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Best international phone plans in 2024 — what travelers need to know

Heading overseas? Find out what your cellphone provider charges if you use your phone

• T-Mobile phone plans
• Verizon phone plans
• AT&T phone plans
• Google Fi plans
• Other options
• Device compatibility and eSims
• 5G coverage when traveling

Checking out the best international phone plans is as crucial for an overseas trip as making sure your passport is in order. After all, you don't want to land at your destination only to find you have no coverage — or that you have to pay through the nose for service.

Fortunately, all the major U.S. wireless carriers offer some kind of travel benefit with their best cell phone plans . And if those options aren't good enough, you can also find supplementary travel packages that augment the data plan you already have in place. The trick is to make sure those options keep you covered around the globe without busting your budget.

1. T-Mobile : Best choice for travelers 2. Verizon : TravelPass options 3. AT&T : Best for travel in Latin and Central America 4. Google Fi : An underrated traveling companion 5. Other options : Other international phone plans to consider

The best international phone plans will let you make calls and browse the web when you're in another country (though there might be a fee on top of your normal monthly rate, depending on which carrier you use). Different plans might provide coverage in specific countries, and how long you plan on traveling could also impact your choice of plans. Your method of travel — be it by plane or cruise ship — also affects which plan is best for you.

All of these are things for globetrotters to consider when shopping for wireless coverage. You're going to want one of the best unlimited data plans since they tend to offer the most travel-related perks. If you haven't travelled internationally in a while, it's smart to double-check what options are out there since the best phone carriers have overhauled their plans and packages available to travelers.

Here’s a look at the travel policies and perks for the three top U.S carriers along with information on Google Fi, which offers a plan that definitely appeals to frequent travelers.

T-Mobile international phone plans

T-Mobile has shed some of its plans, though the good news is that most of the remaining options provide some benefits for overseas travel. Subscribe to Go5G, Go5G Plus or Go5G Next, and you enjoy unlimited data and texting in more than 215 countries around the world. If you want to place or receive calls, you’ll be subject to the local rate depending on where you want to go. You don’t need to notify T-Mobile of your travel for your overseas benefits to kick in.

T-Mobile Go5G Plus Plan | Unlimited Data | $90/month T-Mobile's Go5G Plus plan has the edge over the cheaper Go5G option, with better travel benefits. You get 15GB of data when you traavel in Mexico and Canada (compared to 10GB for Go5G), and you also enjoy texting and Wi-Fi on any flight where internet is available. Even better, you can use your data in 215-plus countries at no extra cost. The first 5GB of data you use use will be high-speed data (with 5G speeds supported where available). Go5G subscribers only get high-speed data in 11 European countries; otherwise, data speeds are capped at 256 kbps.

Travel perks in current plans: As part of T-Mobile's Beyond Connected program, data speeds reach 256 kbps when you're overseas. If you subscribe to the standard Go5G plan ($75 for a single line) and you're in one of 11 European countries, you can enjoy 5GB of high-speed data every month, thanks to a partnership with T-Mobile parent Deutsche Telecom.

The perk gets better when you upgrade to Go5G Plus, which starts at $90/month for one line of data). That plan treats you to 5GB of high-speed data in 215 countries.

Go5G Next, T-Mobile's most expensive plan at $100/month for a single line, has the same travel benefits as Go5G Plus, but adds the ability to upgrade your phone every year. If that's not important to you, stick with Go5G Plus and pay $10 less each month on your wireless bill.

T-Mobile customers can take advantage of free Wi-Fi on American, Delta, Alaska Airlines and United flights. Go5G Plus subscribers get full texting and Wi-Fi with streaming during flights, where wireless is available. If you opt for Go5G, you're covered on four flights per year with full streaming, plus unlimited texting; after those four flights, you can stream one hour of video. Delta SkyMiles members also get free Wi-Fi on domestic U.S. flights courtesy of T-Mobile — even if they get their wireless service from another carrier.

In Mexico and Canada, T-Mobile allows you to use up to 10GB of data if you're a Go5G customer; speeds are slowed to 128kbps after that. Go5G Plus members enjoy 15GB, with speeds slowing to 256kbps if you use more than that amount.

T-Mobile includes travel benefits in two of its remaining senior plans, with identical travel perks between the $100 Go5G Plus 55 option and the $120 Go5G Next 55 plan. (Note that those monthly prices cover two lines of data; one line of either Plus or Next cost $70 and $80, respectively.) Travel perks include high-speed data and text when you travel abroad, plus unlimited in-flight connectivity. When you travel to Canada or Mexico, you get 15GB of high-speed data. Both plans also include a year's membership to AAA for road travel in the U.S.

If you opt for T-Mobile's lower cost Essentials unlimited plan, you'll get 2G roaming in Canada and Mexico, but have to pay for data elsewhere.

Trip-specific passes: T-Mobile offers International Pass options for travelers who want high-speed data during lengthier stays overseas. A 5GB International Pass gives you that much high-speed data along with unlimited calling for 10 days. It costs $35. T-Mobile's $50 International Pass increases high-speed data to 15GB and extends the length of the pass to 30 days. The carrier also offers a $5 daily pass that gives you 512MB of high-speed data, and unlimited calling between the 215 or so Simple Global destinations. 

Cruise rates: Pricing on cruises will vary according to which cruise you’re taking. You can check T-Mobile’s site to see what your pricing will be.

Verizon international phone plans

Verizon phones generally work all over the world, especially if you've got a phone built in the last few years. But where you travel significantly influences how much you’ll have to pay. As for which is the best Verizon phone plan for travelers, that all depends on how frequently you go overseas. There's a clear choice for regular globetrotters, but Verizon's less expensive offerings allow you to tack on travel benefits, too.

