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If you’re reading this article, you’re likely excited for an upcoming trip. Hotel and flights are booked. The itinerary and every place you want to see are finalized. But one very important question remains: How to stay connected via your cell phone when traveling abroad. Whether you’re traveling to Canada, Mexico, or far overseas, this article will explain your options and share advice on how to use your cell phone internationally, how to do it affordably without overpaying, and how AT&T International Day Pass® will come in handy during your travels.
Can I use my mobile phone internationally?
Yes, you can! But roaming rules and rates vary, so learn what to do before you travel and how to activate your calling plan once you land. The last thing you want is to land at your destination and realize you have no service, or worse, coming back from your vacation and getting hit with unexpected charges on your bill.
Whether it’s for an emergency, or simply to stay connected with your friends and family while you’re traveling overseas—being able to call, text, and use your data is crucial. That’s where AT&T International Day Pass comes in.
What is the low-cost way to use your phone overseas?
Unexpected charges can rack up quickly. Think about each text message you send, per-minute charges for phone calls, videos, and images you share or load from your social media feeds, or maps that automatically download for navigation—all of those count towards data usage. But luckily, there are several options travelers can use to stay connected when traveling internationally without breaking the bank.
1. AT&T International Day Pass® ($12/day)
AT&T customers with an unlimited plan will get a great value overseas. AT&T International Day Pass lets you use your phone as you do at home for $12 per day, giving you unlimited data*, talk and text with your eligible AT&T unlimited plan. Plus, International Day Pass covers more than 210 destinations.
*When added to your unlimited plan. Coverage and data speed vary by destination and may be changed.
2. Roaming (pay-per-use pricing)
Even without an international calling feature, you can still access data, voice, and text when you’re traveling internationally, but you will be charged at pay-per-use rates. These rates vary by destination, whether you’re using talk, text, or data, and whether or not the destination country is covered (some countries are not), so be sure to review the pay-per-use rates ahead of time. To turn on data roaming for international use, you’ll need to go to your phone’s settings and activate both voice and data roaming to access cellular coverage.
What does “roaming” mean? Roaming allows you to make calls, send texts, and use wireless data even when you're outside of your domestic network's boundaries. It’s important to remember, however, that even though you’ll have access to data, voice, and texts, you’ll be charged for any usage that isn’t covered by your rate plan. And unless you have a travel package like AT&T International Day Pass, these charges can quickly add up.
If you’re traveling and don’t need to make calls, send texts, or access data to use the internet, remember to turn off data roaming on your phone before you leave your home country. This will prevent your phone from automatically connecting to a local network and unexpectedly using data. You can still make calls and send texts over Wi-Fi®, but you won’t be able to use mobile data—just make sure Wi-Fi is turned on in your device settings.
3. Buy a local SIM card from the country you’re visiting
A SIM card is a tiny card in your phone that stores information about your mobile identity, such as your phone number and wireless services. SIM cards help you securely connect to your wireless carrier to provide a network connection. Think of SIM cards as a key that connects your phone with cellular networks.
SIM cards can be physical or digital (eSIM). If you buy a physical SIM card, you can swap it with an international SIM card from the country you’re visiting when you insert the new SIM inside your device. Keep in mind that switching to an international SIM will mean that your cell phone number from the U.S. will be unavailable until you switch back, and you’ll have to pay for that service separate from your U.S. wireless bill.
If, however, your device supports an eSIM, you may be able to download and activate an eSIM for the country you’re visiting without having to go out of your way to purchase a physical SIM card. When returning from a trip using eSIM services, all you have to do is go back into your phone’s settings app and switch your domestic phone line back on. This simplicity and peace of mind make eSIM a worthy option. Learn more about what an eSIM is and how it works
Note: If you’re a frequent traveler and are willing to budget for the additional cost, you can even buy an unlocked cheap device (for example, a flip phone) that you can bring with you on international trips. Take that unlocked phone with you and buy a local SIM card once you arrive. Insert it into your device and you’ll have a prepaid amount of credits to use for calls, texts, and data. Depending on the phone you buy, some advanced features (like 5G) may not work like they would on a smartphone. When you return home, just turn off the device until your next trip.
