Internet dongle for MacBook Air 2024?

Im going on holiday in theUK with poor wifi, can I buy an internet dongle for my macbook air?

iPad, iPadOS 18

Posted on Aug 27, 2025 7:09 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 27, 2025 8:40 AM

If you mean cellular internet access, then you can choose from:

  • personal hotspot* from your iPhone or cellular iPad,
  • hotspot device [4G/5G] (for potentially multiple devices) from a UK local ISP** with local SIM or eSIM,
  • USB dongle for laptop (one device at a time) from a UK local ISP** with local SIM or eSIM.


*As roaming charges abroad can easily get out of hand, in such cases get a plan or prepaid option from a mobile service provider or international specialist that works with UK plans. Some (virtual) international service providers have automatic eSIM switching for smart phones based on geolocation, so that you can use local data fees anywhere.

**Available at mobile phone stores/resellers (O2, Vodafone, EE, etc.). Probably even at UK international airports.

6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 27, 2025 8:40 AM in response to PatandSpud

If you mean cellular internet access, then you can choose from:

  • personal hotspot* from your iPhone or cellular iPad,
  • hotspot device [4G/5G] (for potentially multiple devices) from a UK local ISP** with local SIM or eSIM,
  • USB dongle for laptop (one device at a time) from a UK local ISP** with local SIM or eSIM.


*As roaming charges abroad can easily get out of hand, in such cases get a plan or prepaid option from a mobile service provider or international specialist that works with UK plans. Some (virtual) international service providers have automatic eSIM switching for smart phones based on geolocation, so that you can use local data fees anywhere.

**Available at mobile phone stores/resellers (O2, Vodafone, EE, etc.). Probably even at UK international airports.

Aug 27, 2025 8:34 AM in response to Servant of Cats

Thank you for replying. I’m not sure if that is what I’m asking for tbh. I normally log in the internet via the available Wi-Fi but I have been told at this holiday park that it is very poor (slow). I want to be able to watch my streaming services while I’m away, so thought you could buy portable data on a dongle - although I have never had to do this before and am unfamiliar with the actual item required. The MacBook Air is new and I am still finding my way around it.

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Internet dongle for MacBook Air 2024?

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