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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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Table of Contents

Breaking down t-mobile’s free international data, buy a t-mobile data pass for faster speeds, t-mobile’s supported countries (free and paid), pros and cons of t-mobile’s international data plans, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

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.

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:

512 MB International Day Pass

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.

5 GB International Pass

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.

15 GB International Pass

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.

Which T-Mobile Data Package is Right for You?

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.

How to Sign up for an International Data Package

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.

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:

Pros of T-Mobile’s International Data Plans:

• 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.

Cons of T-Mobile’s International Data Plans:

• 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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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

If summer travel takes you to another country, make sure you've got one of the best international phone plans as your traveling companion. 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 without busting your budget.

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 provide coverage in specific 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 has shed some of its plans, though the good news is that most of the remaining options provide some benefits for overseas travel. Subscribe to 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 the cheaper Go5G option, with better travel benefits. You get 15GB of data when you traavel in Mexico and Canada (compared to 10GB for Go5G), and you also enjoy texting and Wi-Fi on any flight where internet is available. Even better, 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). Go5G subscribers only get 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 the standard Go5G plan ($75 for a single line) 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 Go5G Plus, which starts at $90/month for one line of data). That plan treats you to 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. Go5G Plus subscribers get full texting and Wi-Fi with streaming during flights, where wireless is available. If you opt for Go5G, 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 10GB of data if you're a Go5G customer; speeds are slowed to 128kbps after that. Go5G Plus members enjoy 15GB, with speeds slowing to 256kbps if you use more than that amount.

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 $12-a-day International Day Pass, which comes with unlimited talk and text and data governed by your plan. That $12 rate reflects a $2 price hike, though service is still available in 210-plus countries. Each device you take overseas needs its own Day Pass, but you can extra phones for $6 a day, on top of the first device.

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 8a )  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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Use your domestic talk, text, and data plan in over 210 destinations for a low daily fee per line.

Stay connected while abroad with no data caps, 250 minutes and unlimited text in over 210 destinations

Unlimited calling from the U.S. to 85 countries. Discounted calling to 140 countries.

Stay connected with work while on a cruise ship at sea.

AT&T INTERNATIONAL DAY PASS ® FOR BUSINESS:

ELIGIBILITY : Available to business and government customers with a qualified AT&T wireless service agreement (Business Agreement) and only for qualified Corporate Responsibility User ( CRU ) lines of service. Compatible device with eligible domestic postpaid wireless plan required.

ADDING TO YOUR LINE : You can add IDP for Business before your CRU travels or, for business customers with select devices only, AT&T will automatically add International Day Pass (“IDP”) for Business to the CRU line if (i) you have not added IDP for Business and do not have another international feature on the CRU line; (ii) the CRU uses an eligible smartphone, tablet, mobile hotspot device or laptop while traveling in an IDP Destination (see below) not included in your domestic rate plan, and (iii) the CRU incurs at least 5MB in international data roaming usage at pay-per-use rates (see att.com/intlppurates). If we automatically add IDP for Business to a CRU smartphone line, we will send you an email and also send an SMS to the CRU line. If we automatically add IDP for Business to a CRU tablet, mobile hotspot device or laptop line, we will send you an email. Once added, IDP for Business will stay on the CRU line until you remove it using online self-service ( att.com/myatt  or att.com/premier , as applicable), by calling 800-331-0500, or by contacting your AT&T account representative.

DAILY FEE : The first time you use data, make or receive a call, or send a text message in an IDP Destination, you’ll automatically be charged a $12 daily fee. Text messages received are rated as domestic and do not trigger a daily fee. The daily fee covers additional data, calls, and text messages for 24 hours from the initial use in any IDP Destination. You’ll be charged an additional daily fee for all subsequent 24-hour periods in which you use data, make or receive a call, or send a text message in an IDP Destination, unless you remove IDP for Business. Business and government customers with IDP for Business are not eligible for the reduced daily fee or the charge cap available to consumers with IDP.

DESTINATIONS : Includes usage in over 210 destinations listed at  att.com/globalcountries  and on select enabled international flights ( Enabled Flights ) (each an IDP Destination or collectively, IDP Destinations ). Coverage is not available in all areas. IDP Destinations and rates are subject to change without notice. Mexico and Canada: You will not be charged a daily fee in Mexico or Canada if you have a domestic plan that includes usage in Mexico or Canada. Latin America: AT&T Business Unlimited Elite customers and other qualified customers with Roam Latin America SM  for Business will not be charged a daily fee in any of the Latin American countries that are included in their phone plan. See att.com/latamcountries for a list of included countries.  Cellular networks on select airlines: For a list of participating airlines and Enabled Flights, go to att.com/globalcountries . Participating airlines and Enabled Flights are subject to change without notice. Passengers of participating airlines are not guaranteed to be on an Enabled Flight. Device must be on, with Airplane Mode and Wi-Fi turned off and data roaming and cellular data turned on to use the cellular network on an Enabled Flight. Cellular service on an Enabled Flight is available only at greater than 200 nautical miles outside of the U.S. border and above 20,000 feet cruising altitude. In the event of satellite interruption or regulatory constraint, airline cellular services may be disrupted or disabled.

