Is it possible to achieve 4G/LTE environment without buying local SIM?

I cannot tolerate slow network in traveling and want to always get the fast network environment, possibly >5MB constantly. However, at the same time I don't like to buy local SIM card whenever I enter a next country.

So I ended up with considering my carrier's roaming plan, but it is quit expensive (around US$25 per day!). And then, I ended up with switching to international SIM, which I have just knew.

However, as long as I search for it, it doesn't seem to be what I want. Specifically, most of it lack phone number (some have) and does neither have fixed usage data plan nor tethering. Also, the network speed doesn't seem to be what they focus on, as they don't mention it at all.

So I just want to use my phone the same way I use it in my home country, like:

Have one phone number
Fixed monthly data plan, conform to 4G/LTE
Tethering

And for your information my usage prediction is the following:

1GB per month (although I might want 2GB)
Only receive a few SMS per month
Won't make nor receive call

Another option is rental mobile router. However, I don't like the option because it forces me to carry one more gadget in traveling.

Is there any option available to meet my needs? Or if the speed is my top priority should I bother to purchase local SIM? It is what I'm desperately looking for, and thus I can even spend US$ 100+ monthly.

UPDATE

The country/city I plan to travel is the following:

Top priority: Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore
Next priority: Moscow, Australia, Italy (mostly North), Spain, Stockholm, London, Kuala Lumpur, Canada

Best Answer

T-Mobile has a unlimited-data-in-120+-countries plan that should cover all your countries. I have that plan since two years, and it worked smoothless (and cost-free) in India, Russia, all of Western Europe, Czechia, the Carribean, Mexico, Canada and the US.

Note that some countries or areas do not have 4G/LTE, and no matter what you buy or do, you will not get 4G/LTE speed there.

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Does 4G LTE need a SIM card?

LTE phones need SIM cards. And, since LTE provides the fastest data, most newer phones also have LTE capabilities. Thus, most newer phones also take SIM cards.

How to get 4G internet?

How to activate 4G/LTE on Android OS devices:

Open \u201cSettings\u201d

Tap on \u201cMore\u201d

Tap on \u201cMobile network\u201d

Tap on \u201cPreferred network type\u201d

Choose \u201c4G/3G/2G (auto)\u201d

Can I use LTE data on my phone?

Yes, here's how to activate 4G LTE on your phone. While 4G LTE should automatically activate on its own, in some cases, it doesn't. Because some smartphones may have different ways to activate 4G, we are breaking down the specifics on how to access the faster network speeds for a few more popular phone makers.

How does a SIM card work internationally?

An international SIM card is a SIM that you can use worldwide. When you switch countries, the international SIM will generate a new, local number for your phone, allowing you to text, call, and use data over a local network.

Best SIM Card in Germany [Mobile Options Explained]

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Stan Swinnen, ROMAN ODINTSOV, Julia Volk, robin thakur