Verizon Unlimited Ultimate | Unlimited Data | $90/month Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan offers the most benefits for world travelers. Verizon promises "full international connectivity," meaning you'll be able to use talk and text for free when overseas; you also get 10GB of high-speed data every month that you can use in other countries. Unlimited Ultimate is Verizon's most expensive plan, so unless you take frequent trips, you may be better served by Unlimited Plus ($80/month for one line) or Unlimited Welcome ($65/month). Those two plans can add on a $10/month Travel Pass options that provides three days of talk, text and data when you're overseas. You can drop the Travel Pass add-on from your plan in months were you don't need it. Verizon lets family plans mix and match lines so one person can get Unlimited Ultimate, while the others subscribe to the cheaper options.

Travel perks in current plans: Of Verizon's three unlimited plans, the best for frequent travelers is the Unlimited Ultimate option, which lets you use talk and text in other countries just like you would in the U.S. You also get 10GB of high-speed data to use overseas every month.

Unfortunately, Unlimited Ultimate is Verizon's most expensive plan, costing $90 a month for one line. (And that's after a discount for enrolling autopay.) There are cheaper options — Unlimited Welcome and Unlimited Plus — that include travel perks. Both plans let you text internationally to 200-plus countries. You can also use LTE data when traveling in Mexico and Canada. You're limited to 0.5GB of data consumption per day in those two countries before your speeds are slowed to 2G, and you can't use more than half of your talk, text and data in those countries over a 60-day period.

In addition to the base Welcome Unlimited and Unlimited Plus packages, you can opt for $10 monthly add-ons for your Verizon plan — some covering streaming services, another providing hotspot data and so on. The relevant package is Verizon's $10/month 3 TravelPass Days add-on, which saves you $20 a month on travel benefits as you pick up three passes during monthly billing cycles. You can accrue up to 36 passes for using talk, text and data when traveling overseas.

Unlimited Welcome starts at $65/month for one line, while Unlimited Plus is $80. If you have a family plan, you can mix and match so that different lines of data subscribe to different plans — helpful if there's one person in the family who travels a lot and would benefit from the Unlimited Ultimate perks.

Trip-specific passes: Let's talk a little bit more about the TravelPass . It's Verizon's daily option for international coverage, and it’ll cost you $5 per day per device for each day you’re out of the country if you travel to Mexico or Canada and don't have an unlimited plan. In 185 other countries — including China, France and Germany — Verizon charges $10 per device per day. TravelPass gets you 2GB of 5G data, and unlimited data at 3G speeds after that; the passes also come with unlimited talk and text.

If you know you’ll be traveling for a bit more time, consider Verizon’s monthly option, which the carrier recommends for trips lasting at least 10 days. International Monthly Plans at Verizon cost $100/month, but in exchange, you get 250 minutes of talk, unlimited texts and 20GB of high-speed data. (Use that, and you get unlimited data at 3G speeds.)

Verizon also offers pay-as-you-go pricing for international travel. You’ll pay 99 cents per minute in Canada and Mexico, Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands. Rates go up to $1.79 in 130-plus countries and $2.99 in 80 other places. Each text message you send will cost you 50 cents, and each received text will set you back 5 cents. Your data will be charged at a rate of $2.05 per megabyte no matter where you are.

Cruise rates: Pay-as-you go rates on cruise ships cost $1.99 for each minute of talk and 50 cents for every sent text message. You’ll pay 5 cents per message received. Verizon has a data plan for cruise passengers, too, with $30/day giving you 500MB of data plus unlimited texting and 50 minutes of talk time. For in-flight connectivity, you can opt for the same pay-as-you-go rates for cruise trips or you can pay $20 per day for unlimited data.

AT&T international phone plans

AT&T also comes with varied international pricing depending on where you want to go. Canada and Mexico travel is covered in many top AT&T plans, and if you pay up for the Unlimited Premium option, you can use your plan in many Central and South American countries. Traveling elsewhere? Then you had best look into AT&T's travel passes.

AT&T Unlimited Premium| Unlimited Data | $85.99/month It's AT&T's most expensive unlimited plan, but Unlimited Premium has the best perk for travelers — you can use your talk, text and data at no extra cost in 20 Latin American countries.  As with other AT&T unlimited options, you also enjoy talk, text and data coverage when traveling in Canada and Mexico.

Travel perks in current plans: If you’re heading to Mexico or Canada, AT&T already covers all of your voice, data and text with its four different unlimited plans — Starter, Extra, Premium and the entry-level Value Plus option. AT&T offers a lone tiered data plan with 4GB of data that you can use in Canada and Mexico (though roaming may be at 2G speeds). Both unlimited and tiered data plans feature unlimited texting to 120-plus countries.

The Unlimited Premium plan is the best option for travelers headed to the Americas, as you'll be able to enjoy unlimited text, talk and data at no additional cost in 20 Central and South American countries. 

If you do a lot of international calling from home, AT&T offers unlimited calling to 85-plus countries from the U.S. for $15 per month for each line. Calls to another 140-plus countries get discounted rates under this plan.

Trip-specific passes: For anyone off to Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America or the Asia Pacific region on a short jaunt, AT&T recommends its $12-a-day International Day Pass , which comes with unlimited talk and text and data governed by your plan; service is available in 210-plus countries. Each device you take overseas needs its own Day Pass, but you can add extra phones for $6 a day, on top of the first device.

You'll never have to pay for more than 10 days of day passes on any one bill, even if your trip lasts longer. International Day Passes also kick in automatically when you use your phone abroad — you get a text message letting you know you're covered.

Cruise rates: On cruises , AT&T offers a $60/month Cruise Basic plan that covers 100 minutes of talk and unlimited texting while also offering 100MB of data. Need more of everything? Then try the Cruise Plus plan ($100/month), which includes 1GB of data on top of unlimited talk and text. 

