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AT&T International Phone Plans – Countries, Coverage, Rates, and More

Andrew Kunesh

Former Content Contributor

69 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 28 U.S. States Visited: 22

Editor & Content Contributor

169 Published Articles 802 Edited Articles

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Table of Contents

Breaking down at&t’s international data plans, at&t’s supported countries, pros and cons of at&t’s international data plans, final thoughts.

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At Upgraded Points, we’re a team of travelers . Some of us travel abroad multiple times per year, and some of us travel full-time. However, all of us have 1 thing in common: we need an international data plan to stay connected to our work when we’re globetrotting.

With this in mind, we’ve spent a lot of time looking at the best U.S. mobile data plans for international roaming . The right plan will let us stay connected to our work when traveling, breaking us free from the hold of constantly searching for free Wi-Fi.

In past articles, we’ve looked at T-Mobile and Google Fi’s assortment of international data plans. And while these were some of our favorites, it’s time for us to turn our focus to mobile giant AT&T’s international roaming options. And at first glance, you may be in for a bit of a disappointment.

AT&T doesn’t offer free international roaming outside of North America, and it’s international roaming options can get pricey quickly. So in this article, we’ll dive deep and take a look at all of AT&T’s different roaming options. We’ll start by looking at what options are available to you, and then end with a list of pros and cons.

Use the information presented in this article to see if AT&T is the right cell phone provider for you as an international traveler. And if you’re already an AT&T subscriber, you can use this information to avoid any billing surprises on your next trip abroad.

Let’s get started!

As discussed in the intro, there’s no free international roaming outside of North America included with any of AT&T’s post-paid cell phone plans.

Thankfully, though, there are 3 different ways you can use your AT&T mobile plan when you’re traveling abroad. One is paying per megabyte for data, and the other 2 options are roaming plans. We’ve outlined each and their respective pricing in the paragraphs below:

Pay Per Use International Data

The first option available to you is also the riskiest: paying per megabyte for international mobile data.

AT&T will let you use international mobile data at a rate of $2.05 per megabyte in most countries. Your exact usage is actually billed per kilobyte, so if you use 100.2 MB of data during your trip, you won’t be rounded up to 101 MB for billing purposes.

This is a very risky (and expensive) way to use international mobile data. For example, sending a 3 MB photo on WhatsApp would cost a whopping $6.15! Further, modern smartphones use a lot of data in the background — think automatic updates and fetching new email — so you could end up paying hundreds of dollars in extra charges just for keeping your cell phone turned on!

We highly recommend staying away from this option. It’s too risky to be deemed practical — especially when you consider how data-intensive even the most basic smartphone tasks are.

AT&T International Day Pass

Plan on using a lot of data during your trip? You may want to consider the International Day Plan .

This plan lets you continue using your AT&T plan abroad. If you have an unlimited plan at home, you can continue using this plan and your data allocation when traveling in 200+ countries. Plus, you also get unlimited texting, calling to the U.S., and calling to 100+ Day Pass countries.

This plan is charged at a rate of $10 per day on top of your existing AT&T plan. If you’d like to add multiple devices to this plan, you’ll be charged $5 each for additional devices. Thankfully, AT&T will only charge you for days you actually use, and there’s no minimum number of days you need to purchase. Plus, the maximum you’ll be charged is $100 per billing cycle. After the first 10 days charged at $10 each, you’ll be able to access the international plan free of charge for the remainder of the billing cycle.

These daily plans are charged per 24-hour period and don’t start until you’ve used data, sent or received a text, or made a call. So if your flight lands at 3:30 p.m. in London and you make a call at 4:00 p.m., your 24-hour period will expire at 4:00 pm the next day. This plan works in any of AT&T’s International Day Pass-supported countries, and you can use your plan in multiple countries without having to buy an additional pass.

Once you add International Day Pass to your AT&T account, you will be automatically charged you for a full day whenever you use your phone in a supported country. This means that you don’t need to enroll in the plan more than once — just set it and forget it.

Free International Roaming in Canada And Mexico

One quick thing to note: most AT&T post-paid plans include complimentary roaming in Canada and Mexico.

When roaming to these countries, you’ll simply use your voice, text, and data plan from home. According to AT&T’s website, your phone will work at full-speed when roaming in these countries (or until 22 GB on unlimited plans, then throttled speeds), so there’s no need to worry about being throttled just for traveling. You can even use mobile hotspot — something super helpful for those that want to work remotely when traveling within North America.