DATA : Data will be drawn from your domestic plan allowance with the same data and speed restrictions. If your domestic plan includes Video Management feature, it will apply to your IDP for Business feature. See  att.com/Videofeature  for Video Management details.  Data overage : If you go over the amount of data in your qualified domestic plan, overage charges or data speed reduction of up to 128Kbps will apply in accordance with the terms of your domestic plan. If your data speed is slowed, all your data use, including audio and video streaming, picture and video messaging, and other types of data use will be impacted and may not work.  Incidental data usage : Apps on your device use data even when you may not be aware. Such usage may trigger a daily fee. To avoid unintended use of IDP for Business, turn off cellular data roaming in your device settings.

UNLIMITED TALK : For phones only. Includes calls received in IDP Destinations and made from IDP Destinations to the U.S. and to other IDP Destinations. If your domestic plan does not include unlimited talk, the minutes of use will be drawn from your domestic plan’s voice allowance and domestic overage charges may apply.  Calls to non-IDP Destinations : Calls from IDP Destinations to non-IDP Destinations will get International Long Distance (ILD) charges. Pay-per-use rates apply unless your domestic plan includes these destinations or you add an ILD package to your device. Rates are subject to change without notice. For details, go to  att.com/internationalcalling .

UNLIMITED TEXT : For phones only. Applies only to AT&T Short Messaging Service ( SMS ) and Multimedia Messaging Service ( MMS ) and not to other messaging services or applications like iMessage. Messages received are rated as domestic and do not trigger a daily fee. If your domestic plan does not include unlimited text, the messages you send will be drawn from your domestic plan’s messaging allowance and domestic overage charges may apply.

AT&T PASSPORT ® /AT&T PASSPORT ® PRO : For devices with IDP for Business and an active AT&T Passport or AT&T Passport Pro package, IDP for Business charges will apply in IDP Destinations and usage in IDP Destinations will not reduce the Passport or Passport Pro data allowance, trigger Passport calling charges, or offset the Passport Pro voice allowance. If you want to use Passport or Passport Pro in an IDP Destination, you must remove IDP for Business.

PAY-PER-USE RATES : Apply when traveling in destinations not included in IDP for Business and/or when you have not added a package. For rates, see  att.com/intlppurates .

SERVICE RESTRICTIONS : International use aboard cruise ships is not included. Not available for wireless home phone services, connected vehicles, or connected devices. Pay-per-use international rates will apply.

GENERAL : Subject to your applicable Business Agreement. Availability, quality of coverage, and services while roaming are not guaranteed. Additional restrictions may apply.

AT&T Business Passport SM :

ELIGIBILITY : Available to business and government customers with a qualified AT&T wireless service agreement (Business Agreement) and only for qualified Corporate Responsibility User (CRU) lines of service. Compatible phone, tablet or other eligible device with domestic postpaid wireless service required.

CHARGES : Monthly recurring charge applies on a per-device basis. Monthly recurring charge will not be prorated if canceled on or after the effective date. Package canceled prior to the effective date will not incur the charge. Package requires a 2-month minimum term commitment.

DESTINATIONS : Includes usage in over 210 destinations listed at att.com/globalcountries and on select enabled international flights ( Enabled Flights ) (each a Passport Destination or collectively, Passport Destinations ). Coverage not available in all areas. Passport Destinations and rates are subject to change without notice. Mexico & Canada: If you have a domestic plan that includes Mexico or Canada, usage in these countries will not diminish the AT&T Business Passport data or talk allowance or bill AT&T Business Passport calling charges. Latin America: If you are an AT&T Business Unlimited Elite customer or other qualified customer with Roam Latin America SM  for Business, usage in the included Latin American countries will not diminish the AT&T Business Passport data or talk allowance or bill AT&T Business Passport calling charges. See  att.com/latamcountries  for a list of included countries. Cellular networks on select airlines: For a list of participating airlines and Enabled Flights, go to att.com/globalcountries . Participating airlines and Enabled Flights are subject to change without notice. Passengers of participating airlines are not guaranteed to be on an Enabled Flight. Device must be on, with Airplane Mode and Wi-Fi turned off and data roaming and cellular data turned on to use the cellular network on an Enabled Flight. Cellular service on an Enabled Flight is available only at greater than 200 nautical miles outside of the U.S. border and above 20,000 feet cruising altitude. In the event of satellite interruption or regulatory constraint, airline cellular services may be disrupted or disabled.