Google Fi international phone plans

If you do a lot of international traveling, don't ignore Google Fi Wireless , the wireless service set up by Google that uses T-Mobile's cellular towers to provide coverage. International travel is built into two of Google Fi's plans — the Unlimited Plus and Flexible options.

Google Unlimited Plus| Unlimited Data | $65/month The Unlimited Plus plan is the way to go with Google Fi, as you can use your data at no extra cost when traveling overseas. Google Fi customers who pay by the gigabyte of data used are also eligible for this perk.

Travel perks in current plans: You've got two options with Google Fi — tiered data through the company's Flexible plan or a pair of unlimited data options. Flexible coverage costs $20 a month for talk and text plus $10 for each GB of data you use. (Data usage is rounded off to the nearest megabyte so you only pay for the data you consume.) Google stops charging you after you use 6GB a month, meaning you'll never pay more than $80. 

If you find unlimited data plans more appealing, Google has you covered there, too — it also offers a $65 Unlimited Plus option that rolls in unlimited talk, text and data. Unlimited Plus subscribers now get a year of YouTube Premium as a perk. 

The real benefit to either Unlimited Plus or Flexible is that those plans cover you when you're traveling in 200-plus countries. When you're overseas, Google Fi charges the same rate for data usage, whether you're on an unlimited data plan or paying by the gigabyte. Voice calls cost 20 cents (though calls placed over Wi-Fi are free) and you get unlimited SMS messaging. 

Alas, Google's $50/month Simply Unlimited plan is not eligible for the free data perk when traveling. That said, all three of Google Fi's plans let you use talk, text and data in Mexico and Canada.

Google Fi is even more appealing now that Google has opened up service to all phones, including iPhones. Note that phones optimized for Google Fi — Google's Pixel phones (currently the Pixel 8 , Pixel 8 Pro , Pixel Fold and Pixel 8a )  along with a selection of Samsung phones and Motorola budget devices — can switch seamlessly between cellular coverage and Google's Wi-Fi hotspots, while other phones cannot.

Trip-specific passes: Unlike the other carriers here, Google Fi doesn't offer travel passes for extended trips. Your only option is to get coverage through the Flexible and Unlimited Plus plans.

Cruise rates: Google Fi is not available when you're at sea — only when you're on land in one of the 200-plus countries covered by the carrier.

Other international phone plan options

Discount carriers typically don't provide much in the way of benefits for travelers, but there are some exceptions. The most noteworthy alternative is Visible , which has expanded the travel perks for subscribers to its $45/month Visible Plus plan .

Visible is owned by Verizon and uses its parent company's network for coverage. The Visible Plus plan features unlimited data, including access to Verizon's high-speed 5G network. Travelers will be particularly interested in the unlimited talk, text and 2GB of daily data available through Visible Plus when traveling in Canada and Mexico. Visible Plus customers are also eligible for one free Global Pass day per month, in which they can use talk, text and data at no charge in 140 countries. Global Passes normally cost $10.

Best international phone plan: Device compatibility and eSims

Traveling overseas used to mean checking to see if your phone would be compatible once you set foot in another country. But those days are drawing to a close now that 3G networks are shutting down, eliminating much of the distinction between phones that work on either GSM and CDMA. If you've got a recent smartphone that connects to LTE, chances are strong it's going to work just fine in other countries. (You still might want to confirm that your phone works on the LTE bands available in the country you're heading to prior to your trip, just to avoid any unpleasant surprises.)

Many phones now support electronic SIM cards or eSIM technology, where you no longer need to swap in a local SIM card to make your smartphone work with an overseas network. (Since the iPhone 14 , Apple devices sold in the U.S. only feature eSIM support — that includes the newer iPhone 15 models.) One of our editors took an international trip using an eSIM for her phone and found it easy to setup and use with a local network — in fact, she plans to use the eSIM approach on all future travel. 

That said, not every country supports eSIM. And depending on your phone carrier in the U.S., you might already have options that cover your phone use in other countries.

International phone plans: What about 5G?

As noted above, many of the plans that offer international travel either have you connect at whatever speed is available locally or at a reduced speed in cases where you're drawing from your own data plan. But what if you've got a 5G phone that can connect to faster networks overseas?

For the most part, we'd expect your phone to operate as before, either at whatever speed the local network offers or a capped speed if that's part of your carrier's travel plans. However, in a few instances, U.S. phone carriers have started making deals with overseas wireless providers that allow their customers to access 5G speeds when roaming. You should check with your carrier for information about the country you're going to travel in.

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Philip Michaels is a Managing Editor at Tom's Guide. He's been covering personal technology since 1999 and was in the building when Steve Jobs showed off the iPhone for the first time. He's been evaluating smartphones since that first iPhone debuted in 2007, and he's been following phone carriers and smartphone plans since 2015. He has strong opinions about Apple, the Oakland Athletics, old movies and proper butchery techniques. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.

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Verizon now charges $10 a day for international roaming

Verizon is trying to make it easier for people to use their cell phones abroad.

The carrier introduced a new option called TravelPass on Thursday that allows customers to make calls, send texts, and use data that counts against their existing monthly plan while they're overseas.

Previously, if someone wanted to use their Verizon phone in another country, they had to pay for extra international minutes, messages, and data .

With TravelPass, Verizon just charges a $10 daily access fee to customers who visit countries outside of the United States, or $2 a day when wandering around Mexico or Canada. Verizon will only charge the daily fee when customers use their phones in one of the 65 TravelPass countries.

Verizon ( VZ ) promoted the new feature as a worry-free way to see the world. But for people who plan to backpack through Europe for a few weeks, $10 a day will add up quickly -- and that's on top of an existing monthly bill, for one phone line.

T-Mobile ( TMUS ) started offering free international roaming in 2013 for customers of its Simple Choice Plan. But the service is limited to 2G speeds. Faster speeds cost anywhere from $15 a day for 100 MB, to $50 for 500 MB for two weeks.

