After arriving at a new destination, one of the first things most of us do is turn on our phones to check for messages and figure out our next steps. That gets more complicated in other countries with different cellular networks, as just turning your phone on can come with an international charge from your carrier. If you travel frequently, you want a hassle-free experience that won't spike your next phone bill. These are our recommendations for travel-friendly plans from US providers.
When AT&T replaced its plans with new “2.0” versions in early 2026, the new plans tracked with the old ones: Unlimited Premium PL became Premium 2.0, Unlimited Extra EL became Extra 2.0 and Unlimited Value Plus VL became Value 2.0 (Unlimited Starter SL disappeared). And then, seemingly out of nowhere, the company added an even more expensive plan on top of those.
Pros
- Unlimited high-speed data
- 250GB of hotspot data
- Free allowances for cellular smartwatches and tablets
- Service in 210 countries outside the US
- 20GB data internationally is more than many plans offer
Cons
- Expensive
- 4K streaming not enabled by default
T-Mobile’s Experience Beyond and Better Value plans are big jumps from its value-focused Essentials and Essentials Saver plans, especially when it comes to options that appeal to travelers. Normally, we make single-plan recommendations, but I’m grouping these together because although the Better Value plan pencils out better, it comes with a few restrictions: it’s only available to new T-Mobile subscribers or customers who’ve had accounts for five years or more, and requires three or more lines on the account.
Pros
- T-Mobile has a strong 5G network
- Great travel options
- T-Satellite service included
- Five-year price guarantee
- Solid perks like Netflix and international data
Cons
- Taxes and fees not included in monthly cost
- Better Value plan has restrictions on who can sign up
If you're going to call a plan Unlimited Ultimate, it had better deliver on everything. Verizon's most expensive plan is also the one that won't have you worrying about data limits or international roaming charges.
Pros
- Access to Verizon's fastest 5G networks
- More hotspot data
- Can get perks like the streaming bundles as paid add-ons
- Better trade-in offers
- Can mix and match plans on the same account
Cons
- Plans are pricier than Welcome
- Verizon makes the pricing complicated on its website
MOBILE DEALS OF THE WEEK
Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.
- Best Travel Phone Plans in 2026: How to Choose and What to Consider
- What are the best phone plans with international roaming?
- Best plan for frequent international travelers
- Runner-up for international travel
- Second runner-up for international travel
- Best travel phone plans compared
- Recent updates
- Factors to consider
- How we test
- Travel phone plan FAQs
Note that opting for a travel plan is different from getting an eSIM for occasional travel; the goal here is to turn on your phone and be connected right away.
What are the best phone plans with international roaming?
"Travel" means different things to different people, so let's get on the same page (or map, as it were).
The unlimited plans from the major carriers include international roaming. Usually, that's talk, text and data when you're in Canada or Mexico, so using your phone in those countries should feel just like it does at home. Some plans include connectivity outside North America. Or, your carrier may offer a separate travel package that charges a rate (often around $10 or $12) for each day you're connecting to a local network. You end up paying more, but you don't need to do anything other than use your phone as you normally would.
If you're jetting away for a vacation that lasts a week or two, paying a daily rate is probably an affordable option compared to switching to a plan that costs more overall. If your phone supports eSIMs, you can investigate eSIM options for prepaid plans, too, but that may also require paying off the phone's balance to unlock it (more on that in the FAQs below).
What this guide focuses on are phone plans for people who regularly travel outside the US and want the least amount of friction possible, from calling to using high-speed data. Although these are the more expensive plans from the major carriers, if you're traveling often enough, they end up being a better deal.
Pros
- Unlimited high-speed data
- 250GB of hotspot data
- Free allowances for cellular smartwatches and tablets
- Service in 210 countries outside the US
- 20GB data internationally is more than many plans offer
Cons
- Expensive
- 4K streaming not enabled by default
When AT&T replaced its plans with new “2.0” versions in early 2026, the new plans tracked with the old ones: Unlimited Premium PL became Premium 2.0, Unlimited Extra EL became Extra 2.0 and Unlimited Value Plus VL became Value 2.0 (Unlimited Starter SL disappeared). And then, seemingly out of nowhere, the company added an even more expensive plan on top of those.
AT&T Elite 2.0 is the “if they’re willing to pay for it, we can make it” option. It costs $110 a month for a single line, or $300 a month for four lines. But what you get, especially if you’re a frequent traveler, is worth the upsell.
