Topic Wiki

Roaming on U.S. carriers
Verizon: $25 per each 100MB when Gobal Data feature is activated. Exorbitant calling rates.
AT&T:
T-Mobile: Simple Choice plans (postpaid-only which requires credit pull, but you can cancel anytime) include unlimited data roaming at 2G speeds in 120+ countries. Calls between any of these countries are $.20 /min.
Sprint: - For some reason its a bit complicated - https://www.sprint.com/landings/openworld/index.html - http://www.sprint.com/landings/international-value-roaming/ - http://support.sprint.com/global/pdf/support/BizMultiCountryDataPack.pdf
intlroam.sprint.com
 


International SIM cards

Google Fi
All plans include coverage in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Unlimited Plus and Flexible also come with data in 200+ international destinations, and 5G in select countries for supported Pixel and Samsung phones. Try Fi for free: Test our coverage to see how we keep you connected. Our 7⁠-⁠day trial works right on your phone alongside your current service.

Toggle Mobile:
Covers the U.S., many European countries (though not Italy or Belgium), and Australia. Rates from these countries are £.03 to all USA and UK phones both mobile and landline, £.03 to landlines and £.09 to mobiles in many other countries, £.06 to Israel landlines and £.15 to Israel mobiles. SMS to most (looks like all) countries is £.07. Data bundles start at £5 for 500 MB in the UK and £20 for 1GB in the other Toggle countries. Incoming calls are free in 20+ countries.

SIMs can be ordered online and shipped free to many countries. You automatically receive a free permanent U.K. number. Before each trip you must register online for a local incoming number in the countries you are travelling to, which activates the roaming plan and lasts 30 days at no cost. You can pay £5 a year to keep numbers permanently.

Golan Telecom:
The 99₪ unlimited talk/text/internet/international calling plan, which also gives you up to 2 virtual foreign numbers, also includes for many countries (not all have launched yet) unlimited global data roaming (6GB high-speed), incoming calls & texts, and calls & texts to Israel.

Alternatively, Golan also offers a ₪29 per day data-only roaming plan which gives 100MB a day in these countries (all have been launched). These roaming options can be very useful for foreigners regardless of whether they need Golan for Israel.


VOIP calling apps

Vonage Mobile: Free calls to US/CA, very cheap int'l rates (see link). Uses your real number for outgoing caller ID, and also for incoming calls if you are a tmobile/AT&T customer and activate ReachMe roaming in the app.

Google Hangouts: Uses your Google Voice number over VOIP. Free calls to US/CA, very cheap int'l rates (see link).


Local SIM cards

Israel: See wiki on this thread.

Global MiFi
FreedomPop $10/500mb
https://www.freedompop.com/worldwide


eSims

See PlatinumGuys post for more info.

Perhaps this is common knowledge, but I was just mindblown. In 60 seconds online, I was able to buy a data package in a different country from Airalo and install it on my iPhone - keeping calls on the primary Verizon SIM and data on the Airalo eSim.

FWIW, they offer 15GB in Israel for $15 - and you can buy more easily online if it runs out, but I don't know which network Annatel resells

Airalo promo code FOUNDERS30 for 30% off up to $7 (I don't benefit in any way)

Another vendor is https://esim.knowroaming.com, I guess you have to compare destination to destination.
https://esimdb.com is a great database for vendors in different locations.

« Last edited by Suave on September 19, 2023, 07:25:51 AM »

Author Topic: International Sim Discussion  (Read 161630 times)

Offline Cbs

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Sep 2010
  • Posts: 4466
  • Total likes: 19
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Programs: HHonors Gold, Delta Diamond Medallion, AA Platinum Pro
Re: European And Israeli Sim Discussion
« Reply #140 on: September 05, 2011, 11:19:55 PM »
seems a few dollars cheaper than talk 'n' save which i wouldnt get withen 100 ft. from them.
if you plan on staying there for a few months, i would recommend buying an israeli plan which has no contract and paying per minute and text and it comes out much cheaper, and then use a service that lets u call international for amazing rates. (thats what i did)

Offline stevenr

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 2
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
international cell phone plans
« Reply #141 on: September 09, 2011, 12:52:02 AM »
for someone who travels all over the world, does anybody know some sort of phone/plan that you can call one number and you can be reached anywhere in the world and you wont be charged crazy roaming charges. the person travels all over including australia, south america, hong kong etc.