A Verizon spokeswoman told CNNMoney that most of its customers "will experience 4G or 3G speeds when abroad."

"Unlike other providers, Verizon doesn't use gimmicks like 'free data roaming' to lure you in and then put you on the slowest network and restrict your data use while outside of the U.S." the company said.

Just don't forget to turn off TravelPass (or turn on Wi-Fi). Otherwise, as soon as a new call or message comes in after that 24-hour period, Verizon will tack on another $10 or $2 for a new day.

For longer international trips, Verizon offers a $40-a-month " International Travel Preferred Pricing Plan ." That comes with 100 MB of data, 100 outgoing texts, and 100 minutes of talk time.

AT&T ( T ) offers a similar $30-a-month " Passport " international roaming plan, which comes with 120 MB of data, unlimited texts and calls for $1 a minute.

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• Royal Caribbean International

Verizon TravelPass $10/day for cruise?

By jasminesmom1 , April 20, 2022 in Royal Caribbean International

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jasminesmom1

I have the VZW TravelPass plan (a fairly new option) enabled on my mobile and understand that as soon as it connects to the ship board cellular (not wifi) that the $10/day charge to VZW kicks in since I am now "roaming". Two questions:

1. Does Royal Caribbean somehow add any surcharge to that, or is the $10/day all I pay? Anyone tried this and had success,

2. If I connect on say Day 2 of the cruise, and I then i turn cellular off for the remaining days, does VZW charge the $10/day until I connect to a US tower again, or am I just charged for only the days I actually connect to the ships cell network? Does RC have the ability to block my access to cellular svc from my provider?

Thx in advance! We sail in 3 days!

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Are you sure the cruise ship you are on is part of the plan? All I can find is "select cruise ships" but no actual list. Did you find a list somewhere of which ships have this?

I have used the international plan in the past for work as I traveled a bunch and typically once you connect to a tower it texts you about having service there and then starts the timer. If you turn off the cell service then the next day it should not charge you.

Cutigerlady

On our recent cruise, my husband took his phone out of airplane mode while we were in Jamaica to connect to the "free Wifi" where we were and fortunately this new Verizion travel pass kicked in for him automatically.  I got a text message saying that they were using one of our passes for his phone number. He didn't understand that even on a free Wifi he was pinging towers in Jamaica.  

Once I realized what the heck he had done, we put his phone back in airplane mode and I was only billed $10.  So you are only charged while the phone is out of airplane mode.  I would be careful because when you are at sea, you pick up satellite coverage which I don't know if that is covered under the travel pass.  It may be worth it to you to use the travel pass and only use it while you are in port somewhere as a cheaper alternative to RCL's internet service.  

smokeybandit

This would be used in foreign ports, not on board ship.

Okay reading further I think you might be mistaken.

In port in foreign countries you will have access to cell service. On cruiseships you only get a 50mb allowance. Otherwise charged out at a higher rate.

https://www.verizon.com/plans/international/international-travel/cruise-and-inflight/

It also states non-recurring at this link.

https://www.verizon.com/articles/4-ways-to-stay-connected-on-a-cruise-ship/

We have done it - but as stated above, it doesn't work for cruise ship coverage, only for ports.  So, on the ship, connect to the ship wifi and leave in airplane mode.  OFF the ship - you can use the Travelpass and you'll be charged $10/day.  Travelpass will text you when it kicks in at each port, once you come out of airplane mode.

I have ATL&T and used it several times on March cruise to Western Caribbean. Worked great and easy. Made several phone calls and only charged $10 each day that I made the calls. Big difference from individual phone call charges!

Don't use the cellular on the ship, stay on WiFi.

36 minutes ago, Cutigerlady said: So you are only charged while the phone is out of airplane mode

If he was connecting to WiFi, there was no need to turn off airplane mode.  WiFi can be turned on once airplane mode is turned on.

We’ve had this for about 10 years, I don’t think it works on cruise ships, just on land.

My experience is that it doesn't work on board the cruise ship.  I always call Verizon prior to my trips to enable the Travelpass on our iPhones.  I only use it for emergencies ashore.  I mostly use wifi when off the ship, and pay out of pocket for in/outgoing texts, which is cheaper than enabling the Travelpass.

neverlaysup

3 hours ago, jasminesmom1 said: I have the VZW TravelPass plan (a fairly new option) enabled on my mobile and understand that as soon as it connects to the ship board cellular (not wifi) that the $10/day charge to VZW kicks in since I am now "roaming". Two questions: 1. Does Royal Caribbean somehow add any surcharge to that, or is the $10/day all I pay? Anyone tried this and had success,   2. If I connect on say Day 2 of the cruise, and I then i turn cellular off for the remaining days, does VZW charge the $10/day until I connect to a US tower again, or am I just charged for only the days I actually connect to the ships cell network? Does RC have the ability to block my access to cellular svc from my provider?   Thx in advance! We sail in 3 days!

Cruise ship cellular is NOT on Travel Pass, do not use this on sea days. I have Travel Pass as well and I use it on shore only, Cellular at Sea is totally different. Keep in mind, Travel Pass has very limited data amounts so make sure to turn off all updates over cellular and limit your video/photo uploads otherwise you will burn through the 50MB in an hour. On my last cruise with Windstar, I had no internet package and turning my phone on every day was far cheaper than the ships WIFI plan.

Thank you everyone! Great advice. Always appreciated.

KruznKimmie

And the cost is $10/24 hour period based on when you activate the service versus $10/day.  So if you activate at 10AM the service continues until 10AM the next day until you are charged another $10.

You people need to switch to T-Mobile. 😄

Unlimited 2G data and texting in over 210 countries (and ones that are not covered are not normally cruise destinationss) and 25 cents per minute calling, unless you do wifi calling which is free.

