Extended overseas travel comes with some logistics challenges. One of the biggest for full-time travelers and digital nomads like us is staying connected – while staying on budget.

After more than 19 months abroad, we’ve learned a lot about international phone plans, data usage, and how to keep our U.S. numbers active while living abroad, on a budget, one country at a time. If you’re navigating similar decisions, here’s what worked for us – and a few things that didn’t.

“Wait, What? I Can’t Just Use My Phone Abroad Like I Do at Home?

Most Americans assume their phone will “just work” when they land in Paris, Mexico City, or Bangkok – just like it does when they fly from Chicago to New York.

Spoiler alert: It’s not that simple. And not knowing this can lead to:

• Hundreds of dollars in roaming fees
• Missed messages or banking texts
• The inability to call or text when it matters most

Understanding the Basics of Mobile Phone Usage While Traveling

If you’ve never left the U.S., the whole phone-might-not-work thing might not even be on your radar. Your phone just works, right? If you’ve never left the U.S., you might not realize your phone setup needs a complete rethink for long-term international travel. For those who’ve never ventured abroad, navigating mobile phone usage can feel like trying to solve a puzzle in the dark. Let’s break it down:

The Basics (Or “Why Is This So Complicated?”)

Your phone needs three things to work abroad, and yes, they all matter:

1. Voice/text service (for those delightful bank verification codes)
2. Data (for everything else under the sun)
3. An unlocked phone (a locked phone is about as useful as a paperweight)

Phone Calls, Texts, and Data: They’re Not All Created Equal

• Phone Calls: These can rack up charges faster than you can say “Hello?” Most carriers charge international rates that’ll make your eyes water.
• Text Messages: Usually cheaper than calls, but still not exactly budget-friendly.
• Data Usage: This is where things get interesting (and expensive) if you’re not careful.

Examples of When Your Phone Uses Data:

Knowing when your phone uses data can help you manage your connectivity costs while traveling, especially if you have limited mobile data or expensive roaming charges.

1. Navigating with Google Maps or Apple Maps
   If you’re on the road and using your phone’s GPS (think Google Maps, CityMapper or transportations apps) without a Wi-Fi connection, your phone will use mobile data to download maps and route information.
2. Streaming Services
   Apps like Youtube, Netflix, Spotify, Apple Music, or Audible (just to name a few) will use data to stream if you’re not connected to Wi-Fi.
3. Social Media Browsing
   Scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook while out and about uses your data connection if you’re not connected to Wi-Fi..
4. Sending Texts/Photos Through Messaging Apps
   WhatsApp, iMessage, or Messenger will use mobile data for sending or receiving messages and files when not on Wi-Fi.
5. Checking Email or Browsing the Web
   If you open your email or a browser app like Safari or Chrome away from Wi-Fi, you’ll rely on data.
6. Using Apps That Sync in Real-Time
   Apps like weather updates, stock trackers, or fitness trackers may use data (when not on wi-fi) to keep you updated.

Are we seeing a pattern here folks?

How to Save Money (and Data) By Using Wi-Fi

For budget-conscious travelers, maximizing Wi-Fi use while minimizing data usage can save a lot of money!

