t mobile global travel

The Best Cell Phone Plan for Travelers Just Got Even Better

By Paul Brady

T-Mobile announced today that its standard-issue cell phone plan will now cover you in more than 200 countries worldwide for no additional fee, the carrier announced today . T-Mobile already offered excellent coverage internationally—with more than 140-plus countries included—and now they’re pretty much everywhere. The enhanced service will be automatically available to anyone with a T-Mobile ONE plan, starting July 22.

The welcome news deserves one big caveat, which is that this coverage comes at 2G speed—far slower than what most of us are used to at home, where zippy 4G LTE is the norm. T-Mobile has a solution for that, too, in the form of a newly announced “daily data pass,” that gives you up to 512 megabytes of truly high speed data in any of those 210 countries for $5 a day. (The price also includes fully unlimited calls; texts are already included with Simple Global.) That service, which customers can buy through the T-Mobile app, comes online August 1.

What if you don’t want to switch phone plans just for the overseas service? We’ve got a hack for that, too: The Skyroam Solis is a hockey puck–sized portable hotspot that offers 4G speed in TK countries, costs $9 a day, and connects to any Wi-Fi–enabled device regardless of carrier. Our editors have successfully used it around the world, including in South America, North Africa, and in Russia just a few weeks ago, during the World Cup. “The portable device kept me online everywhere,” writes Condé Nast Traveler editor Megan Spurrell , “and because it connects to data networks, not public Wi-Fi, it lessened the security risks of not using a VPN. One $9 day pass let me connect up to five devices to the network at once, so the price is even more appealing for those traveling as a group.” The only knock we’ve got is that it “only” works in 120 countries.

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T-Mobile International Phone Plans – Countries, Coverage, Rates, and More

Andrew Kunesh

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Breaking Down T-Mobile’s Free International Data

512 mb international day pass, 5 gb international pass, 15 gb international pass, which t-mobile data package is right for you, how to sign up for an international data package, t-mobile’s supported countries (free and paid), pros of t-mobile’s international data plans:, cons of t-mobile’s international data plans:, final thoughts.

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Having an international data plan can make international travel  a lot easier. You have instant access to maps and can keep in touch with your travel companions without worrying about purchasing a new SIM in each country.

For years there’s been 1 big issue with international data plans: the cost. Plans were expensive and had low data limits with limited coverage. Depending on your itinerary, this could have added a huge extra expense even though it may not have worked for the entirety of your travels.

Thankfully, though, that’s no longer the case.

For the past few years, T-Mobile has offered most of its post-paid customers free international data and texting in over 210 countries worldwide. And while this has a few quirks, its price-point and list of supported countries make it one of the best mobile data options for most travelers.

In this article we’ll walk you through all of the quirks and features of T-Mobile’s international data plans. We’ll take a look at the different plans available, discuss what features each plan includes, and show you which countries are supported.

By the end of the article, you should have an understanding of if T-Mobile’s international data plans are right for you.

Let’s get started!

As discussed earlier, T-Mobile includes free international data and text with 2 of its 3 smartphone plans: Magenta ® and Magenta ® Plus.

This sounds great on paper (because it is!), but there’s 1 major quirk to be aware of: your data is limited to 2G speeds at roughly 128 Kbps on the Magenta plan and 256 Kbps on the Magenta ® Plus plan.

This isn’t quite as bad as it sounds, though. Even though data is slow, it’s more than enough for using Google Maps and sending texts through WhatsApp and iMessage. However, you won’t be able to stream video, post photos, or otherwise use the internet without some serious loading time. In many cases, we’ve seen web pages actually time out and not load at all.

The good news is that there’s no data cap when you’re roaming. This means you can use as much data (and send as many texts) as you’d like, and you’ll never have to worry about an exorbitant bill at the end of a long trip abroad. However, the amount of data you’ll actually be able to use will be limited due to the plan’s exceptionally low speed.

Do note that travel to Canada and Mexico is not limited to these low speeds. Magenta ® and Magenta ® Plus plans get 5 GB of complimentary 4G LTE per month in the 2 countries, then revert to the slower speeds we discussed earlier. This means you’ll have a largely seamless experience when traveling within North America, something invaluable for business travelers and tourists alike.

While texting and mobile data are included, note that calling is still subject to an extra charge. We’ve found that most countries charge $0.20 to $0.25 per minute, with others charging slightly more. We’ll include calling costs in the supported countries table later in the article.

Buy a T-Mobile Data Pass for Faster Speeds

Need something faster than 2G data abroad? Thankfully, T-Mobile offers a variety of international data packages that let you use full 4G LTE speeds when traveling to any supported country worldwide. There are 3 of these plans currently offered and each comes with a different data limit and — naturally – price point.

Each of these plans has 1 thing in common: data packages aren’t restricted to 1 specific country. If you’re planning a trip around Europe, you can use the same high-speed data package throughout the entirety of your journey. You don’t need to worry about notifying T-Mobile or dropping extra money when crossing another border.

Additionally, each of the 3 plans includes Smartphone Mobile Hotspot at no extra charge. This means that multiple people can share 1 international data pass over Wi-Fi from the subscribed device, making it perfect for families and couples traveling together.

Here’s a look at each of the 3 high-speed data packages:

The 512 MB International Day Pass costs $5 per day and includes — as the name suggests — 512 MB of high-speed international data for 1 day.

This plan also includes unlimited calling for the day, making it perfect for keeping in touch with friends, family, and business partners back home.

The 5 GB International Pass includes 5 GB of data and unlimited calling for up to 10 days . This plan costs $35 per 10 day period, making it a great option for week-long trips around the world.

T-Mobile’s highest international data pass is the 15 GB International Plan. This plan costs $50 and lasts 30 days, giving you a whopping 15 GB of data and unlimited calling to work with.

With so many data packages available, it might seem hard to pick 1 for your trip. Here’s a quick look at why you may pick 1 plan over another.

Stick with complimentary 2G data if you…

• Only want to use maps, instant messaging, and email.
• Don’t need to download email attachments or other large files.
• Plan on being in a big city and close Wi-Fi hotspots during your travels.
• Don’t want to use your phone too much during your trip.
• Want to save money at the expense of better connectivity.
• Can use FaceTime Audio, Skype, or WhatsApp for calling.

Buy a 512 MB International Day Pass if you…

• Need to do light web browsing for restaurant recommendations, etc.
• Plan on sending a few picture and video messages on a daily basis.
• Are taking a short trip abroad.
• Need to make phone calls back to the U.S.

Buy a 5 GB International Pass if you…

• Are traveling for 7-10 days.
• Want to stream music and light video for entertainment.
• Need to browse the internet more heavily for business or leisure (during long train rides, etc.).
• Make phone calls back to the U.S.

Buy a 15 GB International Pass if you…

• Are traveling for more than 10 days.
• Plan on tethering your phone to your tablet or laptop to your phone to share its internet connection.
• Plan to be away from free Wi-Fi hotspots (countryside travel, etc.).
• Do data-intensive work and need to send files when working remotely.

Bottom Line:  Think about how you use your phone when you travel. The less you use it, the lesser of a data package you need.

Free international roaming at 2G speeds is automatically enabled. When you land in a new country, you’ll get a text message confirming that you’re in a supported country and that you’re not liable for charges (see example above).

