Travel Smart
Your cell phone plan is an important item to have before you set off on your next big adventure. When you’re far away from home, you’ll want to make sure you can use your phone as you normally would, stay in touch with your loved ones, post all the pictures you’d like and so much more. Learn about some of the best cell phone plans for traveling.
What to Look For in a Phone Plan
When it comes to choosing the right phone plan for traveling, there are a lot of important details to consider, such as:
Evaluate Your Needs
Consider your destination, length of stay and data usage habits. Do you expect to be using your phone a lot, and therefore need a more robust plan? Or perhaps you envision your phone being away for most of your trip, meaning all you really need it for is to send an occasional text?
Coverage
Before making a decision, ensure that the plan you choose covers the countries you will visit. Fees and costs can also vary depending on where you’re traveling.
Cost
Go over the budget for your trip and assess how much you’re able to spend on your phone plan. Compare the daily or monthly costs and any additional fees for data usage.
Flexibility
Some plans allow you to pay only for the days you use your phone, which can be cost-effective for short trips.
Best Phone Plans for Traveling
Here are some of the best phone plans available for traveling:
Samsung
While Samsung itself does not offer any international travel plans, its devices–such as the Samsung Galaxy S24, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5–are compatible with numerous carriers and travel solutions that can be utilized for international connectivity. One of the most common options is Samsung Pay, in which users can make transactions abroad without needing to carry multiple cards. Some people also opt for eSIMs, enabling you to activate a cellular plan without a physical SIM card.
Verizon TravelPass
Verizon’s TravelPass plan boasts an impressive array of features that makes international traveling a breeze. For example, they offer unlimited data, calls and texts in more than 210 countries and destinations.
Once added, you'll only be charged on the days you send or receive a call, send texts or use data on your device while abroad. This also means that when you return from your trip, you don’t have to remove your plan. You should expect to pay $10 a line per day in most countries, and $5 per line in Canada and Mexico.
Google Fi Unlimited Plus
Google Fi Unlimited Plus provides unlimited international data and hotspot usage, free texts to more than 200 destinations and 100 GB of Google One cloud storage for $65 per month for one line. If you’re more of a budget-conscious traveler, however, two other plans with fewer bells and whistles – Simply Unlimited and Flexible – will save you a bit of money.
All plans include unlimited calls and texts, spam call blocking and connectivity for select smartwatches. You can get the Simply Unlimited plan for $40 per plan and the Flexible plan for $18 each, or two for $35.
Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile has made a name for itself as one of the most affordable phone services–adopting a sort of “only pay for what you need” ideology–without compromising any of the features you’d hope to have. Mint Mobile’s Minternational Pass allows travelers to choose from a one-day, three-day or 10-day pass with varying data caps, talking minutes and text messaging limits.
Or for users hoping for something a little simpler, free calling to Mexico and Canada is always available on any plan. This also includes free mobile hotspot privileges that include 10 GB for $30 per month. No matter what perks you’re looking for or what your budget has, Mint Mobile has an option for you.
AT&T International Day Pass
The AT&T International Day Pass offers an array of plans for international travelers, allowing customers to use domestic talk, text and data allowances in over 210 destinations worldwide.
For $10 per day per line, you’re only charged on the days you use your phone abroad. High-speed data (the same speeds as in the U.S.) is available depending on local network capabilities, with no additional activation needed.
Learn about renting out your house while you're away traveling.