1. Download Before You Go
   Preload anything you’ll need—maps, itineraries, tickets, reservation confirmations, walking tours routes, playlists, podcasts, or Netflix episodes—while on Wi-Fi at home or your accommodation. This way, you can avoid using mobile data when you’re out and about.
2. Use Wi-Fi for Video Calls
   Apps like Facebook Calls, Zoom, and WhatsApp video can chew through mobile data. Stick to Wi-Fi for all your virtual meetups.
3. Turn Off Automatic Updates
   Apps and software updates can be data guzzlers. Adjust your phone’s settings to only allow updates when connected to Wi-Fi.
4. Upload Photos and Videos at Night
   Instead of uploading your travel photos on the go, wait until you’re back on a reliable Wi-Fi network. Set the apps to “wifi only” to avoid hefty data charges for large files.
5. Use Messaging Apps on Wi-Fi Instead of Texting
   Apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, or Facebook Messenger allow you to send texts, photos, and even voice messages without using your mobile data—but only if you’re connected to Wi-Fi. If you’re not on Wi-Fi, these apps will switch to using your data plan. To save money, wait until you’re on a Wi-Fi network to send larger files or use these apps.
6. Find Free Wi-Fi Hotspots
   Coffee shops, libraries, train stations, and even some public squares often offer free Wi-Fi. Use these hotspots to check emails, download files, or make a quick call. (Make sure you have your VPN on before connecting to the wifi!)
7. Turn Off Background Data
   Apps often run in the background, syncing and consuming data. Go into your settings and disable background data usage for apps you don’t need on the move.
8. Tether Your Laptop or Other Devices
   If you need to use another device, like a laptop, connect it to your phone’s hotspot while on Wi-Fi instead of using mobile data.
9. Use Offline Modes
   Many apps, like Google Maps, Spotify, and YouTube, have offline modes. Pre-download your content over Wi-Fi so you can access it without a connection later.
10. Switch to Wi-Fi Calling
    If your carrier supports it, enable Wi-Fi calling in your settings. This lets you make calls and send texts over Wi-Fi instead of your carrier’s network.

A Word About VPNs… Because Public WiFi Is Wild and Sketchy

Let’s talk about something that saved us from some potentially sticky situations – VPNs (Virtual Private Networks). Criminals may compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal credit card or personal information. When you’re hopping between coffee shops, airports, and random city WiFi networks, a VPN isn’t just nice to have… it’s essential.

Why You Actually Need a VPN While Traveling

• Public WiFi networks are about as secure as a screen door on a submarine
• Some countries block access to News (we’re looking at you Canada) and U.S. banking websites
• Certain apps (looking at you, Netflix) get weird about foreign IP addresses
• Hotel WiFi networks aren’t any more secure than public ones

What We’ve Learned About VPNs While Traveling

• Enable auto-connect to avoid forgetting to switch it on
• Some mobile carriers (like Mint) won’t let you check voicemail with VPN active
• Banking websites occasionally flag VPN connections as suspicious
• And here’s a weird one…. we can’t watch any Youtube videos (none, sip, nada) while in South America and using the USA location on our VPN.

VPN Tips That Actually Work

1. Connect before opening any banking or email apps
2. Use split tunneling to keep some apps off VPN (helps with local services)
3. Changing your VPN location can help bypass regional restrictions
4. Download the mobile and desktop apps before leaving

Pro tip: Test your VPN with all your crucial services before heading out. Nothing like discovering your bank hates your VPN while you’re trying to pay for dinner in a foreign country…

U.S. Carriers and International Plans: A Budget Reality Check

Most major U.S. carriers offer some form of international plan, but they tend to be expensive – especially for travelers like us who are away from the U.S. for extended periods of time and are on a tight monthly budget. $150 a month for connectivity? That’s a hard No – that’s a big slice of our travel funds!

Instead, we opted for a hybrid strategy that combines:

• Mint Mobile to keep our longtime U.S. phone numbers active
• eSIMs to handle data needs while out and about, and while away from wifi

This setup keeps costs down and flexibility up – but it took a little trial and error to get it working smoothly.

Before You Travel: Understand the Three Kinds of Phone Use

In the U.S., everything is bundled. You pay a flat monthly fee and never think about what’s data vs. voice vs. text (SMS). But abroad, these parts are often separate – and priced separately. It’s important to understand the difference so you don’t pay more than you need to.

There are three major categories:

1. Voice (Phone calls):
   • Uses the cellular network.
   • Most expensive part of using your phone abroad.
   • Often requires a special international plan, or Wi-Fi calling and text enabled.
     
2. Text messages (SMS)
   • Also uses the cellular network.
   • May incur roaming charges unless you’re using WiFi and WiFi messaging apps.
     
