How I sidestep the annoying $10 daily roaming fees while traveling

I travel frequently.

Last year, I logged an impressive 152,033 miles in the air, and I’m already on track to exceed that this year.

My journeys take me all over the world. Staying connected while on the road is essential, especially during the work week. Whether it's managing Slack or posting on Instagram, my devices are always in use.

Depending on Wi-Fi access when traveling isn't always practical or dependable. To ensure I stay connected, I make sure my iPhone connects to a local cellular network and utilize that internet access whenever I'm away from home.

Besides Wi-Fi, there are three options for connecting your smartphone while traveling internationally: you can use your primary home carrier, get a local SIM card, or sign up for a plan from a global service provider.

In recent years, major U.S. wireless carriers have simplified the process of roaming with your domestic plan. Both AT&T and Verizon offer a $10-per-day pass that enables you to access international networks without incurring high pay-per-use charges. (It's also notable that some T-Mobile plans include international access at no extra cost.)

These passes are a fantastic choice for occasional travelers seeking convenience and ease. However, paying $10 a day can add up, particularly if you're spending significant time outside the U.S.

In my recent review of the iPhone 14 Pro, I noted that "when traveling, I often opt for a local SIM card or Google Fi for more affordable international data. This way, I can stay connected to my main U.S. carrier, Verizon, without facing the daily $10 TravelPass fee."

I've received numerous questions from readers about this, so I’ll now clarify how to achieve it.

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Dual SIM is essential

To remain connected to your primary U.S. carrier while accessing more affordable international data, ensure your phone has dual SIM capability.

SIM cards, or subscriber identity modules, are tiny chips that link your phone number to your cellular provider's network. With dual SIM functionality, you can utilize two phone numbers simultaneously.

Dual SIM functionality was introduced to Apple's flagship smartphones with the iPhone XS and XR series, and all subsequent models have supported this feature. Many Android devices also offer dual SIM capabilities — just verify the specifications for your particular model.

The first step is ensuring your primary domestic network is activated on your device. This typically happens during or shortly after your phone purchase.

I’ve personally been using Apple's premium iPhone, the 14 Pro Max, since its launch in mid-September. While the iPhone 14 series eliminates the physical SIM card slot, it facilitates easy activation through a newer standard known as eSIM, or embedded SIM. (The iPhone 14 can support dual SIM with two active eSIMs simultaneously.)

All major U.S. carriers, along with more than 400 international wireless providers, offer eSIM support — you can check the complete list on Apple's dedicated webpage.

After activating your primary domestic network on your phone, the first SIM card will be set up on your device. This enables you to make and receive calls, send texts, and use data with your primary U.S. number.

At this point, if you were to roam with your device, you would incur the $10-a-day charge with AT&T or Verizon (provided you've enrolled in the relevant packages with your carrier).

While this may be the most convenient option, you can save additional money by installing a local SIM card or subscribing to a plan from a global service provider.

Discovering affordable international data

To sidestep the daily $10 fee from AT&T or Verizon, the next step is to locate a more budget-friendly SIM card option that works in your travel destination.

For me, that has often been Google Fi, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that uses T-Mobile's network in the U.S. Google Fi provides various plans, some of which include international coverage. (Otherwise, data abroad is $10 per gigabyte, and calls cost 20 cents per minute.)

You can receive $20 in Google Fi credit by signing up through this personalized link.

One of the advantages of Google Fi is its functionality in over 200 countries, requiring minimal effort after the initial setup. You can even pause and resume your plan based on your travel itinerary, although some users have reported being disconnected for excessive roaming.

Google Fi allows iPhone activations through both a physical SIM and eSIM, making it an excellent choice for those with the latest iPhone models.

Another option is to explore global service providers that offer data-only SIMs tailored for international travel. Many of these providers have mobile apps available on the Apple App and Google Play stores, with activation typically involving just a few simple steps to install an eSIM on your device.

Apple provides a list of these eSIM-compatible providers, and I've personally had good experiences with Airalo, Truphone, and GigSky. A quick online search for your destination and available SIM cards should reveal rates and packages from these global service providers.

To give you an idea of the potential savings, I spent $12.99 for 3 gigabytes of high-speed data in Israel this week via GigSky. In comparison, Verizon would have charged me $60, while Google Fi would have been $30.

Your final option is to locate a local cellular provider at your travel destination that offers prepaid SIM cards. This choice can be somewhat trickier depending on your location and any language barriers, but it often turns out to be the most economical option.

Once you've selected an international data provider that offers better rates than your main network, it's time to activate dual SIM and start reaping the savings.

The key is in the settings

Once you arrive at your destination, the first thing to do is ensure both of your SIM cards are activated and connected. On iPhones, you'll notice two rows of network status bars in the top right corner of the screen, indicating that you're connected to both networks.

Navigating to the settings and selecting the cellular tab will provide details about your individual SIM cards. Make sure both your primary AT&T or Verizon number and your international provider are marked as "on."

Next, you'll need to set your primary cellular data line to your international provider and disable cellular data switching.

This adjustment directs your iPhone to use data solely with your international provider, preventing any charges from your primary U.S. carrier for internet access.

To further ensure that you won't incur data charges from your U.S. provider, you can disable data roaming on your primary line by selecting your phone number on the previous screen.

Additionally, you can set your default voice line to your international network as well.

You’ll remain connected to both your international and domestic phone numbers, but your outgoing calls, texts, and data will utilize your international provider.

The advantage of dual SIM is that your domestic number stays active in the background. You can still receive calls and texts without incurring the $10-a-day fee unless you respond to them.

Receiving calls and texts is complimentary with AT&T and Verizon, no matter your location, as confirmed by representatives from both carriers. Answering calls or texts will incur a $10 fee, but if left unanswered, you won't face any charges from your U.S. carrier.

If you absolutely need to respond to an urgent call or text, make sure to let it ring and then return the call using data through services like FaceTime Audio or WhatsApp, which utilize the internet access from your more affordable international provider.

If internet calling options aren't available, you can connect to Wi-Fi and utilize Wi-Fi calling for your phone calls. Look for the "AT&T Wi-Fi" or "VZW Wi-Fi" status indicators in your network bar to ensure you're connected to Wi-Fi before making your call.

(Wi-Fi calling to U.S. numbers is generally included in most domestic unlimited plans, but it's a good idea to verify the details of your specific package.)

The same applies to Android devices and other smartphones that support dual SIM functionality. I don’t have extensive experience with these devices while roaming, but the general steps mentioned above should work well.

In summary

If you're aiming to cut down on international roaming fees while remaining connected to your domestic provider, investing in a dual SIM-compatible smartphone is essential.

This setup allows you to use two phone numbers simultaneously—your main U.S. provider as the first and a more affordable option than the $10-a-day fee from AT&T or Verizon as the second.

After activating both lines on your device, make sure to designate the international number as your primary for data and calls. You'll still get incoming calls and texts on your U.S. line, but you won’t incur the $10-a-day charge as long as you don’t answer them.

When you're ready to respond to calls and texts, use internet options like Wi-Fi calling, FaceTime Audio, or WhatsApp to save money quickly.