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 161783 times)

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 67601
  • Total likes: 16913
  • 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 #200 on: June 11, 2012, 11:29:37 AM »
Connection was perfect in Argentina, probably depends on your wifi speed more than where you are.
Yes, I did pay $2 for it.
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 Moishebatchy

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 7278
  • Total likes: 151
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 23
    • View Profile
  • Location: Jerusalem
  • Programs: Arzei Makolet Platinum, Yossi's Makolet Silver, Yesh! Gold, Rav Kav Dirt
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #201 on: June 14, 2012, 05:13:27 AM »
probably depends on your wifi speed more than where you are.

+1

Case in point: Israel does not have 4G yet, so voice quality here suffers when using GrooVe IP. When I used it in the US in T-Mobile, 'twas considerably better. And WiFi is best.

Offline mordy44

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Aug 2011
  • Posts: 383
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #202 on: July 22, 2012, 03:53:52 PM »
Anyone know of the cheapest plan fro call from Europe to the US?

My phone does not have sim card capabilities so I would need to rent one.

Offline Smartypantz

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Feb 2012
  • Posts: 634
  • Total likes: 12
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #203 on: July 24, 2012, 09:31:35 AM »
I am also looking for a cheap plan for calling US from Europe, will be there for a few weeks and need a good plan! The cheapest I have found so far is $2 a day and 39 cents/minute outgoing, free incoming. Anyone has found anything better???

Offline DrDanny

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Feb 2012
  • Posts: 1170
  • Total likes: 2
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Detroit/NewYork/PalmBeach
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #204 on: July 24, 2012, 11:11:02 AM »
Did anyone have a extra oneSimcard
Or its there any way to have them deliver by Tisha back
Also on a iPhone.4S can I just call sprint for the unlock code?
« Last Edit: July 24, 2012, 11:19:45 AM by DrDanny »

Offline sawlw

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Oct 2010
  • Posts: 1323
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #205 on: July 24, 2012, 11:25:25 AM »
Did anyone have a extra oneSimcard
Or its there any way to have them deliver by Tisha back
Also on a iPhone.4S can I just call sprint for the unlock code?

To unlock if your account is open for I believe 3 months in good standing, you can just call sprint and they'll unlock it for you

Offline eli1571

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2009
  • Posts: 2448
  • Total likes: 28
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #206 on: July 24, 2012, 01:25:37 PM »
Anyone know of the cheapest plan fro call from Europe to the US?

My phone does not have sim card capabilities so I would need to rent one.
I am also looking for a cheap plan for calling US from Europe, will be there for a few weeks and need a good plan! The cheapest I have found so far is $2 a day and 39 cents/minute outgoing, free incoming. Anyone has found anything better???
from where in europe ?

Offline Smartypantz

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Feb 2012
  • Posts: 634
  • Total likes: 12
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #207 on: July 24, 2012, 01:47:45 PM »
I am going to a few countries(Switzerland, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Austria). Any better plans out there?

Offline sruly101

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Mar 2012
  • Posts: 2326
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #208 on: July 24, 2012, 04:16:04 PM »
I am going to a few countries(Switzerland, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Austria). Any better plans out there?
what i know for sure that from Austria thers a local number that lets u call free to the world landline (us cells also)
and maybe other countrys too

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: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #209 on: July 24, 2012, 05:39:05 PM »
I am going to a few countries(Switzerland, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Austria). Any better plans out there?
when are you going?

Offline Smartypantz

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Feb 2012
  • Posts: 634
  • Total likes: 12
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #210 on: July 24, 2012, 10:41:30 PM »
when are you going?

August 6th IYH

what i know for sure that from Austria thers a local number that lets u call free to the world landline (us cells also)
and maybe other countrys too

Would love info on that!! can u possibly let me know some more info on that or where I can get the info? Thanks:)

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: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #211 on: July 25, 2012, 01:58:14 AM »
August 6th IYH

Would love info on that!! can u possibly let me know some more info on that or where I can get the info? Thanks:)
Maybe we Can meet up :)


Offline sruly101

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Mar 2012
  • Posts: 2326
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #212 on: July 25, 2012, 08:05:12 AM »
August 6th IYH

Would love info on that!! can u possibly let me know some more info on that or where I can get the info? Thanks:)
simple as it sounds, just call a local number (ill get it for u if u need it) and u get a dialtone for international numbers

Offline Smartypantz

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Feb 2012
  • Posts: 634
  • Total likes: 12
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #213 on: July 25, 2012, 09:09:06 AM »
[simple as it sounds, just call a local number (ill get it for u if u need it) and u get a dialtone for international numbers
[/quote]

So you can dial from any phone there? I'll be staying in various hotels - Is it free to call local in hotels there?

Offline eli1571

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2009
  • Posts: 2448
  • Total likes: 28
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #214 on: July 25, 2012, 11:59:15 AM »
I am going to a few countries(Switzerland, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Austria). Any better plans out there?
i would say get an international sim, they usually sell them in the airports, but wouldn't advise anyone to call u cuz they usually have a number that seems like a reg european # but  can cost about .50 a min

Offline Smartypantz

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Feb 2012
  • Posts: 634
  • Total likes: 12
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #215 on: July 25, 2012, 12:26:53 PM »
i would say get an international sim, they usually sell them in the airports, but wouldn't advise anyone to call u cuz they usually have a number that seems like a reg european # but  can cost about .50 a min

Problem is I do not have an unlocked phone! Any ideas what to do? I really don't want to spend so much on a phone!!

Offline DrDanny

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Feb 2012
  • Posts: 1170
  • Total likes: 2
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Detroit/NewYork/PalmBeach
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #216 on: July 25, 2012, 02:15:30 PM »
do you have any old at&t or t-mobile phones

Offline Smartypantz

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Feb 2012
  • Posts: 634
  • Total likes: 12
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #217 on: July 25, 2012, 03:03:29 PM »
do you have any old at&t or t-mobile phones

NO:(

Offline deals

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2009
  • Posts: 2624
  • Total likes: 13
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
    • View Profile
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #218 on: July 25, 2012, 03:05:32 PM »
Problem is I do not have an unlocked phone! Any ideas what to do? I really don't want to spend so much on a phone!!

is it a sim card phone ?

Offline sruly101

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Mar 2012
  • Posts: 2326
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY
Re: International Sim Discussion
« Reply #219 on: July 25, 2012, 05:57:04 PM »
[simple as it sounds, just call a local number (ill get it for u if u need it) and u get a dialtone for international numbers


So you can dial from any phone there? I'll be staying in various hotels - Is it free to call local in hotels there?
i cant tell u if u can make local calls from hotels, but from where u can, u could call to the world