The 6 Cheapest Ways to Use Your Phone Overseas

Traveling around the world can be one of the most fulfilling things you can do in life, but using your phone while abroad can be expensive given some very high international roaming rates you'll face. One way to avoid these high rates is by taking advantage of international roaming packages like AT&T's Day Pass and Verizon's TravelPass, or the global reach of Google Fi's Unlimited Plus plan. 

But that's just the tip of the iceberg.

From leveraging local SIM cards to relying solely on Wi-Fi spots sprinkled around your travel destination, there are numerous strategies to stay connected without burning a hole in your pocket.

1. Disconnect completely

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Yes, a website that specializes in comparing cell phone plans is suggesting that you disconnect completely. While this isn't a realistic option for most people, it does guarantee that you aren't going to spend money on phone service while on your trip, and you can't get much cheaper than zero dollars. Taking some time to digitally disconnect can also be incredibly refreshing.

In our hyper-connected world, a break from the constant notifications and screen time can give you a chance to truly immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of your travel destination. Think of it as a digital detox—you might just discover that the world looks a little brighter and more vivid when viewed without the distraction of a screen. And if there's a genuine emergency, local phones and communication centers are often available. So, while it's unconventional, going off-grid might just be the adventure you didn't know you needed.

2. Rely on Wi-Fi

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We didn't just want to write a cool rhyming heading. Turning off data roaming on your phone and relying on Wi-Fi for your connection could be a good alternative to disconnecting completely. You will still be able to use your phone to browse the internet and send messages via iMessage if you have an iPhone, Google Chat if you have an Android phone, or a messaging app like WhatsApp; however, you will not be able to make calls or send standard SMS text messages.

Sure, this method has its limitations, but it's also packed with perks. For starters, most urban areas and popular tourist destinations worldwide offer a plethora of free Wi-Fi spots. Cafes, hotels, museums, and even some public parks have jumped on the Wi-Fi wagon. This means you can sip your cappuccino in Rome or enjoy a scenic view in Tokyo while uploading your photos to Instagram or checking in with your family back home.

Now, there are a few caveats to this approach. Firstly, public Wi-Fi networks can sometimes be less secure, so always be cautious when accessing sensitive information. Consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to ensure your data is protected. Secondly, while Wi-Fi is abundant in city centers if you're venturing into more remote or less touristy areas, the availability might decrease. In such cases, offline apps, especially maps, and translation tools, become your best friend.

3. Switch to a cheaper plan with international perks

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Using your phone on the cheap while traveling abroad might actually mean completely switching your phone plan. MVNOs like Google Fi, Visible, and Mint Mobile have international roaming built into their plans or are available as add-ons.

Google Fi Unlimited Plus

Google Fi's Unlimited Plus plan may be the international solution for you. Priced at a competitive $65/month, the plan is brimming with globetrotter-friendly features.

Whether you're capturing moments by the Eiffel Tower or texting from the beaches of Bali, this plan has got you covered with unlimited 4G LTE data and texts in over 200 countries. Plus, if you need to make a phone call here and there, at just $.20/minute, staying in touch while on foreign shores won't break the bank.

Visible's Visible and Visible+

Visible's two unlimited plans are a great choice if you're looking for affordable international roaming. With the $25/month Visible plan, you'll get unlimited talk, text, and 2GB of high-speed data in Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands for only $5/day and all other destinations (over 140) for $10/day with Visible's international roaming package: Global Pass.

The $45/month Visible+ plan includes unlimited talk, text, and 2GB of high-speed data in Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, Global Pass will cost $10/day in all other locations.

Mint Mobile’s Minternational Pas

If you’re with Mint Mobile or planning to switch to Mint, consider using its Minternational Pass for international roaming. The pass provides talk, text, and high-speed data in over 180 international destinations using T-Mobile's same global roaming agreements. You'll get either 4G or 5G coverage, depending on what's available in your vacation country. This system lets you buy credits, which you use for calls, texts, and data while abroad. Credits cost $10, $20, or $40, last between one day and one week, and must be purchased before you can use your service abroad.

4. Use a travel plan from your U.S. carrier

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Perhaps the most convenient way to use your phone is by simply using your current phone plan's included travel perks or, if there are none included, you can buy an international roaming add-on. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon each offer international travel plans (some T-Mobile and Verizon plans and actually include travel perks). These are not always going to be the cheapest options for using your phone while traveling overseas, but they are usually the easiest.

AT&T international roaming and data solutions

AT&T’s international roaming rates can be pretty high. If you want to avoid an astronomical bill when you get home, using the AT&T Day Pass while abroad is your best bet. For $10/day, your phone operates just as it does at home in over 210 destinations. The best part? You only pay on the days you use your device. Days of digital detox won't cost you a dime—just remember to turn data roaming off.

