Unlock the Network and Choose a Local Carrier

June 5, 2024
Global travel with unlocked phone

International travel can be an incredible experience, but the joy of exploring new destinations can quickly be dampened by shocking phone bills. International roaming charges from US carriers are notoriously expensive, often charging $10-15 per day or more for basic service. However, with an unlocked phone, you can avoid these excessive fees by using local carriers wherever you travel. This article explores how network unlocking enables you to choose local carriers and save significantly during international travel.

The High Cost of International Roaming

Before diving into the benefits of using local carriers, let's look at what international roaming typically costs with major US carriers:

  • AT&T: $10 per day for their International Day Pass in over 210 countries
  • Verizon: $10 per day for TravelPass in over 185 countries
  • T-Mobile: While they offer "free" international data in many countries, it's often at very slow speeds (2G), with faster speeds costing extra
  • Sprint: Similar to T-Mobile with basic service included but faster speeds at a premium

For a two-week vacation, you could easily spend $140 or more just to use your phone—and that's before any additional charges for exceeding data limits or calling outside the included countries.

The Local SIM Card Alternative

With an unlocked phone, you can purchase a local SIM card in almost any country you visit. Here's why this approach is superior:

  • Cost savings: Local SIM cards typically cost a fraction of roaming charges, often $10-30 for ample data that would cost hundreds through your home carrier
  • Better service: Local carriers provide full-speed data designed for their networks
  • No daily fees: Instead of paying per day, you pay once for your entire stay
  • Truly unlimited options: Many countries offer genuinely unlimited data plans for visitors
  • Local phone number: Useful for local services, reservations, and connecting with people in the country

Real-World Examples of Savings

To illustrate the potential savings, here are examples from popular travel destinations:

Thailand

US Carrier Roaming: $10-15/day = $140-210 for a 14-day trip
Local AIS SIM Card: Approximately $15 for 15 days with 30GB data
Savings: $125-195

United Kingdom

US Carrier Roaming: $10-15/day = $140-210 for a 14-day trip
Local Three SIM Card: Approximately $25 for 12GB valid for 30 days
Savings: $115-185

Japan

US Carrier Roaming: $10-15/day = $140-210 for a 14-day trip
Local Docomo SIM Card: Approximately $30 for 15 days with 10GB data
Savings: $110-180

How to Use Local SIM Cards When Traveling

Before You Travel

  1. Ensure your phone is unlocked: Contact your carrier or use a third-party unlocking service well before your trip.
  2. Check compatibility: Verify that your phone supports the network bands used in your destination country. Most modern smartphones are compatible worldwide, but it's worth checking.
  3. Back up your contacts: Make sure your contacts are backed up to Google, iCloud, or another service so you can access them regardless of your SIM card.
  4. Research options: Look up the best local carriers and plans for visitors in your destination. Travel forums and websites often have updated information.

When You Arrive

  1. Purchase a SIM card: These are typically available at airports, convenience stores, or carrier shops. Airport kiosks are convenient but might be slightly more expensive.
  2. Provide identification: Some countries require ID or passport information to activate a SIM card.
  3. Install and activate: Insert the new SIM card and follow the activation instructions, which often involve sending a text or calling a number.
  4. Configure APN settings: Occasionally, you'll need to manually configure your phone's Access Point Name (APN) settings, though modern phones usually do this automatically.
  5. Test it out: Make sure data, calling, and texting work before leaving the store or kiosk.

eSIM: The Future of Travel Connectivity

Newer phones support eSIM technology, which allows you to download a digital SIM card without needing a physical card. This emerging technology offers several advantages for travelers:

  • No need to physically swap SIM cards
  • Ability to keep your home number active while using a local data plan
  • Option to set up your travel eSIM before leaving home
  • Can store multiple eSIMs for different countries

If your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and select Samsung models), consider this option for even more convenience.

Beyond SIM Cards: Global Data eSIMs

If you're traveling to multiple countries or prefer a simpler solution, consider global data eSIMs from providers like Airalo, Gigsky, or Holafly. These services offer:

  • Data coverage across multiple countries or regions
  • Easy activation through an app
  • No need to search for local SIMs in each country
  • Competitive pricing compared to carrier roaming

While sometimes slightly more expensive than local options, they offer convenience that many travelers find worth the small premium.

Tips for Managing Communications While Using Local SIMs

  • Keep your home SIM safe: Store your original SIM in a secure place—SIM card holders are inexpensive and protect your card.
  • Use messaging apps: WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, and other internet-based messaging services work regardless of your SIM card.
  • Forward calls: Set up call forwarding from your home number before switching SIMs, if necessary.
  • Use dual-SIM phones: If available, a dual-SIM phone lets you keep your home SIM active for calls while using local data.
  • Consider Wi-Fi calling: Some carriers support Wi-Fi calling, which lets you make and receive calls on your home number when connected to Wi-Fi, even with your SIM removed.

Conclusion

Unlocking your phone opens up a world of savings and convenience when traveling internationally. By using local carriers instead of expensive roaming services, you can save hundreds of dollars on a typical vacation while enjoying better service and more data. The process is straightforward: unlock your phone before traveling, purchase a local SIM upon arrival, and enjoy connectivity at local prices.

As global travel resumes and expands, having an unlocked phone is becoming an essential tool in the savvy traveler's arsenal. The freedom to choose local carriers not only saves money but enhances your travel experience by providing reliable, affordable connectivity wherever your adventures take you.