Signing up for an international data package is simple, too. The plans don’t require any type of contract or other commitment, and you can sign up for a plan whenever you want through the T-Mobile app or website. Here’s how to add a data package through the T-Mobile app:

• Log in to the T-Mobile app on your smartphone.
• Tap Account and then tap  “Add Ons”  next to the Primary Account Holder’s field.
• Tap Manage Data & Add-ons.
• Tap the checkbox next to the pass you’d like to add to your account.
• Tap  Continue  and then tap  Change Date  if you’d like to choose a start date for your pass. If you don’t select a date, the pass will start immediately .
• Click Agree & Submit  to load the plan to your account.

That’s all there is to it. Your international data package will start on the date you set, and you can enjoy high-speed international data wherever you are in the world.

T-Mobile offers mobile data roaming in 210+ countries worldwide. You can view the entire list of countries on T-Mobile’s international travel website — just type in the name of the country you plan to visit , see if mobile data and texting are supported, and check the price of pay-as-you-go calls.

Note that most tourist-heavy countries  are supported — in fact, we’ve found it hard to find countries that aren’t supported by T-Mobile’s international data plans. However, we recommend checking before your trip regardless so you’re not met with any surprise mobile data charges.

Pros and Cons of T-Mobile’s International Data Plans

As you can see, T-Mobile offers pretty compelling mobile data plans. Before you make a purchasing decision, it’s important to take a look at the pros and cons of T-Mobile’s international plans in 1 place. So without further ado, here they are:

• Complimentary mobile data (at 2G speeds) and text messaging, great for maps and instant messaging.
• Low-cost LTE plans with a variety of data options — there’s truly a plan for everyone.
• LTE plans all include unlimited international calling.
• Expansive coverage in 210+ countries, so you can stay connected when you travel.
• Complimentary data is too slow for most online activities like web browsing and streaming.
• International calling is expensive without a premium data plan.
• T-Mobile has a spotty coverage map in the United States.

Overall, we think that T-Mobile’s international data offerings are stellar because of its diverse variety of international data plans. Those that just need maps and texting can stick to the free base plan, while business travelers and others that need faster data and mobile hotspot can upgrade to a data package.

Further, we’re also huge fans of the peace of mind you get with T-Mobile’s international plans. Since all Magenta ® and Magenta ® Plus customers get complimentary data, there’s no worrying about overage charges if you run out of high-speed data. Just make sure to keep an eye on your calling as unlimited calling is only included if you purchase a data package.

Safe travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the t-mobile essentials plan come with international data and texting.

T-Mobile Essentials plan only includes 2G data in Canada and Mexico. Other countries are not included with this plan.

Can I use my cell phone in a different country?

Most modern smartphones are configured to work internationally. You may want to check your phone’s owner’s manual or call T-Mobile to check if you have an older phone or are unsure if your cell phone works outside of the United States.

Does T-Mobile offer discounts for seniors and active duty members of the military?

Yes, T-Mobile offers discounted service for those over 55 and active members of the military. These plans are called Magenta® Unlimited 55 and Magenta® Military. Check T-Mobile’s website for pricing and further details on these plans.

Can I bring my existing phone if I switch to T-Mobile?

Most modern smartphones can be brought to T-Mobile. Use T-Mobile’s compatibility tool to check if your smartphone is compatible with T-Mobile’s network.

Can I call international phone numbers with my T-Mobile smartphone?

You can, but you will pay a per-minute fee. Check out T-Mobile’s international calling page for country-by-country pricing.

Does T-Mobile offer in-flight Wi-Fi for its customers?

Yes! All T-Mobile customers get unlimited messaging (iMessage, Facebook, etc.) and 1 hour of free in-flight internet on Gogo-enabled flights. Plus, Magenta® Plus customers get unlimited in-flight internet on all Gogo flights.

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About Andrew Kunesh

Andrew was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs and now splits his time between Chicago and New York City.

He’s a lifelong traveler and took his first solo trip to San Francisco at the age of 16. Fast forward a few years, and Andrew now travels just over 100,000 miles a year, with over 25 countries, 10 business class products, and 2 airline statuses (United and Alaska) under his belt. Andrew formerly worked for The Points Guy and is now Senior Money Editor at CNN Underscored.

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Best international phone plans in 2024 — what travelers need to know

Heading overseas? Find out what your cellphone provider charges if you use your phone

• T-Mobile phone plans
• Verizon phone plans
• AT&T phone plans
• Google Fi plans
• Other options
• Device compatibility and eSims
• 5G coverage when traveling

Before your summer travels overseas, you should look into whether you've got one of the best international phone plans for staying connected during your upcoming adventures. In the U.S., all the major wireless carriers offer some kind of travel benefit with their best cell phone plans , but they also have supplementary packages for travelers to augment the data plan you already have in place. The trick is to make sure those options keep you covered around the globe.

1. T-Mobile : Best choice for travelers 2. Verizon : TravelPass options 3. AT&T : Best for travel in Latin and Central America 4. Google Fi : An underrated traveling companion 5. Other options : Other international phone plans to consider

The best international phone plans will let you make calls and browse the web when you're in another country (though there might be a fee on top of your normal monthly rate, depending on which carrier you use). Different plans might cover different countries, and how long you plan on traveling could also impact your choice of plans. Your method of travel — be it by plane or cruise ship — also affects which plan is best for you.

All of these are things for globetrotters to consider when shopping for wireless coverage. You're going to want one of the best unlimited data plans since they tend to offer the most travel-related perks. If you haven't travelled internationally in a while, it's smart to double-check what options are out there since the best phone carriers have overhauled their plans and packages available to travelers.

Here’s a look at the travel policies and perks for the three top U.S carriers along with information on Google Fi, which offers a plan that definitely appeals to frequent travelers.

T-Mobile international phone plans

T-Mobile offers an expanded array of plans, though most of its unlimited data plan options have some benefits for overseas travel. Subscribe to Magenta, Magenta Max, Go5G, Go5G Plus or Go5G Next, and you enjoy unlimited data and texting in more than 215 countries around the world. If you want to place or receive calls, you’ll be subject to the local rate depending on where you want to go. You don’t need to notify T-Mobile of your travel for your overseas benefits to kick in.

T-Mobile Go5G Plus Plan | Unlimited Data | $90/month T-Mobile's Go5G Plus plan has the edge over Magenta Max for world travelers, even if the latter plan is $5 cheaper for a single line. That's because Go5G Plus customers get more data when traveling in Mexico and Canada (15GB vs. 10GB for Magenta Max) and 10GB more hotspot data. Otherwise, the two plans are identical: You can use your data in 215-plus countries at no extra cost. The first 5GB of data you use use will be high-speed data (with 5G speeds supported where available). The cheaper Go5G and Magenta plans ($75/month and $70/month, respectively) also feature travel benefits, including high-speed data in 11 European countries. Otherwise, data speeds are capped at 256 kbps.

Travel perks in current plans: As part of T-Mobile's Beyond Connected program, data speeds now reach 256 kbps when you're overseas. If you subscribe to either the standard Magenta or Go5G plans and you're in one of 11 European countries, you can enjoy 5GB of high-speed data every month, thanks to a partnership with T-Mobile parent Deutsche Telecom.

The perk gets better when you upgrade to either Magenta Max or Go5G Plus, both of which cost $15 more a month than their respective base plans. In that case, you can benefit from 5GB of high-speed data in 215 countries.

Go5G Next, T-Mobile's most expensive plan at $100/month for a single line, has the same travel benefits as Go5G Plus, but adds the ability to upgrade your phone every year. If that's not important to you, stick with Go5G Plus and pay $10 less each month on your wireless bill.