I travel internationally for work and switched from AT&T, and pay less per month with better service.

5 minutes ago, SRF said: Unlimited 2G data

It better be unlimited for as long as it'd take to download data on 2G

It is $5 if in Canada and Mexico.  Also the pass has fixed amount of "fast" data and then goes down significantly. You are allowed to call to your home country and the country of your pass for free. I think it is a great deal but doesn't help on the ship unless at port.  Never seen a charge from any cruise ship while using Travel Pass.

7 hours ago, smokeybandit said: It better be unlimited for as long as it'd take to download data on 2G

I have traveled a lot using it.  And it works fine for Google Maps for directions, looking up restaurants in Trip Advisor and such.

No, it will not stream movies.

And if I need faster data, buying high speed data is cheaper than your Verizon $10 per day setup.

20 hours ago, KruznKimmie said: And the cost is $10/24 hour period based on when you activate the service versus $10/day.  So if you activate at 10AM the service continues until 10AM the next day until you are charged another $10.

Also you can use it across multiple islands. So if you activate it at 10 AM on one island and the next day you use it until 10 AM on another island it is still one $10 charge. 

On 4/21/2022 at 12:24 PM, pghflyer said: It is $5 if in Canada and Mexico.  Also the pass has fixed amount of "fast" data and then goes down significantly. You are allowed to call to your home country and the country of your pass for free. I think it is a great deal but doesn't help on the ship unless at port.  Never seen a charge from any cruise ship while using Travel Pass.

My Verizon plan includes Mexico & Canada free with no additional charges.

• 1 year later...

On 4/20/2022 at 1:26 PM, neverlaysup said: Cruise ship cellular is NOT on Travel Pass, do not use this on sea days. I have Travel Pass as well and I use it on shore only, Cellular at Sea is totally different. Keep in mind, Travel Pass has very limited data amounts so make sure to turn off all updates over cellular and limit your video/photo uploads otherwise you will burn through the 50MB in an hour. On my last cruise with Windstar, I had no internet package and turning my phone on every day was far cheaper than the ships WIFI plan.  

Travel pass enables you to use what you would use on your plan at home. My data is unlimited.

1 hour ago, dancewithe said: Travel pass enables you to use what you would use on your plan at home. My data is unlimited.

TravelPass from Verizon is 2GB a day, it doesn’t matter what plan you have at home. After 2GB, you revert to 3G service only. 

Crazy4Cruisin225

I have TravelPass through Verizon and an unlimited data plan. My plan (an older unlimited plan) adds one freeTravelPass day each month to my “bank” that are each good for a year. I don’t ever use them on the ship but do in port. Also when I go on land based vacations. I’ve never been charged the $10 daily fee because I know how many free days I have in that bank…currently 11. Like others have said it slows down after you use the 2GB, but still fast enough to use Maps, stream music, check email, etc. Just don’t expect to be able to watch movies on Netflix or Hulu with it. 

Morecruisesplz

On 4/20/2022 at 8:40 AM, J0Y0US said: I have used the international plan in the past for work as I traveled a bunch and typically once you connect to a tower it texts you about having service there and then starts the timer. If you turn off the cell service then the next day it should not charge you.

Mine is 24 hours at a time

On 4/21/2022 at 7:00 PM, SRF said:   I have traveled a lot using it.  And it works fine for Google Maps for directions, looking up restaurants in Trip Advisor and such.   No, it will not stream movies.   And if I need faster data, buying high speed data is cheaper than your Verizon $10 per day setup.

Will it work in Barcelona? Doing a transatlantic but will be in Barcelona 4 days pre cruise.

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How I avoid the pesky $10 daily roaming charges when traveling

I fly a lot.

Last year, I logged 152,033 miles in the air, and I'm already well on my way to surpassing those statstics this year.

My travels bring me all across the globe. When I'm on the road, staying connected is a must, especially when it's during the work week. Whether it's keeping up with Slack or posting on Instagram , I am always using my devices.

Relying on Wi-Fi access abroad isn't the most convenient or reliable. So, to stay connected, I make sure that my iPhone connects to a local cellular network and use that internet access whenever I'm away from home.

Other than Wi-Fi, there are three ways to connect your smartphone when traveling abroad. You can roam with your primary home carrier, purchase a local SIM card or subscribe to a package from a worldwide service provider.

In recent years, the major U.S. wireless carriers have made it easier than ever to roam with your domestic plan. Both AT&T and Verizon offer a $10-a-day pass that allows you to use international networks without charging exorbitant pay-per-use fees. (It's worth noting that international access is included in some T-Mobile plans at no additional charge.)

These passes are definitely a great option if you're an occasional traveler and looking for the most convenient and seamless option. But, $10 a day is still quite steep, especially if you're spending lots of time outside of the U.S.

In my recent iPhone 14 Pro review , I mentioned that "when I'm on the road, I usually buy a local SIM card or connect to Google Fi for cheaper international data. At the same time, I can also stay connected to my primary U.S. carrier, Verizon, without incurring the daily $10 TravelPass charge."

I've since received a bunch of reader questions about this, so I'll now explain how that's done.

Have an upcoming vacation in mind? See how close you are to paying for it with points with the free TPG App !

Dual SIM is a must

In order to stay connected to your primary U.S. carrier and take advantage of cheaper international data, you'll need to make sure that your phone supports dual SIM functionality.

SIM cards, which stand for subscriber identity modules, are small chips that associate your phone number with your cellular provider's network. With dual SIM functionality, you'll be able to use two phone numbers at the same time.

Dual SIM first came to Apple's flagship smartphones with the iPhone XS and XR family, and the models since then support this feature. Many Android phones also offer this functionality — be sure to check the technical specifications for your specific device.

The first step is to make sure that your primary domestic network is activated on your phone. For most people, that'll occur during or shortly after purchasing your phone.

