I'm trying to figure out a way to get multiple people in a traveling party to Europe internet access. Two of the three aren't very tech-savvy and have locked phones. One has an unlocked phone and could hotspot for them, but their phone would die quickly.

I can think of two options that might make sense:

- A mifi device that would allow you to insert a purchased SIM card that isn't locked to any particular carrier (this seems more expensive, but if a device does this well, it would be my preferred option)
- Taking an old/cheap phone, installing a SIM, and using it as a hotspot (this seems like my fallback, but concerned that the phone's battery will die quickly)

Does anyone have experience in this situation? What did you choose to do?

I would just activate their carrier's international roaming feature and have them use their phone like normal. T-mobile includes free international roaming on most of its plans. Verizon and AT&T will do it for like $10/day. It's by far the easiest option.

You mentioned they aren't very tech savvy. Given this, DO they even need internet? What are they going to use internet for? Will everyone in the party be in close proximity for the duration of the trip?

WiFi is easily available these days in most areas, often free. There are plenty of apps with offline maps and directories.

If you're worried about battery drain, get a battery pack for the primary phone. It'll be cheaper than lighting up all of the phones with international roaming, and you shouldn't be traveling without one to begin with.

If you are worried about phone battery lasting, carry a power bank

I unpause a Google Fi account with a data SIM in a MiFi device when we travel internationally

They'll be gone for three weeks, so that would be cost-prohibitive, but I understand why you thought of it as the easiest idea.

They're comfortable enough using their phones themselves, but replacing a SIM card, installing an e-SIM, or unlocking their phone is too much. They would use it for Google Maps and communication, as one of the members of the party is deaf.

I think a battery pack might make the most sense.

There are also monthly options. I think Verizon's is a flat $ 100/month.

AT&T raised the international roaming daily fee to $12. For the member who argues it isn�t a daily plan as marketed by AT&T but a 24 hour period from the start of the roaming.

If it's 3 weeks abroad, perhaps you should consider getting a hotspot (or use an old phone) with a local provider over there. At that point, the US carriers aren't going to be very affordable unless you have one of the free international deals like what T-Mobile's offered for nearly a decade.

Is renting a hotspot pre-trip or on arrival still a thing?
That said, I like the idea of bringing an old unlocked phone capable of running as a hotspot, popping in a local sim with a plan that allows for shared/hotspot data and be done with it. Extra battery pack for the phone seems unneeded - have a car charger or extra cable for use wherever you're staying.

This. A local SIM is usually the better option. Keep in mind there may be data caps or roaming issues depending on the local provider.