Best Pre-Paid Phones For Traveling: Top Picks

When travelling, it's important to know what you're on the hook for before you go abroad to avoid extra charges and big bills. There are several prepaid phone plans that are suitable for travelling, depending on your needs and location.

If you're looking for a prepaid SIM card, Lycamobile offers plans with unlimited international talk and text to over 100 countries and a wide variety of data options. Mint Mobile is another good option, offering unlimited talk and text, a mobile hotspot, and free calls to Mexico and Canada.

If you're looking for a prepaid phone plan, Google Fi's Unlimited Plus plan offers unlimited data and texting in over 200 destinations, and calls for 20 cents per minute when abroad. T-Mobile's Go5G Plus plan offers unlimited text and 5GB of data in 11 European countries, and Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan offers unlimited talk, text, and data in more than 210 countries.

It's important to consider your specific needs, such as how much data you need, how often you travel, and what countries you'll be visiting, when choosing a prepaid phone plan or SIM card for travelling.

Best international phone plans for 2024

International phone plans can be a tricky business, with many providers offering a variety of deals and packages. Here is a rundown of some of the best international phone plans for 2024, with a focus on prepaid options.

Google Fi Unlimited Plus

Google's Unlimited Plus plan is ideal for frequent international travellers who are away for less than 90 days at a time. For $65 for a single line, you get unlimited data and texting in over 200 destinations. Calls cost 20 cents per minute, and data speed is reduced after 50GB of monthly usage. This plan is not intended for long-term international use, and Google will suspend your international data after 90 consecutive days.

T-Mobile Go5G Plus

T-Mobile's Go5G Plus plan is a good option for those wanting connectivity on the plane. For $90 per month, you get 5GB of high-speed data, then slower speeds after that, in over 215 countries and destinations. Texts are unlimited, and calls cost 25 cents per minute. This plan also includes in-flight texting and Wi-Fi where available.

Verizon Unlimited Ultimate

Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan is perfect for international travellers who want to stay connected with friends and family back home. For $90 per month, you get unlimited talk, text, and data in more than 210 countries. Data speed is slowed after 10GB of monthly usage. This plan includes unlimited talk from abroad, but Verizon's fine print notes that services may be limited if more than 50% of your usage occurs outside of the US.

AT&T International Day Pass

AT&T's International Day Pass is a good option for those who don't want to change their existing plan. For $12 per day, added to your existing AT&T unlimited plan, you get unlimited talk, text, and data in over 210 destinations outside the US. Data is drawn from your domestic plan, with speeds slowing once you go over the designated amount. The Day Pass activates automatically when you travel.

Visible Plus

Visible is a good option for those wanting a cheaper plan. Owned by Verizon, Visible offers a $45/month plan with unlimited talk, text, and 2GB of daily data in Canada and Mexico. Visible Plus customers also get one free Global Pass day per month, which includes talk, text, and data in 140 countries.

Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile is another excellent choice for travellers, especially those staying for a few months. Mint Mobile offers strong 5G connectivity and phone compatibility and uses T-Mobile's network infrastructure. Mint Mobile requires a minimum of three months of service in advance, with the best deals available for six or 12-month sign-ups. For $90 for three months, you get unlimited talk, text, and data, 10GB of mobile hotspot, and free calls to Mexico and Canada.

Ultra Mobile

Ultra Mobile is a good choice for short stays. For $19/month, you get unlimited talk and text to over 90 countries, up to 3GB of 5G/4G LTE data, and free Wi-Fi calling.

Lycamobile

Lycamobile is a global MVNO that uses T-Mobile's network in the US. Lycamobile offers several plans with unlimited international talk and text to over 100 countries, with data options starting at 500MB and going up to 60GB. The cheapest plan is $15 per month, while the unlimited plan with 60GB of data is effectively $39 per month if you pay for three months.

AT&T Prepaid

AT&T is a good option if you want excellent coverage, especially in rural areas. For $30 per month, you get 5GB of high-speed data, unlimited talk and text, and the ability to text over 230 countries. Data is throttled after 5GB, and any unused data rolls over to the next month.

T-Mobile Prepaid

T-Mobile offers an excellent prepaid service for travellers and tourists. For $40 per month, you get 10GB of high-speed data, unlimited domestic talk and text, free mobile hotspot data, and a 'Music Unlimited' feature that doesn't eat into your data. You can add international calling for an extra $15 per month, or add talk, text, and 5GB of data for use in Mexico and Canada for $5 per month.

Cricket Wireless

Cricket Wireless is a good choice if you only need data. It offers a data-only plan with a minimum of 20GB of high-speed data and free usage in Mexico and Canada. For $35, you get 20GB of data, $55 gets you 100GB, and $90 gets you 150GB. This plan does not include talk time minutes, so you'll need to use messaging apps to connect with people back home.