Personally, I've been using Apple's top-of-the-line iPhone , the 14 Pro Max, since it launched in mid-September. While the iPhone 14 lineup ditches the physical SIM card slot, it supports easy activation with a new-ish standard, called eSIM, or embedded SIM. (The iPhone 14 supports dual SIM with two active eSIMs at one time.)

All the major U.S. carriers, along with over 400 global wireless providers, support eSIM — you can find the full list on Apple's dedicated webpage .

Once your primary domestic network is activated on your phone, your first SIM card will be provisioned on your device. This will allow you to make and receive calls, send texts and use data with your primary U.S. number.

At this stage, if you were to roam with your device, you'd be charged the $10-a-day fee with AT&T or Verizon (assuming that you've signed up for the respective packages with your carrier).

While that may be the most convenient option, you can save some more money by installing a local SIM card or subscribing to a package from a worldwide service provider.

Finding cheaper international data

To avoid the daily $10 charge from AT&T or Verizon, the next step is to find a cheaper SIM card option that works in your destination.

For me, that has historically been Google Fi , which is an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) that operates in the U.S. using T-Mobile's network. Google Fi offers a variety of plans, some of which include international access. (Otherwise, data access abroad costs $10 per gigabyte and calling costs 20 cents per minute.)

For $20 in Google Fi credit, sign up using this personalized link .

The nice thing about Google Fi is that it works in over 200 countries and requires very little work after the initial setup. You can even pause and resume your plan as needed depending on your travel schedule, though some travelers have reportedly been cut off from Google Fi for roaming too much.

Google Fi supports iPhone activations using both a physical SIM and eSIM, which is a great option for those with the latest iPhone models .

Another alternative is to take a look at worldwide service providers that offer data-only SIMs for international travel. Many of these providers offer mobile apps on the Apple App and Google Play stores, and the activation process is usually as simple as tapping through a few screens and installing an eSIM on your device.

Apple compiles a list of these providers that support the eSIM standard, and I've personally had success with Airalo , Truphone and GigSky . A quick internet search for your destination and SIM card should list the rates and packages available with these worldwide service providers.

Just to give you a sense of the savings, I paid $12.99 for 3 gigabytes of high-speed data in Israel this week through GigSky. With Verizon, that would've cost $60 and with Google Fi, that would've been $30.

Finally, your last option is to find a local cellular provider in your destination that offers prepaid SIM cards during your travels. This can be a bit more complicated depending on where you're going and if there's a language barrier, but it's often the cheapest option.

Once you pick an international data provider that's cheaper than your primary network, it's time to enable dual SIM and start saving.

The secret lies in the settings

Once you're abroad, the first step is to make sure both of your SIM cards are activated and connected. On iPhones, you'll see two rows of network status bars in the top right-hand corner of the display, which indicates that you are connected to two networks.

Going into settings and clicking through to the cellular tab will give you the details of your individual SIM cards. You'll want to make sure your primary AT&T or Verizon number and your international provider are listed as "on."

From there, you'll want to change the primary cellular data line to your international provider and turn off cellular data switching.

By doing this, you're telling your iPhone to exclusively use data with your international provider, which will avoid any charges for internet access with your primary U.S. carrier.

(If you want to be extra sure you're not charged for data from your U.S. provider, you can also turn off data roaming on your primary line by tapping on your phone number on the previous screen.)

You can then change your default voice line to your international network, too.

Now, you'll still be connected to both your international and your domestic phone numbers — but your outbound calls, texts and data will be routed through your international provider.

However, the beauty of dual SIM is that you'll still be connected to your domestic phone number in the background. You'll still receive phone calls and texts, but you won't be charged for a $10-a-day pass unless you answer them.

Receiving calls and texts is free with AT&T and Verizon regardless of where you are, as confirmed to TPG by spokespersons for both carriers. Answering calls or texts will trigger a $10 pass, but if you leave them unanswered, you won't be charged any fees with your U.S. carrier.

Now, sometimes you really need to answer an urgent call or text. To ensure you don't initiate a $10 international package, be sure to ignore the call and then return it using data, perhaps via FaceTime Audio or Whatsapp, which will use the internet access provided by your (cheaper) international provider.

If you can't place the call using one of the internet calling options, then you can connect to Wi-Fi and use Wi-Fi calling to make your phone call. Look for the "AT&T Wi-Fi" or "VZW Wi-Fi" status in the network bar to confirm that you're connected to Wi-Fi before placing your call.

(Wi-Fi calling to U.S. numbers is usually included with most domestic unlimited plans. Be sure to check the specifics of your package though.)

The same story is true with Android phones and other smartphones that support dual SIM. I don't have as much experience roaming with these devices, but the general steps outlined above should suffice.

Bottom line

If you're looking to save on international roaming charges — and stay connected to your domestic provider — you'll definitely want to purchase a dual SIM-capable smartphone.

This way, you'll be able to access two phone numbers at the same time. The first should be your primary U.S. provider and the second should be one that offers cheaper service than the $10-a-day pass with AT&T or Verizon.

Once you've activated both lines on your phone, be sure to set the international number as your primary one for data and calls. You'll still receive incoming calls and texts on your domestic line, but as long as you don't answer them, you won't be charged the $10-a-day fee.

When you are ready to return your calls and texts, do it over the internet — either via Wi-Fi calling or through FaceTime Audio or WhatsApp — and the savings will start racking up quickly.

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I Nearly Lost My Passport While Abroad — Here Are 5 Genius Products I’m Buying to Protect It on Future Trips

Prices start at $10, but the peace of mind is priceless.

Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

This week, I did something that I never thought I would do in a million years: I lost my passport while traveling abroad. To make matters worse, I was traveling solo , my flight home was in two days, and I couldn’t remember the last time I had seen it after leaving the airport. 

