The best international roaming plans for your phone while traveling
It's surprisingly easy to stay connected while on an international trip, whether you're looking for the most affordable and bare essentials or want as much data as you have at home with the ability to make phone calls and send or receive SMS text messages. That's why you should always consider one of the best international roaming plans to take with you.
There are several options to stay connected abroad. In my international travel experience, I've found a dedicated international eSIM plan offered by services like Airalo very effective. It allows you to use the domestic plan and carrier you want independently from your international needs.
Higher-end plans from major carriers and budget-conscious MVNO services also contain international features. After extensive research, it's clear that T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan has the best international features in a domestic plan. US Mobile's Unlimited Premium plan offers incredible international connectivity for a budget plan. These can be good options if you travel internationally often and make good use of premium domestic features, too.
Airalo International eSIM data plan
Airalo offers data-only plans for several countries and regions, as well as plans that include calls and SMS text messaging. Data is all most people need for maps directions, data-based voice calls with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, and light web browsing to research destinations and attractions. You can still call emergency services in many countries, which isn't dependent a phone plan, but between your phone and the local cell service.
Check price at Airalo
International eSIM plans from providers like Airalo offer data plans for various countries, regions, or even globally. They're especially useful for infrequent travellers who don't want to tie international connectivity needs with their domestic plan.
Airalo offers data-only plans as well as plans that include voice calls and SMS texting. In my experience, data is all most people need for travel essentials, like getting directions in a map app, light web browsing of local destinations, and using communication apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger to call or message contacts. Still, the option for making voice calls and SMS texting is there.
I've personally used Airalo's data-only plans successfully in Portugal, though there were some hiccups with my iPhone's iMessages. I don't suspect the issues I faced with iMessage were specific to Airalo. Rather, the issues likely come from whether contacts have my Apple ID saved in their contacts list. This issue would likely arise whenever you disable your US domestic SIM or eSIM.
Numerous international eSIM providers exist besides Airalo. After researching features, pricing, support options, and user feedback online, I found that Ubigi and Roamless are suitable alternatives if Airalo doesn't have what you need.
Depending on your data needs and the length of your trip, we think 5GB and 10GB plans should suffice for most people.
You can check how much data you have left in the app, which is handy for managing your data use. You can also top up your data.
It's not the end of the world if you run out of data and don't have the option to top up — you can sign up for a new plan, which requires a new eSIM. If you've run out of data, you need a reliable WiFi connection to top up or sign up for a new eSIM.
These dedicated international services only work via eSIM, so you'll need to ensure your phone supports eSIMs. You can buy the plan you want and set up an eSIM before your trip, and activate that specific eSIM in your phone's settings when you arrive.
Also, note that international eSIM plans don't typically work if your phone is locked to your carrier. Phones are typically locked if you buy them from your carrier. You can try contacting your carrier to unlock your phone before your trip.
I'd also recommend disabling your domestic SIM or eSIM in your phone's settings while en route to your destination (like on the flight there). That way, your domestic service won't try to connect to an international network, and you won't incur outrageous international roaming fees.
Even with a data-only plan, you can usually call local emergency services. However, emergency services may be unable to call you back if needed, as they won't have a phone number to call. Some countries may require a valid SIM or eSIM with a phone number, whether local or your home SIM — Nomad, for example, lists Germany and Switzerland as needing a valid SIM to make emergency calls.
T-Mobile Experience More plan
T-Mobile's Experience More plan is an excellent for most people with good T-Mobile coverage, as it comes with unlimited premium data, a generous 60GB of mobile hotspot data, tempting discounts on popular streaming services like Netflix and Apple TV Plus, and comprehensive international features.
Overall, T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan has the best and most international features compared to Verizon's and AT&T's offerings.
Indeed, T-Mobile's Experience More plan includes 5GB per month of high-speed data and unlimited SMS text messaging in 215+ countries and destinations.
Visitors to Canada and Mexico can enjoy an even better 15GB of high-speed data and unlimited texts and calls.
The more expensive T-Mobile Experience Beyond plan gives you 15GB of data to use in the same 215+ countries, and upgrades the Mexican/Canadian allowance to 30GB.