The following plans include North American roaming:

• Unlimited &More
• Unlimited &More premium
• Unlimited Choice
• Unlimited Choice Enhanced
• Unlimited Plus
• Unlimited Plus Enhanced

Further, a handful of plans include roaming in Mexico but not Canada:

• Mobile Share Advantage (10 GB or higher)
• Mobile Share Flex (10 GB or higher)
• Mobile Share Plus
• Mobile Share Value (15 GB or higher)

Other AT&T plans can add a special Roam North America plan to their account. The price of this plan is not published publicly, so you’ll have to call AT&T to receive a quote and have it added to your AT&T account.

Which AT&T Data Package is Right for You?

Now that you know what international plans AT&T offers, let’s help you pick which is best for you. Here’s a look at why you might pick 1 plan over another:

Stick with pay-per-megabyte roaming if you…

• Plan on keeping your phone in airplane mode or buying a local SIM card — it’s not worth risking a huge bill when you get home!

Sign up for the International Day Pass if you…

• Are on a short trip — $10 per day can add up quickly.
• Only plan on using data on certain days of your trip.
• Have a large U.S. data plan; remember, the data you use will be pulled from your standard data allowance.
• Need a plan to hold you over until you purchase a local SIM card.

How to Sign up for an International Data Package

Signing up for an AT&T international data plan is easy. You’ll be automatically enrolled in pay per megabyte — so the minute you land, you’ll start being charged for roaming.

On the other hand, an International Day Pass can be added from the myAT&T portal. Just head over to AT&T’s website , sign in, and head to this link.  You can remove an international plan from this page as well.

Hot Tip: You can call AT&T to have them disable the international data plan feature if you’d like. We actually recommend doing this so that you don’t end up with a massive bill for accidentally taking your phone out of airplane mode.

AT&T has a wide range of supported countries for its International Day Pass, but unfortunately, it’s not quite as extensive as T-Mobile or even Google Fi.

Some notable examples of countries not supported by International Day Pass include:

• French Polynesia
• Philippines
• United Arab Emirates
• A handful of others

You can view the entire list of supported countries for both plans on AT&T’s website . We recommend studying this list before you make a choice on what plan is right for you. After all, there’s nothing worse than landing in a new country and not having phone service to call an Uber!

Obviously, there are ups and downs to picking an AT&T international data plan over a competitor — unfortunately, though, we believe there are more downsides. To prove it, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of AT&T’s international data plans.

Don’t worry: we’ll bring these together in the Final Thoughts section, giving you a well-rounded look as to whether AT&T’s international data plans are right for you.

Pros of AT&T’s International Data Plans:

• 2 different options for international roaming, giving you flexibility in how you choose to roam
• Complimentary roaming in North America for most AT&T plans
• International Day Pass provides flexibility and peace of mind as it automatically re-enrolls when you use your phone abroad

Cons of AT&T’s International Data Plans:

• No complimentary international data like T-Mobile or Google Fi
• Limited roaming countries, especially on the International Day Pass plan
• Expensive pay-per-megabyte roaming
• International Day Pass can add up on long trips
• Not all plans include North American roaming

All in all, AT&T’s international data plans are not the best option for most travelers. For example, Google Fi’s Unlimited plan costs just $70 per month per line and includes unlimited high-speed international data. With AT&T, you’d pay a similar price for U.S. data and still have to buy an additional international plan.

Further, AT&T doesn’t have the global coverage that other carriers offer. And while AT&T does cover most of Asia and Europe, those traveling off the beaten path will eventually stumble upon a country where an AT&T plan won’t connect.

If you live in an area where AT&T is your only option for getting solid coverage, we recommend picking up one of AT&T’s two different international data plans when you do travel abroad. These will keep your international data bill manageable and ensure that you can stay connected no matter where you are in the world.

Long story short: we recommend strongly considering the competition before you settle on AT&T. You’ll likely find a better deal with more international coverage options.

Safe travels!

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UponArriving

AT&T International Day Pass Guide (Full List of Countries) [2020]

When traveling abroad, one of the biggest questions asked is what type of plan you can use with your phone. Sometimes you can get hit with outrageous fees unexpectedly if you don’t properly understand your international data plan so it is vital that you know the terms of your plan before you depart as part of your international trip checklist.  

In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about the AT&T International Day Pass. I will also list off all of the AT&T International Day Pass countries.

Table of Contents

What is the AT&T International Day Pass?