On the US side, you get unlimited high-speed 5G data, 250GB of high-speed hotspot data (then unlimited at 128Kbps) and up to 4K-resolution video streaming. You can also add one cellular-enabled smartwatch and one tablet to the line for free.
Travelers get unlimited talk and texting in 210 countries (not just Canada and Mexico, which is the more common offering on plans), as well as 20GB of high speed data. AT&T’s Premium 2.0 plan -- the former high-end option -- offers unlimited talk, text and high-speed data in 20 Latin American countries. With the Elite 2.0 plan, data access on over 400 cruise ships is $15 a day.
Also, AT&T lets you build an account with different plans for each line. So if one person does most of the traveling, they can choose Elite 2.0 while others who don't need the international options on the account stay on the cheaper Value 2.0 or Extra 2.0 plans.
Why we like it
The travel options are more generous, meaning you should be able to turn on your phone in 210 countries and it'll connect and work as it does in the US.
Who it’s best for
Frequent travelers who don’t want to mess with eSIMs, separate phones or daily charges for using their data in a country outside the US.
Customer service options
• Online: AT&T Wireless support
• Phone: 800-331-0500
• Store: Store locator
• App: myAT&T iOS, Android
Pros
- T-Mobile has a strong 5G network
- Great travel options
- T-Satellite service included
- Five-year price guarantee
- Solid perks like Netflix and international data
Cons
- Taxes and fees not included in monthly cost
- Better Value plan has restrictions on who can sign up
T-Mobile’s Experience Beyond and Better Value plans are big jumps from its value-focused Essentials and Essentials Saver plans, especially when it comes to options that appeal to travelers. Normally, we make single-plan recommendations, but I’m grouping these together because although the Better Value plan pencils out better, it comes with a few restrictions: it’s only available to new T-Mobile subscribers or customers who’ve had accounts for five years or more, and requires three or more lines on the account.
Both Experience Beyond and Better Value include unlimited high-speed 5G data. The Experience Beyond plan also has unlimited high-speed hotspot data, but Better Value has a generous 250GB high-speed amount of it, then unlimited data at 600Kbps. For that you’ll pay $100 a month for a single line for Experience Beyond, or $215 for four lines. The Better Value plan has no single-line option, but the four-line price is $170.
With just those features, Experience Beyond is the better plan, but the price and international options of Better Value pushes it to the top for travelers.
They both include unlimited talk and text in more than 215 countries, plus 30GB of high-speed data when traveling, which drops to 256Kbps for unlimited data through the end of the month. The difference is that the 30GB applies to Canada and Mexico in the Experience Beyond plan, while you can use the 30GB in all the represented countries on the Better Value plan.
Plus, don’t forget the perks on both plans, such as Netflix Standard (with ads), Hulu (with ads) and Magenta status, which offers discounts such as 15% off on Hilton hotel stays and more.
However, one thing to keep in mind: T-Mobile requires all the lines on an account to be on the same plan. That means one or two people may benefit from all the extra perks, while others who don’t need them still end up paying for them.
Why we like it
For travelers, the Better Value plan is great if you have three or more lines on an account. Otherwise, for one person or a couple, Experience Beyond is the better option.
Who it’s best for
Frequent travelers who subscribe to T-Mobile plans.
Customer service options
• Online: T-Mobile
• Phone: 1-855-315-6244
• Store: Store locator
• App: T-Life app
Pros
- Access to Verizon's fastest 5G networks
- More hotspot data
- Can get perks like the streaming bundles as paid add-ons
- Better trade-in offers
- Can mix and match plans on the same account
Cons
- Plans are pricier than Welcome
- Verizon makes the pricing complicated on its website
If you're going to call a plan Unlimited Ultimate, it had better deliver on everything. Verizon's most expensive plan is also the one that won't have you worrying about data limits or international roaming charges.
It provides access to the highest 5G Ultra Wideband (5G UW/5G UWB) data speeds -- assuming your phone is capable -- with no high-speed limit as on many other value plans. At that data rate, movies can stream at up to 4K resolution, or 1080p when connected to a regular 5G or 4G LTE network. Hotspot data flows at its highest speed for 200GB and then drops to 6Mbps for unlimited data the rest of the month. The Unlimited Ultimate plan also carries Verizon's three-year price lock guarantee.