DATA : Actual data speeds vary by device and location. If your domestic plan includes Video Management feature, the same will apply to your AT&T Business Passport package.  Data allowance must be used in bill period provided or will be forfeited. Overage and Data Speeds: There are no data overage charges. However,  if you use all your AT&T Business Passport package data, all data usage is slowed to a max of 256Kbps for the rest of the bill cycle. All data usage will be impacted and may not be fully functional.

TALK : For phones only. Talk allowance must be used in bill period provided or will be forfeited.  Overage: If you use all your AT&T Business Passport minutes, a $0.25 per minute charge applies to all calls dialed and accepted in Passport Destinations. Wi-Fi Calling: With Wi-Fi Calling, you can call back to the U.S. at no additional charge. Calls to other destinations, including the Passport Destination you're in, deplete your AT&T Business Passport talk allowance and may be billed at the Business Passport per minute rate.

UNLIMITED TEXT : For phones only. Applies only to AT&T Short Messaging Service ( SMS ) and Multimedia Messaging Service ( MMS ) and not to other messaging services or applications that use data, such as iMessage. Unless you have a domestic plan that includes unlimited text, messages received in Passport Destinations are charged at your domestic messaging rates.

CRUISE PACKAGES : For devices with an active AT&T Business Passport package and an active AT&T Cruise package, cruise ship cellular usage is rated by the AT&T Cruise package. AT&T Business Passport charges will apply to land usage in AT&T Cruise included destinations.

PAY-PER-USE RATES : Apply when AT&T Business Passport package is removed (unless you add a different international roaming package) and when traveling in destinations not included in AT&T Business Passport.

SERVICE RESTRICTIONS : International use aboard cruise ships is not included. Package is not available for use with wireless home phone services, connected vehicles, or wearables or other connected devices; pay-per-use international rates, found at  att.com/intlppurates , will apply. May not be combined with International Day Pass (IDP) for Business, similar IDP offers or select other international roaming packages.

GENERAL : Subject to the applicable Business Agreement. Availability, quality of coverage, and services while roaming are not guaranteed. International roaming data usage may be at 2G speeds. Additional restrictions may apply.

AT&T BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL CALLING:

Eligibility: Available only to business and government customers with a qualified AT&T wireless service agreement (Business Agreement) and only for Corporate Responsibility User (CRU) lines of service. Domestic postpaid wireless voice plan required. Certain eligibility restrictions apply, which may be based on service tenure, payment history or credit.

International Long Distance (ILD) Calling: For phones only. Includes from the U.S., and, for customers with select domestic plans only, from Mexico and/or Canada: (a) unlimited calling to Mexico and Canada, (b) unlimited calling to over 85 countries, and (c) discounted calling to over 140 countries. If your domestic postpaid wireless plan does not include unlimited talk, ILD calls count against the monthly allowance of voice minutes under your domestic plan. If you exceed your plan’s monthly allowance, overage charges will apply.

Countries: Same as for AT&T International Calling. For details on package countries and rates, go to  att.com/internationalcalling  (select “See eligible countries and rates” link). Calling to some countries may not be available. Calls to special services, such as Premium Rated Services, may cost more. Countries and rates are subject to change without notice.

Pay-per-use rates: Apply when package is removed, when calling numbers in countries not included in your package, and/or when you have not added a package. For current ILD pay-per-use rates, see  att.com/internationalcalling  (select “See eligible countries and rates” link).

Restrictions: Service provided for live dialog between people only, and for individual, non-commercial use. Not for resale. You may not use your service for purposes other than as intended by AT&T. Prohibited uses of the service include, without limitation, monitoring services, transmissions of broadcasts or recorded materials, telemarketing, fraud, autodialed calls, call forwarding, or other similar connections except if otherwise permitted under your applicable service agreement. If AT&T determines your service use violates the applicable terms or policies, AT&T may at its sole discretion modify your service, charge you pay-per-use rates, or terminate your service.

General: Subject to the Business Agreement. Taxes, fees, and other charges apply. Pricing and terms subject to change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply.

AT&T CRUISE PACKAGES:

Eligibility: Compatible device with eligible domestic postpaid wireless service required.

Charges: One-time charge of $60 per line for Cruise Basic package or $100 per line for Cruise Plus package. Package is valid for 30 days beginning on the chosen effective date, may cross 2 bill cycles, and expires automatically. Package charge will not be prorated if canceled on or after the effective date. If package is canceled prior to the effective date, the line will not be charged.