The AT&T International Day Pass allows AT&T customers to pay $10 per 24 hours to receive the following benefits when they are traveling abroad:

• Access to your data plan
• Unlimited worldwide texts
• Unlimited phone calls to the US
• Unlimited calls to 100+ International Day Pass countries

It also allows you the convenience of using your own personal mobile device versus buying a device for your travels. It’s a pretty decent deal and you can find out about the details of each of these benefits below.

• Related: Chase Ink Business Preferred cell phone insurance.
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How do I get the AT&T International Day Pass?

The pass is very simple to activate because the first time you use your data, make or receive a phone call, or send a text message in an IDP country, you’ll automatically be charged the AT&T International Day Pass $10 daily fee. This means that you do not have to manually opt-in.

Typically, soon after you touch down in an IDP country and take your phone off of airplane mode, you should receive a text confirming that you are eligible for the pass. If you do not receive a text confirming the pass and how it works, or if you just simply can’t get service, try turning your phone off and then back on. (This usually resolves within a few minutes after you arrive in a new country.)

One important thing to note is that many of your apps that run in the background of your phone need to access data. So in some cases your apps may trigger the pass without you even knowing it. If you want to avoid this, you should keep your phone on airplane mode. You can also turn off cellular data roaming.

There are some ways to use maps off line. One of my favorite apps is Maps.me but you can also use Google Maps off-line as well so if that is your primary concern you don’t have to necessarily use data.

After your initial 24 hour period is up, if you continue to use your data or make or receive phone calls or send text messages, you will reactivate a new 24 hour period that will trigger an additional $10 charge. (The daily fees are calculated and charged to your bill at the end of your billing cycle.) 

How do I cancel the AT&T International Day Pass?

You do not need to cancel the pass whenever you arrive back home. You can simply leave it on your device so that the next time you travel abroad it will be active. However, if you would like to cancel the plan you can do that by going online or by calling into the following AT&T phone number: 800.335.4685. Once removed, pay-per-use rates will apply, unless another international travel option is added to your device. 

What type of data can I use?

The type of data you will be allowed to use depends on your domestic plan. If your domestic plan includes Stream Saver, it will apply to your international package or feature.

If you go over your domestic plan data allowance then overage charges or a data speed reduction of up to 128Kbps will kick in. If you are hit with the lower speed data, you might not even be able to use some of your apps on your phone and browsing can be extremely slow. So when traveling, always try to use Wi-Fi for your downloads, streaming, etc. 

Unlimited texts

You can send unlimited texts to anywhere in the world as long as those texts are AT&T Short Messaging Service (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS).

Note that this unlimited amount of texts does not apply to other types of messaging services like WhatsApp or iMessages. (You would want to use those services when connected to Wi-Fi to avoid charges.)

Unlimited phone calls

The AT&T International Day Pass can provide you with unlimited phone calls for certain regions. As long as you are in an IDP country you can call the United States on an unlimited basis. You can also call to other IDP countries as well (again, the full list of these countries is below).

If you are not familiar with making international calls, remember that you will need to enter in the country code before you make the call. For example, the country code for the US is “1” so before you dial a US number you would need to input “+1.” You can find a full list of country codes here.

It’s worth noting that if your domestic plan does not allow unlimited phone calls, then overage fees will apply.

Calls from IDP countries to non-IDP countries will incur International Long Distance (ILD) charges. If you are not familiar with the long distance rates, you can find out more about those here.

You also need to be careful about Wi-Fi calling. In fact you should turn Wi-Fi Calling off in your device settings to avoid charges for calls dialed to International Day Pass countries.

It’s a little confusing but basically, with Wi-Fi Calling, you won’t be charged for your calls to the US but you will be charged for calls to all other countries including the country that you are in. In those instances your calls will be billed at the international long distance rate as if you were calling from within the US.

Mexico and Canada

Many domestic plans include usage in both Mexico and Canada. If you have one of these plans then you will not be charged a daily fee while traveling in Mexico or Canada.

Service restrictions

There are also some service restrictions that you should consider. This plan is not available for wireless home phone services, connected vehicles, or connected devices. In those instances, pay-per-use international rates will apply. Also, this plan is not to be used aboard cruise ships or airlines.

If you would like to use your phone on a cruise, then you should look into purchasing a cruise package. You can find out more about those here . Just keep in mind that if your cruise transports you to an IDP country, you will be able to use your International Day Pass while on land.