For international travel, you get unlimited talk, text and data while in Canada and Mexico at the top speeds available up to 2GB a day, and then 3G speeds thereafter. In more than 210 other countries, calls and texts are unlimited, with 15GB of high-speed data followed by unlimited data at 1.5Mbps. The plan includes unlimited texting from the US to over 200 countries and territories. If you frequently call friends or family in one of 140 countries, the plan includes up to 300 minutes a month.
Why we like it
We like that there are extra benefits when you're in a 5G Ultra Wideband network area, such as higher streaming resolution and optimized video calling.
Who it's best for
Verizon customers who want all the data and speeds, and are willing to pay for it. It's also a great choice for frequent international travelers.
Customer service options
• Online: Verizon
• Phone: 800-922-0204
• Store: Store Locator
• App: My Verizon
Best travel phone plans compared
| Elite 2.0 | $110 | $300 | Unlimited | 250GB | Unlimited talk, text and 20GB high-speed data in 210 countries | 6 | 4K |
| Experience Beyond | $85 | $170 | Unlimited | 60GB, then unlimited 3G | Unlimited talk and text; 30GB high speed data Canada/Mexico; 15GB high speed data in 215+ countries, then unlimited at 256 Kbps | 12 | 4K |
| Better Value | n/a | $170 | Unlimited | 250GB | Unlimited talk and text; 30GB high-speed data in Mexico/Canada/215+ countries, then unlimited at 256 Kbps | 12 | 4K |
| Unlimited Ultimate | $85 | $220 | Unlimited 5G/5GUW | 200GB, then 6Mbps (5G UW) and 600 Kbps (5G/4G LTE) | Unlimited talk and text in 210+ countries; 15GB high speed data, then unlimited at 1.5 Mbps. TravelPass charge of $12/day for each day you use your mobile. | 12 | 4K |
Since this guide was last updated, we've chosen a new best travel plan and runner-up. The previous pick, Verizon Unlimited Ultimate, is now the second runner-up . It's still a good choice (particularly if you're already a Verizon customer) but it was edged out by the AT&T Elite 2.0 plan and the T-Mobile Experience Beyond and Better Value plans.
A wireless carrier saying it offers 5G is like me saying I have a car. Good for me -- but what make and model is it? Does it run reliably? Can it actually get up to the top speed on the speedometer or will it sputter when I try to merge onto the freeway? And could I have gotten the same performance if I'd paid less for a model without extras such as heated seats and a TruCoat sealant?
As you're evaluating carriers, keep the following things in mind.
Phones have become essential travel companions.
Numi Presarn/CNETKnow your area
Wireless coverage can make or break a plan. If you aren't getting reliably fast connections, or if calls often drop or aren't picked up, then you could be paying for more than you're getting. Fortunately, most areas of the US are blanketed by some type of cellular coverage, so there aren't as many dead zones as there used to be. (And now, satellite service is starting to fill those holes.) The major companies are also putting a lot of money and effort into broadening their coverage.
On the other hand, even in a dense area, one carrier's network may be stronger than another's, or signals could be reduced due to interference. So the best approach is to ask friends or family members which services they use and if the quality is acceptable. You can also test-drive services to see how your devices work in your area. (See the FAQ below for more on how reliable coverage maps can be.)
Know your deals and discounts
One other thing to keep in mind: discounts. All the carriers offer additional discounts you could be eligible for, depending on your employer, military status, student status or age.
First responders, military members, veterans, nurses and teachers can get discounts from every major carrier. Verizon has discounts for students, while T-Mobile's Work perk could knock 15% off the monthly price of an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan, with AT&T offering a similar program for its Premium 2.0 plan. AT&T also has a promotion for teachers that offers 20% off its latest unlimited plans.
If you're 55 or older, you may also be eligible for a discounted plan: T-Mobile offers discounted plans nationwide for as low as $55 a month for two lines. AT&T has a plan with two lines for $35 a month per line. And Verizon offers a similar option, but only for Florida residents.
It’s also worth noting that some carriers advertise special pricing on their websites aimed at switchers -- for example, if you bring your own phone instead of trading one in and financing a new device through an installment plan. Our recommendations reflect the standard rates outside of those more narrowly targeted promotions.
