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Lucas Frost's blog

Lucas Frost

25 Aug 2025

What is Tethering? Why does it matter when you travel? 

You land in a new country with no connectivity and no Wi-Fi. You think of buying a local SIM, but the Roaming costs? Way too high. What will you do? 

Usually, people search for insecure Wifi here, but the fact is they dont know that Tethering helps. You can turn your phone into a personal hotspot and get your laptop or tablet online instantly. 

Yes! It is possible, but you will need an eSIM-compatible device and a connection from an eSIM provider that has no restrictions on Tethering. 

With eSIMCard, you stay connected without stress. No SIM swapping. No hidden charges. Just fast, secure internet from one device to another, anywhere you go.

Let’s get to know tethering more and how it works! 


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What Is Tethering?

Tethering means using one device’s mobile data to power the internet on another, like turning your phone into a wired or wireless modem. It’s perfect when hotel Wi‑Fi is spotty or non-existent. 

Think: Sharing your mobile plan with your laptop, tablet, or a friend. No extra SIM cards, no waiting in line. 

When you plan to use tethering over your eSIM connection, you may face Data Throttling. You often feel that when you share the Internet via tethering, there is a huge decline in internet speed. That fall in speed is known as data throttling

But the good news is, having an eSIM, you are allowed to share the Internet without any restriction and data throttling. The speed remains the same, exactly what you have paid for!

Tethering Options & When to Use Them?

Don’t confuse tethering with a hotspot. There is a difference between them. Hotspot allows you to connect a number of devices, creating a wifi network. Tethering is what is called a direct connection with a cable, Bluetooth, wifi or USB, and usually is for one or two devices.

Let me tell you when you can use tethering:

Wi‑Fi Tethering Creates a mini wireless network from your phone. Ideal for flexible sharing with laptops, tablets, or friends.

Bluetooth Tethering – Energy-efficient, but slower - great when you need just basic browsing and want to save battery.

USB Tethering – Stable, fast, and secure connection to a single device - perfect for heavy work or streaming on a laptop.

Is Tethering Free? What Will It Cost You?

Most of the time, tethering doesn’t come with extra fees, especially if your plan includes hotspot sharing. But watch out: data-hungry activities like video calls or downloads can drain your quota fast. When abroad, standard roaming costs might apply. Unless you’re using eSIMCard eSIM, which gives you clear, inclusive data plans for travel.


How Does Tethering Work?

Imagine your phone is a data bridge. It connects to a mobile network using its eSIM or SIM card and then shares that data:

It’s that simple and a game-changer when you're far from reliable Wi‑Fi. The feature is device-based and is the best for digital nomads, travellers with multiple devices and students.


Activating Tethering Step-by-Step!

When you are travelling, eSIM is your best choice to stay connected wherever you go without any hassle. The first thing to do before purchasing an eSIM is to confirm that your device is eSIM compatible. After that! You can follow these steps to turn on tethering on your device:

iPhone (iOS):

SettingsPersonal HotspotToggle it onSet a strong passwordConnect your other device.

Android (stock OS):

Settings Network & internetHotspot & tetheringPick Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, or USB tetheringConfigure name and password, then turn it on.

Tracking Data Usage While Tethering

Yes, tethering uses mobile data, often more than you think. Streaming video, uploading photos, and downloading files all count. 

On the eSIMCard mobile app (iOS, Android), you’ll see real-time usage, so no surprise bills. 

Tip: keep an eye out for daily limits or automatic warnings to stay in control.


Tethering While Traveling - The Traveler’s Secret Weapon!

Landing in a new country. With no internet, no directions, and no idea where to start. That’s where tethering comes in.

Just activate a local eSIM from eSIMCard on your phone, and boom! You’ve got instant data without touching your old SIM or paying insane roaming fees. Now, tether that connection to your laptop to book your hotel, find your Airbnb, or even work remotely from a café in Rome or Bangkok.

Have friends or family travelling with you? Share your internet with them in seconds. Everyone stays connected, and no one gets hit with surprise roaming bills.

Best part? Local eSIMs from eSIMCard are cheaper, faster, and made for seamless tethering, which is perfect for solo backpackers, digital nomads, and family vacations alike.


Is Tethering Secure?

Yes! When done smartly. 


Why Travellers Prefer eSIMCard eSIM for Tethering?

The motive of eSIMCard is that the user only pays for what they are using. eSIMCard has no roaming or sudden charges that will leave users in pain. There are multiple varieties of eSIM plans to choose from. Moreover, there are no restrictions on sharing a hotspot or tethering through your eSIM data. You can:


Conclusion

Travel shouldn't mean losing touch. Tethering is the lifeline that bridges your online world with real-world adventure, hotel check-ins, translations, remote work, or sharing with friends. 

With eSIMCard eSIM, you'll stay fully in control: no roaming fees, no SIM swaps, no guessing games. Just pure, reliable data, ready whenever and wherever you are. Download the eSIMCard app and take full control over your usage.


FAQs

Do I lose mobile data when I tether?

Yes! The data shared with another device comes from your mobile plan. Watch your usage!

Which tethering method is fastest?

USB tethering wins! Great for file-heavy tasks. Wi‑Fi is best for sharing with multiple people.

Can I tether while abroad using eSIMCard?

Absolutely. Use a local eSIMCard eSIM, tether safely, and avoid expensive roaming charges.

4.9

4.9 rating

Highly Rated

Based on 500,000+ customer reviews

rated people

Trusted worldwide

Over 1 million travelers across the globe have trusted us

travel friendly

Travel Friendly

No swaps, global connectivity ensured

With eSIM Card, you can save 100% on roaming fees

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