Coverage: Package applies to cellular use onboard select cruise ships listed at  att.com/cruise  when sailing in international waters. When the device is connected to the ship's cellular network, "cellularatsea", "wmsatsea", "901-18" or "NOR-18" displays on the device. The ship turns off its cellular network when it is within 12 nautical miles from land and docked or tendered in port, at which point cellular service is provided via the nearest country.

Countries: Add AT&T International Day Pass to your eligible domestic wireless plan to cover your usage when on land or in port. Go to  att.com/intldaypass  for details.Business and government customers: Add an available international roaming package to your domestic wireless plan to cover usage when on land or in port. Go to  att.com/internationalforbiz  to review options. 

Data: Includes 100MB of data for Cruise Basic package (smartphones only) or 1GB of data for Cruise Plus package (smartphones and tablets only). Actual data speeds vary by device and ship. Data use is subject to the same network management practices as your domestic wireless plan. See att.com/broadbandinfo for details. 

Data overage: If you exceed the amount of data in your Cruise package, additional data will automatically be provided in increments of 100MB for $10 each. Once you have incurred $100 in data overage charges or, for business and government customers, $300 in data overage charges, data use is subject to suspension, including data use on land, even if you have a separate international package for data usage on land. Upon suspension, AT&T will provide notice and instructions for restoring data use capability.

Talk: For phones only. Applies to all cellular calls dialed and accepted. Cruise Basic package includes 100 minutes of calling. If you use all your Cruise Basic package calling minutes, additional cellular calls will be charged $1/minute. Cruise Plus package includes unlimited talk.

Wi-Fi Calling: With Wi-Fi Calling enabled on eligible devices, you can call back to the U.S. at no additional charge.

Unlimited Text: For phones only. Applies only to AT&T Short Messaging Service (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) and not to other messaging services or applications that use data, such as iMessage. Messages received will be billed at your domestic messaging rates, unless you have a domestic plan that includes unlimited text.

Pay-per-use rates: Apply when package expires, when traveling on ships not included in your package or countries not included in any international travel package added to your line, and/or when you have not added any package to the line. Go to  att.com/ppurates  to review rates.

General: Subject to Consumer Service Agreement at  att.com/csa  or, for business and government customers, the applicable wireless service agreement. Availability, quality of coverage, and services while roaming are not guaranteed. Additional restrictions may apply.

Roam Latin America for Business

Only AT&T keeps you connected in the U.S. and 20 Latin American countries with unlimited high-speed data, talk & text at no extra cost.*

*Req’s AT&T Business Unlimited Premium. Coverage and data speeds vary by country. International usage should not exceed domestic usage.

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5 of the Best International Cell Phone Plans 2024

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You come home from vacation. You’re relaxed. You’re refreshed. Then you check your cell phone bill and find that you owe $800.

International roaming rates are nothing to mess around with, so it’s important to know what you’re on the hook for before you travel abroad. We surveyed the mobile landscape to find carriers and plans that are friendly to out-of-country travelers.

Some choices below are add-ons to an existing plan, paid either daily or monthly when needed, while others are monthly service plans that include good international access in their features.

International roaming plans: postpaid

Plan: International Day Pass.

Price: $10 per day for first line, $5 for additional lines used in the same 24-hour period, on top of your regular phone plan cost. Requires an AT&T unlimited, AT&T 4 GB, or Mobile Share plan.

At a glance: Calls from and between the U.S. and included countries are free.

Things to know: Once you have signed up, it activates automatically when you travel.

Plan: Go5G.

Price: $80 per month, $5 autopay discount available.

At a glance: Talk is at a flat 25 cents per minute in more than 215 countries. Unlimited texting and up to 5GB of high-speed data in Canada and Mexico. Unlimited data at 256Kbps speeds in more than 215 other countries.

Things to know: Price includes taxes and fees, but add-ons such as insurance or device payments are still assessed. You can upgrade to Go5G Plus for $15 per month, per line to get extra features, including 4K video streaming, 50GB of mobile hot spot data, faster data speeds in more than 215 countries and unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi on some flights.

Plan: International Monthly Plan.

Price: $100 per line per month.

At a glance: The plan includes unlimited data plus 250 minutes of talk and unlimited texts. It can be used in more than 210 countries.

Things to know: If you don’t opt in to the international plan, then you will be charged “pay as you go” rates when you travel overseas. Looking for options? Verizon also offers a cruise-specific plan for $20 a month or the Travel Pass for $10 per day, which comes with unlimited calls, texts and data.

» Learn more: What to know about electronics insurance

International roaming: prepaid

Google fi wireless.

Plan: Flexible.

Price: $20 per month, plus $10 per GB of data. Taxes and fees are extra.

At a glance: Unlimited talk and text in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Unlimited texting while abroad. High-speed data is a flat $10 per gigabyte, even when roaming internationally, but speeds are slower after 15GB of use.