T-Mobile customers can take advantage of free Wi-Fi on American, Delta, Alaska Airlines and United flights. Magenta Max and Go5G Plus subscribers get full texting and Wi-Fi with streaming during flights, where wireless is available. If you go with the standard Magenta or Go5G option, you're covered on four flights per year with full streaming, plus unlimited texting; after those four flights, you can stream one hour of video. Delta SkyMiles members also get free Wi-Fi on domestic U.S. flights courtesy of T-Mobile — even if they get their wireless service from another carrier.

In Mexico and Canada, T-Mobile allows you to use up to 5GB of data whether you've got Magenta or Magenta Max; speeds are slowed to 2G after that. Go5G customers get 10GB of data in those two countries, while Go5G Plus members enjoy 15GB.

T-Mobile includes travel benefits in two of its remaining senior plans, with identical travel perks between the $100 Go5G Plus 55 option and the $120 Go5G Next 55 plan. (Note that those monthly prices cover two lines of data; one line of either Plus or Next cost $70 and $80, respectively.) Travel perks include high-speed data and text when you travel abroad, plus unlimited in-flight connectivity. When you travel to Canada or Mexico, you get 15GB of high-speed data. Both plans also include a year's membership to AAA for road travel in the U.S.

If you opt for T-Mobile's lower cost Essentials unlimited plan, you'll get 2G roaming in Canada and Mexico, but have to pay for data elsewhere.

Trip-specific passes: T-Mobile offers International Pass options for travelers who want high-speed data during lengthier stays overseas. A 5GB International Pass gives you that much high-speed data along with unlimited calling for 10 days. It costs $35. T-Mobile's $50 International Pass increases high-speed data to 15GB and extends the length of the pass to 30 days. The carrier also offers a $5 daily pass that gives you 512MB of high-speed data, and unlimited calling between the 215 or so Simple Global destinations. 

Cruise rates: Pricing on cruises will vary according to which cruise you’re taking. You can check T-Mobile’s site to see what your pricing will be.

Verizon international phone plans

Verizon phones generally work all over the world, especially if you've got a phone built in the last few years. But where you travel significantly influences how much you’ll have to pay. As for which is the best Verizon phone plan for travelers, that all depends on how frequently you go overseas. There's a clear choice for regular globetrotters, but Verizon's less expensive offerings allow you to tack on travel benefits, too.

Verizon Unlimited Ultimate | Unlimited Data | $90/month Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan offers the most benefits for world travelers. Verizon promises "full international connectivity," meaning you'll be able to use talk and text for free when overseas; you also get 10GB of high-speed data every month that you can use in other countries. Unlimited Ultimate is Verizon's most expensive plan, so unless you take frequent trips, you may be better served by Unlimited Plus ($80/month for one line) or Unlimited Welcome ($65/month). Those two plans can add on a $10/month Travel Pass options that provides three days of talk, text and data when you're overseas. You can drop the Travel Pass add-on from your plan in months were you don't need it. Verizon lets family plans mix and match lines so one person can get Unlimited Ultimate, while the others subscribe to the cheaper options.

Travel perks in current plans: Of Verizon's three unlimited plans, the best for frequent travelers is the Unlimited Ultimate option, which lets you use talk and text in other countries just like you would in the U.S. You also get 10GB of high-speed data to use overseas every month.

Unfortunately, Unlimited Ultimate is Verizon's most expensive plan, costing $90 a month for one line. (And that's after a discount for enrolling autopay.) There are cheaper options — Unlimited Welcome and Unlimited Plus — that include travel perks. Both plans let you text internationally to 200-plus countries. You can also use LTE data when traveling in Mexico and Canada. You're limited to 0.5GB of data consumption per day in those two countries before your speeds are slowed to 2G, and you can't use more than half of your talk, text and data in those countries over a 60-day period.

In addition to the base Welcome Unlimited and Unlimited Plus packages, you can opt for $10 monthly add-ons for your Verizon plan — some covering streaming services, another providing hotspot data and so on. The relevant package is Verizon's $10/month 3 TravelPass Days add-on, which saves you $20 a month on travel benefits as you pick up three passes during monthly billing cycles. You can accrue up to 36 passes for using talk, text and data when traveling overseas.

Unlimited Welcome starts at $65/month for one line, while Unlimited Plus is $80. If you have a family plan, you can mix and match so that different lines of data subscribe to different plans — helpful if there's one person in the family who travels a lot and would benefit from the Unlimited Ultimate perks.

Trip-specific passes: Let's talk a little bit more about the TravelPass . It's Verizon's daily option for international coverage, and it’ll cost you $5 per day per device for each day you’re out of the country if you travel to Mexico or Canada and don't have an unlimited plan. In 185 other countries — including China, France and Germany — Verizon charges $10 per device per day. TravelPass gets you 2GB of 5G data, and unlimited data at 3G speeds after that; the passes also come with unlimited talk and text.

If you know you’ll be traveling for a bit more time, consider Verizon’s monthly option, which the carrier recommends for trips lasting at least 10 days. International Monthly Plans at Verizon cost $100/month, but in exchange, you get 250 minutes of talk, unlimited texts and 20GB of high-speed data. (Use that, and you get unlimited data at 3G speeds.)

Verizon also offers pay-as-you-go pricing for international travel. You’ll pay 99 cents per minute in Canada and Mexico, Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands. Rates go up to $1.79 in 130-plus countries and $2.99 in 80 other places. Each text message you send will cost you 50 cents, and each received text will set you back 5 cents. Your data will be charged at a rate of $2.05 per megabyte no matter where you are.

Cruise rates: Pay-as-you go rates on cruise ships cost $1.99 for each minute of talk and 50 cents for every sent text message. You’ll pay 5 cents per message received. Verizon has a data plan for cruise passengers, too, with $30/day giving you 500MB of data plus unlimited texting and 50 minutes of talk time. For in-flight connectivity, you can opt for the same pay-as-you-go rates for cruise trips or you can pay $20 per day for unlimited data.

AT&T international phone plans

AT&T also comes with varied international pricing depending on where you want to go. Canada and Mexico travel is covered in many top AT&T plans, and if you pay up for the Unlimited Premium option, you can use your plan in many Central and South American countries. Traveling elsewhere? Then you had best look into AT&T's travel passes.

AT&T Unlimited Premium| Unlimited Data | $85.99/month It's AT&T's most expensive unlimited plan, but Unlimited Premium has the best perk for travelers — you can use your talk, text and data at no extra cost in 20 Latin American countries.  As with other AT&T unlimited options, you also enjoy talk, text and data coverage when traveling in Canada and Mexico.

Travel perks in current plans: If you’re heading to Mexico or Canada, AT&T already covers all of your voice, data and text with its four different unlimited plans — Starter, Extra, Premium and the entry-level Value Plus option. AT&T offers a lone tiered data plan with 4GB of data that you can use in Canada and Mexico (though roaming may be at 2G speeds). Both unlimited and tiered data plans feature unlimited texting to 120-plus countries.

The Unlimited Premium plan is the best option for travelers headed to the Americas, as you'll be able to enjoy unlimited text, talk and data at no additional cost in 20 Central and South American countries. 

If you do a lot of international calling from home, AT&T offers unlimited calling to 85-plus countries from the U.S. for $15 per month for each line. Calls to another 140-plus countries get discounted rates under this plan.

Trip-specific passes: For anyone off to Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America or the Asia Pacific region on a short jaunt, AT&T recommends its $10-a-day International Day Pass, which comes with unlimited talk and text and data governed by your plan. (Note that each device you take overseas will need its own Day Pass.) That service is available in 210-plus countries, and you can add extra phones for just $5 a day.

