Are you going on an international trip? If you plan to use your phone as usual to stay in touch with family or share photos on social media, don’t let unexpected chargers surprise you. You need an international data roaming plan or add-on. Here’s how much it costs and what you need to know.

What you need to know about international data roaming

SO, what is data roaming? The concept is quite simple. You have a wireless carrier (like AT&T) that provides cell service and data to your phone when you’re not connected to Wi-Fi. When you go to a location not covered by your carrier, your phone will move to another network (like Verizon or T-Mobile cell towers) to ensure you stay connected.

These days, if you use one of the major carriers, data roaming is likely free in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. You basically use your phone as always; it simply works on another brand’s network until you return to your carrier’s coverage area.

Abroad, data roaming can cost up to 300 times the price of domestic data, leading to shocking bills. International data roaming allows users to access data and make calls while traveling by connecting to a local network in that region.

Fortunately, your home network probably has a deal with many mobile carriers in popular destinations, but you have to pay to take advantage of it with an international data roaming add-on. If you do not do this and move freely, you risk surprisingly high cell phone bill upon your return. Prices vary by carrier, location, and plans, but here’s how much it typically costs for US users of Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.

How much does Verizon international data roaming cost?

International roaming data plans have changed a lot over the years, and most carriers now offer a somewhat similar selection. If you are a Verizon customer and preparing to travel, you I have a few options:

• Travel Pass: $12 per day (per line) in over 210 countries and destinations.

• International Month Plan: $100 per month (per line) for unlimited international data, texting and more. Perfect for long trips.

• Cruise day pass: $30 per day (per line) to enjoy smooth browsing, but you only get 0.5 GB of data and 50 minutes of calling per day.

As you can see, international roaming is an additional expense that you will need to factor into your travel plans. Those going on a trip longer than 78 days might as well benefit from a monthly plan instead of the daily rate.

Without Verizon’s Travel Pass or International Monthly Plan, you will be charged à la carte prices it can range from $1 to $3 per minute on calls, up to $0.50 per text message sent and $2.05 per MB of data. This last point is extremely important, and just scrolling through social media or sending a few photos can quickly burn through hundreds of dollars in data charges/MB.

How much does AT&T international data roaming cost?

If you’re traveling outside the United States and need an AT&T international data roaming plan to ensure you don’t incur overage charges, your choices are similar to Verizon’s. Here is what AT&T has to offer:

• AT&T International Day Pass: $12 per day in over 210 destinations with unlimited calls, texts and data; only $6 per day for each additional line. No additional fees after 10 days ($120) of international use.

• AT&T Basic Cruise: $60 per line with unlimited text, 100 minutes of talk time and 100 MB of data usage. (30 day plan)

• AT&T Cruise Plus: $100 per line with unlimited calls, texts and 1 GB of data. (30 day plan)

• AT&T Passport: A downgraded option that is no longer available to most customers with an AT&T Unlimited plan. It costs $70 per month and only offers 2GB of data.

AT&T and Verizon offer the same price for daily international data passes, but Verizon offers a better rate for a longer trip. Most carriers also offer daily, monthly and cruise packages to travelers.

Without an international pass, AT&T usage rates are from 1$ to 3$ per minute on calls, up to $0.50 per text message sent and $2.05 per MB of data.

How much does T-Mobile international data roaming cost?

Unlike Verizon and AT&T, many of T-Mobile’s options, like the Go5G plan, already include up to 5GB of high-speed data and unlimited texting in more than 215 select countries and destinations. However, you will probably want a complementary international pass to make calls and get additional data.

• 1 day international pass: $5 with 512MB that works as a hotspot and unlimited calls.

• 10-day international pass: $35 per line with an additional 5GB of data and unlimited calling.

• 30-day international pass: $50 with 15GB of additional data and unlimited calling.

The information above is accurate as of November 2024, but T-Mobile frequently changes its plans and options. It’s always a good idea to call T-Mobile (or whatever carrier you’re using) to check plans and destinations or check roaming fee rates.

International data roaming on prepaid carriers

Fortunately, many prepaid carriers (MVNOs) offer international data plans, but there are too many providers to list. Popular prepaid cell phone carriers like Boost Mobile offer global roaming plans starting at $20 per month; Mint Mobile offers its “Minternational Pass” in over 180 countries or destinations for 1/3/10 days, ranging from $5 to $20.

US mobile plans already have a small limit on international calls, texts and data, or you can get a $15 roaming add-on. Visible by Verizon offers its Global Pass for $10 per day with unlimited talk, text, and 2GB of data in over 140 countries or destinations.

Plan ahead to avoid problems or overruns

Depending on your operator, your mobile plan or your destination, you may obtain different results. We recommend always calling your cell phone provider in advance so you know what to expect and can plan accordingly.

You’ll also want to sign up for a transit pass in advance so your phone will work once you arrive at your destination. Otherwise, you might find yourself without a signal or having to pay roaming charges when trying to sign up for an international plan.

Otherwise, we recommend turning off mobile data, set a data limitor turn off your phone completely. To disable mobile data roaming and avoid overages, iPhone users can go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Optionsor most Android devices have a similar option under Settings > Relationships > Mobile network.

Ultimately, you’ll definitely need an international data roaming pass from your mobile carrier and use Wi-Fi as much as possible when traveling. I have AT&T and used its pass on a trip to Singapore, Thailand, Paris, and Ireland this year without any problems.