International Mobile Internet Options for U.S. Based Travelers

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Keeping Connected Globally

Many U.S.-based nomads don't just stick within the borders of America in their adventures. And with international travel, there are special considerations for mobile internet connectivity. 

Whether exploring via RV, van, boat, or utilizing short-term hotels or home rentals - many of our mobile nomads will cross into international territory at some point and want to maintain a mobile internet connection.

International Mobile Internet Tips Video

Our international video overviews some general tips for traveling internationally with mobile internet:

Also, in August 2024 we hosted a MIRC LIVE event where we discussed some real-world examples of using mobile internet internationally. Team member Andy discussed how he and Suzy stayed connected during their recent trip to Europe:

 

You can also use our International Resources Page to access all of our guides to international & OCONUS travel, including: Canada, Mexico, Alaska, Bahamas and Global. We even have a guide for our Canadian friends for keeping connected in Canada & the USA. 

General Mobile Internet International Tips

The hurdle with international mobile internet is not that other countries don’t have plentiful options. The hiccup is getting connected to those options as nonresidents who are just passing through the country on a short-term basis.

These tips apply to both Canada and Mexico – as well as many other international travel destinations.

We also provide in-depth specific guides for U.S.-based RVers and boaters traveling to Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas. Additionally, we offer a guide focused on Canadians who are traveling to the U.S. 

For our full collection of International Mobile Internet travel resources:

International Travel Resources

Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi is plentiful abroad, just like most other basic necessities of life.

You will often be able to connect at campgrounds, coffee shops, cafes, libraries, hotels, airports, and more. You may be surprised at just how plentiful basic Wi-Fi can be, even in otherwise primitive countries.

When traveling outside the USA, Wi-Fi is likely going to be your cheapest and easiest connectivity solution, especially if you’re only going to be in an area for a brief time when it may not be worthwhile tracking down other options.

If you’re planning to mix international travels with your U.S. traveling lifestyle, it is important to assemble your technology arsenal to include gear that is easily portable and can be taken Wi-Fi hunting:

Using Wi-Fi as a Mobile Internet Source - Selecting Long Range Wi-Fi Extending Gear

As with all public Wi-Fi, the usual caveats apply.

Expect intermittent speeds, having to connect in crowded public places that may lack privacy and quiet, and needing to take precautions to keep your connection secure.

Using a virtual private network (VPN) may be a smart way to protect yourself when regularly surfing on public Wi-Fi (internationally or domestically).

TIP: A lot of major global websites will automatically switch to the local language if you are connecting via a local Wi-Fi internet service provider, though there is often a way to override the detected language - if you can navigate the menus to find it. Using a VPN to virtually appear to be back home in the United States however will almost always keep your web experience in English.

Mobile Internet Security, Privacy, and VPNs

Voice

There are several ways to keep your voice phone service working while traveling internationally.

Because nearly every modern cell phone supports basic GSM international roaming frequency bands, the simplest option to keep connected is to activate international roaming with your home carrier – taking your current phone on the road. This way, your home number continues to work and will ring wherever you go.

Many carriers have moved towards better options for international minutes in a growing number of places, so be sure to check your plan. You may discover that your plan has some basic voice service that will meet your needs. Your default roaming rates may be expensive, but you don’t have to answer every call. 

Regardless, with your phone active, at least you’ll know someone is trying to reach you, and you will have the option to answer or call back as necessary.

However, if you want to make or receive calls on a regular basis while you’re out of the country, you’ll probably want to avoid the default international rates your carrier is offering to keep costs better under control.

Most carriers have special international packages that offer discounted calling rates and allow you to keep your home number active in most countries around the world for as little as $15/month.

If keeping your domestic number isn’t important, local SIM cards abound in many countries. These SIM cards will make it harder to manage incoming calls since your phone will have an international number, but many SIM cards available while traveling offer substantial discounts for calls back to the USA.

And finally, you can rely on popular services like Google Voice, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts, and Skype to handle your calls– avoiding traditional cellular calls entirely. 