Things to know: Texts and data in more than 200 countries for the same price you pay at home. Calls are an additional cost. The Flexible plan includes bill protection, where usage is free after you hit a certain monthly threshold — 6GB for one line, 10GB for two lines, 12GB for three lines, 14GB for four lines and 16GB for five lines. Google Fi uses the T-Mobile network and does not slow down speeds even when the network is busy.

Plan: International Connect and eSIM.

Price: For $10 additional per month on any Boost plan, International Connect adds calling to more than 120 countries and texting to more than 200. It requires using an eSIM card on an unlocked phone; once you have an eSIM you can add data for as low as $5 for 1GB over a seven-day timeframe. Use Boost’s country list to identify specific costs for data packages.

At a glance: An eSIM is a digital SIM card that allows you to activate roaming services without needing a physical SIM card. A Dual SIM option supports two numbers at the same time, such as separate numbers for personal and business use.

Things to know: ESIM cards only provide access to data; you will not be able to call or text unless you add International Connect or use internet-based apps or services like Skype or FaceTime.

METHODOLOGY

We surveyed major international roaming cell phone plans, checking the price of the international roaming option, data costs, and the price of international calls and texts.

Home » Mobile

Best International Cell Phone Plans

As a frequent world traveler, I know the pain of finding a phone plan that works when you’re on the go. Until I had a child four months ago, I took at least two work trips per month, many of which were international—and even since the baby, I’ve already taken two international trips and have plans for more soon.

Whether I’m traveling to Spain for the MWC trade show, Germany for the IFA consumer electronics exhibition, or Italy for a car unveiling, I’m at work, which means constantly communicating online and over the phone. I have a deep understanding of what makes a great international cell phone plan—and Google Fi Unlimited Plus is definitely the best pick for me.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that Google Fi is right for everyone. You might want to stick with a data-only eSIM and web-based services like WhatsApp and Google Voice outside of the U.S. You might also want to consider a budget option like Mint Mobile—or paying extra for a plan like Verizon Unlimited Ultimate. Regardless, there are options for you, no matter how you travel.

Table of contents:

Do you need an international phone plan?

• Best international phone plans
• Google Fi Unlimited Plus
• Mint Mobile
• Visible Plus
• Verizon Unlimited Ultimate
• T-Mobile Go5G Next
• Google Voice and other VoIP services

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You need an international phone plan if you travel regularly and need to make calls and access internet data over a reliable cellular network. It’s an especially worthy investment for business trips and other high-stakes undertakings where making VoIP calls over a cafe’s shaky Wi-Fi simply won’t suffice. 

“A top-notch international cell phone plan has broad coverage, reasonable prices, and clear pricing. It should be possible to stay connected in many places without having to pay crazy roaming fees,” advises Rajesh Namase, co-founder of tech publication TechRT. “Check to see if the plan includes cheap texting and calling other countries. Pay attention to what other customers say about the quality of the service and the help they get.”

WhatsApp and Viber: The cheap way to make calls abroad

Keep in mind that you may not need an international cell phone plan at all, even if you’re planning a long trip overseas. That’s because it’s very easy to communicate with a simple internet connection, and it’s not too hard to find decent Wi-Fi wherever you travel.

Most tourists and backpackers can stick to apps like WhatsApp, Viber, and even iMessage, especially for short trips or jaunts across multiple countries. These services are web-based and allow you to message and call your friends and family. Of course, your friends and family need to use the same apps and services for you to connect with them.

There are also voice over internet protocol, or VoIP, services (like Google Voice) that allow you to make actual phone calls over the internet. However, these services usually aren’t free—we talk more about them later in the piece .

The other option: A SIM card from a local provider

Although it’s pretty easy to find Wi-Fi in most major cities, you still might not want to rely on being able to find those services. A bucket-list vacation can easily turn into a drag if you spend half your day running around looking for a cafe with Wi-Fi just to respond to a text or search on Google Maps.

A relatively inexpensive data-only plan from a phone carrier specific to the region you're traveling to might be perfectly fine. Getting a low-cost SIM or eSIM is extremely easy in most countries, and you can get connected in a matter of minutes if you have a phone with eSIM capability.

I regularly use Airalo to buy inexpensive data-only eSIMs for when I travel, which allow me to use web services even without Wi-Fi. Simply using an eSIM like this or buying a cheap SIM when you get to your destination may be the easiest way to travel. Still, perhaps you don’t want to bother with all that—maybe you just want a single phone plan that you know will work internationally. In that case, read on.

Compare best international phone plans

Best international phone plan overall: google fi unlimited plus.

Google Fi has long been a darling for world travelers, thanks to its massive flexibility that builds international usage into its plans.

