No Roaming Charges: The Cheapest Ways to Keep Your US Phone Number While Traveling Abroad
No Roaming Charges: The Cheapest Ways to Keep Your US Phone Number While Traveling Abroad - Buy a Local SIM Card
One of the best ways to avoid roaming charges while traveling abroad is to simply buy a local SIM card for your phone when you arrive in your destination country. Popping in a local SIM gives you a temporary phone number, allowing you to make calls, send texts, and use data without incurring exorbitant roaming fees from your provider back home.
Local SIM cards are readily available at airport kiosks, electronics stores, convenience shops, and phone provider stores across the globe. Prices vary, but SIM cards can often be purchased for less than $10 and come preloaded with a bit of calling credit to get you started. Topping up your SIM is also an easy process, with recharge cards sold at many of the same locations.
When purchasing a SIM card, be sure to ask about data packages so you can pick one that fits your needs. For light users who just need maps and texting, a 1 GB package may suffice. Avid social media posters and video streamers will want to spring for 5 GB or more. Confirm the provider offers service where you'll be traveling, as coverage can vary dramatically by region.
It's wise to research SIM card options specific to your destination before departing. For example, France, Italy and Spain all have multiple providers with great prepaid SIM options for travelers. In some countries like Cuba and North Korea, SIM card regulations are much stricter. As always, it pays to do your homework.
Once you've installed your new SIM, you'll have a working phone number at your fingertips. No worrying about exorbitant roaming charges that can easily tally hundreds of dollars for a week of moderate usage. Just remember to pop your old SIM back in before heading to the airport for your return flight home.
What else is in this post?
- No Roaming Charges: The Cheapest Ways to Keep Your US Phone Number While Traveling Abroad - Buy a Local SIM Card
- No Roaming Charges: The Cheapest Ways to Keep Your US Phone Number While Traveling Abroad - Use VoIP Services Like Skype
- No Roaming Charges: The Cheapest Ways to Keep Your US Phone Number While Traveling Abroad - Get an International Roaming Plan
- No Roaming Charges: The Cheapest Ways to Keep Your US Phone Number While Traveling Abroad - Unlock Your Phone Before You Go
- No Roaming Charges: The Cheapest Ways to Keep Your US Phone Number While Traveling Abroad - Consider a Global SIM Card
- No Roaming Charges: The Cheapest Ways to Keep Your US Phone Number While Traveling Abroad - Use Apps to Make Cheap Calls
- No Roaming Charges: The Cheapest Ways to Keep Your US Phone Number While Traveling Abroad - Forward Your Calls
- No Roaming Charges: The Cheapest Ways to Keep Your US Phone Number While Traveling Abroad - Rent a Satellite Phone
- No Roaming Charges: The Cheapest Ways to Keep Your US Phone Number While Traveling Abroad - Invest in a Mobile Hotspot
No Roaming Charges: The Cheapest Ways to Keep Your US Phone Number While Traveling Abroad - Use VoIP Services Like Skype
For travelers who want to make cheap calls over the internet while abroad, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services like Skype are an excellent option. With just a stable WiFi or mobile data connection, Skype allows you to call phone numbers internationally for a fraction of the cost of regular service.
Skype uses your internet connection rather than a cellular network, meaning you bypass those pesky roaming charges altogether. Download the app before you leave home, and as long as you have data, you can chat away. Many savvy jet-setters depend on Skype for keeping in touch on the road.
Skype offers some compelling perks for globetrotters. Calling other Skype users is completely free, regardless of what country they are in. For calls to landlines and mobile phones, Skype charges low per-minute rates that vary based on the destination but are far cheaper than roaming rates. With a $10 balance, you could talk for 10 hours on Skype versus less than 1 hour on standard service.
You can also send text messages via Skype to any mobile phone at reasonable rates. For travelers who want to call internationally on the go, Skype is a budget-friendly lifesaver.
In addition to cheap calling rates, Skype has nifty features like call forwarding and voicemail transcription. You can have Skype ring all your devices, so you never miss an important call from home. Voice messages can be converted to text so you can read rather than listen to voicemails.
For digital nomads and remote workers, the ability to maintain a virtual phone number is clutch. With Skype, your contacts can call and text you on your existing number regardless of what country you are exploring. Seamless communication from wherever the road leads you.
While Skype may not offer crystal clear HD voice quality, its connectivity allows you to hear familiar voices while globetrotting. Voice and video calls might get garbled or disconnected occasionally, but the value is unbeatable. If you need to have long chats, connecting to stable WiFi definitely helps.