You'll never have to pay for more than 10 days of day passes on any one bill, even if your trip lasts longer. International Day Passes also kick in automatically when you use your phone abroad — you get a text message letting you know you're covered.

Cruise rates: On cruises , AT&T offers a $60/month Cruise Basic plan that covers 100 minutes of talk and unlimited texting while also offering 100MB of data. Need more of everything? Then try the Cruise Plus plan ($100/month), which includes 1GB of data on top of unlimited talk and text. 

Google Fi international phone plans

If you do a lot of international traveling, don't ignore Google Fi Wireless , the wireless service set up by Google that uses cellular towers of T-Mobile and US Cellular to provide coverage. International travel is built into two of Google Fi's plans — the Unlimited Plus and Flexible options.

Google Unlimited Plus| Unlimited Data | $65/month The Unlimited Plus plan is the way to go with Google Fi, as you can use your data at no extra cost when traveling overseas. Google Fi customers who pay by the gigabyte of data used are also eligible for this perk.

Travel perks in current plans: You've got two options with Google Fi — tiered data through the company's Flexible plan or a pair of unlimited data options. Flexible coverage costs $20 a month for talk and text plus $10 for each GB of data you use. (Data usage is rounded off to the nearest megabyte so you only pay for the data you consume.) Google stops charging you after you use 6GB a month, meaning you'll never pay more than $80. 

If you find unlimited data plans more appealing, Google has you covered there, too — it also offers a $65 Unlimited Plus option that rolls in unlimited talk, text and data. Unlimited Plus subscribers now get a year of YouTube Premium as a perk. 

The real benefit to either Unlimited Plus or Flexible is that those plans cover you when you're traveling in 200-plus countries. When you're overseas, Google Fi charges the same rate for data usage, whether you're on an unlimited data plan or paying by the gigabyte. Voice calls cost 20 cents (though calls placed over Wi-Fi are free) and you get unlimited SMS messaging. 

Alas, Google's $50/month Simply Unlimited plan is not eligible for the free data perk when traveling. That said, all three of Google Fi's plans let you use talk, text and data in Mexico and Canada.

Google Fi is even more appealing now that Google has opened up service to all phones, including iPhones. Note that phones optimized for Google Fi — Google's Pixel phones (currently the Pixel 8 , Pixel 8 Pro , Pixel Fold and Pixel 7a )  along with a selection of Samsung phones and Motorola budget devices — can switch seamlessly between cellular networks and Google's Wi-Fi hotspots, while other phones cannot.

Trip-specific passes: Unlike the other carriers here, Google Fi doesn't offer travel passes for extended trips. Your only option is to get coverage through the Flexible and Unlimited Plus plans.

Cruise rates: Google Fi is not available when you're at sea — only when you're on land in one of the 200-plus countries covered by the carrier.

Other international phone plan options

Discount carriers typically don't provide much in the way of benefits for travelers, but there are some exceptions. The most noteworthy alternative is Visible , which has expanded the travel perks for subscribers to its $45/month Visible Plus plan .

Visible is owned by Verizon and uses its parent company's network for coverage. The Visible Plus plan features unlimited data, including access to Verizon's high-speed 5G network. Travelers will be particularly interested in the unlimited talk, text and 2GB of daily data available through Visible Plus when traveling in Canada and Mexico. Visible Plus customers are also eligible for one free Global Pass day per month, in which they can use talk, text and data at no charge in 140 countries. Globla Passes normally cost $10.

Best international phone plan: Device compatibility and eSims

Traveling overseas used to mean checking to see if your phone would be compatible once you set foot in another country. But those days are drawing to a close now that 3G networks are shutting down, eliminating much of the distinction between phones that work on either GSM and CDMA. If you've got a recent smartphone that connects to LTE, chances are strong it's going to work just fine in other countries. (You still might want to confirm that your phone works on the LTE bands available in the country you're heading to prior to your trip, just to avoid any unpleasant surprises.)

Many phones now support electronic SIM cards or eSIM technology, where you no longer need to swap in a local SIM card to make your smartphone work with an overseas network. (Since the iPhone 14 , Apple devices sold in the U.S. only feature eSIM support — that includes the newer iPhone 15 models.) One of our editors took an international trip using an eSIM for her phone and found it easy to setup and use with a local network — in fact, she plans to use the eSIM approach on all future travel. 

That said, not every country supports eSIM. And depending on your phone carrier in the U.S., you might already have options that cover your phone use in other countries.

International phone plans: What about 5G?

As noted above, many of the plans that offer international travel either have you connect at whatever speed is available locally or at a reduced speed in cases where you're drawing from your own data plan. But what if you've got a 5G phone that can connect to faster networks overseas?

For the most part, we'd expect your phone to operate as before, either at whatever speed the local network offers or a capped speed if that's part of your carrier's travel plans. However, in a few instances, U.S. phone carriers have started making deals with overseas wireless providers that allow their customers to access 5G speeds when roaming. You should check with your carrier for information about the country you're going to travel in.

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Philip Michaels is a Managing Editor at Tom's Guide. He's been covering personal technology since 1999 and was in the building when Steve Jobs showed off the iPhone for the first time. He's been evaluating smartphones since that first iPhone debuted in 2007, and he's been following phone carriers and smartphone plans since 2015. He has strong opinions about Apple, the Oakland Athletics, old movies and proper butchery techniques. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.

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T-Mobile expands its Simple Global data roaming to more countries

The carrier's customers can now take advantage of unlimited data and texting and 20-cents per minute phone calls across more countries.

Subscribers who use T-Mobile's Simple Global feature to travel to anywhere in Europe and South America no longer have to worry about roaming charges.

The carrier announced on Thursday that it has expanded its Simple Global feature to 20 new countries to support 145 countries altogether . That means postpaid subscribers of the plan get unlimited data and texting at no extra cost and flat-rate calls to mobile phones and landlines charged at 20 cents per minute when traveling to any of the supported countries.

Simple Global is actually a free feature included with T-Mobile's Simple Choice plans.

This is just the latest move by a carrier to broaden its appeal to consumers as the mobile industry battles for subscribers. T-Mobile has long used its free international data coverage as a key selling point -- something the other US carriers have been unable to fully match.

With the new additions, Simple Global now covers all of Europe and South America, as well as countries in North America and the Caribbean, the Asia-Pacific region and Africa and the Middle East. T-Mobile claims that Simple Global will now cover 90 percent of the trips abroad that Americans take each year. One new destination is the Bahamas, a spot that more than 2 million Americans visit every year, according to the carrier.

A list of all supported countries is available on T-Mobile's website.

In announcing the new countries, T-Mobile took the opportunity to bash its rival US carriers, criticizing Verizon for "jacking up their customers' rates as soon as they step across a border." The company also dinged AT&T and Sprint by posting a chart showing the cost among all four carriers of using your mobile phone for weekend trips in such places as London and Lisbon.

In spite of its usual tirade against the industry, T-Mobile does have a point.

Mobile phone customers who travel abroad for business or pleasure want the ability to make calls, surf the Web and send text messages without having to worry about exorbitant roaming charges. T-Mobile tries to ease the process by cutting out those expensive fees as long as you subscribe to its Simple Global or Mobile without Borders plan, the latter offering unlimited calling, texting and 4G LTE data among the US, Mexico and Canada.

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List of 210+ Countries Covered by T-Mobile International Plan

Last Updated on March 6, 2024 by Rose Morah

T-Mobile has great international plans and covers over 210 countries.

These plans offer you unlimited data, text, and calls in over 215 countries and destinations.

