{"id":19093,"date":"2023-06-08T09:47:02","date_gmt":"2023-06-08T07:47:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.recharge.com\/blog?p=19093"},"modified":"2025-01-28T15:46:24","modified_gmt":"2025-01-28T14:46:24","slug":"top-seafarer-sim-cards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.recharge.com\/blog\/en-gb\/ie\/top-seafarer-sim-cards","title":{"rendered":"Top 3 seafarer SIM cards (and how to top them up)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Being a seafarer can be lonely. Life on a ship might seem alluring. From time to time it definitely is. After all, you do get to travel for your work. Lots of seafarers love their job. But life on the high seas can be monotonous and boring. Being away from family and friends for months on end doesn\u2019t help.<\/span><\/p>\n

One great way to deal with the boredom is a mobile phone. But getting reception in the middle of an ocean can be tricky. And roaming costs can be ridiculously high.<\/p>\n

There are a couple of options for you if you\u2019re a seafarer looking for the right SIM to choose.<\/p>\n

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How to choose the right seafarer SIM<\/span><\/h2>\n

Like always, choosing the right SIM for you depends on what you want to use it for.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a seafarer you see the same faces for months, or maybe even years. You don\u2019t just want to talk to friends and family, you\u2019ll want to see them too. Some ships have Wi-Fi. But for those who don\u2019t, a SIM card with internet access is a necessity. That way you can video chat with friends and family and feel a little closer to them.<\/p>\n

Companies offer all sorts of different deals. Depending on where and when you need internet and mobile coverage. Finding the perfect one for you often depends on what it is you\u2019re looking for exactly.<\/p>\n

There are thwo main ways you can go about buying SIMs as a seafarer. You can buy a new SIM card at each port, or get a single prepaid SIM card that you can use relatively cheaply anywhere you go.<\/p>\n

Simply put, buying a new SIM card every time you dock is cheaper, but more of a hassle. Getting a dedicated international SIM is far more convenient. But no SIM card is without roaming costs, so this option can be more expensive.<\/p>\n

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Buying a new SIM at every dock<\/span><\/h2>\n

One very straightforward option is to buy a new prepaid SIM card every time you come to a new port. You can then use your SIM card to call home until you sail off for your next destination. And in the meantime, if your ship has Wi-Fi you can still use a lot of the functions of your smartphone.<\/span><\/p>\n

The downside is that international roaming is often extremely expensive. So if you do want to call friends and family with your SIM card outside the country where you bought it, you\u2019ll burn through your call credit in no time. And if your ship doesn\u2019t have Wi-Fi it becomes very hard and expensive to use your phone at all.<\/p>\n

Besides, buying a new prepaid SIM means you change phone numbers every time you come to a new port. That can be very inconvenient.<\/p>\n

Easy top up for many SIMs worldwide<\/span><\/h4>\n

If buying a new SIM card at every port is still your preferred option, at least we have some good news for you! You no longer need to buy physical cards to top up your prepaid SIM card. If you have a prepaid SIM card you can top it up<\/a> wherever you are via Recharge.com. That way you’ll always stay connected.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have a smartphone it becomes even easier. Download the Recharge.com app (available for iOS<\/a> and Android<\/a>) and top up your prepaid SIM in a matter of seconds.<\/p>\n