Verizon TravelPass

Verizon's TravelPass offers a slice of home wherever you wander. For $10/day, you retain the comforts of your domestic plan's talk, text, and unlimited data (after 2GB of use you’ll see slower speeds).

With Verizon's customizable myPlan, you can add a three-day TravelPass perk for just $10/month, providing three days of international usage monthly. This perk stack up over a year, and considering that you can toggle them on or off as needed, the flexibility is unbeatable.

Plus, on Verizon’s Unlimited Ultimate plan, international roaming is included in over 210 countries.

T-Mobile international roaming

T-Mobile's international roaming inclusions are some of the best available. Several plans, like Essentials, Go5G Plus, and Go5G, offer international roaming benefits. Features like unlimited texting and calling for a mere $0.25/minute are standard. With Go5G Plus, you will also enjoy 5GB of high-speed data in a range of countries.

Once you exhaust your high-speed data, you'll trudge along at 256Kbps—sufficient for basic browsing, but not much else. For those who crave more bandwidth, T-Mobile has international roaming add-ons. Choose from daily passes to longer 30-day options, tailored to your trip's length and data demands.

5. Get a local SIM card

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Going for a local SIM often translates to reaping the benefits of cost-efficiency and instant connectivity. Instead of facing hefty international roaming bills, you'll find yourself paying what the locals do. It's a more budget-friendly approach, especially for longer stays.

Most international airports have SIM card booths or kiosks to cater to the needs of incoming travelers. Here, you can pick up a SIM tailored to your length of stay, ensuring you're online shortly after landing. Whether you're in the country for just a few days or planning an extended stay, local providers usually have the flexibility to offer daily, weekly, or monthly plans.

However, before you leap into this local mobile experience, you need to do some due diligence. It's essential to ensure your phone isn't locked to your home carrier and can dance to the tune of the local frequency bands. While most contemporary smartphones can work internationally without hiccups, making sure your phone is unlocked is a step that shouldn't be overlooked.

Having a local number isn't just about saving money; it's about seamless integration. From booking that popular local restaurant to hailing a cab or even connecting with new acquaintances, a local number simplifies interactions. Plus, in those unexpected moments, be it a hiccup on the road or an unforeseen emergency, that local SIM can act as a safety net, providing a reliable lifeline.

6. Use an international SIM card

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International or travel SIM cards operate as a bridge between the convenience of your home carrier and the allure of local SIM options. Designed explicitly for the traveler in mind, these SIM cards provide a connection across multiple countries, making them an ideal choice for those hopping from one destination to another.

One of the standout perks of an International SIM card is its predictability. Instead of juggling different local SIMs as you cross borders, an International SIM offers a consistent rate across numerous regions. This consistency not only simplifies budgeting for phone expenses but also ensures you're never without service when arriving in a new country.

But while it paints a picture of global connectivity, it's worth noting that the rates, though consistent, might not always be the most cost-effective compared to local options, especially if you're staying extendedly in one place. Think of it as paying a premium for the convenience of a one-size-fits-all solution.

Also, setting up and activating these SIMs is generally hassle-free, with clear instructions in multiple languages. In today's interconnected world, it's relatively easy to top up online, regardless of your location.

A crucial point to consider is the coverage. Not all international SIM cards offer uniform services across every country, so it's essential to verify that your destinations are well-covered before making a purchase.

In essence, while the International SIM card offers an umbrella of connectivity over multiple countries, it's always a balance between convenience and cost. If your travels have you darting across multiple borders, it might be the peace of mind you're looking for. Otherwise, a local SIM might offer more bang for your buck in a single destination.

Cheap ways to use your phone overseas: Frequently asked questions

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Can I use my phone overseas without roaming?

Yes, you can use your phone overseas without roaming if you are connected to a Wi-Fi network. However, you will not be able to make calls or send and receive SMS texts. Instead, you can send messages with iMessage on iOS devices, Chat on some Android devices, or through messaging apps like WhatsApp.

Can I use a locked phone abroad?

You can use a locked phone abroad by using your current carrier’s international roaming. However, you cannot use a locked phone abroad if you are trying to use a local or international SIM card.

Can I use my prepaid phone overseas?

You can use your prepaid phone overseas if your prepaid carrier supports international roaming (international rates will apply) or if you have a local or international SIM and the phone is unlocked.

What phone plans include international roaming?

International roaming is included in the following plans:

• Google Fi's Unlimited Plus
• Visible's Visible+ 
• T-Mobile's:
  • Essentials
  • Go5G Plus
  • Go5G
• Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate

How can I avoid getting charged for my phone while abroad?

To avoid being charged for roaming while abroad don't use your phone to make calls or send texts, and make sure to turn data roaming off. You should be able to find this option in your phone's settings under "Cellular." If you keep data roaming on, there is a good chance your phone will use data even when you think it is inactive. This will likely result in international roaming charges.