"USA residents who have T-Mobile can buy SIM cards on a PAYG (Pay as You Go) basis before they leave and take advantage of the company's no-roaming-charge plans on data," says Andy Abramson, who was named Business Traveler of the Year in 2015. Or wait until you get to where you're going and buy a local pay-as-you-go SIM. Sure, you'll lose SMS from your usual number but you'll save a ton.
Many Sprint customers are eligible for free 2G roaming data, free texting, and phone calls for $0.20 per minute in over 160 countries. "This is an incredible option that kicks in automatically upon crossing an international border, and there are even options from $5 per day for those looking for 4G data. T-Mobile offers similar packages for their customers, as well as the option to pay for additional data. Something that sets T-Mobile apart from most other phone carriers in the United States is access to free in-flight WiFi on GoGo-equipped flights for one hour, and unlimited in-flight texting, picture messaging, and more," says Jessica Bisesto, senior editor at TravelPirates.
Verizon customers can pay between $2-$10 per day, depending on destination, for access to their plan's domestic features while abroad with no roaming fees.