TIP: If you decide to get a local SIM card, look into ways that you can forward calls from your U.S. number so that people back home can still easily reach you. 

Cellular Data

The most important international data tip is to TURN OFF data roaming on your devices when you are close to international borders - unless you are certain you have a plan with good international roaming coverage. Remember, the nearest cellular tower may be on the other side of the border! You don't want to accidentally use your international data before you've even crossed the border.

The default international data roaming fees on data devices from many carriers can be extremely high – and there are many horror stories about accidental astronomical bills from inadvertent roaming.

Likewise, international data roaming on smartphone plans may be costly or extremely limited (fortunately, many smartphone plans will detect and notify you when you are roaming internationally).

If you do need cellular data overseas, you may be able to avoid the default roaming rates by activating an international roaming plan with your U.S.-based carrier – saving a substantial amount in the process. If your existing plan includes international roaming data, be sure to know whether your data is capped (either daily or by billing cycle) or throttled to a slow speed after using your allotment.

Roaming with your home carrier may be ideal if you’re only planning a short trip, will primarily be relying on Wi-Fi, or won’t be needing much data to get by. But for longer trips or heavier needs – it often makes sense to look into other options to support your data needs, including global data devices or international SIMs.

Satellite Data

Mobile satellite internet comes in three main flavors: small low-bandwidth communicators, low earth orbit (LEO) satellites and dishes, and geostationary orbit satellites and dishes. LEO and hand-held devices have the most practicality for international travel.

Starlink Satellite Internet

Starlink has been the breakout LEO satellite company and now has coverage in many international locations.  Starlink delivers high-speed data under various plans for fixed location and nomadic travelers.

Starlink has plans with options that fit all kinds of traveling needs, including in-motion, and open ocean and contential and world travelationary. Given Starlink's myriad plan options - only some of them are suitable for international travel/roaming.

Choosing Starlink is not necessarily a perfect internet solution for all travelers. But with any type of nomadic travel, Starlink can be a great option with flexibility to switch between data plans as needed to suite your current phase of travel. 

Starlink has made frequent changes to its plans since it began its service, so for the most up-to-date information about Starlink for mobile internet check out our Starlink Guide:

Starlink

Other Satellite Options

The extreme opposite in terms of data usage/demand are hand-held satellite communicators. If you are interested in a basic communication tool to keep in touch with family, especially in remote areas, and maybe get the local weather forecast, a hand-held mobile satellite communicator may be a good solution. These allow simple 160 character texts, and work internationally and in the remotest of locations. 

For more information about mobile satellite, including hand-held devices, LEO, and geostationary satellite options, check out our Mobile Satellite Guide:

Mobile Satellite Options

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Data Saving Tips for Capped Plans

As noted above, most U.S.-based plans that permit data roaming into other countries place data usage caps on the roaming portions of those plans. If you are purchasing a local SIM card to use in another country, you may also find yourself dealing with data caps. Some satellite-based plans also have data caps. 

Data caps can be a challenge if you are used to unlimited data -  so you may want some help to make the most of your data limits.

We've got a complete guide covering tips to lowering your data usage here:

Minimizing Data Usage & Managing Common Data Hogs

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Member Exclusive Content Below

U.S. Cellular Carrier International Roaming Policies

We go in-depth tracking the roaming allowances and policies of the flagship plans offered by the major U.S. cellular carriers.

Global SIMs

This section covers options for global SIMs - services where you purchase a device & SIM card that automatically works across the world. Options include Solis, Airalo, Roaming Man, GlocalMe, and more.

Obtaining local SIMs

For extended international travel, sometimes it just makes sense to source local options. This section will help you be better prepared for that.

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Summary: Research, Planning, & Flexibility Are Key

U.S.-based travelers looking to do some international exploration have a variety of options for staying connected. With some research, planning, and flexibility, many nomads exploring outside the confines of the U.S. have been successful in maintaining some form of mobile internet.