3. Data* = Internet use (apps, maps, email, social media)
   *Lets you do 95% of what you probably care about.
   • Easiest and cheapest to get via local or international eSIM.
   • When you’re abroad, using mobile data means data roaming on a foreign network – which is often very expensive unless you’ve planned ahead.
   • Even small background apps can rack up unexpected charges if you’re not careful.

📌 So what does that mean for you?

• You don’t need to use your phone for “voice calls” if you’ve got apps like Messenger, WhatsApp or Signal.
• If your bank wants to send you a 2FA code via text (SMS) and your phone isn’t set up correctly, you could be locked out of your account.

Your U.S. carrier may allow international roaming, letting you call, text, and use data abroad. However, roaming charges can be expensive unless you’re on an international plan.

Using a local SIM or Global eSIM is usually more cost-effective – it gives you access to a local network at local rates.

Before traveling, check if your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM or physical SIM swaps.

Myth vs Fact

Myth: My phone will work abroad because it’s unlimited.
Fact: “Unlimited” is while you’re in the States! Unless you’re willing to pay more for International unlimited.

Myth: I don’t need to plan ahead.
Fact: You might lose access to banking or text messages.

Myth: I have to buy a new phone plan.
Fact: You can add a cheap eSIM for data and keep your U.S. number.

Myth: I’m not techy enough for this.
Fact: If you can install an app, you can do this.

What’s the Difference Between a Cellular Call and Wi-Fi Calling?

Cellular Call (Regular voice call)

• Travels through your mobile carrier’s towers.
• Requires a compatible international plan or roaming agreement if you’re traveling.
• Additional Charges may apply.

Wi-Fi Calling (VoWiFi)

• Uses an internet connection to connect your voice call.
• No roaming fees. It works anywhere you have solid Wi-Fi and have wifi calling enabled on your phone and on your account.

Think of a regular voice call like mailing a letter from your home.

Think of a Wi-Fi calling like sending an email – you need internet, not a local mailbox.

Texting – SMS/MMS vs. Messaging Over Wi-Fi: What’s the Difference?

Not all texts are created equal – even though most of us don’t give it a second thought. We’re so used to messages just working that it’s easy to miss the differences between how they’re actually delivered.

SMS and MMS (Text & Multimedia Messaging)

• SMS (Short Message Service): These are standard text-only messages sent over your phone’s cellular network.
  
• MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service): Used to send photos, videos, emojis, or long messages. MMS also uses your cell network but requires mobile data – unless your phone and carrier specifically support MMS over Wi-Fi.

📌 Why it matters: Without a cellular connection, SMS and MMS usually won’t go through – unless you have Wi-Fi Calling/Text enabled and your carrier supports messaging over Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi Messaging Apps

(Like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Signal, or iMessage when both users have iPhones)

• These apps use the internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data) to send messages.
• No need for a cell signal.
• They’re often free, reliable for international travel, and offer more features than traditional texting

✅ Messaging – What They All Have in Common

Despite their differences under the hood, all these messaging methods let you:

• Send text messages
• Share photos, videos, or links
• Chat one-on-one or in groups
• Send voice messages or emoji/stickers
• Get notifications when someone messages you

So yes – to almost all of us, they feel the same. But when you’re abroad or in a low-signal area, those differences can really matter.

🔍 Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	SMS/MMS	Wi-Fi Messaging Apps
Requires cellular signal	✅ (unless Wi-Fi Calling + supported by your carrier)	❌ (uses Wi-Fi or data only)
Works without internet	✅	❌
Supports media (photos, videos)	MMS only	✅
Needs the same app on both devices	❌	✅
Works on any phone	✅ (even flip phones)	❌ (smartphones only)
Cost for international use	💵 Possible charges	🚫 Usually free over Wi-Fi

📌 Why it matters:
SMS, MMS, and Messaging Apps Abroad

If Wi-Fi Calling and Texting is enabled and supported by your carrier, you may be able to send SMS and MMS (standard text and media messages) over Wi-Fi – even in airplane mode. But:

• Not all carriers support MMS over Wi-Fi
• If you’re on prepaid or an MVNO plan, support for SMS/MMS over Wi‑Fi may not be included.
• You may still be charged international texting rates, depending on your plan

To avoid surprises and improve reliability, it’s better to use Wi-Fi messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, Facebook Messenger, or iMessage (iPhone to iPhone). These apps use the internet and are free to use over Wi-Fi anywhere in the world.

