Ever felt the sting of international roaming charges? Bonita from Hampstead, North Carolina, surely did, which is why she reached out to us. She was all set to embark on a UK adventure but was hit with the realization of facing hefty international fees. Here’s how she needs our help:
I am going to the UK next month and to Spain later on in the year. I have an AT&T iPhone. Their international charge for even 1 text message is $10 per day, a maximum of $50 per month. Would it be better to get a SIM card in Europe and change it out or even an entirely new inexpensive phone? The messages are mostly from pet sitters who send pics to reassure me that the animals are all safe. The rest are usually junk calls. Suggestions welcome. Thank you. Bonita, Hampstead, NC
To address Bonita’s concerns and help her navigate the maze of international roaming charges, there are several solutions worth considering that can save her from the exorbitant fees while staying connected during her UK and Spain travels.
Free messaging with WiFi access
If you know you’ll have WiFi where you’re going and will only depend on communication dependent upon constant WiFi, then read our recommendations here.
How to set up free messaging on your phone while traveling internationally
For communication while on-the-go where you may not have WiFi
Choosing between a SIM card or an international phone plan
If you plan on using your phone frequently while traveling abroad and may not have WiFi, getting a SIM card or an inexpensive phone could be worth considering. However, the first thing you need to do before anything else is to check in with your phone provider and see if they can offer you an international phone plan for your trip.
A look at international phone plans
AT&T
In Bonita’s situation, she has an iPhone under an AT&T phone plan. If Bonita wanted to keep her current phone and phone number with her, AT&T offers an International Day Pass plan for iPhone and Android phone use throughout Europe. As she mentioned, the plan costs $10 per day for up to 10 days, but what she didn’t mention is that after 10 days, each additional day is free, so long as she is within one billing cycle. The pass resets during a new billing cycle, and texting is unlimited with this package.
Click here to find out more about AT&T’s international day pass.
Verizon
For Verizon customers, the carrier offers a travel pass as well. You can get unlimited talk, text, and data in over 210 countries and destinations. It typically costs $10/line per day or $5/line if you’re only going to Canada or Mexico. Roaming is also included in Canada and Mexico with Unlimited Plus, Unlimited Welcome, and other Unlimited plans.
Click here for more information about Verizon’s travel pass.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile offers international plans that allow you to use your phone while traveling abroad without incurring roaming fees. Their plans include unlimited texting and data at 2G speeds in over 210 countries and destinations, with the option to purchase high-speed data, passes for faster internet access. Calls are charged at a rate of $0.25 per minute in most countries.
Click here for more information about T-Mobile’s international plans.
International plans vs. local SIM cards: which is the best option for traveling abroad?
Whether it is more affordable to opt for an international plan or to get a SIM card while traveling abroad depends on various factors, including your specific needs, the duration of your travel, and where you’re traveling to.
Some of you may find that an international plan is more convenient and cost-effective, while others may prefer the flexibility and potential cost savings of purchasing a local SIM card. It is important to check with your carrier to understand the terms and conditions of your international plan, including voice and data limits, to avoid incurring unexpected charges. Ultimately, the best option will vary depending on your individual circumstances.
MORE: 10 WAYS TO TRAVEL LIKE A PRO FOR A WORRY-FREE TRIP
What are the pros and cons of having a SIM card?
If your phone carrier does not offer an international plan that meets your needs while traveling, you may want to consider purchasing a local SIM card for your phone.
A SIM card is a tiny chip that can connect your phone to your cellular network while you’re abroad and allow you to make calls, send text messages, and use data services. They come in a variety of different sizes, and you can get one that works in multiple different countries in case you plan on going to multiple places. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of having a SIM card.