To set the scene for you, I had been spending the weekend staying in a gorgeous open-air villa at Origins Lodge , a luxury mountainside ecolodge nestled between dense Costa Rican rainforest. A few other journalists and I had been invited to tour the facility, and up until the night I lost my passport, I had been enjoying the opportunity to soak in the property’s scenic views,  and wellness offerings. 

Thankfully, my passport wasn’t stolen, nor was it stranded somewhere in the middle of the rainforest (my worst fear at the time). Instead, the kind staff members at the lodge found it in the back seat of their private airport shuttle, right where I had left it. Now that I’m back home safe and sound, I’ve decided that it’s time I get serious about how I travel with my passport.  

Even though I’ve owned and traveled with that same passport for nearly nine years — and haven’t misplaced it once on my travels prior to this — I know I’m playing with fire by not having a better, more secure system in place. To prevent missed-passport meltdowns in the future, I’ll be investing in gear that’ll help me keep it safe, secure, and easier to find. If you, too, need to set some passport safeguards in place, keep reading to learn more about the five items I currently have in my Amazon cart, including Apple AirTags , RFID-blocking passport holders , and anti-theft carrying bags . 

Apple AirTag

Since joining Travel + Leisure , I’ve come to learn just how invaluable and versatile Apple AirTags are for travel. These tiny disks are essentially mini GPS trackers that send location updates directly to your Apple devices. I’ve had success using one with my car in order to make it easier to track down in packed parking lots, but it never occurred to me that I should buy one for my passport, too. They’re easy to set up — simply tap the Apple logo button on the AirTag to instantly pair it with your Find My app. While AirTags certainly aren’t the only trackers on the market, I love the simple design (and prefer to stick to Apple-specific products when possible). 

Pascacoo RFID-Blocking AirTag Passport Holder

Speaking of AirTags, I’m also eyeing this embossed AirTag-holding passport holder. Available in 6 different colors, this $16 passport holder has an RFID-blocking shield that blocks potential thieves from accessing the funds and personal information that can be pulled from your credit and debit cards. It comes with four card slots, a pocket for travel tickets, an elastic closing strap, and an AirTag slot built into the back. More than 12,000 five-star reviewers attest to the function and style, with one reviewer sharing that the AirTag slot brought peace of mind while on an international trip. 

TagVault AirTag Holder Card 

While I love the AirTag passport holder above, I have somewhat of an emotional attachment to my current passport holder, which I’ve taken with me across the globe multiple times over the years. Turns out, I can still keep using my current one if I want to, thanks to this bendy silicone AirTag holder. It’s ultra-thin and has the exact dimensions of a typical credit card, making it easy to slip into a wallet or, in my case, between my passport and its holder. 

P Travel RFID-Blocking Passport Wallet

My leather bifold has seen better days: The stitching has begun to fray, the card slots have been stretched out over time, and the once-clear shield of the ID slot is, well… not so clear anymore. So before my next trip, I plan on purchasing this RFID-blocking wallet from P Travel. It can hold up to five passports (great for families!), has nine credit card slots, a zippered pocket for cash and loose coins, a clear ID card slot, and an exterior pocket big enough to hold a smartphone. It zips shut and is covered with a waterproof, anti-tear material that’ll ensure all your most important travel documents stay safe. 

Inicat Anti-Theft Sling Bag

In retrospect, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that I was able to lose track of my passport so easily — my current method of plopping it into my Jansport backpack is reckless at best. Instead of stowing it in my carry-on, next trip I’ll be tucking it into this handsome leather sling bag from Inicat. It comes in 23 different colors and, much like the wallet and passport holder above, comes equipped with RFID-blocking capabilities stitched into each of the eight credit card slots found in the outside zipper pocket. The main compartments are large enough to hold anything I might need on a long flight, while the discrete zipper pocket on the back is perfectly-sized to hold my passport. For $30, it provides the invaluable comfort of knowing all of my most important items are safe and on my person.

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Eligible U.S. citizens who want routine service can now renew their passports online. 

If you do not qualify to renew online, you may also renew by mail .

Follow these steps to renew your passport online and track your status:

Confirm you meet the requirements

• Create your account 

Start your application

• Enter your most recent passport info

Enter travel plans

• Upload digital photo

Sign and pay

Enroll in email updates.

You can renew online if you meet all these requirements:

• The passport you are renewing is or was valid for 10 years, and you are age 25 or older. 
• We issued the passport you are renewing between 2009 and 2015, or over 9 years but less than 15 years from the date you plan to submit your application. 
• You are not changing your name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth.
• You are not traveling for at least 8 weeks from the date you will submit your application. We will only offer routine service , and the time it takes to get a passport will be the same as renewing by mail. 
• You are applying for a regular (tourist) passport. You cannot renew a special issuance (diplomatic, official, service) passport online.
• You live in the United States (either state or territory). You do not qualify to renew online if you live in a foreign country or have an Army Post Office (APO) or Fleet Post Office (FPO) address.
• You have your passport with you, and it is not damaged or mutilated, and you have not reported it as lost or stolen. Keep your most recent passport and do not mail it to us. 
• You can pay for your passport using a credit or debit card.
• You can upload a digital passport photo.
• You are aware that we will cancel the passport you are renewing after you submit your application. You cannot use it for international travel.

If you do not qualify to renew online, you may be able to renew by mail or in person at a passport agency or center .

Create your account

Click the Sign In button on the MyTravelGov homepage. Clicking the button will take you to Login.gov where you can sign in as an existing customer or create a new account.   

Watch a video  explaining how to create an account.

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the process of creating an account.  

After creating your account, click on the "Renew Your Passport" button on the home page to start your application.  

You can save your application and finish it at a later date. You have 30 days to complete your application after you start it. If you do not complete your application in 30 days, you will need to start over. 

