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T-Mobile International Phone Plans – Countries, Coverage, Rates, and More

Andrew Kunesh

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Keri Stooksbury

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Breaking Down T-Mobile’s Free International Data

512 mb international day pass, 5 gb international pass, 15 gb international pass, which t-mobile data package is right for you, how to sign up for an international data package, t-mobile’s supported countries (free and paid), pros of t-mobile’s international data plans:, cons of t-mobile’s international data plans:, final thoughts.

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Having an international data plan can make international travel  a lot easier. You have instant access to maps and can keep in touch with your travel companions without worrying about purchasing a new SIM in each country.

For years there’s been 1 big issue with international data plans: the cost. Plans were expensive and had low data limits with limited coverage. Depending on your itinerary, this could have added a huge extra expense even though it may not have worked for the entirety of your travels.

Thankfully, though, that’s no longer the case.

For the past few years, T-Mobile has offered most of its post-paid customers free international data and texting in over 210 countries worldwide. And while this has a few quirks, its price-point and list of supported countries make it one of the best mobile data options for most travelers.

In this article we’ll walk you through all of the quirks and features of T-Mobile’s international data plans. We’ll take a look at the different plans available, discuss what features each plan includes, and show you which countries are supported.

By the end of the article, you should have an understanding of if T-Mobile’s international data plans are right for you.

Let’s get started!

As discussed earlier, T-Mobile includes free international data and text with 2 of its 3 smartphone plans: Magenta ® and Magenta ® Plus.

This sounds great on paper (because it is!), but there’s 1 major quirk to be aware of: your data is limited to 2G speeds at roughly 128 Kbps on the Magenta plan and 256 Kbps on the Magenta ® Plus plan.

This isn’t quite as bad as it sounds, though. Even though data is slow, it’s more than enough for using Google Maps and sending texts through WhatsApp and iMessage. However, you won’t be able to stream video, post photos, or otherwise use the internet without some serious loading time. In many cases, we’ve seen web pages actually time out and not load at all.

The good news is that there’s no data cap when you’re roaming. This means you can use as much data (and send as many texts) as you’d like, and you’ll never have to worry about an exorbitant bill at the end of a long trip abroad. However, the amount of data you’ll actually be able to use will be limited due to the plan’s exceptionally low speed.

Do note that travel to Canada and Mexico is not limited to these low speeds. Magenta ® and Magenta ® Plus plans get 5 GB of complimentary 4G LTE per month in the 2 countries, then revert to the slower speeds we discussed earlier. This means you’ll have a largely seamless experience when traveling within North America, something invaluable for business travelers and tourists alike.

While texting and mobile data are included, note that calling is still subject to an extra charge. We’ve found that most countries charge $0.20 to $0.25 per minute, with others charging slightly more. We’ll include calling costs in the supported countries table later in the article.

Buy a T-Mobile Data Pass for Faster Speeds

Need something faster than 2G data abroad? Thankfully, T-Mobile offers a variety of international data packages that let you use full 4G LTE speeds when traveling to any supported country worldwide. There are 3 of these plans currently offered and each comes with a different data limit and — naturally – price point.

Each of these plans has 1 thing in common: data packages aren’t restricted to 1 specific country. If you’re planning a trip around Europe, you can use the same high-speed data package throughout the entirety of your journey. You don’t need to worry about notifying T-Mobile or dropping extra money when crossing another border.

Additionally, each of the 3 plans includes Smartphone Mobile Hotspot at no extra charge. This means that multiple people can share 1 international data pass over Wi-Fi from the subscribed device, making it perfect for families and couples traveling together.

Here’s a look at each of the 3 high-speed data packages:

The 512 MB International Day Pass costs $5 per day and includes — as the name suggests — 512 MB of high-speed international data for 1 day.

This plan also includes unlimited calling for the day, making it perfect for keeping in touch with friends, family, and business partners back home.

The 5 GB International Pass includes 5 GB of data and unlimited calling for up to 10 days . This plan costs $35 per 10 day period, making it a great option for week-long trips around the world.

T-Mobile’s highest international data pass is the 15 GB International Plan. This plan costs $50 and lasts 30 days, giving you a whopping 15 GB of data and unlimited calling to work with.

With so many data packages available, it might seem hard to pick 1 for your trip. Here’s a quick look at why you may pick 1 plan over another.

Stick with complimentary 2G data if you…

• Only want to use maps, instant messaging, and email.
• Don’t need to download email attachments or other large files.
• Plan on being in a big city and close Wi-Fi hotspots during your travels.
• Don’t want to use your phone too much during your trip.
• Want to save money at the expense of better connectivity.
• Can use FaceTime Audio, Skype, or WhatsApp for calling.

Buy a 512 MB International Day Pass if you…

• Need to do light web browsing for restaurant recommendations, etc.
• Plan on sending a few picture and video messages on a daily basis.
• Are taking a short trip abroad.
• Need to make phone calls back to the U.S.

Buy a 5 GB International Pass if you…

• Are traveling for 7-10 days.
• Want to stream music and light video for entertainment.
• Need to browse the internet more heavily for business or leisure (during long train rides, etc.).
• Make phone calls back to the U.S.

Buy a 15 GB International Pass if you…

• Are traveling for more than 10 days.
• Plan on tethering your phone to your tablet or laptop to your phone to share its internet connection.
• Plan to be away from free Wi-Fi hotspots (countryside travel, etc.).
• Do data-intensive work and need to send files when working remotely.

Bottom Line:  Think about how you use your phone when you travel. The less you use it, the lesser of a data package you need.

Free international roaming at 2G speeds is automatically enabled. When you land in a new country, you’ll get a text message confirming that you’re in a supported country and that you’re not liable for charges (see example above).

Signing up for an international data package is simple, too. The plans don’t require any type of contract or other commitment, and you can sign up for a plan whenever you want through the T-Mobile app or website. Here’s how to add a data package through the T-Mobile app:

• Log in to the T-Mobile app on your smartphone.
• Tap Account and then tap  “Add Ons”  next to the Primary Account Holder’s field.
• Tap Manage Data & Add-ons.
• Tap the checkbox next to the pass you’d like to add to your account.
• Tap  Continue  and then tap  Change Date  if you’d like to choose a start date for your pass. If you don’t select a date, the pass will start immediately .
• Click Agree & Submit  to load the plan to your account.

That’s all there is to it. Your international data package will start on the date you set, and you can enjoy high-speed international data wherever you are in the world.

T-Mobile offers mobile data roaming in 210+ countries worldwide. You can view the entire list of countries on T-Mobile’s international travel website — just type in the name of the country you plan to visit , see if mobile data and texting are supported, and check the price of pay-as-you-go calls.

Note that most tourist-heavy countries  are supported — in fact, we’ve found it hard to find countries that aren’t supported by T-Mobile’s international data plans. However, we recommend checking before your trip regardless so you’re not met with any surprise mobile data charges.

Pros and Cons of T-Mobile’s International Data Plans

As you can see, T-Mobile offers pretty compelling mobile data plans. Before you make a purchasing decision, it’s important to take a look at the pros and cons of T-Mobile’s international plans in 1 place. So without further ado, here they are:

• Complimentary mobile data (at 2G speeds) and text messaging, great for maps and instant messaging.
• Low-cost LTE plans with a variety of data options — there’s truly a plan for everyone.
• LTE plans all include unlimited international calling.
• Expansive coverage in 210+ countries, so you can stay connected when you travel.
• Complimentary data is too slow for most online activities like web browsing and streaming.
• International calling is expensive without a premium data plan.
• T-Mobile has a spotty coverage map in the United States.

Overall, we think that T-Mobile’s international data offerings are stellar because of its diverse variety of international data plans. Those that just need maps and texting can stick to the free base plan, while business travelers and others that need faster data and mobile hotspot can upgrade to a data package.

Further, we’re also huge fans of the peace of mind you get with T-Mobile’s international plans. Since all Magenta ® and Magenta ® Plus customers get complimentary data, there’s no worrying about overage charges if you run out of high-speed data. Just make sure to keep an eye on your calling as unlimited calling is only included if you purchase a data package.