Pros of using a SIM card
- You can keep your primary phone and number
- It is often a relatively inexpensive option
- If you are traveling to multiple countries, you can easily switch SIM cards to take advantage of local rates and avoid expensive international roaming charges
Cons of using a SIM card
- You may need to pay activation fees and roaming charges
- You may not be able to find a SIM card that works in all of the countries you will be visiting
Best SIM cards
Mint Mobile SIM card
This SIM card is a great option if you’re traveling to Canada or Mexico because it includes 5G for free, 10GB of mobile hotspot, WiFi calling and text, free international calls to Mexico and Canada, and a 7-day money-back guarantee. It costs $30 per month, and there are different plans you can choose from. At the time of publishing, this SIM card had over 7,300 global reviews on Amazon, with 68% giving it 5 stars.
Keepgo Lifetime SIM card
With this SIM card, you can get high-speed internet in over 100 countries around the world, and there are multiple networks per country for the best coverage. It has various data packages that you can choose from, and it includes 1 GB of mobile data that is valid for a lifetime if refilled at least once a year. It’s super easy to install and does not require any ID documents or any personal information. At the time of publishing, this product had nearly 200 global reviews on Amazon, with 56% giving it 5 stars.
OneSIMCard
The OneSIMCard has coverage in over 200 countries, and you can get free incoming calls in over 160 countries. You can also get mobile data service in over 160 countries for just $0.01 per MB. It includes an American and European phone number as well as 4G service in 50+ countries, along with 5G available. At the time of publishing, this product had over 400 global reviews, with 54% giving it 5 stars.
Use eSIM
An eSIM is just a digital version of the physical SIM card identifying your device virtually to provide a network connection. It’s programmable remotely via software and is built into newer smartphones.
eSIM cards are great because they are more secure than a physical SIM because they can’t be removed if your iPhone is lost or stolen. You also wouldn’t need to obtain, carry, and swap physical SIM cards. Your carrier might also offer the ability to manage your eSIM plan digitally and add more data as needed. To determine if your device has an eSIM or a physical SIM card, you can follow these steps:
- Go to the settings menu on your smartphone
- Look for the “Cellular” or “Mobile Data” option and tap on it
- Within the cellular settings, you should see an option related to your SIM card or mobile network
- Look for an option called eSIM. If you see this option, it means your device supports eSIM
Many phone carriers offer eSIM cards to customers as well. See my picks below.
Maya
Maya is a US-based mobile data provider using eSIM technology to deliver highly secure, on-demand travel SIM cards to tourists and travelers around the world. Get fast 4G/5G international roaming data and the best coverage in 194 countries with our eSIM plans for international travel.
Airalo
Airalo provides eSIM cards in over 200 countries and is super simple to begin using. All you have to do is download the Airalo app, which is available for iPhone and Android. Then you simply follow the steps for setting up your eSIM card. You can purchase your eSIM card from anywhere in the world and there are no hidden fees. Plus, their customer service is around 24/7 in case you run into any hiccups. Plans vary from $4.50 to $42 for local eSIMs, and you can get regional or global eSIMs as well.
Don’t forget about WhatsApp
As long as you have an internet connection while you’re traveling abroad, you should also take advantage of WhatsApp so that you can easily communicate with your friends and family. You can text, call, use group chats, send photos and videos, and more, and it is cheaper and offers more than simple SMS messaging. It also has end-to-end encryption for your messages and phone calls so that you don’t have to worry about being hacked.
WhatsApp is available for both iPhone and Android phones, and you can download it before your next big trip to familiarize yourself with how it works.
Also, before you pack your bags and jet off, be sure to check out the best travel gear of 2023 here:
Kurt’s key takeaways
In a world where staying connected is crucial, the struggle against international roaming charges is a battle many of us face when traveling abroad. Bonita’s dilemma resonates with globetrotters everywhere, highlighting the frustrating prospect of paying exorbitant fees just to keep in touch. Whether you opt for the convenience of an international plan, the flexibility of a local SIM card, or the simplicity of a budget phone, the key is finding the right balance between staying connected and saving those hard-earned dollars.
What stresses you out the most when it comes to traveling abroad with your phone? Let us know by commenting below.
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