Additional fees and surcharges

When you use your day pass, you might get hit with additional fees and sub-charges depending on your location. For example, there are reports out there of people getting charged an additional $20 on top of their $70 bills when they used their day pass for seven days.

So instead of $10 a day, more likely you might be getting charged something like $12-$17 per day . So just be aware that some of those fees can add up to make your bill a little bit more expensive than you might initially think it would be.

What countries qualify for the AT&T International Day Pass?

Below is a full list of AT&T International Day Pass countries that qualify:

• Aland Islands
• Antigua & Barbuda
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Christmas Island
• Czech Republic
• Dominican Republic
• Easter Island
• El Salvador
• French Guiana
• French West Indies
• Galapagos Islands
• Great Britain
• Isle of Man
• Korea (South Korea)
• Liechtenstein
• Macao (Macau)
• Netherlands Antilles
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Northern Ireland
• Palestinian Authority
• South Korea
• St. Barthelemy
• St. Eustatisus & Saba
• St. Kitts & Nevis
• St. Maarten (Dutch)
• St. Martin (French)
• St. Vincent & the Grenadines
• Switzerland
• Trinidad & Tobago
• Turks & Caicos
• United Kingdom
• Vatican City
• Virgin Islands (British Virgin Islands)

The AT&T International Day Pass is very simple to use. You simply start using your data or texting or calling when you arrive in a new country and you will be able to have access to all of your plan subject to a $10 fee that hits every 24 hours. You need to be mindful about your limitations so that you don’t get hit with extra fees or slow down data but overall this is a pretty simple plan to follow.

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

One comment

When using the IDP will my phone get local number if that country? Calling someone in this country, do I call him using the international code or just his local number? And last one, when they call me from the same country that I am visiting, will the need to call my USA number?

Comments are closed.

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• Wireless services
• International business mobile plans
• AT&T International Day Pass for Business

AT&T INTERNATIONAL DAY PASS™ FOR BUSINESS

The ultimate business travel companion

Use your wireless plan while you are traveling abroad for business at $12/day per line. Taxes, fees & other monthly charges extra.

• Travel Tips

Use your current wireless plan while traveling abroad for only $12/day*

*Taxes, fees & other monthly charges apply.

Travel with confidence

Use maps and ride share apps to travel with ease

Experience worldwide connectivity

Stay connected in over 210 destinations worldwide

Connectivity you can count on

Share images and other important business information with the office

International Day Pass for Business benefits

What you get with at&t international day pass for business.

$12 daily fee per line

This fee includes coverage for 24 hours

Access to your domestic plan while abroad

Using your domestic plan's data allowances¹ reduces your need to find Wi-Fi hotspots while traveling.

Access to your domestic plan's talk and text allowances²

Domestic plans with unlimited talk & text, get unlimited texts to the world and unlimited calls to 210+ destinations 

¹Subject to your domestic plan terms (with same data and speed restrictions). If your domestic plan includes Video Management, it will also apply to International Day Pass for Business. If your domestic plan has capped data usage, overage charges or data speed reduction of up to 128 Kbps may apply in accordance with the terms of your domestic plan.

²If your domestic plan has capped minutes or messages, overage charges may apply in accordance with the terms of your domestic plan.

International travel tips

Get the most out of your data while abroad

AT&T INTERNATIONAL DAY PASS ® FOR BUSINESS:

ELIGIBILITY : Available to business and government customers with a qualified AT&T wireless service agreement ( Business Agreement ) and only for qualified Corporate Responsibility User ( CRU ) lines of service. Compatible device with eligible domestic postpaid wireless plan required.

ADDING TO YOUR LINE : You can add IDP for Business before your CRU travels or, for business customers with select devices only, AT&T will automatically add International Day Pass (“IDP”) for Business to the CRU line if (i) you have not added IDP for Business and do not have another international feature on the CRU line; (ii) the CRU uses an eligible smartphone, tablet, mobile hotspot device or laptop while traveling in an IDP Destination (see below) not included in your domestic rate plan, and (iii) the CRU incurs at least 5MB in international data roaming usage at pay-per-use rates (see att.com/intlppurates). If we automatically add IDP for Business to a CRU smartphone line, we will send you an email and also send an SMS to the CRU line. If we automatically add IDP for Business to a CRU tablet, mobile hotspot device or laptop line, we will send you an email. Once added, IDP for Business will stay on the CRU line until you remove it using online self-service ( att.com/myatt  or att.com/premier , as applicable), by calling 800-331-0500, or by contacting your AT&T account representative.