Safe travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the t-mobile essentials plan come with international data and texting.

T-Mobile Essentials plan only includes 2G data in Canada and Mexico. Other countries are not included with this plan.

Can I use my cell phone in a different country?

Most modern smartphones are configured to work internationally. You may want to check your phone’s owner’s manual or call T-Mobile to check if you have an older phone or are unsure if your cell phone works outside of the United States.

Does T-Mobile offer discounts for seniors and active duty members of the military?

Yes, T-Mobile offers discounted service for those over 55 and active members of the military. These plans are called Magenta® Unlimited 55 and Magenta® Military. Check T-Mobile’s website for pricing and further details on these plans.

Can I bring my existing phone if I switch to T-Mobile?

Most modern smartphones can be brought to T-Mobile. Use T-Mobile’s compatibility tool to check if your smartphone is compatible with T-Mobile’s network.

Can I call international phone numbers with my T-Mobile smartphone?

You can, but you will pay a per-minute fee. Check out T-Mobile’s international calling page for country-by-country pricing.

Does T-Mobile offer in-flight Wi-Fi for its customers?

Yes! All T-Mobile customers get unlimited messaging (iMessage, Facebook, etc.) and 1 hour of free in-flight internet on Gogo-enabled flights. Plus, Magenta® Plus customers get unlimited in-flight internet on all Gogo flights.

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About Andrew Kunesh

Andrew was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs and now splits his time between Chicago and New York City.

He’s a lifelong traveler and took his first solo trip to San Francisco at the age of 16. Fast forward a few years, and Andrew now travels just over 100,000 miles a year, with over 25 countries, 10 business class products, and 2 airline statuses (United and Alaska) under his belt. Andrew formerly worked for The Points Guy and is now Senior Money Editor at CNN Underscored.

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It’s True: T Mobile International Roaming Gives Free Data and Texting Abroad

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

There’s never been a better time to sign up for T Mobile international roaming.  Their “ONE” plans  include unlimited texting and data in 210+ countries at no extra cost.

I travel every month, so I thought I’d put T-Mobile international data to the test.  Since June 2014, I’ve tested it in 18 countries on 4 continents and read reports from more than 100 other countries. 

T-Mobile works exactly as advertised, but before you sign up, here’s what you need to know.

An Overview of T Mobile International Roaming Plans

T-Mobile ONE Plans  include

• Unlimited talk, texting, and 4G LTE data within the USA
• Unlimited talk, texting and up to 5 gigabytes of 4G LTE data within Canada & Mexico
• Unlimited texting and 2G data connections in 210+ other countries ( full list here )
• FREE Netflix subscription
• In-flight texting and up to 1 hour of free in-flight wi-fi on Gogo-enabled flights

T-Mobile International Roaming FAQ

How do you get access to tmobile international data.

All T-Mobile ONE plans include international data and texting automatically.   “No credit check plans”  are  not   eligible.

Individual plans start at $70/month.  Prices per line drop as you add more lines: it’s $60/line for 2 phones, $47 each for 3 phones, or $40 per line for 4 lines.

Do I need a special phone?

Sort of.  You need a phone that is compatible with the cellular network in the country you’re traveling to.  Most modern smartphones are quad-band and support frequencies used all over the world.  However, if you have a basic model, check with T-Mobile ahead of time to see if your phone is compatible with your travel destination.

I personally use a Google Pixel 2.

What countries are covered by T Mobile?

With 210+ countries, it’s not all-inclusive but it’s pretty darn close.  You’ll need to confirm your destination has coverage in advance but there shouldn’t be many surprises.

Just like in the USA, if you’re heading to obscure or rural destinations within included countries, you may not have a cell phone signal.

How often can you travel?

Let’s be clear: this service is meant for people who live in the USA and travel sometimes…not for people who want to live abroad.

The terms specifically state excessive users of T-Mobile international roaming may have service terminated.  In practice, it seems like you should use your phone abroad less than 50% of the time.

How do you use TMobile international data?

You don’t have to do anything.  Seriously, once your phone recognizes you’re in a new country (like when your flight lands), you’ll automatically have coverage.  T-Mobile sends a text message confirming your service.

I love that you don’t have to call T-Mobile in advance and ask them to turn international roaming on and that you don’t have to set up your phone in any special way.  It works the same way it does at home and frankly you’d never even know that you’re traveling abroad!

The one time my roaming didn’t work automatically, all I had to do was restart my phone (and it seemed to be a device issue).   Please note that I have no affiliation with T-Mobile and cannot provide tech or billing support.

After 18 months, I’ve never been billed more than my standard monthly amount.  There are no hidden fees!

What’s the advantage to T-Mobile international coverage vs. buying SIM cards abroad?

It can be cheaper (especially for occasional travelers) to rely on other phone service in the USA and simply buy local SIM cards when they travel.  I’ve done that previously and you’d be amazed at how cheap you can pick up prepaid service in many countries.

T-Mobile has two main advantages:

• Your phone number doesn’t change.  You don’t have to inform friends, family, and coworkers of a new number for every trip!  Plus they can continue to text your US number at no surcharge, unlike if you just picked up a Nepal-based phone number.
• It’s convenient.  You don’t have to wait in line and deal with language barriers trying to buy phone service abroad.  You don’t have to switch SIM cards if you enter a new country (like on round-the-world trips).

Do you drain your phone battery?  Maps in particular strain your battery, so I always pack an external battery.   Power users can quadruple battery life  with a compact version for only $25.

How fast is the international data?

T-Mobile specifically advertises speeds of approximately 128 kbps (“2G”).  These speeds are fine for travelers to check email.  Features like web browsing, social networking, and GPS/maps work if you have a little patience.  However, streaming radio or video is basically impossible.

Texting works perfectly, although some multimedia messages make take a few seconds to download.

For an extra $10/month per line, you can double your data speeds by purchasing T-Mobile ONE Plus.

What do phone calls cost?

MOST PHONE CALLS ARE NOT FREE.

Phone calls to/from Canada and Mexico are included in your plan, but all other calls are charged!  Costs can add up quickly.

• If you make a phone call in one of the 210+ covered countries while you are abroad , it will be 25 cents per minute. (example: you call your pet-sitter at home to check on your dog)
• If you call from an  un covered country while you are abroad , you’ll pay international rates  and  roaming rates may apply, so expect to pay $0.50-$5.00 per minute! (example: you call your tour guide to mention you’re running late)

Just like with data and texting, you don’t need to turn international service on.  It will work automatically.

Are there other benefits?

T-Mobile doesn’t require a contract, so if it doesn’t work for you, you’re not locked in.  That’s a great way to try things out without committing long-term.

T-Mobile ONE family plans (2 lines or more) also include Netflix subscriptions to use on your phones.

Lastly, T-Mobile users get free passes to GoGo in-air Wi-Fi so you can surf the internet during your flights.

Do you have T-Mobile and don’t have great coverage at home?   Find out how Google’s Project Fi compares  (opens in new window).

What’s the catch?

If T-Mobile international roaming sounds too good to be true, you might be right.  Although it works well abroad, there are downsides within the United States.

T-Mobile has a fantastic network in urban areas which quickly degrades in low-population areas.  Coverage has improved in the USA over the past year, but it’s not perfect in small towns, national parks, and a few other US locations.

THE BOTTOM LINE

If you travel to major cities, T-Mobile international roaming is an amazing deal.   When it works, it is incredible value.

However, T-Mobile disappoints in smaller towns, national parks, and rural areas.  If that’s where you visit, consider a different US carrier and separate international sim cards when traveling.  Frugal travelers can make calls over Wi-Fi through Skype, Google Voice, or Facetime.

You can try risk-free since T-Mobile doesn’t require a contract.   Getting started and moving my number was quick and easy.  There’s no downside to trying it, even if it doesn’t work out long-term.

Not Convinced Yet?

See if Google’s international phone plan is a better fit for you!