Best prepaid SIM cards for U.S. travellers

When travelling to the U.S., it's important to consider how you will stay connected. Prepaid SIM cards are a great option as they allow you to stay connected at all times, whether you're in the country for a few days or moving there permanently. There are dozens of wireless service providers offering hundreds of plans to choose from.

Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) that uses T-Mobile's 4G LTE and 5G network infrastructure. It offers excellent network coverage and phone compatibility. Mint Mobile is a good option if you plan on staying in the U.S. for at least three months. They offer unlimited talk, text, and data, 10GB of mobile hotspot, and free calls to Mexico and Canada. The cost is $90 for three months, and you need to purchase at least three months of service in advance.

Ultra Mobile

Ultra Mobile is another MVNO that uses T-Mobile's network, offering great coverage and speeds at a lower price. The Ultra Mobile 3GB plan is perfect for those visiting the U.S. for a month or less, offering unlimited talk and text to more than 90 countries, free Wi-Fi calling, and up to 3GB of 5G/4G LTE data. The cost is $19 per month (before taxes and fees), and the plan's validity is 30 days.

Lycamobile

Lycamobile is a global MVNO that uses T-Mobile's network in the U.S. They offer unlimited nationwide talk and text, as well as international calling and texting to over 100 countries. Data options start at 500MB and go up to 60GB. The cheapest plan is $15 per month for 500MB of data, while the unlimited plan with 60GB of data is $39 per month if you pay for three months.

AT&T Prepaid

AT&T is known for its amazing coverage, especially in rural areas. Their prepaid plan offers 5GB of high-speed data, which is then throttled to 128Kbps after you've used the data allotment. The plan includes unlimited talk, text, and the ability to text over 230 countries. It also has rollover data, meaning any unused data gets added to the next month's data allotment. The cost is $30 per month (taxes and fees extra).

T-Mobile Prepaid

T-Mobile's network has improved significantly over the years, offering some of the best cell phone plans and widespread 5G coverage. Their prepaid plan is ideal for travellers visiting major cities in the U.S. T-Mobile's 10GB prepaid plan costs $40 per month (before taxes and fees) and includes unlimited domestic talk and text, up to 10GB of high-speed data, free mobile hotspot data, and a 'Music Unlimited' feature that doesn't count against your data.

Cricket Wireless

Cricket Wireless is an MVNO that uses AT&T's network. They offer data-only plans starting at $35 for 20GB of high-speed data, with free usage in Mexico and Canada. This plan doesn't include talk time minutes, so you'll need to use messaging apps to connect with family or friends.

Other Options

In addition to the above options, you can also consider purchasing a local prepaid SIM card on arrival in the U.S. or ordering an eSIM online. eSIM cards are often cheaper and more convenient, as you can order them online and activate them quickly. However, they are data-only and do not support calls.

Best travel phone plans

When it comes to the best travel phone plans, there are a few factors to consider, including your destination, length of stay, and phone compatibility. Here are some recommended options for travellers:

T-Mobile

T-Mobile is a popular choice for travellers due to its extensive coverage and competitive rates. Their Magenta Max and Go5G Plus plans offer international roaming in over 215 countries, with 5GB of high-speed data included. T-Mobile also provides free in-flight Wi-Fi on select airlines and free roaming in Mexico and Canada. Their plans are ideal for those seeking a balance between coverage and cost.

Verizon Unlimited Ultimate

Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan is ideal for frequent international travellers who require reliable connectivity. It offers unlimited talk, text, and data in over 210 countries, with 10GB of high-speed data included. Additionally, Verizon allows you to mix and match plans for different lines, making it a good option for family plans. However, their rates are higher compared to other providers.

AT&T Unlimited Premium

AT&T's Unlimited Premium plan is suitable for travellers heading to Latin America, as it includes unlimited talk, text, and data in 20 Latin American countries. It also covers roaming in Mexico and Canada. However, their international day passes can be expensive for longer trips, and their coverage may vary depending on your location.

Google Fi Unlimited Plus

Google Fi's Unlimited Plus plan is a good option for frequent international travellers who stay abroad for less than 90 days at a time. It offers unlimited data and texting in over 200 countries, with calls costing 20 cents per minute. However, data speeds are reduced after 50GB of usage per month. Google Fi is a reliable choice, especially if you use an Android phone.

Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile, a T-Mobile subsidiary, offers excellent network coverage and benefits such as mobile hotspot functionality. Their plans are ideal for those staying in the US for at least three months, with the best deals available for six or twelve-month commitments. Mint Mobile is a cost-effective option, but you must purchase a minimum of three months of service in advance.

Local SIM Cards or eSIMs

If you have an unlocked phone or a device that supports eSIM, you can consider purchasing a local SIM card or an eSIM for your destination country. This option can be much cheaper than roaming plans, and you can often find data-only plans that work well if you primarily use messaging apps for communication. Apps like Airalo and Ubigi offer eSIMs for various countries, allowing you to stay connected without committing to a long-term plan.

