What to Do With Your Phone Plan When Traveling Internationally

Traveling internationally is exciting.
Getting hit with a $200 phone bill when you get home? Not so much.

If you’ve ever landed in another country and thought, “Wait… what do I do with my phone now?” — you’re not alone. Between roaming, international plans, SIM cards, and eSIMs, it can get confusing fast.

This guide breaks down every realistic option, how much each one actually costs, and the easiest way to stay connected without surprise fees.

At a Glance: Your Phone Options When Traveling Internationally

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Let’s break these down in detail.

What Happens to Your Phone Plan When You Leave the Country?

When you travel internationally, your regular phone plan usually doesn’t apply the same way.

Most carriers automatically put you on international roaming, meaning:

• Your phone connects to foreign networks
  
  
• You’re charged extra for data, calls, and texts
  
  
• Fees can add up quickly—often without warning

This is why so many travelers only realize there’s a problem after they’re home.

Your Options for Using Your Phone Internationally

Option 1: International Roaming

Convenient, but the most expensive

What it is:
Using your regular carrier abroad with daily fees or pay-per-use rates.

Typical cost:

• $10–$15 per day
  
  
• Or $2–$10 per MB without a daily pass

Pros:

• Works automatically
  
  
• No setup required

Cons:

• Extremely expensive for data
  
  
• Slower speeds in many countries
  
  
• Easy to forget it’s turned on

Best for:
Emergencies only.

Option 2: Carrier International Plans

Slightly better, still pricey

What it is:
An international add-on from your mobile carrier.

Typical cost:

• $50–$100 per month
  
  
• Often limited high-speed data
  
  
• Speeds may be throttled

Pros:

• Easy to activate
  
  
• Uses your existing phone number

Cons:

• Still expensive
  
  
• Locked to your carrier
  
  
• Not always available everywhere

Best for:
Short trips if convenience matters more than cost.

Option 3: Local SIM Cards

Cheaper, but inconvenient

What it is:
Buying a physical SIM card after you arrive.

Typical cost:

• $10–$30 for data (varies by country)

Pros:

• Local pricing
  
  
• Good speeds

Cons:

• You have to find a store
  
  
• Swap SIM cards
  
  
• Lose access to your main phone number
  
  
• Not ideal for eSIM-only phones

Best for:
Longer stays where you want a local phone number and don’t mind the setup process.

Option 4: Travel eSIMs

The easiest and cheapest option for most travelers

What it is:
A digital SIM you download directly to your phone—no physical SIM required.

Typical cost:

• ~$5–$10 for 1GB
  
  
• ~$10–$20 for 3–5GB
  
  
• ~$20–$30 for 10GB (depending on country)

Why they’re cheaper:
You’re buying a specific data plan for your destination and trip length—not paying daily roaming fees or oversized carrier packages.

Pros:

• Set up before you travel
  
  
• No SIM swapping
  
  
• Keep your main phone number active
  
  
• Connect as soon as you land

Cons:

• Requires an eSIM-compatible phone

Best for:
Most international travelers.

Travel eSIM vs Roaming: What’s the Difference?

How Much Does Each Option Cost for a Typical Trip?

Example: 7-day international trip using maps, messaging, social media, and light browsing.

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That’s a big difference—especially if you travel more than once a year.

Is Your Phone Compatible With Travel eSIMs?

Most newer smartphones support eSIMs.

Common eSIM-compatible phones include:

• iPhone XS and newer
  
  
• iPhone SE (2nd gen and newer)
  
  
• Google Pixel 3 and newer
  
  
• Many Samsung Galaxy models

How to check your phone:

• iPhone:
  Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM
  
  
• Android:
  Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM

If you see an option to add an eSIM, your phone is compatible.

Many phones also support dual SIM, meaning you can:

• Keep your regular number active
  
  
• Use the travel eSIM for data

The Easiest Way to Get a Travel eSIM

Getting a travel eSIM is surprisingly simple.

With Goji’s travel eSIMs (powered by Airalo), the process looks like this:

1. Go to Goji’s travel eSIM page
   
   
2. Select the country (or region) you’re traveling to
   
   
3. Choose how much data you need and how long your trip is
   
   
4. Purchase the plan
   
   
5. Download the eSIM to your phone
   
   
6. Activate it when you land (or right before)

No stores. No contracts. No SIM swapping.

FAQs About Travel eSIMs & International Phone Use

Are travel eSIMs cheaper than roaming?
Yes. Travel eSIMs usually cost a fraction of what roaming fees add up to—especially for data.

Can I keep my phone number with a travel eSIM?
Yes. Your primary SIM stays active for calls and texts, while the eSIM handles data.

Do I need Wi-Fi to install an eSIM?
Yes, you’ll need Wi-Fi to download the eSIM. After that, it works on cellular data.

Can I use an eSIM and my regular plan at the same time?
Yes, if your phone supports dual SIM.

Is a travel eSIM safe?
Yes. Travel eSIMs connect you to local networks without exposing you to public Wi-Fi risks.

How much data do I need for international travel?

Light use (maps + messaging): 1–3GB. Regular use (social + browsing): 3–5GB. Heavy use (work + uploads): 10GB+.