DAILY FEE : The first time you use data, make or receive a call, or send a text message in an IDP Destination, you’ll automatically be charged a $12 daily fee. Text messages received are rated as domestic and do not trigger a daily fee. The daily fee covers additional data, calls, and text messages for 24 hours from the initial use in any IDP Destination. You’ll be charged an additional daily fee for all subsequent 24-hour periods in which you use data, make or receive a call, or send a text message in an IDP Destination, unless you remove IDP for Business. Business and government customers with IDP for Business are not eligible for the reduced daily fee or the charge cap available to consumers with IDP.

DESTINATIONS : Includes usage in over 210 destinations listed at  att.com/globalcountries  and on select enabled international flights ( Enabled Flights ) (each an IDP Destination or collectively, IDP Destinations ). Coverage is not available in all areas. IDP Destinations and rates are subject to change without notice.  Mexico and Canada:  You will not be charged a daily fee in Mexico or Canada if you have a domestic plan that includes usage in Mexico or Canada.  Latin America : AT&T Business Unlimited Elite customers and other qualified customers with Roam Latin America SM  for Business will not be charged a daily fee in any of the Latin American countries that are included in their phone plan. See att.com/latamcountries for a list of included countries.  Cellular networks on select airlines: For a list of participating airlines and Enabled Flights, go to att.com/globalcountries . Participating airlines and Enabled Flights are subject to change without notice. Passengers of participating airlines are not guaranteed to be on an Enabled Flight. Device must be on, with Airplane Mode and Wi-Fi turned off and data roaming and cellular data turned on to use the cellular network on an Enabled Flight. Cellular service on an Enabled Flight is available only at greater than 200 nautical miles outside of the U.S. border and above 20,000 feet cruising altitude. In the event of satellite interruption or regulatory constraint, airline cellular services may be disrupted or disabled.

DATA : Data will be drawn from your domestic plan allowance with the same data and speed restrictions. If your domestic plan includes Video Management feature, it will apply to your IDP for Business feature. See  att.com/Videofeature  for Video Management details.  Data overage : If you go over the amount of data in your qualified domestic plan, overage charges or data speed reduction of up to 128Kbps will apply in accordance with the terms of your domestic plan. If your data speed is slowed, all your data use, including audio and video streaming, picture and video messaging, and other types of data use will be impacted and may not work.  Incidental data usage : Apps on your device use data even when you may not be aware. Such usage may trigger a daily fee. To avoid unintended use of IDP for Business, turn off cellular data roaming in your device settings.

UNLIMITED TALK : For phones only. Includes calls received in IDP Destinations and made from IDP Destinations to the U.S. and to other IDP Destinations. If your domestic plan does not include unlimited talk, the minutes of use will be drawn from your domestic plan’s voice allowance and domestic overage charges may apply.  Calls to non-IDP Destinations : Calls from IDP Destinations to non-IDP Destinations will get International Long Distance ( ILD ) charges. Pay-per-use rates apply unless your domestic plan includes these destinations or you add an ILD package to your device. Rates are subject to change without notice. For details, go to  att.com/internationalcalling .

UNLIMITED TEXT : For phones only. Applies only to AT&T Short Messaging Service ( SMS ) and Multimedia Messaging Service ( MMS ) and not to other messaging services or applications like iMessage. Messages received are rated as domestic and do not trigger a daily fee. If your domestic plan does not include unlimited text, the messages you send will be drawn from your domestic plan’s messaging allowance and domestic overage charges may apply.

AT&T PASSPORT ® /AT&T PASSPORT ® PRO : For devices with IDP for Business and an active AT&T Passport or AT&T Passport Pro package, IDP for Business charges will apply in IDP Destinations and usage in IDP Destinations will not reduce the Passport or Passport Pro data allowance, trigger Passport calling charges, or offset the Passport Pro voice allowance. If you want to use Passport or Passport Pro in an IDP Destination, you must remove IDP for Business.

PAY-PER-USE RATES : Apply when traveling in destinations not included in IDP for Business and/or when you have not added a package. For rates, see  att.com/intlppurates .

SERVICE RESTRICTIONS : International use aboard cruise ships is not included. Not available for wireless home phone services, connected vehicles, or connected devices. Pay-per-use international rates will apply.

GENERAL : Subject to your applicable Business Agreement. Availability, quality of coverage, and services while roaming are not guaranteed. Additional restrictions may apply.