Best international cell phone plans

When travelling, it's important to know what you're on the hook for before you venture abroad to avoid extra charges and big bills. Here are some of the best international cell phone plans to consider:

Google Fi Unlimited Plus

Price: $65 for a single line, with reduced pricing per line when you add more lines.

International features: Unlimited data and texting included in over 200 destinations. Calls cost 20 cents per minute when abroad. Data speed is reduced after 50GB of use per month. This plan is not intended for international use over 90 consecutive days.

T-Mobile Go5G Plus

Price: $90 per month (with $5 autopay discount) with reduced pricing per line when you add more lines.

International features: Up to 5GB of high-speed data, then slower after that, in more than 215 countries and destinations. Texts are unlimited, and calls cost 25 cents per minute when abroad. This plan also includes in-flight texting and Wi-Fi where available.

Verizon Unlimited Ultimate

Price: $90 per month (with $10 autopay discount) with reduced pricing per line when you add more lines.

International features: Unlimited talk, text and data in more than 210 countries. Data speed will be slowed after 10GB of use in a month. Unlike the other plans, this plan includes unlimited talk from abroad. However, Verizon’s fine print notes that use of services may be removed or limited if more than 50% of your talk, text or data usage in a 60-day period occurs in countries other than the U.S.

International add-ons to existing plans

If you like your existing cell phone plan or don’t travel often, you can explore temporary add-ons from your wireless provider.

AT&T International Day Pass

Price: $12 per day when added to an existing AT&T unlimited plan.

At a glance: Unlimited talk, text and data in over 210 destinations outside the U.S. AT&T’s fine print says data is drawn from your domestic plan allowance, with speeds slowing once you go over the designated amount. Once you have signed up, Day Pass activates automatically when you travel.

Verizon TravelPass

Price: $12 per day for customers on Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Welcome plans traveling outside North America. It’s $6 per day in Mexico and Canada.

At a glance: Unlimited talk, text and data in over 210 countries and destinations outside the U.S., with data speeds slowing after 5GB of high-speed use. The TravelPass feature is automatically added to your line (if you have an Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome plan) when you use your device in a TravelPass country.

Other options

International phone plans and add-ons aren’t your only options for using your phone abroad. You could buy a local SIM card when you arrive or an eSIM on a site like Airalo before you go.

Best international phone plans for travel in 2024

International roaming rates can be extremely expensive, so it's important to know what you're signing up for before you travel abroad. Here are some of the best international phone plans for travel in 2024.

Google Fi Unlimited Plus

Good for: Frequent international travellers who stay away for less than 90 days at a time.

Price: $65 for a single line, with reduced pricing per line when you add more lines.

International features: Unlimited data and texting included in over 200 destinations. Calls cost 20 cents per minute when abroad. Data speed is reduced after 50GB of use per month.

Things to know: This plan is not intended for international use over 90 consecutive days. After that, Google will suspend your international data.

T-Mobile Go5G Plus

Good for: International travellers who want connectivity on the plane too.

Price: $90 per month (with $5 autopay discount) with reduced pricing per line when you add more lines.

International features: Up to 5GB of high-speed data, then slower after that, in more than 215 countries and destinations. Texts are unlimited, and calls cost 25 cents per minute when abroad.

Things to know: This plan also includes in-flight texting and Wi-Fi where available. T-Mobile’s Go5G plan, which is $75 per month with autopay, offers unlimited text and 5GB of data in 11 European countries.

Verizon Unlimited Ultimate

Good for: International travellers who want to talk to friends and family in the States while away.

Price: $90 per month (with $10 autopay discount) with reduced pricing per line when you add more lines.

International features: Unlimited talk, text and data in more than 210 countries. Data speed will be slowed after 10GB of use in a month.

Things to know: Unlike the other plans, this plan includes unlimited talk from abroad. However, Verizon’s fine print notes that use of services may be removed or limited if more than 50% of your talk, text or data usage in a 60-day period occurs in countries other than the U.S.

AT&T International Day Pass

Best for: AT&T customers who leave the country for short trips.

Price: $12 per day when added to an existing AT&T unlimited plan.

At a glance: Unlimited talk, text and data in over 210 destinations outside the U.S. AT&T’s fine print says data is drawn from your domestic plan allowance, with speeds slowing once you go over the designated amount.

Things to know: Once you have signed up, Day Pass activates automatically when you travel.

Verizon TravelPass

Best for: Verizon customers who leave the country for short trips.

Price: $12 per day for customers on Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Welcome plans travelling outside North America. It’s $6 per day in Mexico and Canada.

At a glance: Unlimited talk, text and data in over 210 countries and destinations outside the U.S., with data speeds slowing after 5GB of high-speed use.

Things to know: The TravelPass feature is automatically added to your line (if you have an Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome plan) when you use your device in a TravelPass country.

Frequently asked questions