86 thoughts on “It’s True: T Mobile International Roaming Gives Free Data and Texting Abroad”

Becky..T-Mobile is running an awesome promo now.

3 Lines for $100.00 (Tax included)

Unlimited talk, text, and high speed data (Includes Mexico and Canada)

Unlimited data in 140+ global destinations at 2X (256kbps) the speed –FREE

Myy wife and I will be traveling in Europe this summer. We are both on the same plan with T-Mobile and have the North America feature which allows free text, data and $0.20 per minute calls. Question is: as we are on the same plan, If we call each other (non-WIFI calling) will there be a $0.20 per minute charge or is it free.

@K. It will still be charged $0.20/minute for any and all calls over the voice network.

Get the Whatsapp application (for both phones) and your phone calls will be completely free using your free data. Same with any other friends who use whatsapp anywhere in the world.

Whatsapp only works on wi-fi. My T-Mobile plan provides for wi-fi calling. I was referring to both parties being out and about while traveling.

Mi niece is right now in France using one of my lines and she communicates with all of us (overseas and USA) via whatsapp. The 3G speed that T-Mobile gives you in Europe is good enough to make whatsapp calls. Of course if you get separated from your spouse, you can use free T-mobile texting.

pcmag published an article in 2015: “T-Mobile Introduces Free Roaming to Canada, Mexico” which states that the north america roaming usage outside the US must be less than the usage within the US during a rolling 3 month period. Also alot of good info there too. Hope this helps take some of the mystery out of this well hidden “rule”.

Wonder if it applies to international non-north american travel too?

Cheers, Paul

I am never able to connect in Singapore. Works in other countries. If I buy a Singtel SIM, I can use it on my device.

@Saroo, Very strange – Singapore should be one of the covered countries according to https://www.t-mobile.com/landing/simple-choice-international-plan-countries.html

I have had good success with using T-mobile service in Singapore. I visit Singapore often and had no problems.

I was at the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Singapore last year with my son. He was getting G4 speed with his iPhone 6, I was getting 3g with my Galaxy S5 (a bit slow to upload pictures. I noticed that we were connected to different networks. I tried to switch networks and was unable, therefore I was stuck with G3. So, T-Mobile works in Singapore. You must be doing something wrong.

I do have a question. If I am currently living in a “covered” country, and I get a call from someone in the United States, how does the call get charged? Is the call free from my end if I pick up, or do I pay $0.20/min?

@Joe, You will pay $0.20/min

Comments are closed.

T-Mobile ONE Phone Plan Global Coverage Review

Please note that we have no connection to T-mobile nor were we asked to write this review. We are just very appreciative of this service and found it so helpful, that we wanted to share it with other travelers. That being said, T-mobile, please contact us….we’d love to talk with you. It’s a free call. 🙂 

Updated: March 2019

Using the T-Mobile ONE Choice Plan Abroad

I can’t tell you how many times the T-Mobile ONE plan with global coverage has saved Michelle and I while abroad.

You know how indispensable your smart phone is in your daily life, so why wouldn’t you want to use it abroad? But of course, many don’t due to the incredibly high cost of international plans and the huge hassle to get it all set up. With T-Mobile, we’ve had a different experience.

In the 4 years, we’ve traveled to over 23 different countries on four continents and have had coverage through T-Mobile in all. We didn’t have to purchase a special plan, unlock a phone, or use a foreign sim card.

There is no set up, no setting changes that need to be made, and the best part is that with the ONE plan, global coverage is included with our regular, monthly service. No additional cost.*  With 210+ countries that offer unlimited 2G data, free text messaging to US numbers, and free calling over WiFi, it’s kind of a no brainer for frequent world travelers. 

*If you want higher data speeds and calling to the US off of WiFi, you can purchase add-ons to your plan.  

Checking e-mail underground in the French countryside

What Can You Do With This Plan?

Now imagine how helpful your smartphone can be when you are traveling in a foreign country, specifically one where you don’t know the language very well. But it’s more than that. Here are the things we’ve found super helpful when using our smartphone while traveling:

• Using Whatsapp to text with Airbnb hosts
• Hailing a rideshare like Uber/Grab/Lyft
• Using Google Maps to find a destination and get the directions to that destination
• Using Google Maps to plan our route using public transit, bike paths, and walking routes
• Using Google Maps to get off at the correct stop on public transit when we don’t speak the language
• Using Trip Advisor or Yelp to find a restaurant or reviews about a popular attraction 
• Texting or emailing people back in the US
• Calling US companies, friends, and family using WiFi calling
• Looking up words from a menu or translating a sign

How Does it Work?

T-Mobile has partnered with cellular providers all over the world to give its customers this ability as part of a regular contract. Speak to your T-Mobile representative to get the ONE plan (or whatever new plans they have next) – that has global coverage. Once you confirm that you get global coverage, here’s what you do:

• Prior to traveling, go to the coverage page and find out if the country you are traveling to has an agreement with T-Mobile.
• Once you land, turn off airplane mode and allow your phone to search and connect to the local network on its own. No settings need to be changed. (Bonus tip: for a faster search/connection, reset your phone. You don’t have to do this, but I’ve found that it connects faster this way) . 
• Wait for two messages from T-Mobile that let you know you’re connected. You might receive an additional message to offer you a faster data speed (4G LTE) if you want to pay extra for it.
• You’re connected! Check your email, check Facebook, send a text message, etc.

That’s it. No extra equipment to purchase. No special SIM or change of settings. 

What To Be Aware Of:

• Phone calls to foreign numbers (even though you are connected to a local network) are not free. They tend to be about 20 cents per minute, but check the rates before you call, just in case. Texts to foreign numbers appear to be free.
• If you make a call home without wifi, you’ll be paying international rates. Voicemails cost as well (you can get around this with a Google Voice number which allows you to check messages online).
• The data speed is relatively slow, especially if you are used to 4G LTE. Be patient. It’s working. Just remember that, at one point, 2G was so fast.
• Data coverage varies by country. You can actually see the coverage and access areas using this page . As you might expect, even countries that are covered may have spotty service.

Final Thoughts: SIM cards, Google Fi, Phone Plans

Now you might be asking yourself — couldn’t I just get a SIM card whenever I travel to a new country. Wouldn’t it offer higher speeds than 2G? Yes, definitely. We do this ourselves. However, being connected as soon as we arrive to a new country without needing to do anything is pretty awesome. It has helped in so many situations and helps us get to that point where we can purchase a SIM card from a local cellular provider if we wanted.

The real question is “ do I need a phone plan at all?” These days it’s pretty easy to get connected to the internet and it will only continue to improve. It’s a fair question and it comes down to your own needs. If you’re constantly on the go, live or travel in rural areas, WiFi might be hard to find and so being connected to a cellular network is crucial to get connected to the internet.

What if you live outside of the US most of the year? In that situation it’s probably more important to have a great, newer smartphone, apps like Whatsapp, and a Google Voice number that’s not tied to any cellular network. You can do almost anything with this setup. You’d probably save a bunch of money because you wouldn’t need a US cell phone plan. Buying SIM cards in different countries and purchasing cellular data is usually less expensive than in the states (varies from country to country).

Need a good hybrid solution if you’re someone that travels to and from the US but doesn’t want to get charged for unused data? Consider Google Fi . You only pay for the data you use and you get the same international travel benefit that T-Mobile users get (actually faster speeds at 4G).

As with most travel gear, you’ll want to find the setup that works best for your needs. So far we’ve been extremely satisfied with T-Mobile and the ONE plan. What is your setup? What works for you? What setup would be perfect for you? Let us know in the comments.

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T-mobile charged us $3 a minute for wifi calls when we were in Norway in June. Supposedly our Mobile One plan international calls should cost 25 cents per minute. We were not told there would be different rates for wifi and regular plan international calls. We are extremely disappointed in T-Mobile.

We’re sorry to hear that. It is important to make sure you’re making calls on wifi, and note that the plan applies to calls back to the States, not to international numbers.