This article has a list of countries covered by T-mobile international plans and the types of international plans that help you stay connected while traveling abroad.

But before we get into that, the following are the international plans that enable you to roam in over 215 destinations.

• The Magenta®.
• Simple Choice™.
• New Classic.
• Select Choice.

With the Magenta® international plans, you can choose between Magenta® plans and  Magenta® MAX plans. These plans have unlimited data and texts in the 210+ destinations.

Here’s what’s included;

Magenta® plans

On this plan, you get:

• Unlimited data.
• Unlimited calls.
• Low-rates calls.

Magenta® MAX plans

• Unlimited data at 2X speed.

Interested? Compare the prices on their website .

Does T-Mobile Have Service In Costa Rica?

Does T-Mobile Have Good Coverage in UAE?

Does T-Mobile Work In Colombia?

List of North America & Caribbean Countries and Destinations covered by the T-Mobile International Plan

The 2 Best International Sim Cards For the Caribbean .

Does T-Mobile Work In the Bahamas? (Our Experience) .

10 Free Metro by T-Mobile Smartphones .

List of South & Central America countries and destinations covered by the T-Mobile International Plan

List of European countries and destinations covered by the T-Mobile International Plan

List of Asia & the Pacific countries and destinations covered by the T-Mobile International Plan

List of African & Middle East countries and destinations covered by the T-Mobile International Plan

To get the T-Mobile International rates, you only need to add your destination on the T-Mobile official website. 

Other things to know about T-Mobile International

How can you get faster data speeds on t-mobile when traveling abroad .

T-Mobile provides its customers with high-speed data when they get an International Pass if they already qualify for the following plans.

• Essentials.
• Simple Choice.

What is covered in the T-Mobile International Pass?

T-Mobile has both high-speed data options of up to LTE speeds and unlimited voice calling. You have to choose any of the following options:

• International Pass ($5/day)

Get 24 hours of unlimited calling and 512MB of high-speed data.

• 5GB International Pass ($35 for 10 days)

Get 10 days of unlimited calling and 5GB of high-speed data.

• 15GB International Pass ($50 for 30 days)

Get 30 days of unlimited calling and 15GB of high-speed data.

Related : Is T-Mobile International Pass & Simple Global Worth It?

Planning to travel outside of T-Mobile’s U.S. network areas?

Be sure to check out the T-Mobile Coverage Map for the T-mobile roaming locations.

Hello there! My name is Rose. I’m passionate about electric cars and clean energy. My adventurous spirit and journalistic pursuits make each day fascinating and far greater. I consider traveling not just about the grandeur moments, but the little elements that transform the whole experience.

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• Digital Nomads

T-Mobile Travel Plans: The Best International Cell Phone Plans

Published April 5, 2023

Written by:

Nick Hilden

Pacific Northwest native Nick Hilden is a travel and culture writer whose work has appeared in Afar, the Daily Beast,...

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Table of Contents

International cell phone plans got a major shakeup in 2020: T-Mobile bought Sprint, one of the best international providers.

Now T-Mobile’s travel plans rule the global cell phone game.

Below we’ll take a look at the new Magenta travel plans from T-Mobile, as well as a few alternatives, to see which are the best options for international travelers.

Disclaimer : This is not a paid endorsement of T-Mobile, Sprint, or any cell phone company listed below. Any positive—or negative—review is my own opinion.

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T-Mobile Travel Plans: Magenta and Magenta MAX

The new T-Mobile international plan comes in two tiers: Magenta and Magenta MAX .

The basic Magenta is similar to the old T-Mobile One plan in terms of price and what’s included in the package. The MAX steps things up a notch.

The new T-Mobile travel plans start at $70/line. The price per line decreases with each line added: $60/line for two lines, $40/line for three lines, and $35/line for four lines.

The Magenta MAX is priced at $85 for one line, $70/line for two lines, $55/line for three lines, and $50/line for four lines.

In other words, the more lines you add, the less you pay per line. You’ll get a better price if you need several lines for your whole family.

In this article, we’ll look specifically at what’s offered in the single-line plans.

T-Mobile Magenta

• Unlimited talk and text
• Unlimited 5G and 4G LTE when within the T-Mobile Network
• 100GB of premium data
• Netflix Basic
• Taxes and fees included
• 5GB high-speed data then unlimited use at 3G speeds
• SD streaming
• Extended Range 5G
• Ultra Capacity 5G

T-Mobile Magenta MAX

• Unlimited premium data
• Netflix Basic (1 line) or Standard (2+ lines)
• 40GB high-speed data then unlimited use at 3G speeds
• Up to 4k UHD streaming

With Sprint out of the way, T-Mobile’s travel abroad plans are now the most reliable international cell phone plans available. Unfortunately, they come with a pretty big price jump from the $50 customers used to pay for the old T-Mobile One and Sprint international plans). But, T-Mobile’s coverage is extensive, spanning over 210 countries. I’ve used it in rural Vietnam, for example, and enjoyed surprisingly good service.

While the company claims that you’ll always have at least 3G speeds, in some regions of the world they will lag below that. When you do have 3G, your phone service is almost like what you’re used to. Allow for extra time to do the little things you take for granted like loading Instagram or refreshing your browser. Consider the lag time a disincentive to using your phone. You’re traveling! Get back out there and do something cool in real life.

T-Mobile also used to provide data “kickbacks” that would give customers with $10 credits for using less than two gigabytes of data in a billing cycle, but now that offer is only available to customers who signed up before April 2018.

Verdict: T-Mobile is your best choice for travel. Arguably your only choice.

If you want to connect to decently fast internet without any extra work anywhere in the world, choose T-Mobile as your provider. You’ll be online and have a working phone from the moment you arrive. No extra set up required. Land, turn on your phone, and you’re ready to go.

Keep reading for more alternatives if traveling with T-Mobile won’t work for you.

International Cell Phone Alternatives

With Sprint out of the way, T-Mobile has emerged unrivaled as the best international cell phone provider. While Verizon and AT&T both offer global plans, neither stacks up to T-Mobile’s plan. I’ll review Verizon and AT&T international roaming plans, just to be thorough, but they are identical, and they’re both bad.

AT&T International Day Pass

You can pay $10 a day for AT&T’s International Day Pass . That’s a lot, even if you’re only traveling for a week. This plan is full of restrictions, overages, and fine print. For example, you aren’t allowed to use more than 50% of your typical data usage. Here’s a direct quote from their site:

“If you have apps running in the background that use data, you’ll be charged the daily fee.”

You only get charged for the days you use it, but you’re going to forget and accidentally open one link, and boom—$10. Avoid this plan like the plague.

AT&T Passport International Plan

This is an interesting option, but only if you don’t plan on using it. For $40 (in addition to your monthly bill), AT&T Passport gives you unlimited text, $1 calls (woof), and 200MB of data. But overages apply: $0.25 per MB. No one thinks about the amount of data they use, so you will go over this plan quickly. If you accidentally watch a YouTube video, you’re screwed.

You can pay more for more data ($60 for 300MB, $120 for 800MB) but even on the $120 plan you still have overage fees ($0.15 per MB). That’s insanity. Avoid AT&T abroad.

Verizon International Travel Pass

Verizon’s TravelPass is basically the same as AT&T—$10/day (on top of your plan) for international roaming—but has even worse overage fees and charges. Verizon charges $25 for going over 100MB.

Monthly plans are available as well, with two options:

• $25/month: For 100MB of data, $1.79 per minute talk, 50 cents per text sent and 5 cents per text received
• $40/month: For 100MB of data, 100 minutes, 100 texts to send and unlimited texts to receive

Did you read that carefully? You have to pay to receive texts .