The T-Mobile Experience Beyond plan also includes texting, WiFi, and video streaming on flights. However, it's only for domestic flights on Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines, so it's not something to consider for international travel.
If you need more data or the ability to make traditional voice calls outside the US, Canada, or Mexico, you can add T-Mobile's International Pass, which includes unlimited calling and varying amounts of data:
512MB (for one day): $5
5GB (for 10 days): $35
15GB (for 30 days): $50
You can still make emergency calls in many countries, even with a data-only plan, but some countries may require a valid SIM. It's best practice to check before you set off.
If you'd like to know more about how good the network is in general, in particular for domestic use, don't miss our fresh T-Mobile review.
Best budget plan
US Mobile's Unlimited Premium plan on the Light Speed network (T-Mobile) includes 10GB of data, 200 voice minutes, and 250 texts in over 180 countries. That's the most international features we've seen on a budget plan, and even beats the most expensive major carrier plans.
US Mobile is also incredibly flexible in several important ways. For one, US Mobile customers who typically use the Dark Star (AT&T) or Warp (Verizon) network options at home can switch to Light Speed for their international trip. Indeed, Light Speed has the best international features among the three network options US Mobile offers. If you need to switch to US Mobile's Light Speed network, I would make the switch before you travel to ensure it goes smoothly.
US Mobile customers who sign up for less expensive plans, like the Unlimited Starter or Unlimited Flex plans, on a monthly basis can also upgrade to the Unlimited Premium plan for a single month (or more, if their trip is longer). Then, when the trip is over, they can return to their original plan.
Those who have already signed up for a less expensive US Mobile plan with an annual payment can upgrade to the Unlimited Premium plan. However, they won't be able to downgrade to their original plan and get a prorated refund after their trip — they'll have to downgrade back to their original plan when their annual cycle is over.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM at your destination
You can find out if local carriers have physical locations at the point-of-entry, like the airport, or near your hotel. You can get a prepaid SIM or eSIM with your data needs, and plans often include voice and SMS texting.
The major benefit of going with a local carrier is getting in-person support at a physical location. Online chat support is nice, but nothing beats face-to-face interaction, whether there's something wrong or you need a new plan to get more data.
Bear in mind that eSIMs bought locally, like those from airport vending machines, often charge a much higher rate per gigabyte than the providers highlighted on this page.
How we test
When possible, we test international plans in person by going through plan selection, setup, and the experience at the international destination. We assess the value of the plans, cellular signal quality, and data speeds while using map apps, web browsers, and social media apps.
For plans where we haven't tried internationally, we assess the international features across competing options and the value they propose. We also research user experiences across the internet.
We're currently testing a wide variety of international eSIM providers, and will update this guide with our findings.
Tips
You can activate your phone's "low data mode" option if it's available. It should also go without saying that you should connect to a WiFi network whenever possible, especially at your hotel (or wherever you're sleeping). For additional security, we'd advise checking out our roundup of the best cheap VPN deals to protect yourself on unfamiliar or public WiFi networks at home and abroad.
We'd also recommend downloading music from your music streaming service of choice on a WiFi connection, whether at home or your destination. That way, you can listen to music in a car rental (or whenever) without streaming and using data.