I’ve been with T-Mobile for 10 years. If they have coverage in your area, they’re great. UMA calling is also great if you’re like me and visit a lot of places where no one has a good cell signal, but you can get Wi-Fi. (I ski a lot).

They’ve always been worlds ahead in terms of friendliness to messing around with phones + generally being cheaper than the other big carriers.

On the other hand, again, if you don’t have coverage in your area or the places you spend a lot of time in, it wouldn’t really make sense.

It’s true. The #1 reason whether or not to go with a phone company should always be based on their coverage in your home area (or the area you are most likely to use your phone). 3 years ago I don’t know if we would have recommended T-mobile purely off of their international coverage. Their domestic service keeps getting better and better thankfully.

Great tip! I had no idea this kind of plan existed! thanks for this!

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Best international phone plans in 2024 — what travelers need to know

Heading overseas? Find out what your cellphone provider charges if you use your phone

• T-Mobile phone plans
• Verizon phone plans
• AT&T phone plans
• Google Fi plans
• Other options
• Device compatibility and eSims
• 5G coverage when traveling

Before your summer travels overseas, you should look into whether you've got one of the best international phone plans for staying connected during your upcoming adventures. In the U.S., all the major wireless carriers offer some kind of travel benefit with their best cell phone plans , but they also have supplementary packages for travelers to augment the data plan you already have in place. The trick is to make sure those options keep you covered around the globe.

1. T-Mobile : Best choice for travelers 2. Verizon : TravelPass options 3. AT&T : Best for travel in Latin and Central America 4. Google Fi : An underrated traveling companion 5. Other options : Other international phone plans to consider

The best international phone plans will let you make calls and browse the web when you're in another country (though there might be a fee on top of your normal monthly rate, depending on which carrier you use). Different plans might cover different countries, and how long you plan on traveling could also impact your choice of plans. Your method of travel — be it by plane or cruise ship — also affects which plan is best for you.

All of these are things for globetrotters to consider when shopping for wireless coverage. You're going to want one of the best unlimited data plans since they tend to offer the most travel-related perks. If you haven't travelled internationally in a while, it's smart to double-check what options are out there since the best phone carriers have overhauled their plans and packages available to travelers.

Here’s a look at the travel policies and perks for the three top U.S carriers along with information on Google Fi, which offers a plan that definitely appeals to frequent travelers.

T-Mobile international phone plans

T-Mobile offers an expanded array of plans, though most of its unlimited data plan options have some benefits for overseas travel. Subscribe to Magenta, Magenta Max, Go5G, Go5G Plus or Go5G Next, and you enjoy unlimited data and texting in more than 215 countries around the world. If you want to place or receive calls, you’ll be subject to the local rate depending on where you want to go. You don’t need to notify T-Mobile of your travel for your overseas benefits to kick in.

T-Mobile Go5G Plus Plan | Unlimited Data | $90/month T-Mobile's Go5G Plus plan has the edge over Magenta Max for world travelers, even if the latter plan is $5 cheaper for a single line. That's because Go5G Plus customers get more data when traveling in Mexico and Canada (15GB vs. 10GB for Magenta Max) and 10GB more hotspot data. Otherwise, the two plans are identical: You can use your data in 215-plus countries at no extra cost. The first 5GB of data you use use will be high-speed data (with 5G speeds supported where available). The cheaper Go5G and Magenta plans ($75/month and $70/month, respectively) also feature travel benefits, including high-speed data in 11 European countries. Otherwise, data speeds are capped at 256 kbps.

Travel perks in current plans: As part of T-Mobile's Beyond Connected program, data speeds now reach 256 kbps when you're overseas. If you subscribe to either the standard Magenta or Go5G plans and you're in one of 11 European countries, you can enjoy 5GB of high-speed data every month, thanks to a partnership with T-Mobile parent Deutsche Telecom.

The perk gets better when you upgrade to either Magenta Max or Go5G Plus, both of which cost $15 more a month than their respective base plans. In that case, you can benefit from 5GB of high-speed data in 215 countries.

Go5G Next, T-Mobile's most expensive plan at $100/month for a single line, has the same travel benefits as Go5G Plus, but adds the ability to upgrade your phone every year. If that's not important to you, stick with Go5G Plus and pay $10 less each month on your wireless bill.

T-Mobile customers can take advantage of free Wi-Fi on American, Delta, Alaska Airlines and United flights. Magenta Max and Go5G Plus subscribers get full texting and Wi-Fi with streaming during flights, where wireless is available. If you go with the standard Magenta or Go5G option, you're covered on four flights per year with full streaming, plus unlimited texting; after those four flights, you can stream one hour of video. Delta SkyMiles members also get free Wi-Fi on domestic U.S. flights courtesy of T-Mobile — even if they get their wireless service from another carrier.

In Mexico and Canada, T-Mobile allows you to use up to 5GB of data whether you've got Magenta or Magenta Max; speeds are slowed to 2G after that. Go5G customers get 10GB of data in those two countries, while Go5G Plus members enjoy 15GB.

T-Mobile includes travel benefits in two of its remaining senior plans, with identical travel perks between the $100 Go5G Plus 55 option and the $120 Go5G Next 55 plan. (Note that those monthly prices cover two lines of data; one line of either Plus or Next cost $70 and $80, respectively.) Travel perks include high-speed data and text when you travel abroad, plus unlimited in-flight connectivity. When you travel to Canada or Mexico, you get 15GB of high-speed data. Both plans also include a year's membership to AAA for road travel in the U.S.

If you opt for T-Mobile's lower cost Essentials unlimited plan, you'll get 2G roaming in Canada and Mexico, but have to pay for data elsewhere.

Trip-specific passes: T-Mobile offers International Pass options for travelers who want high-speed data during lengthier stays overseas. A 5GB International Pass gives you that much high-speed data along with unlimited calling for 10 days. It costs $35. T-Mobile's $50 International Pass increases high-speed data to 15GB and extends the length of the pass to 30 days. The carrier also offers a $5 daily pass that gives you 512MB of high-speed data, and unlimited calling between the 215 or so Simple Global destinations. 

Cruise rates: Pricing on cruises will vary according to which cruise you’re taking. You can check T-Mobile’s site to see what your pricing will be.

Verizon international phone plans

Verizon phones generally work all over the world, especially if you've got a phone built in the last few years. But where you travel significantly influences how much you’ll have to pay. As for which is the best Verizon phone plan for travelers, that all depends on how frequently you go overseas. There's a clear choice for regular globetrotters, but Verizon's less expensive offerings allow you to tack on travel benefits, too.

Verizon Unlimited Ultimate | Unlimited Data | $90/month Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan offers the most benefits for world travelers. Verizon promises "full international connectivity," meaning you'll be able to use talk and text for free when overseas; you also get 10GB of high-speed data every month that you can use in other countries. Unlimited Ultimate is Verizon's most expensive plan, so unless you take frequent trips, you may be better served by Unlimited Plus ($80/month for one line) or Unlimited Welcome ($65/month). Those two plans can add on a $10/month Travel Pass options that provides three days of talk, text and data when you're overseas. You can drop the Travel Pass add-on from your plan in months were you don't need it. Verizon lets family plans mix and match lines so one person can get Unlimited Ultimate, while the others subscribe to the cheaper options.

Travel perks in current plans: Of Verizon's three unlimited plans, the best for frequent travelers is the Unlimited Ultimate option, which lets you use talk and text in other countries just like you would in the U.S. You also get 10GB of high-speed data to use overseas every month.

Unfortunately, Unlimited Ultimate is Verizon's most expensive plan, costing $90 a month for one line. (And that's after a discount for enrolling autopay.) There are cheaper options — Unlimited Welcome and Unlimited Plus — that include travel perks. Both plans let you text internationally to 200-plus countries. You can also use LTE data when traveling in Mexico and Canada. You're limited to 0.5GB of data consumption per day in those two countries before your speeds are slowed to 2G, and you can't use more than half of your talk, text and data in those countries over a 60-day period.