Enter info about your most recent passport

At this stage, we check the passport(s) you are renewing against our records to see if you can renew online. 

• Enter your information as we printed it on the passport you are renewing. 
• Try again if you believe you should be eligible to renew online. We may be experiencing temporary, technical issues with our system.
• If you are not eligible to renew online, the application will give you a list of reasons. Double check your information before re-entering it.

Validity of Most Recent Passport : Make sure your most recent passport is or was valid for 10 years. The passport must be expiring within one year or have been expired less than five years.  

Your Name : Check the spelling, capitalization, hyphens, and spacing between letters in your name and compare them to your most recent passport. 

• If your last name is spelled "McDonald" but printed as "Mc Donald," (with a space), make sure you enter your name as "Mc Donald"(with the space included) on the application. 
• If your last name is spelled “Smith-Jenkins“ (with a hyphen) and printed in your most recent passport with the hyphen, try entering your name as “Smith Jenkins” (without a hyphen) or "SmithJenkins" (with no space). We will add the hyphen to your name when we review your application. 

Passport Book, Passport Card, or Both Documents : You can renew passport books and passport cards online. If you want to renew a passport book but not a passport card, leave the card section blank on the application. If you want to renew a passport card but not a passport book, leave the book section blank.

The following chart explains what documents you can renew online:

Watch this video to learn how to enter info about your passport

If you are traveling in less than 8 weeks, you cannot renew online. We are only offering routine service .

• Routine times do not include mailing times.
• Routine times are the same for customers who renew online and by mail. 

Need your passport in 3-8 weeks? Get expedited service and renew by mail .

Need your passport in less than 3 weeks? Make an appointment to renew in person at a passport agency or center.

Upload a digital photo

You will need to upload an original, digital photo in .JPEG file format. 

• Go to our  Uploading a Digital Photo page  to see photo examples and requirements.
• Have someone else take your photo. No selfies.
• Do not scan a photo, or take a photo of an already printed photo.

Watch this video to learn how to upload a digital photo

Paying for your Passport

To complete your application, you must  pay all passport fees  using a credit or debit card. Click the “Sign and Pay” button which will take you to pay.gov where you will pay your passport fees.  

Confirming Payment

We will send you emails about the status of your payment.

The first email will notify you that your payment is pending. The second email will confirm we processed your payment. If we are unable to process your payment, you will receive an email asking you to login to your account and pay again.  

Check your spam or junk folder if you do not see the emails in your inbox. 

Keep Your Most Recent Passport

When you complete your application, you will need the passport you are renewing on hand. Keep your most recent passport. Do not mail it to us, or try to use it to travel since we will cancel it. 

One week after you apply, go to our Online Passport Status System to enroll in more emails about the status of your application. We will notify you when your application is in process, approved, and when we send your passport. We will also notify you if we need more information to process your application. 

Our Application Status page includes details about what each status message means. 

Watch this video to learn what to do after you apply

How to get support

Request faster service or change your mailing address.

If your travel plans change, you may request expedite service for an extra $60, or 1-2 delivery of your completed passport book for an extra $21.36. One-to-two day delivery is not available for passport cards. We only send cards via First Class Mail.

If you are changing your mailing address, please note your new address must be in the United States (either state or territory). You cannot use an Army Post Office (APO) or Fleet Post Office (FPO) address.

Call the National Passport Information Center at  1-877-487-2778  . Provide your application number, or your last name and date of birth.

After you contact us, you won’t see any changes to your application in your MyTravelGov account.

Respond to a request for more information

Follow the instructions in the letter or email. You must respond within 90 days of the date on the letter or email. Our  Respond to a Letter or Email webpage  has tips and reminders on how to respond. 

Contacting us if you need help

There are two different paths for support:  

Technical Support for your Account : Contact the Login.gov team if you need help changing your password, verifying your account, or changing your account information.  

Customer Support for your Passport Application : Contact us at 1-877-487-2778 if you have an issue completing your passport application, or you want to upgrade to expedited service, 1-2 day delivery, or change your mailing address. 

Processing Times for Renewing Online

Routine:  6-8 weeks*

Expedited: We do not offer this service if you are renewing online. Mail us your application and supporting documents. 

Urgent Travel:  We do not offer this service if you are renewing online. Make an appointment at a passport agency or center.

*Mailing times are not included in  processing times . Processing times only include the time your application is at one of our passport agencies or centers. The total time to get your passport includes both processing and mailing times. 

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Update: N3 now open following a truck crash on Van Reenen’s Pass

Traffic is currently stacked in both directions as crews work to contain the spill and recover the wreckage..

The N3 Toll Concession said all N3 lanes were open on Van Reenen’s Pass by 1 pm on Friday following an earlier truck crash.

A truck crash on Van Reenen’s Pass has brought traffic to a standstill, forcing the closure of the N3 highway in both directions.

The accident, involving two trucks, happened near Van Reenen, between Ladysmith and Harrismith.

TrafficSA said the crash resulted in a significant spill and fuel leak onto the roadway.

ALSO READ |  Two killed in R617 crash near Mpophomeni

Emergency services are at the scene.

KZN – N3 Route (Update): #TruckCrash ROAD CLOSED – HEAVY BACKLOGS both directions (higher volumes than normal) #VanReenensPass https://t.co/BzSg3Rclro — TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) September 20, 2024

Thania Dhoogra, chief operating officer of N3 Toll Concession (N3TC), said traffic is currently stacked in both directions as crews work to contain the spill and recover the wreckage.

“Motorists are advised to avoid the area until further notice,” said Dhoogra.

There is no estimated time for the road’s reopening.

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Update: N3 toll route reopens after snowstorm disruptions

All motorists stuck in snow have been accounted for, says Cogta

Snow update: government urges against road travel in affected provinces.

Snow Update: Parts of N3 remain closed while others are cleared and open