In summary, you can get an eSIM if you want to pay for limited “credits” separate from your domestic unlimited cell phone plan—ideal if you’re not planning to use your device much during your travels. You’ll have to keep an eye out and limit your usage with the eSIM route to minimize any possible overage charges. But if you don’t want to worry about monitoring your voice, texts, and data usage, and want to use your phone overseas the same way you do back home, then the $12/day for AT&T International Day Pass is a better option.
What is AT&T International Day Pass and how do I activate it?
In a nutshell, AT&T International Day Pass is an international feature from AT&T that allows you to use your existing AT&T domestic plan abroad like you do at home. This means that your data*, calls, and texts are all accessible in over 210 destinations for a daily fee of $12 on the days you use it, providing a seamless and hassle-free transition when traveling.
If you don’t have AT&T International Day Pass, you can still access data, text, and calls, but you’ll be charged pay-per-use rates. These can very quickly add up (think about being charged per every SMS you send, every minute of every call you make charged per minute, or every single megabyte [MB] of data you use to load websites and apps).
Getting AT&T International Day Pass eliminates the need to constantly monitor your data, voice, and texting usage and the charges that come with that—letting you relax and focus on your travel experience without breaking the bank.
The daily fee structure of AT&T International Day Pass means you only pay for the days you use it. And you’ll never pay for more than ten days per line, per bill. This pricing model can be more affordable than purchasing a local SIM card or incurring hefty roaming charges, especially on longer trips or if visiting more than one destination.
*When added to your unlimited plan. Coverage and data speed vary by destination and may be changed
What if I’m traveling internationally with my family?
With AT&T International Day Pass the first line is $12 per day. And if you’re traveling with family, it’s $6 per day for each additional line on the same account used on the same calendar day. Remember, if you’re traveling longer than ten days, you’ll never pay for more than ten days per line, per billing cycle. So for example, if you’re visiting one of these 210+ foreign destinations for two weeks, with AT&T International Day Pass, you’ll never pay for more than ten days per line, per billing cycle.
What if I’m traveling to multiple destinations?
If you travel to multiple destinations included in AT&T International Day Pass, you’ll only be charged one daily fee per line per 24-hour period—no matter how many countries you travel through in that 24-hour period.
Does AT&T International Day Pass turn on automatically?
Before your trip, you’ll need to double-check that your destination is included in the 210+ destinations covered by AT&T International Day Pass. If the destination you’re visiting is listed, you’re on an eligible AT&T plan and you have a compatible smartphone, then it’s wise to sign up for AT&T International Day Pass before you leave on your trip. If you forget to add it before you depart, no worries, we’ll automatically add it for you as soon as you arrive at your destination and send you a text message to let you know. You can opt-out of it when you receive the text message upon your arrival, but having the option may prevent you from feeling stranded in a foreign country without a phone connection or being unknowingly charged at pay-per-use rates.
If you choose to remove AT&T International Day Pass, you’ll pay international pay-per-use rates for every text message you send, every minute of calls you make and receive, and every megabyte of data you use (or used by your phone in the background). It’s wise to know these rates before you go.
When am I charged for AT&T International Day pass?
The first time you use your data, send a text, or make or accept a phone call, is when AT&T International Day Pass kicks in and you’ll be charged a daily fee. Keep in mind that you might have apps that use data in the background, so be sure to turn off cellular data or go to airplane mode if you don’t want to risk being charged.
Daily fees are calculated and applied to your bill at the end of your bill period. After ten daily fees per bill period on a given line, you can continue to use that line through the end of the bill period for no additional charge.
By paying $12 per day, your phone will work as if you were using it at home. That coverage includes access to your data* so you won’t need to search around for Wi-Fi hotspots while traveling abroad. You’ll also get texting to the world, calls to the U.S., and calls to the 210+ destinations. You’ll be able to use it fully without incurring any other charges beyond the ten days per line, per bill.