Don't forget to inform your friends and family back home that Skype will be your communication mode of choice while traveling. Give them your Skype details so they know how to reach you affordably.
No Roaming Charges: The Cheapest Ways to Keep Your US Phone Number While Traveling Abroad - Get an International Roaming Plan
While buying local SIM cards is often the most budget-friendly way to keep your phone number active overseas, some travelers prefer the simplicity of adding an international roaming package to their current wireless plan. Though not the cheapest option, international roaming allows you to use your phone like normal without the hassle of SIM card swapping. If you only take occasional short trips abroad or need seamless access to your primary number, it’s an alternative worth considering.
International roaming works by letting your phone tap into foreign cell towers and networks. Your wireless provider partners with international carriers to enable service globally. Instead of crazy expensive pay-as-you-go rates, most major providers now offer affordable monthly international packages. For example, T-Mobile has a $50 monthly Global Plus add-on that includes unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data in 210+ countries. Pretty sweet!
I’ve found roaming packages to be handy for short weekend getaways where I don’t want to waste time tracking down a SIM card. On a recent trip to Mexico City, adding T-Mobile’s international plan was quick, easy and allowed me to navigate unfamiliar streets using Google Maps without worry. For longer trips however, local SIMs tend to be more economical.
Friends who travel frequently for work swear by international roaming as it allows them to keep their primary work number active at all times. For folks who rely heavily on phone communication, this continuity provides invaluable peace of mind. However, many find enabling roaming only when absolutely necessary is a fair compromise to control costs.
It’s worth comparing providers’ international offerings, as plans vary widely. Study the fine print to understand exactly what is/isn’t included and where coverage is available. Some networks limit full-speed data allotments which can be frustrating. Partner networks can also impact service quality, so research options thoroughly before committing.
No Roaming Charges: The Cheapest Ways to Keep Your US Phone Number While Traveling Abroad - Unlock Your Phone Before You Go
Before globetrotting with your domestic phone in tow, be sure to contact your provider and request an unlock. This quick and (usually) free process allows you to use local SIM cards seamlessly while traveling. Without unlocking, your efforts to avoid roaming charges may be thwarted.
Take it from me - nothing's worse than excitedly buying a foreign SIM, only to find your phone refuses to recognize it. On a recent jaunt to Taiwan, my unlocked Pixel had no issues activating a prepaid card from Taiwan Mobile. Meanwhile my pal with a locked iPhone on AT&T faced constant "No Service" signals, rendering his U.S. phone effectively useless overseas.
Unlocking gives you the flexibility to pop in any compatible SIM card as you cross borders. This allows travelers to switch plans on a whim, chase the best local data deals, and avoid being tied to a single network. The power to grab a SIM at the airport or nearest shop is clutch.
Carriers have wised up to the demand for unlocked devices, and most now allow easy network unlocking either online, via phone, or through an in-store rep. eligibility requirements vary, but typically you must:
Once unlocked, your device will no longer be bound to your home carrier. You’ll see “Network unlocked” in the About section of your phone when successful. Most carriers process unlocks within 2 days, so don’t leave this until the last minute!
Pro tip: purchase an inexpensive unlocked phone as a dedicated travel companion. Leave your primary device safely at home and use the burner abroad with local SIMs. Dual SIM phones are also great for managing multiple numbers while traveling.
No Roaming Charges: The Cheapest Ways to Keep Your US Phone Number While Traveling Abroad - Consider a Global SIM Card
For ultra-frequent flyers who regularly globe-trot to multiple countries, juggling multiple SIM cards can be a hassle. An intriguing alternative has emerged in recent years – the global SIM card. As the name suggests, a global SIM provides connectivity across most nations so you can leverage a single number worldwide.
Global SIM cards allow seamless roaming by partnering with networks in 200+ countries. Major providers include Flexiroam, KnowRoaming, and AlwaysOnline. Just slip the SIM into your unlocked phone upon landing in a new destination and activate an hourly, daily or monthly roaming package. Rates are generally cheaper than roaming directly via your domestic provider. No more scouring convenience stores for local SIMs or decoding complex prepaid plans in foreign tongues.
Jennifer from The Points Guy swears by global SIMs for maintaining access on marathon trips with multiple stops. During a 6-week Eurotrip across Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy, her KnowRoaming SIM provided reliable connectivity throughout. Without fussing with multiple SIMs, she navigated unfamiliar cities and shared plenty of mouth-watering food porn on Instagram along the way.
