International roaming vs. local SIM cards: What you need to know

Your PTO request has been approved, your out-of-office reply is about to be switched on and your suitcase is all packed. But before you head off on your vacay… how the f*! are you staying connected while traveling? (We said fox.) 

Before you snap that passport photo for Instagram, you’ll want to learn all about international roaming vs. local SIM cards to determine what’s the best option for you to stay connected while abroad. Let’s get into it.

How does using international roaming vs. using a local SIM card work?

There are two key options for staying connected while traveling abroad: using international roaming or getting a local SIM card. eSIMs are also a newer option for travelers. The differences between them lay in their connectivity methods and how much you want to pay. First up…

What is international roaming?

International roaming is when your phone can’t connect to your home mobile plan, so it connects you to partner networks abroad so you can keep using your same phone number and service. It’s basically data roaming doing a semester abroad. 
Most U.S. phone carriers offer international roaming with add-ons you can purchase before or during your trip. We recommend researching your carrier’s options before you leave to avoid unexpected overages (because you’ll be surprised that some carriers have some pretty affordable options (wink, wink)), but we’ll also cover your other options below.

What are the pros and cons of international data roaming?

Let’s dive into the pros and cons of international roaming to see if it’s right for you.

Pros

• Convenience: As soon as you land and turn off airplane mode, you’re instantly connected and have service in your new location.

• Your phone number stays active: Your friends and family can all text or call you at the same number you’ve always used. It’s also convenient for logging into apps or services that require one-time passwords, like banks.
  

Cons

• Cost: Roaming charges can be high if you haven’t signed up for a specific wireless plan or bundle that includes international roaming. And if you factor in visiting different countries, the rates and roaming zones can be even more confusing than figuring out a new public transit system.

• Speeds: Speeds might be slower depending on where you’re going. This could be because of slower partner networks or throttling from local networks prioritizing local customers. 

What are local SIM cards? 

A local SIM card is a prepaid card that you can buy from local retailers in your travel destination as a physical SIM card or buy in advance as an eSIM. When it comes to an eSIM vs. a physical SIM, the latter is extra-convenient because it can be installed through an app instead of swapping a physical card.

What are the pros and cons of local SIM cards (and eSIMs)?

Let’s dive into the pros and cons of local SIM cards and eSIMs to see if one works best for you, or if either might make more sense (and cents) than international roaming.

Pros

• Cost: Local SIM cards (and eSIMs) can be cheaper than international roaming (depending on the carrier), usually totaling around $10-$30. 

• Local number and discounts: You may get local rates or promotions for having a local number.

• Network coverage: You may have better coverage with a local SIM card because they connect to local infrastructure.
  
• All-in-one service: If you opt for an eSIM, it allows for instant digital activation, which makes going to different countries during your trip a breeze.

Cons

• Inconvenience: You’ll have to find a local store that sells physical SIM cards or figure out how to use an app to get an eSIM. That also means you’ll be without connection until you can find a SIM retailer.
  
• Multiple physical SIMs may be needed: If you’re traveling to more than one destination, you may need to figure out the logistics of needing multiple physical SIM cards depending on where you’re going.

So which one is right for you?

• International roaming: If you want convenience, this is probably the easiest and safest way to ensure you have an active plan as you travel. Depending on the carrier, there could be high roaming fees, but some carriers are now integrating international roaming plans, just like we do with Minternational Pass.
  
• Local SIM cards: If you’re most worried about cost, a local SIM card could be the way to go, though depending on your carrier’s roaming option, the cost difference between that and a local SIM card may not be very different.
  
• Local eSIMs: If you want both convenience and cost, an eSIM local to your destination might be the right move for you.

Pro tip: If you want to use a local physical SIM or eSIM, your phone must be unlocked. Before you step on the tarmac, take five minutes to double-check if your phone is unlocked. Plus, you’ll want to check your daily roaming rate versus a prepaid SIM package before you make any final SIM decisions. 

Ready, jetset, go

Now you know everything about international roaming vs. local SIM cards. If you’re looking for simplicity above all else, take a momint (sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves) and learn all about Mint Mobile’s Minternational Pass by tapping that button below, including how it provides talk, text and high-speed data to 180+ countries.