Power, Data, and Communications

As we travel around the world, we all need to stay connected (somewhat), communicate with each other, and charge our devices. This post will give you some information and suggestions. This post talks about what we (Chris and Helen) do, but this is by no means the only way to do things.

On this page, you’ll find information about:

• eSIMs and mobile data
• electrical power adaptors
• How and why we use WhatsApp to stay connected

eSIMs and mobile data

When your cell phone connects to a cell tower/service provider, it uses a SIM (provided by that service provider) to identify itself. Often the SIM consists of a small electronic circuit card that is installed manually in your phone – hence the term SIM card. Most modern phones also allow for an eSIM, which is a virtual SIM card that you can buy and then download and install. If you want to have data when you are not connected to a wifi source, you have two options.

  • Use your local carrier’s roaming service. We have Roger’s “Roam Like Home” service. These services allow you to maintain your phone number and receive and send calls and texts as if you were connected to your home service provider. Without question, using your local service provider’s roaming service is the easiest and most convenient way to use data when travelling, but for Canadians, it can get pricy quickly for longer trips!
  • Buy an eSIM for the region that you are travelling in. The eSIMs we use are a great deal but are only good for data. They render our phone number useless, so no phone calls or SMS texts. They do allow us to go geocaching, use maps, send and receive emails, use Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and even iMessage! There are several eSIM options, but we typically use Airalo eSIMs to stay connected. Here is a link to their Latin America eSIMs.

Electrical Power Adaptors

Electrical power adapters will be needed in some countries. Here are some things to know based on various destinations:

  • Argentina: Type I plugs are used in Argentina. This is the same style as is used in Australia and China.
  • Brazil: Type C plugs are used in Brazil. This is the same style of plug as is used in most of Europe with two round pins.
  • Chile: Type C and Type L plugs are used in Chile. The type L is a three-prong version of the type C. A type C (European) will fit into the outer pins of the type L.
  • 5 Stans and Caucasus: Type C and Type F plugs are used in Central Asia.
  • Holland America Ships: HAL ships have standard North American type E plugs in all of their staterooms.
  • Hurtigruten Ships: This is a European cruise line, and they use European type C plugs – the ones with the round pins.

Type I – Argentina

Type C – Brazil, Europe, Chile, Central Asia, Hurtigruten

Most plug adapters change the plug configuration only and do not change the voltage or frequency of the power supplied from the wall. With all of the above, it is safest to use these plug adaptors only with devices that are capable of various power inputs, for example, 120/240V and 50/60Hz. Most modern chargers will be ok with this.

How and why we use WhatsApp to stay connected

WhatsApp is a messaging App used primarily on mobile devices for text, image, and voice communications. You will have been invited to one of our WhatsApp groups so that you can connect with the other travellers in our tour. We have a few “Best Practices” for using WhatsApp. Please try to follow them.

  • We will use our WhatsApp group to share important information about your trip. If a meeting time changes or the bus is going to be around the corner from where you were told, we will use WhatsApp to let you know. In the afternoon, we will likely remind you of the next day’s meeting time, if you are on one of the tours arranged by us.
  • To make sure that important messages don’t get buried among a flurry of enthusiastic adventure-sharing, we ask that you reserve the use of the group chat for important information and logistics. If you’ve got something to share, that the whole group would like to know, please go ahead and use the main group chat. Whales off the port bow or if you’ve grabbed a big table in the lobby bar, tell us all!
  • In WhatsApp, you can make your own groups and private message other people in the group. Please use these features for friendly chit-chat and communications intended for just a few people. Some people will want to turn off their notifications if the group is too ‘busy’ with a few people ‘bantering and kibitzing’ so please keep that in mind as we don’t want those people to miss important messages.
  • If you get lost and need help to be found, let us know! If you will be late for a meeting point, let us know! If you end up in hospital, let us know! You can use the group chat or private message Helen or Chris. Make sure you have added us as a connection. Helen’s phone number is the 9994 one, and Chris is the 1302 number. If you don’t know how to do this, ask us and we’ll assist.
  • To use WhatsApp, you need a data connection. It can be a wifi connection or data via your SIM or eSIM.
  • If you do not have data access, and you are in an emergency, turn on your data roaming and allow your home service provider to provide you with data access… you may pay a few dollars, but it won’t be crazy expensive – but if you need to communicate, just do it.