You fly tomorrow and haven't thought about internet: here are your options

You leave tomorrow, the suitcase is half packed and you've just realised you never sorted out data. It's a reasonable panic and it has a solution, but it's worth going in order, because not every way out fits in the time you have left.

First, two one-minute checks

1. Look in your operator's app to see what your plan includes in the country you're going to. If you're staying inside the European Union, that's it: your data travels with you and there's nothing else to do.
2. If you're going outside it, check whether your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked. That decides which of the options below are open to you.

Option 1: an eSIM tonight

The fastest one when your phone is compatible: you buy it, the code arrives and you install it on your home wifi in a few minutes.

What to check even in a hurry: that the plan covers all your days, and when it starts counting. If it's one of the kind that starts on install, install as close to departure as you can; if it starts when you connect at your destination, you can have it ready tonight with no problem. Your destination's page says which.

The installation steps, so you can do it without a fright, are in how to install the eSIM before you travel.

Option 2: a bundle from your operator

It activates from their app in a moment and doesn't depend on your phone supporting eSIM. It's usually pricier than a plan bought for the destination, and in exchange there's nothing to install.

It's the natural way out if your phone doesn't support eSIM, if it's locked, or if the trip is two or three days.

Option 3: buy a SIM when you land

This works well in countries where the paperwork is simple and there are counters at the airport, and badly in ones that require registration or where you land in the small hours.

Allow for the queue, for having to take your own card out, and for not losing it during the trip.

Option 4: get by on wifi

Workable on a short city break with a well connected hotel, and awkward in any other case. If that's your choice, at least get this ready before you go to bed.

• Download the city map and pin your accommodation.
• Save bookings and tickets in a format that works offline.
• Write the important phone numbers into your contacts.
• Tell anyone who might need you that you'll be answering in patches.

What to do whatever you choose

1. Turn off data roaming on your own line if you're going outside the European Union.
2. Leave that line switched on for calls and texts, which is what gets your bank's codes through.
3. Set photo backups and updates to wifi only.
4. Download maps and languages tonight, which is free and pays off tomorrow.

And what there isn't time for

Unlocking a phone that's locked to an operator isn't instant: it usually takes working days. If that's your situation and you leave tomorrow, the eSIM is off the table and it's either your operator's bundle or a local card, which won't work either on a locked phone.

That's why this check comes first and not last.