... stay connected even abroad

Having a handy and staying connected even during holiday - esp abroad,  happened nowadays to be basic requirement. Sometimes the place where you lodge doesn't provide (free) access to worldwide Web or any Internet Caffè is to be found without navigation - which in turn requires the mentioned Internet :(

However,  even restricted access to share our latest impressions from the superb site,  can cause less satisfying sight at the invoice when back home.

So, at least to my great pleasure,  there is still hope for a not that expensive solution:
Some telecoms, present in several countries - esp when relatively new on the particular market, try to be innovative and forthcoming and offer their services for small initiation fee at the same price as at your home network.

In my case,  the austrian prepaid card from "3 - die Drei.at" (with some top-up) would only stay in service in countries, where their sister company is represented (Austria,  Italy,  UK,  Ireland,  Hong Kong)

Similarly,  with the prepaid O2 (Telefonica) sim card bought in Slovakia,  I can surf  Internet and send sms/ call in UK,  Ireland,  Czech Republic - for comparative rates as at home.

Such a "one company" bonus, makes it attractive to choose the "new" operator as it saves not only money,  but time and nerves.

Otherwise one got to waste their holiday time while looking for vendors with new sim card and top-up OR accept the horrendous roaming charges.  Not to forget that many so-called cheap calling / surfing holiday packages charge approximately 10,- euro just for issuing the sim card.
Moreover,  language barrier makes it even more adventurous to simply activate the whole thing...

Attention!
Personally,  I make sure to manually choose in settings preferred operator - before I try to connect to Internet.
Sometimes,  one has to allow the phone to connect even when roaming - but first the preferred operator need to be confirmed and in their coverage.

Despite all of this convenience,  I postpone any software updates or any unnecessary downloads until back in native network - correct- due to extra charges.

To conclude,  before leaving for vacation or simply travelling abroad,  it's highly advisable to contact current operator and inquire details on service in  destination planned to visit.