*When added to your unlimited plan. Coverage and data speed vary by destination and may be changed
Do I have to opt in daily to use AT&T International Day Pass once I add it to my device?
No, you don’t have to opt-in daily. Your AT&T International Day Pass starts automatically when you use data, talk, or send a text in an included destination if you don’t optout.
Can I use AT&T International Day Pass on a cruise ship?
No, only AT&T Cruise packages include usage on eligible cruise ships while at sea. Review ships and package options. Good to know: If your cruise takes you to an International Day Pass destination, one can be added to cover your usage in port and onshore. Learn more about Cruise phone packages
Do I need to remove International Day Pass after my trip ends?
No need to remove International Day Pass once you return home. International Day Pass will remain dormant on your wireless plan, and you won’t be charged while in the U.S. You’ll be ready to use your phone on your next overseas trip (so long as the destination is one of the 210+ supported by International Day Pass) and you won’t be charged for International Day Pass again until then.
What do I do if I have a service issue when I’m traveling abroad?
Most international service issues can be solved by turning your phone off for one minute and then back on. For trouble using data, confirm Data Roaming is turned on in your device Settings. If the issue persists, call AT&T international customer care at +1.314.925.6925 (this is a free call from your AT&T wireless phone).
When should I not use the International Day Pass?
While the AT&T International Day Pass offers a ton of value, it’s important to consider the daily fee and whether it’s appropriate for how you plan to use your phone. If you’re planning to stay in one of the 210+ foreign destinations covered by AT&T International Day Pass for an extended period, the $12 daily fee can add up. Remember, though, this $12 fee is capped, and after ten daily fees per line per bill, you can continue to use your phone through the end of the bill period at no additional charge.
However, in some cases, such as longer trips with light usage, it might be more economical to consider other options, for example, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card or opting for a dedicated international plan.
Can I use my AT&T cell phone for free in Canada?
When traveling to Canada, your phone will work the same as it does within the United States, and you won’t need to pay additional roaming charges or fees so long as you’re on an AT&T unlimited plan. Keep in mind, roaming may be at 2G speeds.
How can I avoid cell phone charges in Canada?
If you’re an AT&T Wireless customer with a current unlimited plan, then Canada is included in your coverage area. You don’t need to buy any special travel packages. Keep in mind, roaming may be at 2G speeds. Read these five tips for using your phone in Canada
Can I use my AT&T cell phone for free in Mexico?
When you have an AT&T unlimited plan, you can use talk, text and data while traveling in Mexico with no roaming charges. Every AT&T unlimited plan includes unlimited talk, text and data in and between Mexico, Canada and the United States. Learn more tips for using your phone in Mexico.
When traveling in Mexico, your phone will work same as it does within the United States. You will not need to pay any additional roaming charges or fees so long as you’re on an AT&T unlimited plan. Keep in mind, roaming may be at 2G speeds.
If you’re traveling internationally, however, you’ll either need to use roaming and the pay-per-use charges associated with that, or you can sign up for AT&T International Day Pass and pay $12 per day per line in any of the 210+ destinations.
Does AT&T charge for international calls and texts when calling from the U.S.?
Have friends and family around the world? You can stay in touch for less with AT&T International CallingSM* for $15 per month, per line. You’ll get unlimited calling from the U.S. to 85+ countries, and discounted calling to 140 additional countries.
If you don’t need unlimited calling, you can pay-as-you-go instead. This can be more expensive since international long-distance calling rates are charged per minute and apply for calls made from the U.S. to another country.
Learn how to call and send texts to international numbers from the U.S.
If you’re calling from the U.S. to Mexico or Canada, AT&T offers unlimited texts & calls with unlimited plans.
*Requires a domestic postpaid wireless plan that includes unlimited talk. Pay-per-use rates apply to calls made to other countries.