In the past, traveling to another country often required a folded map and sometimes a dictionary with the local language and accommodation address noted. However, this reality has changed drastically: for 90% of Brazilians traveling abroad, mobile connectivity has become an indispensable item on an international journey.
This index exceeds the average of 80% observed in other markets, according to data collected by Airalo in collaboration with YouGov. Although maps and means of transport are still relevant, they are now part of the set of resources travelers use through their mobile devices.
The absence of internet when a cell phone is available creates problematic scenarios. Brazilians assign a score of 8.22 on a scale of 10 to the level of anxiety generated by the need to use the phone without network access, which is the highest average value among all countries surveyed.
Lack of connection also has the potential to extend unpleasant situations. Approximately 52% of Brazilians reported having been in a state of discomfort or insecurity longer than desired due to the lack of internet, citing examples such as the inability to load a map or request transportation.
Conversely, being connected seems to expand exploration possibilities: 90% state that a stable connection provides greater freedom to discover new places and escape conventional tourist routes. Furthermore, 81% indicated that guaranteed internet access would increase their willingness to visit a destination they might otherwise avoid for security reasons.
The cell phone acquires special relevance when traveling alone. In Brazil, 60% of respondents mentioned having already used security tools that depend on continuous connection, such as sharing location with friends and family.
The study named Safe When Travel collected data from travelers from the United States, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Australia, Brazil, and Mexico. Specifically in Brazil, 502 people who traveled abroad in the last two years were interviewed. This online survey was conducted between August 5 and 24, 2026.