Offline elikay

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: May 2010
  • Posts: 5400
  • Total likes: 38
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #142 on: September 09, 2011, 12:58:27 AM »
Do israeli plans have free incoming all over the world?

Offline SuperFlyer

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jul 2009
  • Posts: 9351
  • Total likes: 414
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #143 on: September 09, 2011, 01:26:42 AM »
Israeli plans have no free incoming all over, only for txt.

Person should get one of those free incoming travel sim, with what looks like an english number +447... , but really isn't.
However, as all operators, besides english ones can't differentiate, they will bill as if alling a british mobile.

For outgoing, the only cheap way is using voip, sip, or local scratch cards for international, or call-shops.

The other option is using local prepays, but it means you change constantly number which isn't always an option, if you need to be reachable.

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 67598
  • Total likes: 16909
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #144 on: September 09, 2011, 01:28:48 AM »
for someone who travels all over the world, does anybody know some sort of phone/plan that you can call one number and you can be reached anywhere in the world and you wont be charged crazy roaming charges. the person travels all over including australia, south america, hong kong etc.

One Sim Card
5% off code: FBFANS
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline moftee

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Feb 2012
  • Posts: 14
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Galaxy Nexus (Android ICS) Tips And Tricks
« Reply #145 on: February 03, 2012, 01:12:51 PM »
So let me see if I understand you, you bought the phone and the sim card from onesimcard, and you turn it one whenever you go outside the US, but who do you activate the phone with? Does onesimcard provide the service?

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 67598
  • Total likes: 16909
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #146 on: February 03, 2012, 01:41:24 PM »
You can buy an unlocked phone from anywhere.
You don't activate the phone, it just works anywhere with your SIM and you pay OneSimCard for minutes.
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline miles

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jul 2010
  • Posts: 791
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Programs: Air Canada, UA PLT, ANA, Delta Platinum, AA, BA, Aerosvit, A/A by Chase closed all accounts
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #147 on: February 05, 2012, 10:37:46 AM »
is the Galaxy Nexus 4G a world phone if i'm not wrong 4G is working on GSM

Offline BAHayman

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: Mar 2010
  • Posts: 1939
  • Total likes: 28
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #148 on: February 05, 2012, 10:57:06 AM »
is the Galaxy Nexus 4G a world phone if i'm not wrong 4G is working on GSM
Nope 4G is not GSM, 4G is just a set of requirements.

Offline miles

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jul 2010
  • Posts: 791
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Programs: Air Canada, UA PLT, ANA, Delta Platinum, AA, BA, Aerosvit, A/A by Chase closed all accounts
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #149 on: February 05, 2012, 11:06:57 AM »
Nope 4G is not GSM, 4G is just a set of requirements.
so even its have a sim its not a GSM phone ?

Offline BAHayman

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: Mar 2010
  • Posts: 1939
  • Total likes: 28
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #150 on: February 05, 2012, 11:12:32 AM »
so even its have a sim its not a GSM phone ?
Yup, the SIM in this case is just used for the LTE network. LTE is not GSM but does use a SIM for authentication.