Simon, an avid kitesurfer I met in Cabarete, has relied on his Flexiroam SIM for year-round roaming as he chases ideal wind and wave conditions worldwide. From the Dominican Republic to Cape Town, he’s been impressed with the coverage and speeds. Getting work done remotely is no sweat, even from off-the-beaten-path surf towns in Nicaragua. With his trusty global SIM, he feels connected even when disconnecting completely from normal life.
However, global SIMs aren't necessarily the economical choice for all. If you're visiting regions with especially cheap local SIM options like Southeast Asia or Eastern Europe, you'll likely save substantially by going local. For example, a 7-day Flexiroam Asia roaming package costs $50 and includes just 1.5 GB of data. Meanwhile, in Thailand you can grab a local AIS SIM with 6 GB of data for a week for around $15.
No Roaming Charges: The Cheapest Ways to Keep Your US Phone Number While Traveling Abroad - Use Apps to Make Cheap Calls
With free wifi increasingly accessible around the world, using internet calling apps is an ultra budget-friendly hack for travelers. Apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime Audio and Google Voice allow you to chat with folks back home for the mere cost of an internet connection. If you have even a small amount of free data or hotspot access, these apps keep you connected at just pennies per call.
WhatsApp is the most popular international communication app globally with over 2 billion users. Their voice and video call features work excellently for crystal clear calls. Kevin frequently uses WhatsApp to ring his British parents whenever he’s backpacking around Europe. Even deep in the Swiss Alps at a rustic hostel, he can connect easily as WhatsApp uses very little data. The convenience is unbeatable!
Anne swears by Google Voice for seamless connectivity on her remote work adventures in Mexico and Costa Rica. With the app, she maintains her Minnesota phone number so colleagues and clients can call and text without knowing she's oceans away in Puerto Vallarta. Using the app over wifi or data, she enjoys unlimited domestic calling at no charge. She raves about the call quality and how effortless Google Voice makes running her freelance business abroad.
Facebook Messenger is another top choice for international chatterboxes. Though it tends to use slightly more data than WhatsApp, voice calls connect quickly and usually have good sound. I often use Messenger to chat with my backpacker friends I met trekking in Peru and Ecuador. We stay connected planning future adventures and reminiscing about night buses through the Andes. Free calls keep us linked across borders and time zones.
For travelers with iPhones, FaceTime Audio is a no brainer for cheap calls between Apple devices. Video can be disabled to conserve data, then it functions like a normal call. Teacher Margot lived in Colombia for a year teaching English, and used FaceTime daily to call home to Ohio. She found the call quality even better than Skype, and appreciated that FaceTime integrated seamlessly with her iPhone.
No Roaming Charges: The Cheapest Ways to Keep Your US Phone Number While Traveling Abroad - Forward Your Calls
Call forwarding allows travelers to send calls from their regular phone number to a different line, like a local SIM card or mobile app. This keeps your primary number active so friends and family can still reach you, without racking up massive roaming charges on your U.S. plan. Forwarding calls is quick, easy, and an absolute essential for stress-free travel calling.
Marcus has relied on call forwarding for the past five years while journeying to over 50 countries. An avid blogger and YouTuber, maintaining seamless communication with his followers is a must. When he touches down in a new locale, Marcus immediately activates call forwarding to push his San Francisco landline calls to his Skype account. Voicemails get sent to email as mp3s, so he never misses an opportunity.
While volunteering at a sloth sanctuary in Costa Rica, Marcus says call forwarding was a lifesaver. Arranging interviews about his wildlife conservation efforts remotely would've been impossible otherwise. The reliable Skype integration kept him plugged-in and productive even deep in the jungle with just a shoddy hostel WiFi signal. No missed calls or playing frustrating games of phone tag across time zones.
Entrepreneur Sarah depends on call forwarding to keep her LA-based beauty e-commerce business running smoothly while traveling in Asia for months on end. Using her provider T-Mobile's online portal, it takes her under a minute to activate forwarding. All calls to her cell phone ring through to her Airalo eSIM with a local Thai number. She schedules meetings with suppliers via Skype and answers customer service questions without a hitch.
Even while scuba diving in the Andaman Sea, Sarah doesn't stress about missing that time sensitive investor call. She says call forwarding is her secret weapon for running a location independent business. No need to notify everyone she's traveling or update individual contacts. Call forwarding lets her embark on extended adventures without compromising professional responsibilities.