AT&T and Verizon’s fees might be tolerable if you’re traveling abroad for a weekend but not for multiple weeks. If you’re traveling long-term, you need a better solution.

If none of these international roaming plans will work for you, consider going rogue and getting your own SIM card in-country.

Get Your Own SIM Card

The first step to getting a compatible SIM card is unlocking your phone. Relax, unlocking isn’t as hard as it used to be. In fact, unlocking your phone is completely legal. Most providers will even do it for you if you qualify.

Note: Unlocking a phone is not the same thing as “jailbreaking” your phone. Jailbreaking means running apps, programs, or an unapproved operating system on the phone. Jailbreaking your phone also won’t let you switch carriers.

Compatibility: Unlocked Phones, GSM, and SIM Cards

Every cell phone company uses either a GSM or CDMA network. T-Mobile and AT&T use GSM. Sprint and Verizon operate on CDMA. Find out which network the country you’re traveling to uses and plan accordingly. Even unlocked phones won’t work on the wrong network, and you can’t just swap in a new SIM card either. The issue is the frequency the phone uses.

Quad-Band Phones

To further complicate things, even if you’re GSM compatible, your phone still might not work. US and Canadian phones operate on the 850/1900 GSM band, while most other GSM countries use the 900/1800 band. That means you need a quad-band GSM phone.

The new Google Pixel is a sweet unlocked phone with access to the Google Fi network. This phone is a little fringe right now but worth investigating if you’re tech savvy.

All of this sounds more technical than it is. Old school burner phones are often quad-band GSM compatible. Just double-check your make and model to be sure. For Europe, however, you don’t need to do anything; you’re fine.

International SIM Cards

The FCC ruled in 2015 that cell phone companies have to unlock phones when a contract runs out or you pay off your phone. It’s the law (at least for now). That rule is why phone companies got smart and launched those new “free upgrade every year” plans. Yearly upgrades keep unlocked phones off the market and make sure you stay loyal with a new leased phone every year.

If you have an unlocked, GSM-compatible phone, you’re good to go. Research local cell phone plans, buy a SIM card, and never worry about data overages and roaming fees. You will have to cancel your US plan or pay double while you’re traveling, which is always a bummer.

WiFi Calling Apps

Sometimes the best international phone plan is no plan at all. Put your phone on airplane mode, enjoy the benefits of spectacular battery life, and get used to riding the WiFi train if (and when) you can connect.

Tethering your usage to WiFi is a hassle, especially if you’re a working digital nomad , but here are a few essentials that every traveler should have on their phone.

WhatsApp is the king of WiFi calling and texting because it’s free, easy to use, and just plain works. Enjoy free calling to friends and family from anywhere (almost), free document sharing, group messages, voice messages, video chat, and even a “Moments” feature like Snapchat and Instagram.

Download WhatsApp if you’re leaving the country. Actually, download the app even if you aren’t traveling. WhatsApp is a great way to stay in touch with your international friends.

Google Voice

Google Voice lets you message and call people from a Google-assigned number in your phone. You’re already using Google for a ton of stuff, so incorporating Voice into your international phone strategy is a cinch.

Just download the app and enjoy transcribed voicemails, group messages, and international calling. All you need is a WiFi signal.

Travel with T-Mobile

International roaming plans can be complicated (AT&T and Verizon especially), so I’ll simplify it for you. Find a domestic carrier with rates and roaming data you can stomach, then never second guess staying in touch while abroad.

While digital nomads have a few options for making calls, the bottom line is that T-Mobile offers the only international cell phone plan that’s worth your money.

To summarize:

• The T-Mobile Magenta and Magenta MAX international plans provide the most reliable service.
• AT&T and Verizon are expensive and full of overages.
• WhatsApp is still king of WiFi calling.
• SIM cards aren’t that complicated, just do a little research.

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Pacific Northwest native Nick Hilden is a travel and culture writer whose work has appeared in Afar, the Daily Beast, the Los Angeles Times, Men’s Health, Fodor’s, Popular Science, Scientific American, Thrillist, Vice, Runner’s World, and many, many more. He’s carried a Tortuga Outbreaker through year after year of traveling to places like Turkey, Tunisia, Thailand, Vietnam, Spain, Serbia, France, Italy, Greece, Mexico, all across the U.S., and beyond. You can follow his travels via Instagram @nick.hilden.

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T-Mobile’s New Internet Plan Lets You Travel With It for $160

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Frequently roadtrippin’ people with an RV or who like to camp or are stilling clinging to #vanlife, T-Mobile has a new internet plan for you. Be warned, it is not cheap if you want unlimited data.

Called “T-Mobile Away,” this is an internet plan that costs $160 per month for access to unlimited data, includes a gateway device (that needs to be plugged in), allows for up to 64 device connections at a time, will keep you connected while in-motion, and uses all of T-Mobile’s 5G and 4G network. There’s also a $110 per month version that gets you 200GB of data. Both prices require autopay.

Who really is this plan for? T-Mobile really is suggesting it’s for “frequent travelers like RVers, campers and digital nomads.” As someone who isn’t a part of that crowd today, I don’t know what it’s like to need internet on the road 24-7. In the comparison above, I can see that there are several options to choose from, but T-Mobile is saying (of course) that it’s new Away plan is the best because of its feature set. I’ll let you decide, traveling friends.

The new plan goes live May 8.

// T-Mobile

• Home Internet

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T-Mobile unveils new 5G internet plans for enhanced home and travel connectivity

Published on April 23, 2024

• T-Mobile has announced two new 5G internet plans — Home Internet Plus, available April 26, and Away, available May 8.
• Home Internet Plus offers expanded Wi-Fi coverage and 24/7 tech support for all smart devices and costs $70/month.
• Away provides a secure Wi-Fi solution for travelers, with options for unlimited or 200GB monthly data plans.

T-Mobile has announced two new 5G Internet plans, “Home Internet Plus” and “Away.” Home Internet Plus targets a premium home internet experience with expanded Wi-Fi coverage and 24/7 tech support for smart devices. Away is designed for travelers, offering a flexible Wi-Fi solution that leverages T-Mobile’s extensive 5G network across the nation.

The company describes itself as the fastest-growing internet provider in the U.S., reporting nearly 5 million customers since the 2021 launch of its 5G home Internet service.

Home Internet Plus is designed for households that require seamless, whole-home Wi-Fi. It includes T-Mobile’s latest 5G gateway and a Wi-Fi Mesh Access Point, offering a potential coverage of up to 2,200 square feet.

Additionally, the plan includes unlimited, live technical support through a personal “TechPro.” This support covers Wi-Fi and all connected smart devices in the home, offering assistance with setup, troubleshooting, and general usage.

Pricing for Home Internet Plus starts at $70/month with AutoPay or $50/month with AutoPay and a premium voice line. It will be available beginning on April 26. Customers also benefit from T-Mobile’s Price Lock guarantee, as well as the absence of equipment fees and annual contracts.

T-Mobile’s standard Home Internet plan remains available at $40/month (premium voice plan customers) or $50/month (other voice plans). This means the Plus plan adds extended Wi-Fi and 24/7 support at an additional cost of roughly $120 per year.

Internet on the move

The Away plan is designed to keep travelers connected with a flexible Wi-Fi solution that leverages T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G network. It includes a 5G gateway that can support up to 64 devices at a time — far exceeding the capabilities of typical hotspots or using your smartphone as a hotspot.

