For some, the dream of an international trip involves disconnecting, while for others, that idea is a nightmare. We live in an ultra-connected world, and fortunately, there are many ways to manage calls and texts overseas — some even free or low-cost. Whether you’re looking for tips for traveling in Qatar or exploring other destinations, options like international plans, local SIMs, eSIMs, or free Wi-Fi can help you stay connected. Here are the best ways to use your phone abroad.
1. Sign up for the right international phone plan
Google Fi and T-Mobile are two of the strongest contenders for international travelers.
Google Fi
Google Fi is a virtual provider that partners with local networks in over 200 countries. It is incredibly convenient for frequent travelers.
How to use it: Upon landing, simply turn off airplane mode and use your phone as you would at home.
Benefits: You get unlimited free texting, and data costs the same as it does in the U.S.
Drawbacks: Phone calls cost approximately 20 cents per minute. Additionally, depending on your plan, domestic data prices can be higher than other U.S. carriers, making it less economical when you aren’t traveling.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile offers some of the best service for travelers, including unlimited data and texting in more than 215 countries on qualifying plans.
Benefits: Customers on Go5G Plus, Go5G Next, or Magenta MAX plans receive unlimited texting and up to 5GB of high-speed data, followed by unlimited data at 256Kbps. In Canada and Mexico, these plans include unlimited talk, text, and 15GB of high-speed data. T-Mobile also provides free in-flight Wi-Fi and travel perks like Hilton Honors discounts.
Drawbacks: Standard international data speeds (256Kbps) are slow. To browse faster, you must purchase an “International Pass” for a set number of days.
2. Buy a local SIM card
Getting a local SIM card remains a great option for extended stays or if you need to make local calls at affordable rates. Depending on the destination, this is often the most economical choice. For example, some international airports offer local SIMs with unlimited LTE data for under $10 — significantly cheaper than most U.S.-based roaming options.
3. Utilize an eSIM card
An eSIM allows you to download a local data plan without swapping physical cards. Providers like Airalo offer eSIMs for over 190 countries.
Costs: Prices vary by data amount and duration. For instance, a European eSIM might range from $5 for 1GB (7 days) to $37 for 10GB (30 days). This is often much cheaper than domestic “pay-as-you-go” international rates.
Drawbacks: eSIMs generally do not support SMS text messages. You also need a compatible, unlocked phone and a bit of technical patience to set it up.
4. Pay for an international plan add-on
If you don’t want to switch carriers or cards, most major providers offer daily or monthly add-ons.
Example: Verizon’s “TravelPass” costs $10 per day to use your existing plan’s talk, text, and data in over 185 countries. Alternatively, they offer a monthly plan for $100 that provides a fixed allowance of minutes and data.
5. Embrace airplane mode
The simplest way to avoid fees is to keep your phone in airplane mode for the duration of your trip. While this disconnects you from cellular networks and prevents roaming charges, you can still manually enable Wi-Fi.
Most airports, hotels, and cafes offer free Wi-Fi, allowing you to use internet-based messaging apps (like WhatsApp or iMessage), check emails, and download offline maps without spending a dime.
Conclusion
Traveling with your phone doesn’t have to result in unexpected fees if you plan ahead and use smart strategies. By understanding your carrier’s options, investing in local SIM cards or international plans, and taking advantage of Wi-Fi connectivity, you can stay connected without breaking the bank. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring that your trip is not only enjoyable but also cost-effective when it comes to mobile usage. Safe travels!