Google Fi is an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator), which operates on T-Mobile’s network in the United States and offers unlimited 5G. You get high-speed, mmWave data in areas where T-Mobile offers it, so long as you have a compatible 5G phone. Google Fi is technically currently named Google Fi Wireless, but most still refer to it as simply Google Fi.

Google Fi: The good

As it relates to international usage, Google Fi is flexible. The Google Fi Unlimited Plus plan is the best one for international users, boasting unlimited data with unlimited hotspot tethering. That data can be used in over 200 countries, without any additional fees. Google stipulates that its unlimited international data is not intended to be used for over 90 consecutive days—so you may run into some issues if you happen to have a trip planned for over three months. Usage in Mexico and Canada is just like it is in the United States, so you don’t have to worry about paying a fee for calls in North America.

Google Fi Unlimited Plus offers some additional perks too. For starters, customers get six months of YouTube Premium, as well as 100GB of Google One storage. And, the price includes full connectivity for select smartwatches. That’s without having to pay additional fees for the connectivity of those watches.

Google Fi: The bad

Despite offering unlimited data and unlimited text internationally, calls are a little more restricted. Although you get unlimited talk to 50+ countries, you have to pay $0.20 per minute for any calls you make from those countries when you travel outside North America. You may want to stick to making VoIP calls with Google Fi when you’re traveling. Google also says that it will throttle data speeds after 50GB.

Notably, Google Fi also doesn’t officially support a huge range of phones. Its list of supported phones has expanded over the years—and it does support iPhones—but it’s best to use Google’s tool to check if your phone is supported before signing up.

The list of supported smartwatches is much more limited. It’s nice that Google offers free connectivity for certain supported smartwatches, but there are only four watches currently on that list—including the Google Pixel Watch, Google Pixel Watch 2, Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy Watch6. Despite iPhone support, you can’t use cellular on your Apple Watch on Google Fi, unfortunately.

Best budget international plan: Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile may be mostly famous because it’s partly owned by Ryan Reynolds, but this plucky, T-Mobile-connected MVNO actually has a lot going for it. Ideal for budget users, it offers up inexpensive plans, with multiple options based on data usage. All plans offer unlimited domestic talk and text, and you can purchase an international pass (or Minternational Pass, as Mint calls it) for traveling abroad. Prices start at $5 for a one-day pass, but you can also upgrade to a 10-day pass for $20. For longer trips, you need to buy additional passes.

Here’s a handy chart to outline what you get from the main passes.

International pass prices and data

Mint mobile: the good.

Mint Mobile is quite flexible when it comes to domestic use, and customers can change plans on a month-to-month basis, based on the amount of data they think they’ll use. This extends to international plans, too—you can buy “Minternational Passes” whenever you need, depending on how long you plan on traveling.

Mint Mobile: The bad

Although Mint’s international passes are decently priced, they’re not the most cost-effective option if you plan on traveling for a long period. If you’re trekking across Europe for a month, for example, you’ll need to buy three 10-day plans. That’s $60 in one month on top of your base Mint plan.

Also, there really aren’t additional perks available on Mint plans. Look elsewhere if you’re interested in a free streaming service subscription or a discount on an internet bundle.

Best international cell phone plan for short trips: Visible+

Visible has grown in popularity as Verizon’s budget brand, but for many it’s a better way to go than Verizon. That’s because its plans are so cheap, but still offer unlimited perks. Visible’s base plan is $25 per month, and includes unlimited talk, text, and data in the United States.

The upgraded Visible+ plan, which costs $45 per month, is the way to go. Visible+ offers more premium data (high-speed data over 4G and 5G), $10-per-month savings on Verizon’s Home Internet, and unlimited hotspot usage at twice the speeds of the standard Visible plan.

Visible: The good

For international users, Visible+ offers one free Global Pass day per month. Visible’s Global Pass allows for international talk, text, and data on that day in 140 countries around the globe . Normally, Global Pass days cost $10 each. So, if you tend to take ultra-short trips for work, you could get by without having to pay too much for international usage.

Of course, Visible has other advantages. Its plans are relatively cheap in the first place and work on Verizon’s network, which is the largest in the U.S.

Visible: The bad

As you might have picked up on, Visible’s Global Pass is helpful in only limited scenarios—if you need international usage for more than one day per month, you need to pay for it. The Global Pass costs $10 per day, which isn’t cheap, and depending on how often you need it, you could end up paying a lot more than on other plans. Thankfully, if you only really travel within North America, you can get Global Pass for $5 per day.

Visible doesn’t offer all that much in the way of extra perks, except for $10 per month off of Verizon Home Internet plans. That might be useful for some, but not all that many customers will take advantage of it.

