Comparing the 10 Best International Phone Plans For Frequent Travellers - Who Delivers the Most?
Concerns about staying connected and avoiding exorbitant phone bills can act as a barrier to international travel. It raises a very important question- how do you stay connected while traveling abroad? We will review the 10 best international phone plans by different cell phone companies to see what they have to offer to you while you have your bags out of your land.
1.
- Unlimited calls to Mexico/Canada
- Messaging to Mexico/Canada
- 8GB data roaming in Mexico
- Affordable, easy activation through app or website.
4.9
Excellent
2.
- TravelPass for unlimited talk/text/data with limits
- Monthly plans for extended stays
- $20 plan for ship/airplane travel
- Convenient options for various travel needs.
4.7
Excellent
3.
- Prepaid data plans with eSIM
- Global or Europe-specific options
- Cost savings compared to traditional roaming
- Affordable eSIM technology, prepaid for budget control.
4.6
Excellent
4.
- Minternational Pass for budget travelers
- Flexible options
- 5G/4G LTE switch
- Over 180 countries covered
- Cost-effective with unlimited data, talk, and text.
4.5
Excellent
5.
- Unlimited calling to 90+ countries
- International roaming credit
- Global data packages
- Month-to-month flexibility
- Affordable add-ons
4.4
Excellent
6.
- Daily access in 210+ countries
- Pay-per-use option
- Varying data allowances
- Unlimited calling from the US to ships
- Multiple plans, good global network, suitable for AT&T customers.
4.3
Excellent
7.
- Base plan includes Mexico/Canada calls
- Visible+ for 500 mins to 30 countries
- Unlimited texting to 200+ countries
- No separate roaming plans, unlimited data in the US.
4.3
Excellent
8.
- Free unlimited calling to 70+ countries
- International roaming with credits
- Month-to-month plans
- Straightforward, no contracts
4.2
Excellent
9.
- Free International Calling to 60+ countries
- Wi-Fi Calling & Hotspot
- discounted rates if not on the free list
- Savings on international calls, works with any Tello plan within minutes.
4.0
Excellent
10.
- International Roaming or Global Travel Pass
- Use existing plan abroad
- Flat daily rate for unlimited calls/texts/data
- Works in 200+ countries.
3.9
Good
Best International Phone Plans By The Best Cell Phone Companies
- Boost Mobile- Best International Phone Plans For Basic Communication Needs
- Verizon Wireless- Best International Phone Plans For Varied Data Usage
- US Mobile- Best International Phone Plans Without Physical SIM Cards
- Mint Mobile- Best International Phone Plans For Low Budgets
- Ultra Mobile- Best International Phone Plans For Global Data
- AT&T- Best International Phone Plans For Daily Data
- Visible- Best International Phone Plans Included In Mobile Packs
- PureTalk- Best International Phone Plans For Flexible Contract
- Tello- Best International Phone Plans Without Extra Recharge
- Xfinity Mobile- Best International Phone Plans For Multiple Options
Boost Mobile- Best International Phone Plans For Basic Communication Needs
Boost Mobile offers a single add-on international plan called “International Connect” to help users stay connected while traveling abroad. Boost Mobile Phone Plan in the international mode allows calls and texts to over 200 countries and locations, making it a decent option for basic communication needs. However, it’s crucial to understand its limitations before relying on it for your international adventures.
Key Features:
Pros
- Affordable monthly fee for unlimited calling and texting to a wide range of destinations.
- Convenient add-on plan, easily activated through the Boost Mobile app or website.
- Activate and deactivate the plan as needed.
Cons
- Limited to calls and texts, No data included.
Verizon Wireless- Best International Phone Plans For Varied Data Usage
Verizon Wireless international plans offer convenience and coverage for various travel needs. Regular travelers have a distinct option, but Verizon’s more affordable plans also provide additional travel perks.
Key Features:
Pros
- More cost-effective option for extended stays compared to daily charges.
- Verizon wireless mobile plans’ Data options cater to different usage needs.
Cons
- Data limits still apply, and exceeding them can lead to additional charges.
- The $20 plan offers limited data and is only suitable for specific scenarios.
US Mobile- Best International Phone Plans Without Physical SIM Cards
US Mobile caters not only to domestic users but also offers international roaming options for travelers venturing abroad. Unlike traditional carriers that often charge exorbitant roaming fees, US Mobile aims to simplify and streamline your international connectivity with its unique prepaid data plans.
Key Features:
Pros
- Affordable data plans compared to traditional roaming charges
- Convenient eSIM technology eliminates physical SIM card hassle
- Prepaid plans offer budget control and avoid surprise bills
Cons
- Limited coverage compared to some major carriers
- Requires eSIM compatible phone
- Annual plan (Global) may not be ideal for shorter trips
Mint Mobile- Best International Phone Plans For Low Budgets
Mint Mobile’s “Minternational Pass” emerges as a potentially attractive option for budget-minded travelers. Unlike the often expensive per-minute charges of roaming fees, Minternational Pass offers travelers prepaid bundles that include data, talk, and text for a set duration.
