1 Pyramid Pi
Have you ever travelled and feared connecting your devices to a hotel wifi’s because it might be unsafe or, worried about missing your favourite TV show from your home country? If so then Pyramid Pi is the device for you. Pyramid Pi is a VPN “Virtual Private Network” router that uses the micro computer, Raspberry Pi 4/5 to create an encrypted “tunnel” between your device and a remote server so you can use the internet more privately and securely. The device can host up to 15 devices with speeds dependent upon available bandwidth and provides dual band service of 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz. 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz service is available as wired from the router through LAN cable or if tethering with WiFi, only the 5Ghz service is available.
VPN speeds often depend on your distance from the server, but in our tests on an 80Mbps connection, we saw around 77Mbps download on 5GHz and about 10Mbps on 2.4GHz. Want more details? Head over to https://pi.pyramidwifi.com.
2 Airalo
Fed up with swapping SIM cards every time you cross a border? Airalo lets you leave those hassles behind. It’s a mobile tech provider that lets you download and install eSIMs straight from its app (free on App Store and Google Play). You’ll find loads of options—most are data-only, so calls are limited to VoIP apps like FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Yolla. Some countries offer bundles with calls and texts, too.
Airalo’s eSIMs start from 1GB for 3 days up to 10GB for 30 days, prices vary according to country. Regional and Global eSIMs are also available.
Some countries even offer unlimited data. Installation instructions are easy and if you get into trouble, just find a local WiFi service and their friendly support can help trouble shoot for you. Installation is simple, and if you run into trouble, just hop onto local Wi-Fi and their support team will help. Their customer service is top-notch. Once, we had trouble connecting in Zimbabwe, reported it, and got a refund for the eSIM—no fuss.
We also love Airalo’s “Top Up Reward” and “Referral Reward” programmes. Friends and colleagues have helped us earn “Airmoney” (Airalo’s in-app reward credit), which you get for purchases, top-ups, referrals, and promotions. Cashback rates range from 5–10% depending on your loyalty tier, and you can spend Airmoney on future eSIMs—a brilliant way to save on connectivity as you travel.
If you want to learn more, visit https://www.airalo.com. If Airalo is for you and you want to save you money on your first eSIM, use the referral code JOHNAT6341 and get €3 off your first purchase.
3. Revolut
When we discovered Revolut in 2021, it quickly became our go-to finance solution. Revolut is a fintech / e Wallet app for your devices, mainly your phone. Setting up an account is easy via their app (App Store and Google Play). After KYC verification, you can set up currency accounts, order a physical card (free or paid, depending on your plan), or add virtual cards in the app. You can also add cards to Apple Wallet and Google Pay.
Disposable virtual cards are handy for one-off online purchases with unfamiliar merchants—great for security.
Revolut offers several membership plans: Standard (free), Premium, Metal, and Ultra. We’ve found the Metal plan (£14.99/month in the UK) packs in benefits. You get a higher monthly allowance of fee-free ATM withdrawals, fee-free currency exchange up to your plan’s limits, and RevPoints (discounts on other services). Metal customers can access interest-bearing savings, with competitive rates in the UK at the time of writing. The platform also offers crypto and share trading.
Metal comes with extras like partner subscriptions—our favourites are Perplexity (a top AI tool) and NordVPN for when we’re not using Pyramid Pi. Other perks include:
- Cancellation insurance (subject to policy terms and eligibility)
- Travel insurance
- Purchase insurance
- Discounted lounge access (about £24 per visit at many airports)
- Fast track passes
- Monthly eSIM data allowance (e.g., 3GB on the UK Metal plan)
- RevPoints programme—earn points as you spend, redeem for stays, lounge passes, and more. We booked a stay in Mumbai worth $75 for only $4, and recently got two lounge passes in Schiphol paid for with Revpoints!
It’s these products and services that make travel easy and painless. Another great feature: you can send money to mobile wallets like M-Pesa, Airtel, MTN, and Orange (in supported countries).
Important Banking Status Note
While Revolut feels like a bank in the UK, it’s regulated as an e-money and payments institution, not a fully licensed UK bank. Funds are safeguarded with partner banks, but not protected by the UK FSCS. Revolut holds a full banking licence in Lithuania (passporting services to many EEA countries) and has launched full banking in Mexico, where deposits are covered by local schemes. Revolut Bank UAB (licensed in Lithuania) provides full banking across EEA markets like Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and more.
You may find it tricky to hire a car with a Revolut card, as many rental companies insist on a traditional credit card for deposits and may refuse prepaid or certain debit cards.
Despite these limitations, Revolut remains one of the most advanced fintechs out there, with a wide range of services that genuinely make travel easier and more affordable.
Disclaimer
This article shares our personal views and experiences only. It is not financial, legal or professional advice. Always do your own research and, if needed, consult a qualified professional.
Product details, prices, features and rates can change and may differ by country or user. We do not guarantee that the information here is complete, accurate or up to date, and we are not responsible for any loss or damage arising from its use or from using any third‑party services mentioned.