Roam Latin America for Business

Only AT&T keeps you connected in the U.S. and 20 Latin American countries with unlimited high-speed data, talk & text at no extra cost.*

*Req’s AT&T Business Unlimited Premium. Coverage and data speeds vary by country. International usage should not exceed domestic usage

International Day Pass FAQ

Which countries are covered by international day pass.

Afghanistan

Aland Islands

American Samoa

Antigua & Barbuda

Bosnia & Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Christmas Island

Congo (Republic of the Congo)

Cote D'Ivoire

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo)

Dominican Republic

Easter Island

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Faroe Islands

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Galapagos Islands

Great Britain

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Ivory Coast

Korea (South Korea)

Liechtenstein

Macao (Macau)

Netherlands Antilles

Netherlands

New Zealand

Northern Ireland

Northern Mariana Islands

Palestinian Authority

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Reunion Island

Republic of Rwanda

Sao Tome & Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

St. Barthelemy

St. Eustatius & Saba

St. Kitts & Nevis

St. Maarten (Dutch)

St. Martin (French)

St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Switzerland

Trinidad & Tobago

Turks & Caicos

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City

Virgin Islands (British Virgin Islands)

Western Sahara

What speeds are available in each country?

See the international coverage map .

How will I know I’m covered in the country I am traveling to?

See the  international coverage map .

Available countries, services, and technologies are subject to change without notice. To view wireless coverage, go to www.att.com/maps/wireless-coverage . 

Which airlines or enabled international flights are covered by International Day Pass

For a list of participating airlines and enabled international flights go to att.com/globalcountries. Airlines and Enabled Flights are subject to change without notice. Passengers of qualifying airlines are not guaranteed to be on an Enabled Flight.

Available countries, services and technologies are subject to change without notice. To view wireless coverage, go to www.att.com/maps/wireless-coverage . 

Learn more about AT&T International Day Pass for Business

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Best international phone plans in 2024 — what travelers need to know

Heading overseas? Find out what your cellphone provider charges if you use your phone

• T-Mobile phone plans
• Verizon phone plans
• AT&T phone plans
• Google Fi plans
• Other options
• Device compatibility and eSims
• 5G coverage when traveling

Checking out the best international phone plans is as crucial for an overseas trip as making sure your passport is in order. After all, you don't want to land at your destination only to find you have no coverage — or that you have to pay through the nose for service.

Fortunately, all the major U.S. wireless carriers offer some kind of travel benefit with their best cell phone plans . And if those options aren't good enough, you can also find supplementary travel packages that augment the data plan you already have in place. The trick is to make sure those options keep you covered around the globe without busting your budget.

1. T-Mobile : Best choice for travelers 2. Verizon : TravelPass options 3. AT&T : Best for travel in Latin and Central America 4. Google Fi : An underrated traveling companion 5. Other options : Other international phone plans to consider

The best international phone plans will let you make calls and browse the web when you're in another country (though there might be a fee on top of your normal monthly rate, depending on which carrier you use). Different plans might provide coverage in specific countries, and how long you plan on traveling could also impact your choice of plans. Your method of travel — be it by plane or cruise ship — also affects which plan is best for you.

All of these are things for globetrotters to consider when shopping for wireless coverage. You're going to want one of the best unlimited data plans since they tend to offer the most travel-related perks. If you haven't travelled internationally in a while, it's smart to double-check what options are out there since the best phone carriers have overhauled their plans and packages available to travelers.

Here’s a look at the travel policies and perks for the three top U.S carriers along with information on Google Fi, which offers a plan that definitely appeals to frequent travelers.

T-Mobile international phone plans

T-Mobile has shed some of its plans, though the good news is that most of the remaining options provide some benefits for overseas travel. Subscribe to Go5G, Go5G Plus or Go5G Next, and you enjoy unlimited data and texting in more than 215 countries around the world. If you want to place or receive calls, you’ll be subject to the local rate depending on where you want to go. You don’t need to notify T-Mobile of your travel for your overseas benefits to kick in.

T-Mobile Go5G Plus Plan | Unlimited Data | $90/month T-Mobile's Go5G Plus plan has the edge over the cheaper Go5G option, with better travel benefits. You get 15GB of data when you traavel in Mexico and Canada (compared to 10GB for Go5G), and you also enjoy texting and Wi-Fi on any flight where internet is available. Even better, you can use your data in 215-plus countries at no extra cost. The first 5GB of data you use use will be high-speed data (with 5G speeds supported where available). Go5G subscribers only get high-speed data in 11 European countries; otherwise, data speeds are capped at 256 kbps.