Best international phone plan for frequent travelers: Verizon Unlimited Ultimate

As you might expect, Verizon offers some great international perks of its own—for a price. Verizon Unlimited Ultimate is the carrier’s latest top-tier plan, boasting unlimited talk, text, and data internationally (with some limitations). The plan offers a ton of additional perks too. Hotspot users get 60GB of high-speed data and unlimited data at 600 Kbps. This plan also includes discounts on an Apple One subscription, which includes services like Apple Music and Apple TV+. Individual Apple One subscriptions cost $10 per month on this plan (instead of $19.95 per month), while family plans cost $20 per month (instead of $25.95).

Verizon Unlimited Ultimate: The good

When it comes to international usage, Verizon Unlimited Ultimate has a lot going for it. Customers get unlimited talk, text, and data on this plan, though there are limitations. You can’t really do much better in terms of international support, so those who travel often can get dependable service without having to juggle plans. Usage in Mexico and Canada is better too—you get up to 2GB of high-speed data per day, and after that, you get unlimited data on 3G speeds.

Verizon Unlimited Ultimate: The bad

Verizon Unlimited Ultimate throttles international data usage after 10GB. Many modern customers use more than 10GB of data in a month, so it might be worth keeping your phone on low data mode when you travel. Thankfully, after 10GB, you don’t lose data access—you’re just throttled to 2G speeds.

Of course, as you might expect, Verizon Unlimited Ultimate is expensive: $90 per month for one line. That’s more than the majority of plans on this list, though the trade-off is that you don’t have to worry too much about buying international passes or running out of minutes.

Best travel plan perks: T-Mobile Go5G Next

The T-Mobile Go5G Next plan is T-Mobile’s most expensive plan right now, but it offers the most perks. T-Mobile’s network isn’t quite as large as Verizon’s, but it’s enough for the vast majority of users and it has a larger 5G network. The plan continues T-Mobile’s tradition of bundling great perks with its plans, and it includes access to a range of streaming services. That, of course, is on top of the excellent international plan features.

T-Mobile Go5G Next: The good

With Go5G Next, you get a range of international features that don’t cost more than the base fee for the plan. Notably, the plan offers unlimited international data, with up to 15GB of high-speed data. That’s 50% more than the Verizon plan, so if you’re a heavy data user, this could be a better pick. On top of the unlimited international data, the plan also has unlimited international texting.

There are lots of perks here too. Notably, you get three streaming services with Go5G Next: Apple TV+, Netflix, and Hulu. In the case of Netflix and Hulu, you get subscriptions with ads. But between all three, you’re saving a decent amount of cash.

T-Mobile Go5G Next: The bad

The main reason you might want to go with Verizon Unlimited Ultimate over Go5G Next is that T-Mobile’s plan doesn’t offer free calling. On the contrary, you pay $0.25 per minute to make calls while traveling, unless you’re calling to or from Canada or Mexico. That can get expensive, so if you rely on phone calls, it may be worth going for an alternative or looking into VoIP calling services. 

Google Voice and other VoIP services also let you make international calls

You don’t necessarily need an international phone plan to make international calls. That’s thanks to the existence of Voice Over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, services. These services essentially use data to make calls instead of cell service.

There are plenty of great VoIP services out there, but many of them charge money for international calls. Perhaps the most famous VoIP service is Google Voice, which charges a different rate per minute depending on the country you’re calling. Other top VoIP services include the likes of RingCentral, which costs $20 per month with an annual subscription.

Of course, if you’re just calling friends and family, you don’t necessarily need to pay for a VoIP service, if your friends and family use the same apps and services as you. WhatsApp, for example, offers calling features for free—as do services like Viber and Facebook Messenger.

There are plenty of international phone plans out there, however keep in mind the fact that you may not need one at all. You may be able to get by with a data-only SIM or even intermittent Wi-Fi access.

If you do find that you need an international phone plan, there are many options. The best for most users is Google Fi, thanks to its unlimited test and data and reasonable price. If you’re on a budget, you may want to consider services like Mint Mobile,. And if you want the works, you can pay a premium for unlimited everything should go or Verizon Unlimited Ultimate.

At Reviews.org, we’re constantly testing phone plans and cell services. We understand that a great cell service can be hugely important – and that’s even more true for international users who may rely on their service to stay connected with friends and family in a new location.

I personally have used a number of the services on this list, and as someone who was born in Australia, lived in Europe for five years, and has attended a lot of tech events, I travel a ton. Often, I rely on an international phone plan to stay connected while I travel, and while most recently I’ve been buying a low-cost eSIM data plan from Airalo when I travel, I know what makes an excellent international phone plan.

In putting together this guide, I conducted extensive research on phone plans, both from the major carriers, and from smaller companies alike. I looked at the particular features that make a phone plan great for international and made sure each plan was a solid option for when you’re home too. I also scoured the web, and even got insight from some travel bloggers and influencers to ensure that the plans included were worth paying your hard-earned cash for.

