Rob has 15+ years experience running price comparison & review websites that empower consumers to find the cheapest cell phone services, cell phone deals, home phone, and internet providers available. He has been published in Forbes, US News, Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Inc.
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International cell phone plans may not be your first thought when planning your vacation or business trip, however, they should be high on your list.
You'll also want peace of mind knowing that you won't return home to an enormous phone bill packed with international roaming and overage charges.
We'll give you an overview of the best international phone plans from low-cost cell phone providers.
Top 5 international phone plans: Starting at $5/mo
This Tello 1GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 1GB data for only $10 per month. Tello plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Tello review
This Twigby 5GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 5GB data for only $10 per month. Twigby plans offers wireless coverage on the Verizon 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Twigby review
This US Mobile 6GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 6GB data for only $18 per month. US Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read US Mobile review
This Mint Mobile 15GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 15GB data for only $15 per month. Mint Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Mint Mobile review
This Boost Mobile Unlimited plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for only $12.50 per month. Boost Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read Boost Mobile review
4G LTE & 5G data speeds: Since MVNOs operate on the big three cellular networks you'll pay less without sacrificing speed. More and more are adding 5G coverage all the time so you can expect high-speed data.
Unlimited talk and text messaging: Finding a new phone plan has never been easier. Virtually all small carriers include unlimited text and calling in their plan options.
International calls to Canada and Mexico: International calling is a must for many people. Luckily MVNOs offer some of the best international phone plans, with free calling to certain countries like Canada and Mexico, and discounted rates on others.
Wi-Fi calling: This feature is handy when you're out of your service area, allowing you to make calls over the internet instead of on your cellular connection.
Tethering/hotspot data: Many low-cost carriers allow you to use your phone as a hotspot. Pick an MVNO with the best mobile hotspot plans so you can share your mobile hotspot data with other devices.
HD video streaming: Just like the big guys, some MVNOs offer HD video streaming and some don't. Read the fine print to find the option you want.
Unlimited plans: Looking for unlimited talk text and data? Alternative carriers have got you covered. Data-hungry users looking for unlimited data can save serious money by switching to one of the best unlimited data plans. Not sure how much data you need? Check out our data usage calculator.
Basic plans: If you (or a loved one) only use a cell phone to make a few calls, send a couple of messages, and rarely go online then you can opt for a simply prepaid plan. You get basic cell phone functions, an allowance for minutes of talk, and usually around 2GB of data at a great price. Once you run out of your data allotment, speeds slow, but it's usually very easy to add on more.
Bring your own phone plans:BYOP plans are the norm with smaller carriers. Compare cell phone prices and get a great deal to go with your cheap cell phone plan!
To ensure you get the best phone deal, compare cell phone plans from multiple low-cost carriers side by side.
How we picked the best international phone plans
MoneySavingPro reviewed the best value international phone plans available and ranked them based on various factors.
The most important factor we considered was the price of each plan in comparison to other similar plans available in the market. We also evaluated data limits, network coverage, perks, customer feedback, and overall service quality.
We regularly monitor the market to keep track of new products and plan changes offered by carriers. This list is updated at least once a month, or more frequently as necessary.
International phone plans FAQs
What is the cheapest phone plan for international calls?
Many low-cost carriers offer international calling options or data roaming plans. Make sure the calling options include the country you want to make calls to.
Is Verizon or AT&T better for international travel?
AT&T operates on the GSM network, which is a worldwide cellular technology, and it covers more countries than Verizon. It's worth checking availability in the country you're traveling to so you can make sure you have the best plan.
Recap: What is the best carrier for international calling?
MVNOs offer the best cheap international plans, meaning you could save hundreds of dollars a year on your cell phone bill.
With the same coverage and features as a plan with one of the big three, you'll find value for money with these low-cost carriers.
If you really need unlimited data, carriers like Mint Mobile offer it at a fraction of the cost.
