What is the top international phone plan available today?

During my first trip to Japan, I chose to skip international data on my phone, thinking I could depend on public Wi-Fi. However, I quickly regretted this decision when I got lost. That experience taught me to download offline maps and a translation app in advance whenever I know I won't have data.

Now, I almost always ensure I have data while traveling, either through my international phone plan or by purchasing a physical SIM card at my destination or an eSIM online.

There are numerous reasons to stay connected while traveling abroad. In this guide, I'll evaluate the best international phone plans available. It's important to note that many plans behave differently in Canada and Mexico compared to other international destinations. This guide specifically targets the best options for U.S. travelers venturing outside North America.

SIM Cards

Firstly, you may not actually need an international phone plan. If your main requirement is data, switching to a different SIM during your trip could be the easiest and most cost-effective option. Some apps also allow text and voice communication using data connections.

If your device is eSIM-compatible, you might purchase a data plan for your destination via an app like Airalo. Over the last year, I’ve acquired and utilized the following Airalo eSIMs to either access data in places not covered by my primary international phone plan (Google Fi) or to find cheaper data options than those offered by Google Fi:

• Global (84 countries): 20 GB valid for 180 days at $89
• Japan: 20 GB valid for 30 days at $26
• France: 20 GB valid for 30 days at $36
• Fiji: 3 GB valid for 30 days at $19.50
• U.S.: 1 GB valid for 7 days at $4.50

If your device lacks eSIM support, you can still opt for a local SIM card upon arrival. For instance, I purchased a month-long SIM card with unlimited high-speed data in Vietnam for under $10. However, data can be significantly pricier in certain areas, and it may be challenging to know exactly what you're getting when buying a physical SIM. Consequently, I’ve mostly relied on a physical Google Fi SIM card and Airalo eSIMs rather than local SIM cards.

To utilize eSIM or a local SIM card, ensure that your phone is unlocked. A locked device will not accept any other SIM cards until it is unlocked.

Google Fi

• Cost for one line: $20 (plus taxes and fees) per month, plus charges for data usage under the Flexible plan, or $65 (plus taxes and fees) monthly for the Unlimited Plus plan.
• Data usage abroad: $10 per GB (with free data after six GBs per month but reduced speeds after 15 GBs in a month) in over 200 destinations for the Flexible plan, or free (but reduced speeds after 50 GBs in a month) in more than 200 destinations for the Unlimited Plus plan.
• Voice calls abroad: 20 cents per minute from over 200 destinations (and calls via Wi-Fi to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico are free).
• Text messages abroad: Free from over 200 destinations.

For the past six years, I've relied on Google Fi as my primary cell plan. While I’ve encountered some connectivity issues in the U.S., particularly with the T-Mobile network in places like Tampa, Austin, and New York City, I continue to use Google Fi because I typically get high-speed data right after disabling airplane mode, and I can effortlessly receive calls and texts on my U.S. number while traveling abroad.

While it may be tempting to rely solely on Google Fi during your travels outside the U.S., this isn’t advisable. According to the Google Fi terms of service:

Services are provided exclusively to residents of the United States. They must primarily be used within the United States (excluding territories) and are not intended for long-term international use. Additionally, services are designed for predominant use within our network. If your usage outside our network is excessive, unusually high, or incurs excessive costs, we may, at our discretion, suspend your Google Fi account, terminate your service, or restrict your roaming capabilities.

Google Fi has previously deactivated accounts of U.S. residents who mainly used the service abroad. Therefore, it’s wise to limit extended international use and ensure you use Google Fi more frequently in the U.S. If I find myself in a destination where data is cheaper, I often buy eSIMs, especially when Airalo offers packages significantly below the $10 per GB rate I pay Google Fi on the Flexible plan.

Google Fi is the top choice for U.S.-based travelers seeking reliable, fast data without complications while abroad. Plans become more economical as you add additional members. Throughout my travels with Google Fi since 2016, I've only experienced service failures in three locations: certain parts of Alaska, the all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic where I stayed for a month, and Liberia.