🧠 Tip Before You Travel:
Before you leave the States, make sure you’re connected with friends, family, and key contacts through Wi-Fi messaging apps instead of relying solely on traditional SMS or MMS. They’ll work anywhere you have Wi-Fi – and they’re often free and more reliable abroad.

Real-World Tips We’ve Learned the Hard Way

Real Talk About Data Usage

A year plus worth of travel fulltime teaches you a few things…

• Google Maps and GPCMyCity are surprisingly hungry for data
• WiFi is everywhere (restaurants, cafes, hotels… even some park benches)
• Airplane mode with WiFi on becomes your new best friend
• Sometimes sharing that perfect sunset photo waits a few minutes for WiFi… and that’s okay

Managing Your Data Usage:

• Google Maps and GPCMyCity are data hogs… download offline maps when possible
• Always ask for WiFi at restaurants and cafes
• Keep your phone in airplane mode unless you specifically need data
• Consider delaying social media posts until you have a WiFi connection

Voicemail Quirks:

• Sometimes it works over WiFi, sometimes it doesn’t
• Consider changing your voicemail greeting to direct people to WhatsApp, Signal or Messenger
• Some carriers won’t let you check voicemail with a VPN active

Handling Those Pesky Bank Verification Texts

This is where things get interesting… Two-factor authentication (2FA) can be a real headache while traveling, but we’ve figured out some workarounds:

• Most 2FA texts come through fine using WiFi calling
• Some banks use “Advanced SMS” that requires cellular connection
• Pro tip: Dig deep in your bank’s security settings – many have hidden email 2FA options
• If a bank won’t budge on SMS… maybe it’s time to find a more travel-friendly bank

Understanding International Roaming vs. International Plans

When traveling abroad, you might hear the terms “international roaming” and “international plan” used interchangeably – but they aren’t the same. Here’s what you need to know:

International Roaming is the capability your mobile carrier gives your phone to connect to foreign networks outside the U.S. This means your phone can make calls, send texts, and use data just like at home. However, roaming by itself doesn’t control costs – without a plan, charges can quickly add up, sometimes $10 or more per day just to stay connected.

That’s where an International Plan comes in. It’s a service add-on or package you purchase from your carrier to make roaming “more” affordable. These plans often offer a set daily or monthly fee that lets you use your phone almost like you do at home – without worrying about sky-high charges. For example:

• Mint Mobile recently launched a new Minternational Pass for just $5 per month, which includes 100 SMS and 100 minutes of calls when you’re abroad – a great budget-friendly option if you plan to rely on wi-fi for most calls and text messages.
• Verizon’s TravelPass lets you use your plan abroad for about $10/day in 200+ countries.
• AT&T’s International Day Pass offers daily pricing with widespread coverage.

Recap:

• International roaming is the technical ability to connect abroad.
• An international plan is the cost-saving option that lets you use roaming without surprise fees.

Before your trip, check what your carrier offers and whether your phone supports the plan you want. This way, you can stay connected without blowing your budget.

Why Google Fi and Google Voice May Not Be Ideal for Extended International Use

The subject of international phone usage comes up so frequently on the nomad message boards. Several people in the nomad world have ported their stateside cell phone numbers over to Google Fi or have a Google Voice number but there are risks there.

• Google FI has been known to shut down your account if you keep your device active abroad for more than about 30 consecutive days
• You might lose your Google Voice number if you don’t use it regularly. (Sandra had a Google Voice number and lost it because we went one month without using it… just gone… no getting it back)
• Some banks won’t accept a Google Voice number for 2 factor authentication (2FA).

