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I didn’t really think about using my phone every day during my May holiday.
But by the end of the five-day trip, we had collected an extra $50 for rather routine tasks, including checking restaurant times and menus and researching nearby attractions after a long snake-walking walk.
Not a bank-destructive amount, but it was high enough to frustrate this personal financial reporter and rethink the use of the phone (and the value of better advance planning) for the next excursion.
Fortunately, experts said there are many ways to reduce or eliminate the costs of additional mobile phones when traveling outside the US.
“We’re excited to announce that we’re a sought-after company,” said John Breyo, vice president of public policy, communications and fraud for the National Consumer League, a consumer advocacy group.
The best strategy depends on travelers planning to use their mobile phones while traveling, he said.
Consider T-Mobile for basic use
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My extra charge came from the provider’s international telephone package. My carrier, AT&T, like other providers, charges $12 a day for international cell usage on a flat of $12 per day. On days I recharged every day, I chose to use the International Cell Network instead of Wi-Fi to find out the direction and restaurant time.
While many airlines typically charge a per day fee or “a hefty extra charge,” some T-Mobile plans cover international roaming, says Tim Leffel, author of “The cheapest destination in the world” and “The Half Price Better Life.”
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So switching to T-Mobile as a mobile phone is economical for those who travel abroad frequently, especially those who don’t rely on their phones beyond their usage of text and data while traveling.
“If this is your plan, it’s amazing,” Reffel said. “I’m ready to travel around the world without missing the beat.”
However, there are restrictions.
Not all T-Mobile plans cover international roaming fees. One longtime T-Mobile customer reportedly earned a $143,000 fee during his 2023 trip to Switzerland as international data roamed. (The company reportedly later withdrawn those costs.)
Its international plans generally include unlimited text and fast data allocations overseas, but phones may come with additional price tags. (One workaround: According to T-Mobile’s site, all calls made over Wi-Fi to the US, Mexico and Canada are free.)
The T-Mobile plan also doesn’t work in all countries, so customers need to be vigilant to avoid additional charges in such locations, experts said.
Furthermore, such plans may not be suitable for digital nomads (which, according to T-Mobile, are not intended for extended use overseas) or heavy data users, Leffel said.
Check what Cell Plan already offers and compare costs and services before making any changes, Breyault said.
Use ESIM
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Those who intend to use a lot of data from a Wi-Fi network may be better off purchasing a SIM card, Breyault says.
According to the Federal Communications Commission, replacing the current SIM on mobile phones with something international will essentially turn the device into a local phone.
Experts said that many people can use digital ESIM services today instead of replacing the physical SIM card on their mobile phones.
It is generally a cheaper option compared to international telephone packages from many airlines, experts said. Prepaid Sims, they said, will make it easier for travelers to manage their budgets.
“Now you can download the app and buy as many data as you want, typically under $1 per day for use that spreads over a week or month,” says Leffel. “If you’re missing data, just buy it right away.”
He recommends sticking to more established providers like Saily, Gigsky, Airalo, and more. They generally work anywhere in the world, he said.
Many people choose a data-only SIM plan and store Wi-Fi calls or texts, he said.
One warning: Travelers may need to “unlock” their phones for ESIM to work, Breyault said. This will prevent the phone from being locked to a particular carrier. In such cases, he said, customers should contact their provider before their trip and ask if they can unlock the phone.
Also, be aware that using a new SIM could cause your phone number to temporarily switch to a local number, experts said.
Use Wi-Fi if possible
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Ok, yes, this may obviously sound.
However, there is no denying that leveraging free Wi-Fi is likely to save money at hotels, restaurants, etc.
You can use Wi-Fi even when your phone is in airplane mode. This prevents international roaming charges.
Experts have some hacks that help limit the need for cellular data when you leave Wi-Fi.
One of the best tips is to download offline maps to Google Maps before you travel. This allows you to navigate the area via GPS without the internet. There are several drawbacks. For example, it may be difficult to find details such as the nearest museum or restaurant or each time on the spot.
Leffel says they pre-download useful article PDFs or guidebooks to limit the need for the internet while you’re out.
Connecting to a public Wi-Fi network can create digital security threats, so don’t avoid carrying out sensitive transactions like banks over Wi-Fi, says Breyault. In such cases, consider sticking to a cellular network. This is safer, he said.
I returned to Namibia and Botswana from another trip last week. Meanwhile, I adopted a strict policy of putting my phone in airplane mode and using public Wi-Fi when necessary.
What about my extra mobile fee? $0.