In addition to the base Welcome Unlimited and Unlimited Plus packages, you can opt for $10 monthly add-ons for your Verizon plan — some covering streaming services, another providing hotspot data and so on. The relevant package is Verizon's $10/month 3 TravelPass Days add-on, which saves you $20 a month on travel benefits as you pick up three passes during monthly billing cycles. You can accrue up to 36 passes for using talk, text and data when traveling overseas.

Unlimited Welcome starts at $65/month for one line, while Unlimited Plus is $80. If you have a family plan, you can mix and match so that different lines of data subscribe to different plans — helpful if there's one person in the family who travels a lot and would benefit from the Unlimited Ultimate perks.

Trip-specific passes: Let's talk a little bit more about the TravelPass . It's Verizon's daily option for international coverage, and it’ll cost you $5 per day per device for each day you’re out of the country if you travel to Mexico or Canada and don't have an unlimited plan. In 185 other countries — including China, France and Germany — Verizon charges $10 per device per day. TravelPass gets you 2GB of 5G data, and unlimited data at 3G speeds after that; the passes also come with unlimited talk and text.

If you know you’ll be traveling for a bit more time, consider Verizon’s monthly option, which the carrier recommends for trips lasting at least 10 days. International Monthly Plans at Verizon cost $100/month, but in exchange, you get 250 minutes of talk, unlimited texts and 20GB of high-speed data. (Use that, and you get unlimited data at 3G speeds.)

Verizon also offers pay-as-you-go pricing for international travel. You’ll pay 99 cents per minute in Canada and Mexico, Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands. Rates go up to $1.79 in 130-plus countries and $2.99 in 80 other places. Each text message you send will cost you 50 cents, and each received text will set you back 5 cents. Your data will be charged at a rate of $2.05 per megabyte no matter where you are.

Cruise rates: Pay-as-you go rates on cruise ships cost $1.99 for each minute of talk and 50 cents for every sent text message. You’ll pay 5 cents per message received. Verizon has a data plan for cruise passengers, too, with $30/day giving you 500MB of data plus unlimited texting and 50 minutes of talk time. For in-flight connectivity, you can opt for the same pay-as-you-go rates for cruise trips or you can pay $20 per day for unlimited data.

AT&T international phone plans

AT&T also comes with varied international pricing depending on where you want to go. Canada and Mexico travel is covered in many top AT&T plans, and if you pay up for the Unlimited Premium option, you can use your plan in many Central and South American countries. Traveling elsewhere? Then you had best look into AT&T's travel passes.

AT&T Unlimited Premium| Unlimited Data | $85.99/month It's AT&T's most expensive unlimited plan, but Unlimited Premium has the best perk for travelers — you can use your talk, text and data at no extra cost in 20 Latin American countries.  As with other AT&T unlimited options, you also enjoy talk, text and data coverage when traveling in Canada and Mexico.

Travel perks in current plans: If you’re heading to Mexico or Canada, AT&T already covers all of your voice, data and text with its four different unlimited plans — Starter, Extra, Premium and the entry-level Value Plus option. AT&T offers a lone tiered data plan with 4GB of data that you can use in Canada and Mexico (though roaming may be at 2G speeds). Both unlimited and tiered data plans feature unlimited texting to 120-plus countries.

The Unlimited Premium plan is the best option for travelers headed to the Americas, as you'll be able to enjoy unlimited text, talk and data at no additional cost in 20 Central and South American countries. 

If you do a lot of international calling from home, AT&T offers unlimited calling to 85-plus countries from the U.S. for $15 per month for each line. Calls to another 140-plus countries get discounted rates under this plan.

Trip-specific passes: For anyone off to Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America or the Asia Pacific region on a short jaunt, AT&T recommends its $10-a-day International Day Pass, which comes with unlimited talk and text and data governed by your plan. (Note that each device you take overseas will need its own Day Pass.) That service is available in 210-plus countries, and you can add extra phones for just $5 a day.

You'll never have to pay for more than 10 days of day passes on any one bill, even if your trip lasts longer. International Day Passes also kick in automatically when you use your phone abroad — you get a text message letting you know you're covered.

Cruise rates: On cruises , AT&T offers a $60/month Cruise Basic plan that covers 100 minutes of talk and unlimited texting while also offering 100MB of data. Need more of everything? Then try the Cruise Plus plan ($100/month), which includes 1GB of data on top of unlimited talk and text. 

Google Fi international phone plans

If you do a lot of international traveling, don't ignore Google Fi Wireless , the wireless service set up by Google that uses cellular towers of T-Mobile and US Cellular to provide coverage. International travel is built into two of Google Fi's plans — the Unlimited Plus and Flexible options.

Google Unlimited Plus| Unlimited Data | $65/month The Unlimited Plus plan is the way to go with Google Fi, as you can use your data at no extra cost when traveling overseas. Google Fi customers who pay by the gigabyte of data used are also eligible for this perk.

Travel perks in current plans: You've got two options with Google Fi — tiered data through the company's Flexible plan or a pair of unlimited data options. Flexible coverage costs $20 a month for talk and text plus $10 for each GB of data you use. (Data usage is rounded off to the nearest megabyte so you only pay for the data you consume.) Google stops charging you after you use 6GB a month, meaning you'll never pay more than $80. 

If you find unlimited data plans more appealing, Google has you covered there, too — it also offers a $65 Unlimited Plus option that rolls in unlimited talk, text and data. Unlimited Plus subscribers now get a year of YouTube Premium as a perk. 

The real benefit to either Unlimited Plus or Flexible is that those plans cover you when you're traveling in 200-plus countries. When you're overseas, Google Fi charges the same rate for data usage, whether you're on an unlimited data plan or paying by the gigabyte. Voice calls cost 20 cents (though calls placed over Wi-Fi are free) and you get unlimited SMS messaging. 

Alas, Google's $50/month Simply Unlimited plan is not eligible for the free data perk when traveling. That said, all three of Google Fi's plans let you use talk, text and data in Mexico and Canada.

Google Fi is even more appealing now that Google has opened up service to all phones, including iPhones. Note that phones optimized for Google Fi — Google's Pixel phones (currently the Pixel 8 , Pixel 8 Pro , Pixel Fold and Pixel 7a )  along with a selection of Samsung phones and Motorola budget devices — can switch seamlessly between cellular networks and Google's Wi-Fi hotspots, while other phones cannot.

Trip-specific passes: Unlike the other carriers here, Google Fi doesn't offer travel passes for extended trips. Your only option is to get coverage through the Flexible and Unlimited Plus plans.

Cruise rates: Google Fi is not available when you're at sea — only when you're on land in one of the 200-plus countries covered by the carrier.

Other international phone plan options

Discount carriers typically don't provide much in the way of benefits for travelers, but there are some exceptions. The most noteworthy alternative is Visible , which has expanded the travel perks for subscribers to its $45/month Visible Plus plan .

Visible is owned by Verizon and uses its parent company's network for coverage. The Visible Plus plan features unlimited data, including access to Verizon's high-speed 5G network. Travelers will be particularly interested in the unlimited talk, text and 2GB of daily data available through Visible Plus when traveling in Canada and Mexico. Visible Plus customers are also eligible for one free Global Pass day per month, in which they can use talk, text and data at no charge in 140 countries. Globla Passes normally cost $10.

Best international phone plan: Device compatibility and eSims

Traveling overseas used to mean checking to see if your phone would be compatible once you set foot in another country. But those days are drawing to a close now that 3G networks are shutting down, eliminating much of the distinction between phones that work on either GSM and CDMA. If you've got a recent smartphone that connects to LTE, chances are strong it's going to work just fine in other countries. (You still might want to confirm that your phone works on the LTE bands available in the country you're heading to prior to your trip, just to avoid any unpleasant surprises.)

Many phones now support electronic SIM cards or eSIM technology, where you no longer need to swap in a local SIM card to make your smartphone work with an overseas network. (Since the iPhone 14 , Apple devices sold in the U.S. only feature eSIM support — that includes the newer iPhone 15 models.) One of our editors took an international trip using an eSIM for her phone and found it easy to setup and use with a local network — in fact, she plans to use the eSIM approach on all future travel. 

That said, not every country supports eSIM. And depending on your phone carrier in the U.S., you might already have options that cover your phone use in other countries.

International phone plans: What about 5G?

As noted above, many of the plans that offer international travel either have you connect at whatever speed is available locally or at a reduced speed in cases where you're drawing from your own data plan. But what if you've got a 5G phone that can connect to faster networks overseas?

For the most part, we'd expect your phone to operate as before, either at whatever speed the local network offers or a capped speed if that's part of your carrier's travel plans. However, in a few instances, U.S. phone carriers have started making deals with overseas wireless providers that allow their customers to access 5G speeds when roaming. You should check with your carrier for information about the country you're going to travel in.

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Philip Michaels is a Managing Editor at Tom's Guide. He's been covering personal technology since 1999 and was in the building when Steve Jobs showed off the iPhone for the first time. He's been evaluating smartphones since that first iPhone debuted in 2007, and he's been following phone carriers and smartphone plans since 2015. He has strong opinions about Apple, the Oakland Athletics, old movies and proper butchery techniques. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.

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T-Mobile Travel Plans: The Best International Cell Phone Plans

Published April 5, 2023

Written by:

Nick Hilden

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Table of Contents

International cell phone plans got a major shakeup in 2020: T-Mobile bought Sprint, one of the best international providers.

Now T-Mobile’s travel plans rule the global cell phone game.

Below we’ll take a look at the new Magenta travel plans from T-Mobile, as well as a few alternatives, to see which are the best options for international travelers.

Disclaimer : This is not a paid endorsement of T-Mobile, Sprint, or any cell phone company listed below. Any positive—or negative—review is my own opinion.

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T-Mobile Travel Plans: Magenta and Magenta MAX

The new T-Mobile international plan comes in two tiers: Magenta and Magenta MAX .

The basic Magenta is similar to the old T-Mobile One plan in terms of price and what’s included in the package. The MAX steps things up a notch.

The new T-Mobile travel plans start at $70/line. The price per line decreases with each line added: $60/line for two lines, $40/line for three lines, and $35/line for four lines.

The Magenta MAX is priced at $85 for one line, $70/line for two lines, $55/line for three lines, and $50/line for four lines.

In other words, the more lines you add, the less you pay per line. You’ll get a better price if you need several lines for your whole family.

In this article, we’ll look specifically at what’s offered in the single-line plans.

T-Mobile Magenta

• Unlimited talk and text
• Unlimited 5G and 4G LTE when within the T-Mobile Network
• 100GB of premium data
• Netflix Basic
• Taxes and fees included
• 5GB high-speed data then unlimited use at 3G speeds
• SD streaming
• Extended Range 5G
• Ultra Capacity 5G

T-Mobile Magenta MAX

• Unlimited premium data
• Netflix Basic (1 line) or Standard (2+ lines)
• 40GB high-speed data then unlimited use at 3G speeds
• Up to 4k UHD streaming

With Sprint out of the way, T-Mobile’s travel abroad plans are now the most reliable international cell phone plans available. Unfortunately, they come with a pretty big price jump from the $50 customers used to pay for the old T-Mobile One and Sprint international plans). But, T-Mobile’s coverage is extensive, spanning over 210 countries. I’ve used it in rural Vietnam, for example, and enjoyed surprisingly good service.

While the company claims that you’ll always have at least 3G speeds, in some regions of the world they will lag below that. When you do have 3G, your phone service is almost like what you’re used to. Allow for extra time to do the little things you take for granted like loading Instagram or refreshing your browser. Consider the lag time a disincentive to using your phone. You’re traveling! Get back out there and do something cool in real life.

T-Mobile also used to provide data “kickbacks” that would give customers with $10 credits for using less than two gigabytes of data in a billing cycle, but now that offer is only available to customers who signed up before April 2018.

Verdict: T-Mobile is your best choice for travel. Arguably your only choice.

If you want to connect to decently fast internet without any extra work anywhere in the world, choose T-Mobile as your provider. You’ll be online and have a working phone from the moment you arrive. No extra set up required. Land, turn on your phone, and you’re ready to go.

Keep reading for more alternatives if traveling with T-Mobile won’t work for you.

International Cell Phone Alternatives

With Sprint out of the way, T-Mobile has emerged unrivaled as the best international cell phone provider. While Verizon and AT&T both offer global plans, neither stacks up to T-Mobile’s plan. I’ll review Verizon and AT&T international roaming plans, just to be thorough, but they are identical, and they’re both bad.

AT&T International Day Pass

You can pay $10 a day for AT&T’s International Day Pass . That’s a lot, even if you’re only traveling for a week. This plan is full of restrictions, overages, and fine print. For example, you aren’t allowed to use more than 50% of your typical data usage. Here’s a direct quote from their site:

“If you have apps running in the background that use data, you’ll be charged the daily fee.”

You only get charged for the days you use it, but you’re going to forget and accidentally open one link, and boom—$10. Avoid this plan like the plague.

AT&T Passport International Plan

This is an interesting option, but only if you don’t plan on using it. For $40 (in addition to your monthly bill), AT&T Passport gives you unlimited text, $1 calls (woof), and 200MB of data. But overages apply: $0.25 per MB. No one thinks about the amount of data they use, so you will go over this plan quickly. If you accidentally watch a YouTube video, you’re screwed.

You can pay more for more data ($60 for 300MB, $120 for 800MB) but even on the $120 plan you still have overage fees ($0.15 per MB). That’s insanity. Avoid AT&T abroad.

Verizon International Travel Pass

Verizon’s TravelPass is basically the same as AT&T—$10/day (on top of your plan) for international roaming—but has even worse overage fees and charges. Verizon charges $25 for going over 100MB.

Monthly plans are available as well, with two options:

• $25/month: For 100MB of data, $1.79 per minute talk, 50 cents per text sent and 5 cents per text received
• $40/month: For 100MB of data, 100 minutes, 100 texts to send and unlimited texts to receive

Did you read that carefully? You have to pay to receive texts .

AT&T and Verizon’s fees might be tolerable if you’re traveling abroad for a weekend but not for multiple weeks. If you’re traveling long-term, you need a better solution.

If none of these international roaming plans will work for you, consider going rogue and getting your own SIM card in-country.

Get Your Own SIM Card

The first step to getting a compatible SIM card is unlocking your phone. Relax, unlocking isn’t as hard as it used to be. In fact, unlocking your phone is completely legal. Most providers will even do it for you if you qualify.

Note: Unlocking a phone is not the same thing as “jailbreaking” your phone. Jailbreaking means running apps, programs, or an unapproved operating system on the phone. Jailbreaking your phone also won’t let you switch carriers.

Compatibility: Unlocked Phones, GSM, and SIM Cards

Every cell phone company uses either a GSM or CDMA network. T-Mobile and AT&T use GSM. Sprint and Verizon operate on CDMA. Find out which network the country you’re traveling to uses and plan accordingly. Even unlocked phones won’t work on the wrong network, and you can’t just swap in a new SIM card either. The issue is the frequency the phone uses.

Quad-Band Phones

To further complicate things, even if you’re GSM compatible, your phone still might not work. US and Canadian phones operate on the 850/1900 GSM band, while most other GSM countries use the 900/1800 band. That means you need a quad-band GSM phone.

The new Google Pixel is a sweet unlocked phone with access to the Google Fi network. This phone is a little fringe right now but worth investigating if you’re tech savvy.

All of this sounds more technical than it is. Old school burner phones are often quad-band GSM compatible. Just double-check your make and model to be sure. For Europe, however, you don’t need to do anything; you’re fine.

International SIM Cards

The FCC ruled in 2015 that cell phone companies have to unlock phones when a contract runs out or you pay off your phone. It’s the law (at least for now). That rule is why phone companies got smart and launched those new “free upgrade every year” plans. Yearly upgrades keep unlocked phones off the market and make sure you stay loyal with a new leased phone every year.

If you have an unlocked, GSM-compatible phone, you’re good to go. Research local cell phone plans, buy a SIM card, and never worry about data overages and roaming fees. You will have to cancel your US plan or pay double while you’re traveling, which is always a bummer.

WiFi Calling Apps

Sometimes the best international phone plan is no plan at all. Put your phone on airplane mode, enjoy the benefits of spectacular battery life, and get used to riding the WiFi train if (and when) you can connect.

Tethering your usage to WiFi is a hassle, especially if you’re a working digital nomad , but here are a few essentials that every traveler should have on their phone.

WhatsApp is the king of WiFi calling and texting because it’s free, easy to use, and just plain works. Enjoy free calling to friends and family from anywhere (almost), free document sharing, group messages, voice messages, video chat, and even a “Moments” feature like Snapchat and Instagram.

Download WhatsApp if you’re leaving the country. Actually, download the app even if you aren’t traveling. WhatsApp is a great way to stay in touch with your international friends.

Google Voice

Google Voice lets you message and call people from a Google-assigned number in your phone. You’re already using Google for a ton of stuff, so incorporating Voice into your international phone strategy is a cinch.

Just download the app and enjoy transcribed voicemails, group messages, and international calling. All you need is a WiFi signal.

Travel with T-Mobile

International roaming plans can be complicated (AT&T and Verizon especially), so I’ll simplify it for you. Find a domestic carrier with rates and roaming data you can stomach, then never second guess staying in touch while abroad.

While digital nomads have a few options for making calls, the bottom line is that T-Mobile offers the only international cell phone plan that’s worth your money.

To summarize:

• The T-Mobile Magenta and Magenta MAX international plans provide the most reliable service.
• AT&T and Verizon are expensive and full of overages.
• WhatsApp is still king of WiFi calling.
• SIM cards aren’t that complicated, just do a little research.

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Pacific Northwest native Nick Hilden is a travel and culture writer whose work has appeared in Afar, the Daily Beast, the Los Angeles Times, Men’s Health, Fodor’s, Popular Science, Scientific American, Thrillist, Vice, Runner’s World, and many, many more. He’s carried a Tortuga Outbreaker through year after year of traveling to places like Turkey, Tunisia, Thailand, Vietnam, Spain, Serbia, France, Italy, Greece, Mexico, all across the U.S., and beyond. You can follow his travels via Instagram @nick.hilden.

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What’s the best international phone plan right now?

On my first trip to Japan, I decided to forgo international data on my cellphone. I figured I could rely on public Wi-Fi, but I regretted not having data on my phone when I became lost. From that experience, I learned to download offline maps and a translation app beforehand if I know I won't have data.

But now, I almost always have data when I travel via my international phone plan, or through a physical SIM I buy at my destination or an eSIM I purchase online.

There are many reasons why you may want to remain connected while abroad. In this guide, I'll compare the best international phone plans. Note that many plans function differently in Canada and Mexico from other international locations. This guide focuses on the best phone plans for U.S. residents who travel outside North America.

First things first: You might not need an international phone plan. If you primarily need data, using a different SIM on your trip may be the simplest and cheapest solution. Some apps even support text and voice communication over data connections.

If your device supports eSIM, you may be able to purchase a data plan for your destination through an app like Airalo . Over the past year, I've purchased and used the following Airalo eSIMs either to gain data in a destination not served by my primary international phone plan (Google Fi) or to get less-expensive data than what Google Fi provides:

• Global (84 countries) : 20 GB over 180 days for $89
• Japan : 20 GB over 30 days for $26
• France : 20 GB over 30 days for $36
• Fiji : Three GB over 30 days for $19.50
• U.S. : One GB over seven days for $4.50

If your device doesn't support eSIM, you could still purchase a local SIM card at your destination. For example, I bought a monthlong SIM card with unlimited high-speed data in Vietnam for less than $10. But data is significantly more expensive in some destinations, and it can be difficult to determine exactly what you're getting when you purchase a physical SIM card. As such, I've mostly stuck with a physical Google Fi SIM card and Airalo eSIMs instead of using local SIM cards.

If you plan to use eSIM or a local SIM card, you should ensure your phone is unlocked. A locked phone won't be able to accept any other SIM cards until it is unlocked.

Related: How TPG's Zach Griff avoids the pesky $10 daily roaming charges when traveling

• Cost for one line : $20 (plus taxes and fees) per month plus data usage costs for the Flexible plan or $65 (plus taxes and fees) per month for the Unlimited Plus plan
• Data abroad : $10 per GB (with free data after six GBs per month but slower speeds after 15 GBs in a month) in more than 200 destinations for the Flexible plan or free (but with slower speeds after 50 GBs in a month) in more than 200 destinations for the Unlimited Plus plan
• Voice abroad : 20 cents per minute from more than 200 destinations (and calls via Wi-Fi to the U.S., Canada and Mexico are free)
• Text abroad : Free from more than 200 destinations

I've used Google Fi as my primary cellphone plan for most of the past six years. I've had a few connectivity issues in the U.S. — where Google Fi currently uses the T-Mobile network — including in Tampa, Austin and New York City. However, I keep Google Fi primarily because I usually get high-speed data as soon as I turn airplane mode off, and I can seamlessly receive calls and texts on my U.S. number while traveling internationally.

You might be tempted to only use Google Fi when traveling outside the U.S., but doing so isn't a good idea. After all, the Google Fi terms of service state:

The services are offered only to residents of the United States. The Services must be primarily used in the United States (territories not included) and are not intended for extended international use. Further, the services are designed for use predominantly within our network. If your usage outside our network is excessive, abnormally high, or causes us to incur too much cost, we may, at our option and sole discretion, suspend your Google Fi account, terminate your service, or limit your use of roaming.

Google Fi has shut down some U.S. residents who used Google Fi primarily outside the U.S. So, I recommend avoiding extended international use and using Google Fi more in the U.S. than abroad if you don't want to get shut down. I buy eSIMs to decrease my Google Fi usage in some destinations, especially when I can purchase a package through Airalo for significantly less than $10 per GB (the amount I pay Google Fi for data on my Flexible plan).

Google Fi is the best international phone plan for U.S.-based travelers who want fast data without hassle while traveling abroad. Plans become slightly cheaper as you add more members. In my travels with Google Fi since 2016, I've only failed to get any service in three locations: parts of Alaska, the all-inclusive resort I lived out of for a month in the Dominican Republic and Liberia .

Related: Can you use your cellphone on a cruise?

• Cost for one line : $60 per month for the Essentials plan, $70 per month for the Magenta plan, $75 per month for the Go5G plan, $85 per month for the Magenta Max plan and $90 per month for the Go 5G Plus plan
• Data abroad : Free for up to five GB of high-speed data (in 11 European countries for the Magenta and Go5G plans, and in more than 215 countries and destinations for the Magenta Max and Go5G Plus plans) and then free for up to 256 kilobits per second in more than 215 countries and destinations for Magenta, Go5G, Magenta Max and Go5G Plus plans (no data outside North America is included in the Essentials plan)
• Voice abroad : 25 cents per minute from more than 215 countries and destinations for the Essentials, Magenta, Go5G, Magenta Max and Go5G Plus plans
• Text abroad : Free from more than 215 countries and destinations for the Essentials, Magenta, Go5G, Magenta Max and Go5G Plus plans

Before using Google Fi in 2016, I relied on T-Mobile when traveling internationally until I grew tired of slow data speeds. However, the plans have improved, and many travelers swear by T-Mobile as their international phone and data plan . T-Mobile customers can avoid slow data by purchasing international passes to add to their existing plan as follows:

• International 1-day pass : 512 MB of high-speed data and unlimited calling for 24 hours for $5
• Five-GB international pass : Five GB of high-speed data and unlimited calling for 10 days for $35
• 15-GB international pass : 15 GB of high-speed data and unlimited calling for 30 days for $50

Long-term and frequent international travelers should note that T-Mobile says the following about its plans:

Not for extended international use; you must reside in the US and primary usage must occur on our network. Device must register on our network before international use. Service may be terminated or restricted for excessive roaming.