Since 2FA is a real issue when traveling with credit cards and having to make monthly transfers between bank accounts, we decided to switch to Mint Mobile so we can keep our US numbers – which we’ve had for a hella long time – for voice and text messaging, and use eSims for data

Would You Rather

You’ve just landed in a new country. You’re tired, your bags are heavy, and the airport is crowded.

Would you rather…

A) Fumble with airport Wi-Fi, try to connect a rideshare app while dozens of other people are doing the same, and hope it works before your battery dies?

OR

B) Pop open your phone with your international data eSIM already loaded, open the app you already set up, and request a ride before you even leave baggage claim?

👉 That’s the difference reliable data makes.

Even if you don’t need to call anyone, having mobile internet the second you land saves stress, time, and possibly money (hello, airport taxi scams 🙃).

Quick Settings Checklist Before You Go

1. Unlock your phone (contact your carrier)
2. Enable WiFi calling
3. Set up your eSIM
4. Download essential offline maps
5. Configure bank notifications for email where possible
6. Install your VPN
7. Set up your VPN to auto-connect
8. Test everything while you’re still home
9. Download WhatsApp (because that’s how most of the world communicates)

Daily Usage Tips: Internet Security Routine

• VPN on before WiFi connection
• Check for secure website indicators
• Avoid financial transactions on public WiFi without VPN
• Use mobile data for sensitive tasks if VPN issues arise

Our Setup: Mint Mobile + eSIM

• Mint Mobile: Lowest tier plan ($180/year) for keeping our U.S. numbers
• Roamless & Airalo: Global eSIM plan
• Phone stays in airplane mode unless we specifically need cellular data
• Everything important happens over WiFi with our VPN turned on

Why We Chose Mint Mobile

We’ve had our U.S. phone numbers forever and didn’t want to lose them. Mint Mobile lets us keep those numbers active (for just $180 a year) and gives us basic calling and texting capabilities when we need them (via wi-fi).

What we like:

• Annual plans are cheap
  
• U.S. texting/calling still works when we are on Wi-Fi
  
• UPDATE! Mint Mobile recently launched a new Minternational Pass for just $5 per month, which includes 100 SMS and 100 minutes of calls when you’re abroad. This option lets you send texts and make calls even when you’re not on wifi! YEAH!!!

What we don’t love:

• Voicemail is flaky outside the U.S. (and doesn’t work reliably for either of us) but everyone that knows us know we don’t listen to voicemails anyway!

Still, for $15/month or less, Mint Mobile keeps our U.S. phone numbers alive and usable.

We’re affiliates (because we genuinely use and like their service), so here’s our referral link if you’d like to support our travels. No pressure – just sharing what works.

Heads-up: Wi-Fi Calling/Text Setup May Be Tricky

Again, make sure your cellular phone plan (account) has enabled Wi-Fi calling and texting before leaving the U.S. – We discovered that Sandra’s account wasn’t enabled after we left the States and had to contact support just to enable it – and needed to receive a 2FA text to do that, which she couldn’t get without Wi-Fi calling. Catch-22. Lesson learned: Test everything while still stateside.

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Data While Traveling: eSIMs for the Win

Airalo had been our go-to eSIM provider for global data. Setup was easy, the app is intuitive, and their regional and global plans cover all of the places we’ve traveled expect Albania.

Our picks:

1. Airalo’s Global 365 plan, which includes 20GB for $69, good for a full year in 80+ countries.

Why we like it:

• Works in almost every country we’ve visited (Panama, UK, Portugal, Argentina…)
• No need to buy a new SIM every time we change countries – unless you travel to Albania apparently
• Transparent pricing, no hidden fees

Real usage stats:

• Jeff used ~17GB in 9 months
• Sandra used the full 20GB in about 7.5 months (she does more stuff on her phone when we are out and about!)

2. Roamless Flex plan, which

Why we like it:

• Works in Albania! (We’re told it works in other countries as well but we just signed up for the first time here in Albania so we’ll update as we continue our travels)
• No need to buy a new SIM every time we change countries
• Add funds, use it globally and keep your remaining balance for your next trips with no expiration.

