)
• GlobalYo (get up to $5 for your first purchase)
• Billion Connect (get 20% discount with the code NEWBC20)

How Much Data Do You Actually Need?

A common mistake is buying too little data to save money — which usually ends up costing more through top-ups than a larger package would have from the start.

In practice, 500 MB per day is more than enough for long-distance cycling. The main consumers are Google Maps when riding without downloaded maps, the occasional video in the tent in the evening, and loading podcasts in advance when you know the next stretch will have no signal.

15 GB per month is a comfortable buffer that covers normal use without having to think about it.

VPN

A VPN is not just about encrypting your data — for long-distance travelers it is often more about getting around internet restrictions. In China, most social media platforms are blocked entirely. Even accessing Gmail can be slow or impossible. If you are riding through on an eSIM with a foreign breakout point, you are often fine. But the moment you connect to hotel or hostel WiFi, you are back on the Chinese network and the blocks apply.

The rule is simple: install your VPN before you enter China. Once you are inside the country, downloading VPN apps becomes difficult or impossible.

Beyond China, a VPN occasionally helps when certain banks or online shops block access from specific countries — something that comes up more often than you would expect on a long trip.

I use Proton VPN and have never needed to pay for it — the free tier has always gotten me where I needed to go. If you find yourself in a situation where the free version is not enough, Proton VPN is also my first choice for a paid plan. It is privacy-focused, reliable, and works in the countries where you actually need it most.