Picking a wireless plan and carrier is a highly personal process. What works for you and your family's needs may be vastly different from what your friends or neighbors need. Coverage can vary by location, too, with some areas better served by AT&T and others performing best on Verizon or T-Mobile. The picks we make are based on more than a decade of covering and evaluating wireless carriers, their offerings and overall performance.
Specifically, we take into account coverage, price/value and perks.
T-Mobile's cell towers can redirect their signals to compensate for lost coverage using Self-Organizing Network technology.
T-MobileCoverage
Since all three major providers cover most of the country with reliable 4G LTE or 5G, this is largely a toss-up on a macro level. It's why we recommend a variety of eSIM options for figuring out what works best for you in your particular location. Coverage maps on each carrier’s website will likely show strong service in your area, even if your real-world experience doesn’t always translate to full bars or the fastest speeds.
Price/value
Value is factoring in the total experience you might get, such as how much high-speed data you're allowed and what's included in the sticker price. We also take into account whether a plan includes typical taxes and fees, or whether those are charged separately, inching your monthly bill up higher.
Perks
Perks are add-ons beyond the core components of wireless service (talk, text and data). These can range from bundling in or discounting streaming services, to extra hotspot data or the ability to use your phone internationally.
What if I don’t travel enough to justify changing my plan?
There have been several ways to use your phone internationally over the years. In the past, crossing a border and connecting to a local cellular network often meant your carrier would charge per megabyte for calls and data -- costs that could add up quickly. That’s why one of the first things many travelers did in a new country was buy a prepaid phone or a physical SIM card to swap into their device.
Now, you have three options that require far less scrambling to find a store selling SIM cards: use a wireless plan that already includes international calling, texting and data; add a travel package to your existing mobile plan; or sign up for an eSIM service that provides either a fixed amount of data or unlimited access in the region you’re visiting.
The first option, international roaming, is what this guide is focused on. Most plans let you call, text and use data in Canada and Mexico. As you pay more for a plan, you get more options. The AT&T Elite 2.0 plan, for example, lets you go just about anywhere and use your phone as you do everyday in the US.
The second option can make sense when you’re on short to medium-length trips. AT&T’s International Day Pass costs $12 a day to use voice, text and data. If multiple people on your account are traveling together, one person pays $12 a day and the others pay $6 a day, with a maximum of 10 days being charged, even if your vacation lasts longer. (Cruise ship trips have different prices.)
Verizon offers a TravelPass for $12 a day, or a bundle of three days for $10 as an add-on for a line. If you don’t use those days during a month, they roll over to the next, for a maximum of 36 TravelPass days (but the days expire after 12 months). There’s also an International Monthly Plan for $100 a month per line.
T-Mobile’s international data passes can be added when you travel. The 1 Day Pass costs $10 for 2GB of high-speed data and free calls for 24 hours; the 10 Day Pass costs $35 for 5GB of high-speed data; and a 30 Day Pass costs $50 for 15GB of high-speed data.
For the eSIM option, companies including Ubigi, Airalo, Instabridge and Maya Mobile offer prepaid data in destinations worldwide. Most likely, your phone supports an eSIM, which exists as a secondary line, but the device must be unlocked to take advantage of the feature.
Does my phone need to be unlocked to use it when traveling?
If you bought your phone through a carrier (such as in a trade-in or upgrade deal), it may be “locked” to that service for a 24- or 36-month installment plan. Companies including T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon impose this restriction so customers don’t get a cheap phone and then skip off to another carrier. If you purchased your phone directly from a manufacturer such as Apple, Samsung or Google, it might already be unlocked. (To check, open the Phone app and dial * # 0 6 # -- that’s star, pound, zero, six, pound. If you see an IMEI number and barcode, the phone is unlocked.)
However, a locked phone can’t take advantage of an eSIM or local SIM card plan when you’re traveling. That’s why this guide focuses on mobile plans with international roaming options -- a locked phone will work in another country, though sometimes at a higher cost than if you were to get an eSIM plan.
Each carrier has a different policy for unlocking its phones, such as being active for 40 or 60 days and being paid off if it was leased from the carrier. Verizon unlocks a device automatically when it’s been paid off. AT&T unlocks Apple and Google devices automatically when paid off, and needs an unlock request for Samsung and other phones. T-Mobile also automatically unlocks paid-off phones within two business days if they support remote unlock.
English (US) ·