Customers have the flexibility to choose either an unlimited data option for continuous connectivity or a plan with 200 gigabytes of monthly data. T-Mobile emphasizes the security benefits of the included gateway compared to relying on public Wi-Fi networks.

Away launches on May 8, and pricing is $160/month (unlimited data) or $110/month (200GB) with AutoPay. The plan also features T-Mobile’s signature Price Lock guarantee and a simple setup process to get you connected quickly.

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T-Mobile launching Home Internet Plus and new ‘Away’ solution for travelers

T-Mobile has announced the expansion of its 5G Home Internet with a premium tier for the standard service plus a new “Away” plan for those who need a reliable connection on the go without having to rely on a traditional hotspot.

T-Mobile was the early mover for 5G home internet with the company expanding to cover over 50 million households last year.

If you have the option for fixed fiber optic or cable internet, that’s usually going to be the most consistent and highest-performing option. However, in many cases, 5G home internet can be a great fit with no contract, taxes/fees included, and self-installation. It can also be a great backup option to your wired internet. Plus there’s a new 5G option designed for travelers coming in early May. Here are all the details:

Home Internet Plus

Today T-Mobile announced its Home Internet Plus in a newsroom post . Beyond the standard 5G Home Internet plan it includes a mesh access point to expand coverage in larger homes and also comes with unlimited tech support for all your WiFi-connected devices.

Home Internet Plus will launch on April 26 at $50/month for those with a premium voice line and autopay or $70/month for those with just autopay.

T-Mobile’s standard 5G Home Internet plan that offers the same speeds up to 182 Mbps remains available at $40/month with a premium voice plan and autopay or $60/month with just autopay .

The other announcement is a new service that’s aiming to go beyond traditional 4G/5G mobile hotspot devices.

T-Mobile says the new Away plan aimed at nomads, RV’ers, etc. comes with a 5G gateway that allows you to connect up to 64 devices simultaneously (2x that of normal hotspots, 6x more than smartphone tethering).

Away features:

• 5G gateway included
• Unlimited data ($160/month) or 200 GB of data ($110/month)
• Taxes and fees included
• Nationwide 5G/4G coverage

T-Mobile’s Away will launch on May 8 – here’s how the Uncarrier says it stacks up against the competition:

All images via T-Mobile

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US man returns from Europe to $143,000 T-Mobile bill for using phone overseas

Gigantic bill apparently reflected using 9.5 gigabytes of data on a phone that had not been set up for international roaming

A Florida man was stunned to come back from a European trip and – upon checking his phone bill – realize that he had been charged a staggering $143,000 by his phone company for using his device while overseas.

ABC Action News reported that Rene Remund and his wife had toured Switzerland last September and had even gone to a T-Mobile store to share his travel plan with his phone provider before leaving.

But the gigantic bill apparently reflected using some 9.5 gigabytes of data while overseas on a phone that had not been set up for international roaming.

Remund told ABC that he called T-Mobile and waited on hold while the charges were examined and the person he spoke with informed him that the bill was not a mistake and that he was liable for it.

Remund replied: “You’re kidding me?”

He then hired a lawyer, who contacted ABC for help. Shortly after T-Mobile were contacted by ABC, the company offered to credit Remund’s account.

T-Mobile told ABC : “We recommend our customers check the travel features of their plan, such as international data roaming, before departing … if a customer is on an older plan that doesn’t include international roaming for data and calling, they’ll need to make sure they’re using airplane mode and wifi when using data to be certain the device doesn’t connect to an international network.”

• Mobile phones (Technology)
• Mobile phones (Money)
• Switzerland

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Save Time by Using the Mobile Passport App: Review

A few years ago, I finally applied for (and received) global entry . It was difficult to get the appointment at Boston’s Logan Airport though, so I didn’t get the Global Entry for my kids. I just didn’t want them to have to miss school for their appointments.

As you may know, global entry is required for any family member who is looking to use the global entry line at U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, even children. So, once or twice a year on international family trips, I figured that we would have to go through the regular US customs line.

Luckily, during one of my semi-regular trips to Logan, I saw a sign for the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) App. The CBP MPC app is a great way to get through customs quickly, but it is only available for use at certain US Customs and Border Protection locations.

Mobile Passport is a great alternative to global entry, especially for families who only occasionally travel internationally, and is one of the best-kept secrets for saving time at the airport.

Review: Using the Mobile Passport Control App

Mobile Passport has gone through some changes over the years. It started as a free, third-party app, and then was available for a fee. That app is now discontinued, and the new app is run by the US Customs and Border Control Protection agency. This current app is free and can be found here .

It’s important to note that Mobile Passport doesn’t come with any special “known traveler” benefits. You won’t register in advance or have a background check, and will still go through all of the standard border checks. It doesn’t work at all in the TSA Pre-Check line – it’s strictly used to re-enter the United States from another country.

Where Can You Use the Mobile Passport App?

Right now (as of 9/2023), it can be used at 33 Airports, 11 preclearance locations, and 4 ports. The locations are Atlanta, Aruba, Bermuda, Baltimore, Boston, Calgary, Charlotte, Chicago (O’Hare), Dallas, Denver, Edmonton, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Halifax, Honolulu, Houston George Washington, Houston Hobby, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Miami Seaport, Montreal, Nassau, Minneapolis, New York (JFK Int’l Airport), LAX, Miami, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Newark, Oakland, Orlando, Ottawa, Palm Beach, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Port Everglades, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San Juan Airport, San Juan Seaport, Seattle, Tampa, Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg. This full list is subject to change.

There are an increasing number of mobile passport locations, so check back if yours isn’t currently on the list.

How Do You Use the Mobile Passport App?

To use, you’ll first want to download the mobile app. It’s free on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Once you download it, you can set up profiles for each of your family members. That process was so easy – I was able to scan the barcode on each passport and then validate the passport information.

It was all correct as scanned, but you do need to check it. Then, you have to snap a picture of each person.

Unless something changes (i.e., you get a new passport), it’s not something you should need to do each time you travel. It should save the information you input for future travel.

Once you are ready to return to the United States, you will need to go into the app on your mobile device and fill out a few questions with the customs declaration information about your trip. This replaces the paper customs declaration form that we’ve received in the past. You’ll also need to take a photo of each person.

I always hated searching for a pen and needing to fill out that paper form while I was on the plane. When you have WiFi or cellular data access (you do need an internet connection), you’ll need to submit the information, once you confirm it.

You limited time from when you submit it to actually go through US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), so you’ll want to make sure you do it when you have landed at the arrival airport or are about to land. Just like with the form, you are confirming that this information is accurate under penalty of law.

I found it easy to fill out the information, and I submitted it as I was waiting for the cabin door to open on my flight. After I submitted it, I got a QR code electronic receipt for each member of my family.

Upon deplaning the flight, we entered the terminal and looked for the mobile passport app signage. It may take a little while to find, and you can always ask someone.

We were able to bypass the kiosks and go directly into the special line to talk to the agents. This definitely saved us a lot of time, since most people on our flight had to wait for the kiosks.

When we met with the CBP officer, I provided him with the bar codes and our passports (note that the mobile passport app does NOT replace your US physical passport – you still need to have those).

While we did save time in line, we still had to wait for our luggage at the carousel. It didn’t take too long to come out, but we did get through Customs and Border Protection so quickly that our luggage hadn’t made it from the plane to the carousel yet.

I definitely think the Mobile Passport App is a great way to save time at the airport if you and your families aren’t global entry members. If you don’t travel internationally on a frequent basis, and you typically fly through an airport that uses the app, it’s a nice option.