Travel perks in current plans: As part of T-Mobile's Beyond Connected program, data speeds reach 256 kbps when you're overseas. If you subscribe to the standard Go5G plan ($75 for a single line) and you're in one of 11 European countries, you can enjoy 5GB of high-speed data every month, thanks to a partnership with T-Mobile parent Deutsche Telecom.

The perk gets better when you upgrade to Go5G Plus, which starts at $90/month for one line of data). That plan treats you to 5GB of high-speed data in 215 countries.

Go5G Next, T-Mobile's most expensive plan at $100/month for a single line, has the same travel benefits as Go5G Plus, but adds the ability to upgrade your phone every year. If that's not important to you, stick with Go5G Plus and pay $10 less each month on your wireless bill.

T-Mobile customers can take advantage of free Wi-Fi on American, Delta, Alaska Airlines and United flights. Go5G Plus subscribers get full texting and Wi-Fi with streaming during flights, where wireless is available. If you opt for Go5G, you're covered on four flights per year with full streaming, plus unlimited texting; after those four flights, you can stream one hour of video. Delta SkyMiles members also get free Wi-Fi on domestic U.S. flights courtesy of T-Mobile — even if they get their wireless service from another carrier.

In Mexico and Canada, T-Mobile allows you to use up to 10GB of data if you're a Go5G customer; speeds are slowed to 128kbps after that. Go5G Plus members enjoy 15GB, with speeds slowing to 256kbps if you use more than that amount.

T-Mobile includes travel benefits in two of its remaining senior plans, with identical travel perks between the $100 Go5G Plus 55 option and the $120 Go5G Next 55 plan. (Note that those monthly prices cover two lines of data; one line of either Plus or Next cost $70 and $80, respectively.) Travel perks include high-speed data and text when you travel abroad, plus unlimited in-flight connectivity. When you travel to Canada or Mexico, you get 15GB of high-speed data. Both plans also include a year's membership to AAA for road travel in the U.S.

If you opt for T-Mobile's lower cost Essentials unlimited plan, you'll get 2G roaming in Canada and Mexico, but have to pay for data elsewhere.

Trip-specific passes: T-Mobile offers International Pass options for travelers who want high-speed data during lengthier stays overseas. A 5GB International Pass gives you that much high-speed data along with unlimited calling for 10 days. It costs $35. T-Mobile's $50 International Pass increases high-speed data to 15GB and extends the length of the pass to 30 days. The carrier also offers a $5 daily pass that gives you 512MB of high-speed data, and unlimited calling between the 215 or so Simple Global destinations. 

Cruise rates: Pricing on cruises will vary according to which cruise you’re taking. You can check T-Mobile’s site to see what your pricing will be.

Verizon international phone plans

Verizon phones generally work all over the world, especially if you've got a phone built in the last few years. But where you travel significantly influences how much you’ll have to pay. As for which is the best Verizon phone plan for travelers, that all depends on how frequently you go overseas. There's a clear choice for regular globetrotters, but Verizon's less expensive offerings allow you to tack on travel benefits, too.

Verizon Unlimited Ultimate | Unlimited Data | $90/month Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan offers the most benefits for world travelers. Verizon promises "full international connectivity," meaning you'll be able to use talk and text for free when overseas; you also get 10GB of high-speed data every month that you can use in other countries. Unlimited Ultimate is Verizon's most expensive plan, so unless you take frequent trips, you may be better served by Unlimited Plus ($80/month for one line) or Unlimited Welcome ($65/month). Those two plans can add on a $10/month Travel Pass options that provides three days of talk, text and data when you're overseas. You can drop the Travel Pass add-on from your plan in months were you don't need it. Verizon lets family plans mix and match lines so one person can get Unlimited Ultimate, while the others subscribe to the cheaper options.

Travel perks in current plans: Of Verizon's three unlimited plans, the best for frequent travelers is the Unlimited Ultimate option, which lets you use talk and text in other countries just like you would in the U.S. You also get 10GB of high-speed data to use overseas every month.

Unfortunately, Unlimited Ultimate is Verizon's most expensive plan, costing $90 a month for one line. (And that's after a discount for enrolling autopay.) There are cheaper options — Unlimited Welcome and Unlimited Plus — that include travel perks. Both plans let you text internationally to 200-plus countries. You can also use LTE data when traveling in Mexico and Canada. You're limited to 0.5GB of data consumption per day in those two countries before your speeds are slowed to 2G, and you can't use more than half of your talk, text and data in those countries over a 60-day period.

