Public WiFi at airports and hotels: risks and why eSIM is safer

Why public networks are riskier

Public WiFi is by definition open - a large number of unknown devices connect to the same network at once. That opens room for various forms of data interception, especially if the network lacks strong encryption or if a fake network is set up to look official.

• Fake networks with names similar to the official one (e.g. 'Airport_Free_WiFi')
• Interception of unencrypted traffic on open networks
• A shared network with an unknown number of other users at once
• Easier tracking and profiling of user behavior on the network

What's most sensitive on public WiFi

Online banking, card payments, logging into email or work systems are the activities with the highest risk. On a public network, you never really know who else is 'in the room' with you.

Why eSIM is the safer option

When you use mobile data through an eSIM, your connection goes directly through the mobile operator's network rather than through a shared public network that anyone can join. That alone reduces exposure to the kind of interception risk common on open WiFi.

On top of that, an eSIM gives you a stable connection without needing to hunt for a WiFi password at every location or wonder whether the network you're joining is really official.

When WiFi still makes sense

• For large downloads or streaming, to save mobile data
• At the hotel, where the network is usually more private and known
• For less sensitive activities, like reading news or browsing
• Always combined with a VPN if you're doing something more sensitive

Practical travel advice

The best combination is using your eSIM as the reliable, primary connection for anything sensitive, and saving public WiFi for lighter activities or when you want to save GBs. That way you get both security and flexibility.

Frequently asked questions