The fact that it’s no-cost and easy to use makes it worth trying. Keep in mind that there are some restrictions on who can use it and mobile passport users may always be selected for additional questioning.

On some trips, I’ve found that I didn’t even need it because the customs line was short. But it’s always nice to have options.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Mobile Passport App

It’s a free app and is easy to update. Therefore, unless every member of your family is a member of the Global Entry program, it’s a good idea to install it and set it up.

No. While you will get TSA PreCheck with Global Entry, you won’t have that service with the app. The only way to get TSA PreCheck is to go through the regular channels (TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, etc.).

Yes. Up to 12 profiles can be added, so you can add the entire family.

Yes, you’ll still need to travel with and show your physical, valid, unexpired passports.

Currently, mobile passport control can be used by U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and Canadian B1/B2 citizens visitors.

You may notice the list above of locations includes some foreign international airports. Those are preclearance locations, where CBP personnel inspect travelers on US-bound flights. If you go through preclearance at these airports, you won’t need to go through customs and border patrol when you arrive in the United States.

Have you used the Mobile Passport App?

The post Save Time by Using the Mobile Passport App: Review appeared first on Family Travel Magazine .

Amadeus’s Travel4Impact Goes Global as Greenwashing Cases Make Headlines

Jesse Chase-Lubitz , Skift

April 26th, 2024 at 9:56 AM EDT

A program newly open to Americans as well as Europeans promises to educate travel company leaders on sustainable practices.

Jesse Chase-Lubitz

Amadeus , the travel technology giant, is offering a program that provides subsidized sustainability training for small and medium enterprises in the tourism industry to the Americas for the first time. 

The Spanish company has run the program Travel4Impact in Spain for Europeans for the last three years. What’s new is the program will now also accept applications from companies in the Americas. Applications close on April 30.

The program taps into a general trend toward positive-impact travel by offering C-level executives from small and medium companies a fully funded, six-month training and tutoring program taught by professors at IE University, or Universidad Instituto de Empresa, a Spanish business school. The program will offer spots to around 40 companies and start in September 2024.

The program aims to help companies incorporate sustainable practices and digital strategies into their business models and provides a network of professionals and companies making similar efforts.

“People want to travel, but they want to leave a positive impact,” said Poonam Rawat-Hahne, founder and CEO of Fernweh Fair Travel, in a webinar run by Amadeus on Tuesday. Rawat-Hahne added that she saw a niche for travel operators and agents wanting to take social impact into account increase after the pandemic.

“That niche exists,” said Jake Haupert, CEO of the Transformational Travel Council. “It’s at the bedrock of why we travel — those experiences, those opportunities to connect and learn from others are instrumental.” 

Greenwashing Cases

In recent months, greenwashing cases in the travel industry have made headlines. A Dutch court found the airline KLM had put out a misleading advertising campaign that hyped up the company’s environmental image. 

Booking.com ended its “Travel Sustainable” program, highlighting sustainable properties, in March after the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets said the program “was a possibly misleading sustainability claim.”

“This is a really positive sign of our industry,” says Haupert of these cases. “That these things are happening now. People are going to be thinking a little bit differently before they go to market and make certain claims.”

The Amadeus-backed course changes each year based on the needs of the participants. In 2023, the syllabus addressed the implications of emerging technologies for the industry and specific companies and how to apply circular economic principles.

Following the completion of the course, participants can continue attending future sessions on topics like artificial intelligence and net zero policies.

The program doesn’t appear to lead companies to achieving any specific certifications schemes.

“Our objective at Travel4Impact is to amplify the impact of small businesses by promoting a purpose-driven innovation ecosystem,” an Amadeus spokesperson said.

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Tags: amadeus , climate change , sustainability , training

Photo credit: Madrid headquarters of travel tech firm Amadeus. Source: Amadeus.

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Automatic Refunds and No More Hidden Fees: D.O.T. Sets New Rules for Airlines

The Transportation Department issued new requirements on refunds when flights are canceled or delayed and on revealing “junk” fees before booking. Here’s what passengers can expect.

By Christine Chung

The Transportation Department on Wednesday announced new rules taking aim at two of the most difficult and annoying issues in air travel: obtaining refunds and encountering surprise fees late in the booking process.

“Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them — without having to ask,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement, adding that the changes would not only save passengers “time and money,” but also prevent headaches.

The department’s new rules, Mr. Buttigieg said, will hold airlines to clear and consistent standards when they cancel, delay or substantially change flights, and require automatic refunds to be issued within weeks. They will also require them to reveal all fees before a ticket is purchased.

Airlines for America , a trade group representing the country’s largest air carriers, said in a statement that its airlines “abide by and frequently exceed” D.O.T. consumer protection regulations.

Passenger advocates welcomed the new steps.

Tomasz Pawliszyn, the chief executive of AirHelp, a Berlin-based company that assists passengers with airline claims, called it a “massive step forward and huge improvement in consumer rights and protection” that brings the United States closer to global standards in passenger rights.

Here’s what we know about the D.O.T.’s new rules, which will begin to go into effect in October.

There’s now one definition for a “significant” delay.

Until now, airlines have been allowed to set their own definition for a “significant” delay and compensation has varied by carrier . Now, according to the D.O.T., there will be one standard: when departure or arrival is delayed by three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.

Passengers will get prompt refunds for cancellations or significant changes for flights and delayed bags, for any reason.

When things go wrong, getting compensation from an airline has often required establishing a cumbersome paper trail or spending untold hours on the phone. Under the new rules, refunds will be automatic, without passengers having to request them. Refunds will be made in full, excepting the value of any transportation already used. Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in the original form of payment, whether by cash, credit card or airline miles. Refunds are due within seven days for credit card purchases and within 20 days for other payments.

Passengers with other flight disruptions, such as being downgraded to a lower service class, are also entitled to refunds.

The list of significant changes for which passengers can get their money back also includes: departure or arrival from an airport different from the one booked; connections at different airports or flights on planes that are less accessible to a person with a disability; an increase in the number of scheduled connections. Also, passengers who pay for services like Wi-Fi or seat selection that are then unavailable will be refunded any fees.

Airlines must give travel vouchers or credits to ticketed passengers unable to fly because of government restrictions or a doctor’s orders.

The vouchers or credits will be transferable and can be used for at least five years after the date they were issued.

Fees for checked baggage and modifying a reservation must be disclosed upfront.

Airlines and ticket agents are now required to display any extra fees for things like checking bags or seat selection clearly and individually before a ticket purchase. They will also need to outline the airline’s policies on baggage, cancellations and changing flights before a customer purchases a ticket.

The rules, which apply to all flights on domestic airlines and flights to and from the United States operated by foreign airlines, have varying start dates.

For example, automatic refunds must be instituted by the airlines within six months. But carriers have a year before they’re required to issue travel vouchers and credits for passengers advised by a medical professional not to fly.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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• Electrostal History and Art Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

• Cities near Elektrostal

• Places of interest
• Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
• Peter the Great Military Academy
• Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
• History of Russian Scarfs and Shawls Museum
• Balashikha Arena
• Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
• Bykovo Manor
• Pekhorka Park
• Ramenskii History and Art Museum
• Malenky Puppet Theater
• Drama Theatre BOOM
• Likino Dulevo Museum of Local Lore
• Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center
• Pavlovsky Posad Museum of Art and History
• Saturn Stadium
• Fairy Tale Children's Model Puppet Theater
• Fifth House Gallery
• Church of Vladimir
• Malakhovka Museum of History and Culture
• Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall