You're leaving the country for an extended period and want to make sure you're covered on the cellular front. There are many different types of international cell phone plans, provided by many different carriers. Here are some of the best international phone plans available right now!
Things To Know Before Choosing An International Plan
There are a few things you need to be aware of before committing to an international plan. Even if you think you know which carrier you want, there are some details you'll want to consider before making a purchase.
Network Technologies
One piece of information you'll want to confirm is whether your plan is attached to the GSM or CDMA network.
GSM stands of the Global System for Mobile Communications, a cellular service that allows users to roam the planet with assurance that they'll always be able to connect to the nearest GSM cells available. GSM has been established as a staple in the maintenance of the global cellular network that phone owners rely on for data and calling.
The abbreviation CDMA stands for Code Division Multiple-Access. CDMA transmits over all available frequencies in its network, allowing more users to tap into a network at once. Generally, CDMA is more restrictive, in regards to the phone you use.
With GSM, it's often easier to transfer your cell number and SIM card between phones, while CDMA tends to lock your phone to its number. Another notable distinction of CDMA's function is that it typically doesn't allow for simultaneous data streaming and calling. So if you're relying on data to stay updated about the world, you won't be able to keep track of this, if you're already using your cell phone for a call.
Locked vs Unlocked Phones
When searching for a cell phone or plan to take out of North America, you'll likely see the terms “locked” and “unlocked” used regularly throughout the process. If a cell phone is locked, this means that it's only compatible with one carrier or type of cellular network. On the other hand, an unlocked cell phone is compatible with any carrier or network type.
It's generally more difficult to travel with a locked phone because it requires access to a specific network. In addition, this could get in the way of using an international SIM card.
Who Needs An International Phone Plan?
Any frequent traveler greatly benefits from an international phone plan. Purchasing a specific plan for a set amount of time could save you lots of money and inconvenience, as compared to regularly having to purchase international extensions to your local plan.
If you do not travel frequently, but are planning an international trip, you're likely better off opting for a temporary add-on package to your domestic plan.
Plans vs International Add-Ons
Not every cell phone plan available in the US has international features included in their monthly fee. However, many do have the option for international add-ons, which you can purchase from your carrier. These add-ons can make your travel experience much more convenient, without completely altering the details of your plan or monthly billing process.
Verizon International Plans
Verizon's TravelPass plan provides users with calling, texting, and data in 185 countries. For $10 per 24 hour cycle, TravelPass allows you .5 GB of high speed data (throttled to 2G after it's used up) and calling within your current country, as well as back to the US. If you're travelling in Mexico or Canada, this fee is cut in half.
TravelPass will only start charging you for a daily session once you've initiated the cellular feature on your phone. In other words, you'll only get charged for the day once you make or answer a call, send a text, or perform a function that requires cellular data. Verizon keeps customers updated about when their 24 hour session starts and ends via text message.
For the price of an additional day, you can also opt for another 0.5 GB of high speed data, if you run out of your initial allotment.
AT&T International Plans
AT&T's International Day Pass (IDP) allows users to stay connected with data, calling, and texting in 24 hour increments. For $10 per day, IDP users can make calls within the country, back to the US, and to any other country within the IDP network without the additional fees. Any data you use while travelling will be taken out of your monthly domestic allotment. As a bonus, any texts you receive will be interpreted as domestic and won't cost you extra.
If your AT&T domestic plan already includes Mexico and Canada, you do not need to purchase an IDP.
Remember, the apps on your phone often use data without prompting you. To avoid unintentional charges, AT&T recommends putting your phone in airplane mode when you don't want cellular access.
T-Mobile International Plans
T-Mobile offers a number of international options with their coverage. The Magenta and Essential plans both come with abroad coverage. T-Mobile also offers International Passes to expand coverage options on many of their other plans as well.
T-Mobile International Passes come with varying high-speed data options, as well as unlimited voice calling. Specifically, the basic International Pass comes with 512 MB of high-speed data, which users can purchase in 24 hour periods for $5. For a total of $35, you can get 5 GB of data to use over ten days. Alternatively, T-Mobile offers a 30-day, 15 GB International Pass for $50.
International Passes can be purchased ahead of time, so you can plan for your vacation accordingly. Every line on a T-Mobile plan can use up to 2 International Passes per rolling 24-hour period. Depending on where you're traveling to, this could potentially save you a lot of money, as compared to the $10 daily fees provided by AT&T and Verizon. The 10 and 30 day plans each add up to significant savings when also compared to the daily alternative.
Google Fi International Plans
Flexible
Google Fi's Flexible plan is a great option for those that want a reliable plan but don't need a lot of data. The Flexible Plan starts at at $20 per month per line, plus an extra $10 for every GB used. There are no contracts for this plan and it can be canceled at any time, so you can be sure you'll only ever pay for exactly what you need.
The international coverage for the Flexible Plan is similarly priced at $10 per GB of data with free texting. However, international calling on this plan does cost an additional $.20 per minute. A nice feature about this plan is that there's also a maximum bill that can be charged to your account. Regardless of how many lines you have, if you use at least 12 GB of data, Google caps the bill at $170 and you won't be charged more.
Simply Unlimited
The Google Fi Simply Unlimited plan is similar to their Flexible plan, but with unlimited data included. For $50 per line each month, this plan comes with unlimited data, texting, and calling. Like the Flexible package, this plan is contract-free and you can cancel at any time!
In regards to the international coverage, unlimited data and texting are included, while calls are still $.20 per minute. This plan's high speed data can also be used as mobile hotspot, though Google throttles speeds after 22 GB. Another perk of this plan is the Google One subscription, where you can save all your photos and videos from abroad with 100 GB of cloud storage.
Before you go abroad, check Google Fi's coverage to make sure the country you're visiting is covered.
Unlimited Plus
Google Fi Unlimited Plus is the most recent Google Fi plan to enter the market, and it also has the most premium selection of international features.
Just like Google Fi's Simply Unlimited Plan, international texting is free and international calling is $.20 per minute. What sets Unlimited Plus apart from the cheaper Google Fi Plans is that Unlimited Plus customers can use their cellular data in more than 200 international locations.
Unlimited Plus is a no-contract plan starting at $70 for 1 line. If you travel a lot and don't want to deal with setting up international coverage everywhere you go, it might just be worth your money to invest in this option.
Why Google Fi?
Google Fi is a unique company that offers contract-free plans you can cancel at any time. Additionally, Google Fi offers sizable discounts on Google Pixel devices, but their plans are also compatible with most Androids and iPhones. There aren't any hidden charges or activation fees, so you'll never be surprised by your Google Fi cell phone bill.
Tello Mobile
All Tello Mobile plans come with free calls to Canada, Mexico, China, and Romania. This makes their plans a great fit for you if you need to make calls to any of these countries. However, this selection is still fairly small compared to other International plans out there. We recommend the Tello Mobile Build Your Own Plan with 6 GB of data.
Safe Travels!
When you're out of the country, your cell phone can provide you with a surprising sense of security. If you're looking to select from the best international phone plans, make sure to compare which carriers have the best array of coverage in the area you're headed to. Thanks for reading! If you have friends or family going on a trip, please share this article to help them decide if they need an international plan. Finally, have a safe journey and make sure your phone plan isn't the most extraordinary part of your trip!