Key Features:
Pros
- Cost-effective compared to traditional roaming charges
- Flexible options with different durations to suit various travel needs
- Includes unlimited data, talk, and text for basic communication
Cons
- Limited connectivity- might not work in some areas as users reported
- Data speeds might be capped after exceeding a certain limit
- Not ideal for travelers who need extensive international calling or texting
Ultra Mobile- Best International Phone Plans For Global Data
Ultra Mobile caters to international travelers with its prepaid wireless plans offering various international calling and data options. Unlike traditional carrier roaming charges, which can be exorbitant, Ultra Mobile strives to provide affordable and flexible solutions for staying connected abroad. Ultra Mobile doesn’t offer a single, fixed international plan. Instead, they provide a range of add-on options that can be integrated with their existing domestic plans.
Key Features:
Pros
- International add-ons and packages can be significantly cheaper
- No long-term commitments
Cons
- Coverage network might be more restricted
- Roaming data can be expensive
- Not ideal for extensive data needs
AT&T- Best International Phone Plans For Daily Data
AT&T, a major telecommunications provider in the United States, offers various international plans to cater to the needs of travelers venturing abroad. While they primarily rely on their own global network for coverage, they also partner with other carriers in specific regions to ensure wider reach.
Key Features:
Pros
- Works well if you are already an AT&T customer
- Multiple Options for plans
- relatively good global network
Cons
- Can be more expensive compared to some local SIM cards
- Data allowances might be limited
- Not Ideal for Long-Term Travel
Visible- Best International Phone Plans Included In Mobile Packs
Visible is renowned for its unique single, unlimited package in the US and provides a distinctive method for international talking and messaging. Visible includes limited international calling and messaging in its base package, unlike typical carriers that provide extra international roaming plans. They also have a premium subscription called Visible+ that greatly enhances these features.
Key Features:
Pros
- No separate international roaming plans
- Can be cheaper than traditional roaming options.
- Unlimited data in the US for navigation, communication, and entertainment
Cons
- Smaller pool of countries for calling and texting.
- Data speeds are significantly reduced after using 0.5GB per day in Mexico and Canada
PureTalk- Best International Phone Plans For Flexible Contract
While many phone companies offer international calling options often riddled with complex plans and hidden fees, PureTalk stands out for its straightforward approach. For users who make frequent calls to international destinations while within the United States, PureTalk offers free, unlimited calling to over 70 countries. For users who want to use their phone abroad, PureTalk offers international roaming capabilities.
Key Features:
Pros
- Free, unlimited calling to over 70 countries within the US.
- Affordable international roaming with automatic credits included in plans.
- No contracts for flexibility.
Cons
- Limited international roaming destinations compared to some competitors.
- Reliant on T-Mobile network coverage while traveling.
- May not be ideal for heavy data users internationally, as credits can be depleted quickly.
Tello- Best International Phone Plans Without Extra Recharge
While Tello is a strong contender for budget-friendly phone plans within the US, it’s important to understand that it doesn’t offer a traditional international phone plan. Unlike major carriers, Tello doesn’t provide roaming services or international data access. However, it does offer a unique feature called “Free International Calling”, which allows you to make calls to over 60 countries at no additional cost.
Key Features:
Pros
- Saving money on international calls
- No need for separate international plans
- Compatible with any Tello plan with minutes
Cons
- Limited to specific countries on Tello's list
- Doesn't offer international data access or roaming services
- Requires an existing Tello plan with minutes
Xfinity Mobile- Best International Phone Plans For Multiple Options
Xfinity Mobile offers two main options for staying connected internationally: International Roaming and Global Travel Pass. The Pay as you go option lets you use your existing Xfinity Mobile plan for calls, texts, and data in over 200 countries. You’ll be charged per minute for voice calls, per text, and per megabyte for data used. The Global travel Pass offers a flat daily rate for unlimited calls, texts, and data (with a daily limit) in over 170 countries.
Key Features:
Pros
- Cost-effective for heavy users
- Predictable budgeting
- Pay only for what you use, ideal for short trips or infrequent calls with International Roaming
- Works in over 200 countries.
Cons
- Per-minute, per-text, and per-megabyte charges can add up quickly with International Roaming
- Streaming, downloading, and video calls can incur significant charges
- Daily fee might be unnecessary for infrequent travelers or minimal usage.
- Works only on Xfinity mobile phone plans
Conclusion
Choosing the right international phone plan while travelling can feel like navigating a maze of options. By exploring the different providers and plans we’ve discussed, you’re now equipped to make an informed decision that aligns with your travel needs and budget. While each option has its merits, Boost Mobile emerges as a strong contender, particularly for budget-conscious travelers seeking a balance of affordability and functionality. Their simple, no-contract plans offer unlimited talk and text in select countries, making staying connected with loved ones a breeze.
FAQs
Travel duration, data needs, budget, and desired coverage.
Roaming plans from your carrier, travel SIM cards, and global data eSIMs.
No, they can be expensive, especially for data usage.