T-Mobile

• Single line cost: $60 per month for the Essentials plan, $70 for the Magenta plan, $75 for the Go5G plan, $85 for the Magenta Max plan, and $90 for the Go 5G Plus plan.
• Data while abroad: Free for up to five GB of high-speed data in 11 European countries with the Magenta and Go5G plans, and in over 215 countries with the Magenta Max and Go5G Plus plans. After that, data speeds drop to 256 kilobits per second for Magenta, Go5G, Magenta Max, and Go5G Plus plans (note that the Essentials plan does not include data outside North America).
• Voice calls abroad: 25 cents per minute from over 215 countries for the Essentials, Magenta, Go5G, Magenta Max, and Go5G Plus plans.
• Text messages abroad: Free from over 215 countries for the Essentials, Magenta, Go5G, Magenta Max, and Go5G Plus plans.

Prior to switching to Google Fi in 2016, I used T-Mobile for international travel but became frustrated with the sluggish data speeds. Since then, T-Mobile’s plans have improved significantly, and many travelers recommend T-Mobile for their international phone and data needs. T-Mobile customers can avoid slow data speeds by purchasing international passes that can be added to their existing plans as follows:

• 1-day international pass: 512 MB of high-speed data and unlimited calls for $5 for 24 hours.
• Five-GB international pass: Five GB of high-speed data and unlimited calls for $35 over 10 days.
• 15-GB international pass: 15 GB of high-speed data and unlimited calls for $50 over 30 days.

Frequent international travelers should be aware of T-Mobile’s policies regarding their plans:

Not intended for prolonged international use; you must be a US resident, and primary usage should occur on our network. Your device must register on our network prior to international usage. Services may be limited or terminated for excessive roaming.

Furthermore, T-Mobile's terms and conditions indicate that you cannot use T-Mobile services if it results in more than 50% of your voice and/or data usage being Off-Net (i.e., connected to another provider's network) for any two billing cycles within a 12-month span. There have been cases of T-Mobile terminating accounts for excessive roaming. Thus, T-Mobile may not be suitable if your primary usage won't be on their domestic network.

Alternative international phone plans to explore

Lastly, if you only travel internationally on occasion, it's worth checking the options your current provider offers. Many AT&T and Verizon plans include optional add-ons that you might find useful:

• AT&T International Day Pass: For an additional $10 per 24 hours, enjoy unlimited high-speed data, calls, and texts in over 210 destinations. You’ll only be charged for the days (based on your local U.S. time zone) when you use data, make or receive calls, or send texts while in a covered location.
• Verizon TravelPass: Add $10 per day per line for unlimited calls, texts, and data (data speeds reduce after two GBs in a day) in more than 210 countries. You’ll only pay for the days you make or receive calls, send texts, or use data while abroad.
• Verizon International Monthly Plan: For an additional $100 monthly, get 250 minutes of calls, unlimited texts, and unlimited data (data speeds decrease after 20 GBs in a month) in over 210 countries.

You might also consider U.S. Mobile's offerings. While U.S. Mobile plans don't include calling or texting from outside the U.S., the Unlimited Premium plan provides up to 10 GB of international data, and most plans allow you to purchase eSIMs for over 100 countries directly from the U.S. Mobile app.

Mint Mobile could be a cost-effective choice if you don't travel abroad often. While Mint Mobile doesn’t provide international data, texts, or voice calls on its plans, you can buy international roaming credits for use in over 210 countries. Rates vary by country, typically around 25 cents per minute for calls, 5 cents per text, and 20 cents per MB of data. If you plan to use minimal data, Mint Mobile may be a practical option, despite potentially high costs of $205 per GB in many locations.

While most cellphone plans offer pay-as-you-go options for international use, these rates are generally exorbitant. Frequent international travelers should seek alternatives, as pay-as-you-go charges can quickly accumulate.

In summary

Having a reliable international phone plan is crucial for travelers looking to stay connected abroad. As a digital nomad, I’ve discovered that Google Fi offers the best combination of fast data, reasonably priced calls, and free texting in most places. However, I often enhance my Google Fi experience with eSIMs in certain locations to access cheaper data options.

If you currently have T-Mobile or a plan that includes international add-ons, it might be best to stick with it. Otherwise, consider getting an eSIM or a local SIM card. You can purchase eSIMs before your trip, and local SIM cards are typically available for purchase at airports upon arrival in a new country.