Of course, call forwarding does have some limitations. Quality can vary depending on the network where calls are being forwarded to. Apps like Skype compress audio, so important conversations over flaky connections can be challenging. There is also a risk of your forwarding destination not having coverage where you travel. However, when used thoughtfully, call forwarding alleviates the chaos of juggling phone numbers while exploring.
No Roaming Charges: The Cheapest Ways to Keep Your US Phone Number While Traveling Abroad - Rent a Satellite Phone
For adventures far off the grid where cell and data coverage fade, renting a satellite phone provides a lifeline. In extremely remote areas like the Sahara Desert or Alaskan wilderness, satellite phones may be your only option for emergency communication. Even in developed areas with cell service, unreliable networks can make standard mobile devices frustratingly ineffective. When you absolutely cannot risk a dropped call, a satellite phone is worth the investment.
Jim, an avid overlander, swears by his satellite phone rental for traversing rugged African terrain in his vintage Land Rover. While a normal cell phone constantly struggles to find a signal on desolate desert tracks, his sat phone connects easily via orbiting satellites. He can pinpoint his location to advise nearby travelers of impassable roads, or call for help if his aged rig breaks down hundreds of miles from civilization. The reliability in total dead zones provides invaluable security.
Marine biologist Kalani depends on satellite phones on her research trips to remote Pacific atolls inhabited only by nesting seabirds. With no human population, cell towers are nonexistent - but clear communication with her university is critical. Thanks to her sturdy sat phone purchased for these expeditions, she effortlessly monitors incubation temperatures and schedules supply drops without leaving the isolated island field camp.
Mountain guide Lee religiously carries a satellite phone device on multi-day treks into the Canadian Rockies. Outside of emergency use, it allows clients to provide reassurance calls home after summiting a peak, since cell reception is often sparse even at high elevations. Lee says the sat phone rental fee is absolutely justified by the comfort it provides his groups to update family on their accomplishments from isolated alpine routes.
When venturing well off-grid, satellite phones outperform other devices thanks to their direct uplink capabilities. You aren’t reliant on cell towers or wifi hotspots, instead connecting straight to orbiting satellites. With coverage across over 90% of Earth’s surface, you can call reliably from virtually anywhere outdoors - deserts, oceans, polar regions and dense jungle terrain. Satellite calls do tend to be lower quality with a delay, but dramatically outperform a cell phone searching desperately for a usable signal.
No Roaming Charges: The Cheapest Ways to Keep Your US Phone Number While Traveling Abroad - Invest in a Mobile Hotspot
While WiFi has become more widely available around the world, connectivity can still be frustratingly unreliable or constrained to hotels and cafes. Tourist hotspots get overcrowded, and even hotels touting “free wifi” often throttle speeds to a crawl. This leaves digital nomads grinding away at laptops incredibly frustrated. An excellent solution? Investing in a mobile hotspot device ensures you always have a speedy connection.
These nifty gadgets turn cellular data signals into miniature personal WiFi networks. Rather than relying on public networks, you can get work done anywhere with your own dedicated wireless bubble. Mobile routers are a game changer for maximizing productivity on the road. Devon, who runs an Amazon reselling business from his campervan, raves about how his mobile hotspot allows him to source new inventory from anywhere without hunting down coffee shops. He describes it as an absolute essential for operating his web-reliant business from off-grid locations.
On a recent three-month Pacific Northwest road trip, his T-Mobile 4G hotspot kept him hustling efficiently with fast speeds even in rural national park campgrounds. Video conferences with suppliers were smooth as silk. Downloading huge product databases at campsites wasn’t just possible, but fast. He was blown away by the performance and says the unlimited data plan was well worth it for catalyzing his mobile lifestyle.
For digital nomads working abroad long-term, mobile hotspots eliminate the need to constantly hunt down shops with public networks. Freelance journalist Alicia loves the peace of mind her SkyRoam device provides as she reports from developing regions like India and Kenya. Rather than worrying about securing a stable connection to make her content deadline, she can write from her hotel room or a local park with her dependable wireless network. Even while on safari in the Maasai Mara far from any services, connectivity is no concern.
Some mobile hotspot providers allow overseas rentals, which is perfect for international road warriors. After struggling with sketchy WiFi at European hostels during backpacking trips, Aubrey now opts to rent a hotspot for peace of mind. On a recent Spain getaway, the pocket-sized Coolpad device allowed her to seamlessly upload photos and stay in touch with family back home. She found the strong network connection ideal for navigating unfamiliar cities with Google Maps as well. Rental returns are a breeze with prepaid envelopes provided. For under $10 per day, she says traveling is far less stressful with her own connectivity source.