Offline Flying Fish

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 217
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: international cell phone plans
« Reply #151 on: February 05, 2012, 11:21:41 AM »
for someone who travels all over the world, does anybody know some sort of phone/plan that you can call one number and you can be reached anywhere in the world and you wont be charged crazy roaming charges. the person travels all over including australia, south america, hong kong etc.
Easy. Android phone with Groove IP app ($4.99) or iPhone with Talkatone app (free with ads). Uses your Google Voice account to make/receive calls anywhere in the world on WiFi or 3G/4G. Free US/Canada, Google Voice rates for int'l outbound. I personally use Groove IP on Galaxy Nexus and it is excellent.
« Last Edit: February 05, 2012, 11:29:58 AM by Flying Fish »

Offline SuperFlyer

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jul 2009
  • Posts: 9351
  • Total likes: 414
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #152 on: February 06, 2012, 04:21:31 AM »
Easy. Android phone with Groove IP app ($4.99) or iPhone with Talkatone app (free with ads). Uses your Google Voice account to make/receive calls anywhere in the world on WiFi or 3G/4G. Free US/Canada, Google Voice rates for int'l outbound. I personally use Groove IP on Galaxy Nexus and it is excellent.

Relying on wifi is only for a select few a solution.

Say you got an unlimited data roaming plan (which isn't exactly free), how many places will you have a decent enough data (call it gprs/edge/3g/etc) to have a normal conversation?

We are talking about people that don't just want to call home to say that they had a good flight, but need to make important and numerous calls, where the quality has to be of a certain minimum...

Offline Flying Fish

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 217
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #153 on: February 06, 2012, 10:59:55 AM »
Relying on wifi is only for a select few a solution.

Say you got an unlimited data roaming plan (which isn't exactly free), how many places will you have a decent enough data (call it gprs/edge/3g/etc) to have a normal conversation?

We are talking't about people that don't just want to call home to say that they had a good flight, but need to make important and numerous calls, where the quality has to be of a certain minimum...
Local sim cards can be used for data at cheap rates.
I have used Groove IP many times even on 3G, and it's very reliable. Clearer than regular calls IMO. Wifi and 4G all the more so.  Call quality will of course always depend on your signal, as is the case with regular calls. I am in the same situation as the poster and this app has really delivered.
« Last Edit: February 06, 2012, 12:15:33 PM by Flying Fish »

Offline aj26

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Aug 2011
  • Posts: 718
  • Total likes: 4
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: usa
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #154 on: April 18, 2012, 08:06:28 PM »
I'm looking for a phone to use in israel/europe this summer. I'll use google voice for most calls, just want a cell phone for emergency's or if I am out and want to contact hotel/resturant etc. Any ideas...
I was thinking of http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Palm-Pixi-Plus-GSM-Unlocked-AT-T-3G-WIFI-GPS-Phone-/260869998589
and http://www.onesimcard.com/?59381
« Last Edit: April 18, 2012, 08:13:01 PM by Dan »

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 67598
  • Total likes: 16909
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #155 on: April 18, 2012, 08:13:59 PM »
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline aj26

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Aug 2011
  • Posts: 718
  • Total likes: 4
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: usa
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #156 on: April 18, 2012, 08:21:01 PM »
Thanks, looks good but what do I do about the sim card?

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 67598
  • Total likes: 16909
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #157 on: April 18, 2012, 08:24:04 PM »
I use onesimcard.  Bit of a pain, but it's good for a pinch.
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline aj26

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Aug 2011
  • Posts: 718
  • Total likes: 4
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: usa
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #158 on: April 18, 2012, 08:35:40 PM »
WHy is it a pain

Offline Knaper_Chuchem

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Apr 2011
  • Posts: 164
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: NYC
Re: European And Israeli Sim Discussion
« Reply #159 on: April 18, 2012, 08:40:37 PM »
Not sure about Cellcom but with Orange I simply email them through their website to add/remove the data package. Funny how when its in writing they are oh-so-polite ::)
I have 2 Orange accounts, and they're great when I'm in Israel, however it sucks when it comes to communicate with them, it took me literally a year to get them to send me the bill in email, and I have no means of communication with them.

I can't figure out their website.. I'm really bad with Hebrew!!  :-[

How do you email them? Which language are you writing to them? 
« Last Edit: April 18, 2012, 09:54:15 PM by Knaper_Chuchem »