Real usage stats:

• We’ll update in a few months!

We rely on Wi-Fi when we can, but it’s been incredibly useful to have mobile data when navigating foreign cities or checking bus/train updates in real time.

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Using Two SIMs on One Phone

We both use Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra phones, which support both a physical SIM and an eSIM. Here’s how we set it up:

• ESIM, set as primary for data (Jeff has Airalo, Sandra has Roamless)
• Mint Mobile: Physical SIM, set as secondary

You can configure which SIM handles data, calls, and texts in your phone’s SIM Manager settings.

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Texting, Messaging, 2FA, and Banking Abroad

We transitioned friends and family to Signal, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger before we left the U.S. That way, we don’t rely on traditional text messaging.

Most of our 2FA texts have come though fine using Wi-Fi calling and text.

But we’ve run into some snags with two-factor authentication (2FA) – especially for banking:

• Some banks don’t accept Google Voice or VOIP numbers
• Some require a cellular network (not just Wi-Fi calling) to receive SMS
• One of my banks required that I switch to Mint Mobile as my primary sim and therefore use the cellular connection and so I had to pay to receive the text message. (I later found an email option buried in the settings and switched to that)

Tip: Always check if your bank supports 2FA via email. If not, call and ask — sometimes they have hidden options.

International Phone Basics: FAQs

Checklist: Using Your Phone Abroad with Dual SIM

*Based on what works for us.

To set up your phone like we did our Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultras, you’ll be using your Data plan as your primary means of connecting your phone to the outside world and relying on MintMobile (for callls/texts) only while on Wi-Fi.

Before You Leave

•  Make sure your phone is unlocked (so it can use other carriers).
  
•  Sign up for and install Mint Mobil’s 5GB $15 plan (paid annually)*
  • Ensure wifi calling and text is enable on your account
    
• Enable Wi-Fi Calling on your phone (do this while still in the U.S.).
  
• Test Wi-Fi Calling at home to make sure it works. (Ensure your home wifi signal is strong, then put phone in airplane mode, turn on wifi, and then call or text people.)
  
• Buy and install an Airalo’s Global 365 day 20 GB DATA plan or RoamlessFlex – use our referral code at Roamless to get $5 FLEX credits: SANDRA8TD

*If you are switching providers we recommend doing this at least thirty days before you leave the USA so you can sort out any kinks before you leave.

2. Phone Settings to Use Abroad

•  In your phone’s settings;
  • Set Airalo or Roamless eSIM as the Primary SIM
  • Set MintMobile SIM as Secondary SIM
•  Leave Data Roaming* on (so it works in the new country).
•  Keep both SIMs active so you can receive calls/texts on your U.S. number and use data from your eSIM.
•  Use Wi-Fi whenever possible to save on data.

*Note: Regarding our Data Roaming and the Data Switching setting – since our MintMobile accounts don’t involve any data plan, the Data Roaming setting and the “Allow Cellular Data Switching” setting generally does not matter for data usage – our phones will not be able to use data from our MintMobile SIM (because it doesn’t have any), regardless of whether it’s on or off. If you go with a different provider – you may want to rethink this setting.

3. While Traveling

• Use APPS like WhatsApp, iMessage, or Signal for most communication.
• Download maps while on Wi-Fi for use while navigating
• Monitor your data usage in your phone’s settings or the eSIM app.
• If you want to use only Wi-Fi (no cellular data at all), you can turn on Airplane Mode and then manually turn Wi-Fi back on while in cafes, hotels, etc.

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Tip:
Keep your U.S. number active for important calls and texts, but use your eSIM and Wi-Fi for everything else to save money.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple and Flexible

Our mobile strategy isn’t one-size-fits-all – but it’s worked well for us. Keeping our U.S. numbers through Mint Mobile gives us continuity and flexibility, while eSIMs give us affordable, hassle-free data coverage across dozens of countries.