Additionally, T-Mobile's terms and conditions state you are not permitted to use T-Mobile services if it "results in more than 50% of your voice and/or data usage being Off-Net (i.e., connected to another provider's network) for any 2 billing cycles within any 12-month period." There have been instances of T-Mobile shutting down travelers for roaming excessively . So, don't go with T-Mobile if your primary usage won't be domestically on T-Mobile's network.

Related: 6 reasons why Apple's entry-level iPhone 14s are great for travelers

Other international phone plans to consider

Finally, you may want to check your current provider's options if you only occasionally travel internationally. Here are some options that are available as optional add-ons for many AT&T and Verizon plans:

• AT&T international day pass : Pay an extra $10 per 24 hours for unlimited high-speed data, talk and text in more than 210 destinations. You'll only be charged for days (as determined by your local U.S. time zone) you use data, make or receive a call or send a text message while in a destination covered by the international day pass.
• Verizon TravelPass : Pay an extra $10 per day per line for unlimited calls, texts and data (data speeds decrease after two GBs in a day) in more than 210 countries. You'll only be charged for days you send or receive a call, send texts or use data while abroad.
• Verizon international monthly plan : Pay an extra $100 per month for 250 minutes of talk, unlimited texts and unlimited data (data speeds decrease after 20 GBs in a month) in more than 210 countries.

You could also check out U.S. Mobile's plans. U.S. Mobile plans don't include calling or texting from outside the U.S. Still, the Unlimited Premium plan offers up to 10 GB of international data, and most plans let you buy eSIMs for more than 100 countries from within the U.S. Mobile app.

Mint Mobile could also be a viable solution if you're on a budget and don't travel abroad frequently. Although Mint Mobile doesn't offer any international data, text or voice on its plans, you can purchase international roaming credits and then use them to text, talk and use data in more than 210 countries and destinations. Rates for talk, text and data vary based on the country you're visiting; they usually cost about 25 cents per minute for talk, 5 cents per text and 20 cents per MB of data. If you don't plan to use much data — after all, you'd be paying a massive $205 per GB in many countries — Mint Mobile could be a feasible option.

Most cellphone plans allow you to pay as you go for international use, but these rates are almost always excessive. As such, frequent international travelers should find a different solution because pay-as-you-go costs will add up quickly.

Related: Credit cards that cover cellphone loss and damage

Bottom line

Having a functioning international phone plan when traveling abroad is important for travelers who want to stay connected. Traveling as a digital nomad , I've found Google Fi is by far my best option for fast data, modestly priced calling and free texting in most destinations. However, I supplement my Google Fi plan with eSIMs in some destinations to gain access to less-expensive data.

If you already have T-Mobile or a plan that offers international add-ons, you may want to stick with your plan. Otherwise, it's worth considering an eSIM or a local SIM card. You can buy eSIMs ahead of your trip, and it's usually possible to pick up local SIM cards at the airport when you land in a new country.

Traveling abroad? How to choose between a SIM card, eSIM and international plan

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Kim recently got a call from Mary in Ventura, California. Mary had been on a trip out of the country when she was forced to re-route to Germany during a storm. Mary was using Consumer Cellular and couldn’t get her phone to connect to the free local Wi-Fi at the airport.

There was a long time between flights, and Mary was stuck. She got a hotel room to talk to her family and use the internet to pass the time. When she returned home, Mary asked Kim what she could have done in that situation. Here’s what Kim had to say.

Call your carrier

If you’re ever stuck abroad, the first thing to do is call your carrier. In Mary’s case, she needed to authorize Consumer Cellular to turn on her international plan. This would have let her call, text and use data internationally.

Some phone service providers have this turned on by default but others, such as Consumer Cellular, require you to opt in. Here’s how to turn on international calling and data services with some leading service providers. 

How to turn on international services with T-Mobile

T-Mobile offers free international texting and data in more than 210 countries worldwide. International calls cost 25 cents per minute. Data is free, but your connection gets throttled when you exceed the daily allowance (unless you pay to upgrade).

This basic coverage is included by default in the Magenta and Magenta Plus service plans. If you participate in one of those plans, you don’t have to call to activate it. 

T-Mobile also allows subscribers to purchase an international data pass that upgrades them to high-speed data while they travel. This add-on is available as a one-day, 10-day or 30-day package. 

• Call T-Mobile customer service at 800-937-8997 if you are inside the U.S.
• Call 1-505-998-3793 if you are already traveling abroad.

How to turn on international services with Verizon

Verizon offers several international calling plans to choose from. You can pick between a $10 per day Travel Pass, a prepaid plan, a pay-as-you-go plan or a regular monthly billing agreement. 

• Call Verizon customer service at 800-711-8300 if you are inside the U.S.
• Call 1-908-559-4899 if you are already traveling abroad.

How to turn on international services with AT&T

AT&T offers subscribers an international talk, text, and data pass that is good in more than 210 countries. It costs $10 per day to participate. Participation in this plan is not automatic, so you must turn it on by calling customer service.

• Call AT&T Customer service at 800-331-0500 if you are inside the U.S.
• Call 1-314-925-6925 if you are already traveling abroad.

How to turn on international services with Consumer Cellular

Now we get to Mary’s carrier: Consumer Cellular. Like Verizon and AT&T, the carrier requires you to turn on international roaming before accessing local services.

International roaming would have allowed Mary to connect to the airport Wi-Fi and make calls to her family. Consumer Cellular’s International roaming charges range from 10 to 50 cents per minute for talk, text and data. 

• Call Consumer Cellular customer service at 888-345-5509 if you are inside the U.S.
• Call 1-505-998-3793 if you are already traveling abroad.  

Consumer Cellular’s per-minute roaming costs can add up fast. Mary could also have considered getting a local SIM card or purchasing an eSIM code online if she needed to spend more time calling or surfing the internet during her layover.

Buy a SIM card at the airport

SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module. It’s a small chip that connects your phone to a local provider’s network. Overseas, Mary’s regular SIM card was like a fish out of water. Purchasing a local SIM card would have allowed her to access nearby networks. 

All you need to do is remove the sim card in your phone and replace it with the new one. An international SIM card costs about $30, so if you get one, make sure you’ll use it enough to justify the expense.

Mary was only going to be in Germany for a short time, so buying a SIM card would have been a bit of a waste for her. It still would have been cheaper than a hotel, though.

RELATED: 5 flight and airline scams to know about before you book travel

Purchase an eSIM card online

Mary could also have purchased an eSIM card online if she had known about this in advance. When you buy an eSIM card, it works like a fast pass for the local cellular network.

You set it up before you leave, and it works as soon as you land. It will also keep your original SIM information intact and running in the background. This means that your regular phone number continues to work as usual.

Here are some of the top eSIM options for overseas travel:

• Google Fi – The Unlimited Plus plan costs $40 per line per month and includes coverage for overseas travel. Calls are still $0.20 per minute, but texts and data are free and unlimited. A flexible plan option includes free texts, 20 cents per minute calls and $10 per GB of data. 
• HolaFly – Setup is as easy as scanning a QR code. Country-specific plans cost $20 to $47 per month and include calls, texts and up to 500MB of data daily. 
• Tello – All Tello eSIM plans include free unlimited calling and texting to more than 60 countries globally with up to 5GB of data for around $20 per month. 

Make sure you plan, no matter which cell phone plan you use when traveling abroad. This saves you money and makes it easy to make calls once you get off the plane.

When Mary landed in Germany, it was too late for her to get things set up easily. She was in a tight spot, and her phone could not connect to the airport’s local Wi-Fi. There was no way to purchase an eSIM card online or look up the international customer service number for Consumer Cellular. 

You’ll want to take care of some other things before you travel. Try giving your credit card company a heads up and taking backup photos of your passport and other important documents, just in case.

Kim loves answering readers’ questions and enjoys sharing money-saving tech tips. If you have a question, you can ask Kim for advice at komando.com/contact-us/askkim .

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