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Depending on your data needs and the length of your trip, we think 5GB and 10GB plans should suffice for most people. You can check how much data you have left in the app, which is handy for managing your data use. You can also top up your data. It's not the end of the world if you run out of data and don't have the option to top up — you can sign up for a new plan, which requires a new eSIM. If you've run out of data, you need a reliable WiFi connection to top up or sign up for a new eSIM. These dedicated international services only work via eSIM, so you'll need to ensure your phone supports eSIMs. You can buy the plan you want and set up an eSIM before your trip, and activate that specific eSIM in your phone's settings when you arrive. Also, note that international eSIM plans don't typically work if your phone is locked to your carrier. Phones are typically locked if you buy them from your carrier. You can try contacting your carrier to unlock your phone before your trip. I'd also recommend disabling your domestic SIM or eSIM in your phone's settings while en route to your destination (like on the flight there). That way, your domestic service won't try to connect to an international network, and you won't incur outrageous international roaming fees. Even with a data-only plan, you can usually call local emergency services. However, emergency services may be unable to call you back if needed, as they won't have a phone number to call. Some countries may require a valid SIM or eSIM with a phone number, whether local or your home SIM — Nomad, for example, lists Germany and Switzerland as needing a valid SIM to make emergency calls. T-Mobile Experience More plan T-Mobile's Experience More plan is an excellent for most people with good T-Mobile coverage, as it comes with unlimited premium data, a generous 60GB of mobile hotspot data, tempting discounts on popular streaming services like Netflix and Apple TV Plus, and comprehensive international features. Overall, T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan has the best and most international features compared to Verizon's and AT&T's offerings. Indeed, T-Mobile's Experience More plan includes 5GB per month of high-speed data and unlimited SMS text messaging in 215+ countries and destinations. Visitors to Canada and Mexico can enjoy an even better 15GB of high-speed data and unlimited texts and calls. The more expensive T-Mobile Experience Beyond plan gives you 15GB of data to use in the same 215+ countries, and upgrades the Mexican/Canadian allowance to 30GB. The T-Mobile Experience Beyond plan also includes texting, WiFi, and video streaming on flights. However, it's only for domestic flights on Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines, so it's not something to consider for international travel. If you need more data or the ability to make traditional voice calls outside the US, Canada, or Mexico, you can add T-Mobile's International Pass, which includes unlimited calling and varying amounts of data: 512MB (for one day): $5 5GB (for 10 days): $35 15GB (for 30 days): $50 You can still make emergency calls in many countries, even with a data-only plan, but some countries may require a valid SIM. It's best practice to check before you set off. If you'd like to know more about how good the network is in general, in particular for domestic use, don't miss our fresh T-Mobile review. Best budget plan US Mobile's Unlimited Premium plan on the Light Speed network (T-Mobile) includes 10GB of data, 200 voice minutes, and 250 texts in over 180 countries. That's the most international features we've seen on a budget plan, and even beats the most expensive major carrier plans. US Mobile is also incredibly flexible in several important ways. For one, US Mobile customers who typically use the Dark Star (AT&T) or Warp (Verizon) network options at home can switch to Light Speed for their international trip. Indeed, Light Speed has the best international features among the three network options US Mobile offers. If you need to switch to US Mobile's Light Speed network, I would make the switch before you travel to ensure it goes smoothly. US Mobile customers who sign up for less expensive plans, like the Unlimited Starter or Unlimited Flex plans, on a monthly basis can also upgrade to the Unlimited Premium plan for a single month (or more, if their trip is longer). Then, when the trip is over, they can return to their original plan. Those who have already signed up for a less expensive US Mobile plan with an annual payment can upgrade to the Unlimited Premium plan. However, they won't be able to downgrade to their original plan and get a prorated refund after their trip — they'll have to downgrade back to their original plan when their annual cycle is over. Buy a local SIM or eSIM at your destination You can find out if local carriers have physical locations at the point-of-entry, like the airport, or near your hotel. You can get a prepaid SIM or eSIM with your data needs, and plans often include voice and SMS texting. The major benefit of going with a local carrier is getting in-person support at a physical location. Online chat support is nice, but nothing beats face-to-face interaction, whether there's something wrong or you need a new plan to get more data. Bear in mind that eSIMs bought locally, like those from airport vending machines, often charge a much higher rate per gigabyte than the providers highlighted on this page. How we test When possible, we test international plans in person by going through plan selection, setup, and the experience at the international destination. We assess the value of the plans, cellular signal quality, and data speeds while using map apps, web browsers, and social media apps. For plans where we haven't tried internationally, we assess the international features across competing options and the value they propose. We also research user experiences across the internet. We're currently testing a wide variety of international eSIM providers, and will update this guide with our findings. Tips You can activate your phone's "low data mode" option if it's available. It should also go without saying that you should connect to a WiFi network whenever possible, especially at your hotel (or wherever you're sleeping). For additional security, we'd advise checking out our roundup of the best cheap VPN deals to protect yourself on unfamiliar or public WiFi networks at home and abroad. We'd also recommend downloading music from your music streaming service of choice on a WiFi connection, whether at home or your destination. That way, you can listen to music in a car rental (or whenever) without streaming and using data.