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T-Mobile's $4.4 billion buy of U.S. Cellular phone operations could improve rural service

T-mobile will lease space on at least 2,100 more towers.

T-Mobile is acquiring U.S. Cellular's mobile phone operations in a $4.4 billion deal, which through more wireless towers, could provide a better connection for customers in some rural areas.

As part of the deal announced Tuesday, T-Mobile will acquire U.S. Cellular's wireless operations, wireless customers, stores and certain specified assets. U.S. Cellular will still own its towers and T-Mobile will lease space on a minimum of 2,100 of them.

"As customers from both companies will get more coverage and more capacity from our combined footprint, our competitors will be forced to keep up ‒ and even more consumers will benefit," T-Mobile's CEO Mike Sievert said in a news release.

Chicago-based U.S. Cellular has history in Milwaukee, including hosting a stage at Summerfest, contributing a private 5G cellular network to University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and giving away tickets to Summerfest, Milwaukee Brewers games and the Wisconsin State Fair.

Here's what we know about the merger:

U.S. Cellular customers can keep their plan

The deal is expected to close in mid-2025, according to T-Mobile, which will pay $4.4 billion to acquire U.S. Cellular in a combination of cash and $2 billion of debt that will be assumed by T-Mobile.

U.S. Cellular says its customers can choose to stay on their current plan or transfer to a T-Mobile plan at no cost. They will receive new benefits such as streaming and international data roaming at no cost.

However, keeping the same plan doesn't necessarily mean it will be at the same price.

Rural coverage could improve

T-Mobile says it hopes the merger will create more choice for consumers in areas with "expensive and limited plans from AT&T and Verizon," or those with sparse to no broadband connectivity. It adds that the deal will provide "best-in-class connectivity to rural Americans."

The Pew Research Center says around 25% of Americans struggle with high-speed internet, something especially noticeable during the pandemic when online classes and working from home became a necessity.

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T-Mobile to buy almost all of U.S Cellular in deal worth $4.4 billion with debt

FILE - T-mobile logo in the Mobile World Congress 2023 in Barcelona, Spain, on Thursday, March 2, 2023. On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, T-Mobile is buying U.S. Cellular’s wireless operations and certain spectrum assets in a deal valued at $4.4 billion. (AP Photo/Joan Mateu Parra, File)

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T-Mobile is buying U.S. Cellular’s wireless operations and certain spectrum assets in a deal valued at $4.4 billion, and further consolidating the industry.

T-Mobile would get more than 4 million new customers and control of U.S. Cellular’s wireless operations and about 30% of spectrum assets across several spectrum bands. T-Mobile will also enter into a new master license agreement on more than 2,000 towers and extend the lease term for the approximately 600 towers where T-Mobile is already a tenant.

T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert said the deal will “create a better experience for all of our customers with more coverage and more capacity.”

It may also signal the start of more consolidation in an industry with fewer players than ever. “The writing is on the wall for the carriers and consolidation is now on the horizon and could speed up into 2025,” said Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives. “This is the first shot across the bow in the wireless world and we expect more deals over the next year.

T-Mobile is among the more active companies in telecommunications with regard to mergers and acquisitions. In 2020 T-Mobile completed the takeover of smaller rival Sprint . And in 2013 the Federal Communications Commission approved its merger with MetroPCS Communications Inc.

T-Mobile said Tuesday that U.S. Cellular customers will gain access to its 5G network, giving them better coverage and speed. The company said the deal will particularly benefit those that live in underserved rural areas of the country.

“In the face of rising competition and increasing capital intensity required to keep pace with the latest technologies, and following our careful and deliberate strategic review, we are confident that continuing to deliver on our mission requires a level of scale and investment that is best achieved by integrating our wireless operations with those of T-Mobile,” U.S. Cellular Chair LeRoy Carlson Jr. said in a statement.

T-Mobile said that U.S. Cellular customers will be able to remain on their current plans or switch to an unlimited T-Mobile plan of their choice. They will not incur switching costs if a plan change is made.

That is a mixed bag for consumers, said Ives at Wedbush.

“The U.S. consumer has less choice but there is more competition and this could drive prices lower,” Ives said.

The transaction includes a combination of cash and up to about $2 billion of assumed debt. Up to $100 million of the cash component is contingent on hitting certain financial and operational metrics between the deal’s signing and closing.

U.S. Cellular will keep about 70% of of its spectrum portfolio across several spectrum bands.

The deal has been unanimously approved by the boards of United States Cellular Corp. and Telephone and Data Systems Inc, which is a majority shareholder of U.S. Cellular. It is expected to close in mid-2025.

U.S. Cellular’s stock jumped more than 2% in morning trading on Tuesday.