In addition to the base Welcome Unlimited and Unlimited Plus packages, you can opt for $10 monthly add-ons for your Verizon plan — some covering streaming services, another providing hotspot data and so on. The relevant package is Verizon's $10/month 3 TravelPass Days add-on, which saves you $20 a month on travel benefits as you pick up three passes during monthly billing cycles. You can accrue up to 36 passes for using talk, text and data when traveling overseas.

Unlimited Welcome starts at $65/month for one line, while Unlimited Plus is $80. If you have a family plan, you can mix and match so that different lines of data subscribe to different plans — helpful if there's one person in the family who travels a lot and would benefit from the Unlimited Ultimate perks.

Trip-specific passes: Let's talk a little bit more about the TravelPass . It's Verizon's daily option for international coverage, and it’ll cost you $5 per day per device for each day you’re out of the country if you travel to Mexico or Canada and don't have an unlimited plan. In 185 other countries — including China, France and Germany — Verizon charges $10 per device per day. TravelPass gets you 2GB of 5G data, and unlimited data at 3G speeds after that; the passes also come with unlimited talk and text.

If you know you’ll be traveling for a bit more time, consider Verizon’s monthly option, which the carrier recommends for trips lasting at least 10 days. International Monthly Plans at Verizon cost $100/month, but in exchange, you get 250 minutes of talk, unlimited texts and 20GB of high-speed data. (Use that, and you get unlimited data at 3G speeds.)

Verizon also offers pay-as-you-go pricing for international travel. You’ll pay 99 cents per minute in Canada and Mexico, Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands. Rates go up to $1.79 in 130-plus countries and $2.99 in 80 other places. Each text message you send will cost you 50 cents, and each received text will set you back 5 cents. Your data will be charged at a rate of $2.05 per megabyte no matter where you are.

Cruise rates: Pay-as-you go rates on cruise ships cost $1.99 for each minute of talk and 50 cents for every sent text message. You’ll pay 5 cents per message received. Verizon has a data plan for cruise passengers, too, with $30/day giving you 500MB of data plus unlimited texting and 50 minutes of talk time. For in-flight connectivity, you can opt for the same pay-as-you-go rates for cruise trips or you can pay $20 per day for unlimited data.

AT&T international phone plans

AT&T also comes with varied international pricing depending on where you want to go. Canada and Mexico travel is covered in many top AT&T plans, and if you pay up for the Unlimited Premium option, you can use your plan in many Central and South American countries. Traveling elsewhere? Then you had best look into AT&T's travel passes.

AT&T Unlimited Premium| Unlimited Data | $85.99/month It's AT&T's most expensive unlimited plan, but Unlimited Premium has the best perk for travelers — you can use your talk, text and data at no extra cost in 20 Latin American countries.  As with other AT&T unlimited options, you also enjoy talk, text and data coverage when traveling in Canada and Mexico.

Travel perks in current plans: If you’re heading to Mexico or Canada, AT&T already covers all of your voice, data and text with its four different unlimited plans — Starter, Extra, Premium and the entry-level Value Plus option. AT&T offers a lone tiered data plan with 4GB of data that you can use in Canada and Mexico (though roaming may be at 2G speeds). Both unlimited and tiered data plans feature unlimited texting to 120-plus countries.

The Unlimited Premium plan is the best option for travelers headed to the Americas, as you'll be able to enjoy unlimited text, talk and data at no additional cost in 20 Central and South American countries. 

If you do a lot of international calling from home, AT&T offers unlimited calling to 85-plus countries from the U.S. for $15 per month for each line. Calls to another 140-plus countries get discounted rates under this plan.

Trip-specific passes: For anyone off to Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America or the Asia Pacific region on a short jaunt, AT&T recommends its $12-a-day International Day Pass , which comes with unlimited talk and text and data governed by your plan; service is available in 210-plus countries. Each device you take overseas needs its own Day Pass, but you can add extra phones for $6 a day, on top of the first device.

You'll never have to pay for more than 10 days of day passes on any one bill, even if your trip lasts longer. International Day Passes also kick in automatically when you use your phone abroad — you get a text message letting you know you're covered.

Cruise rates: On cruises , AT&T offers a $60/month Cruise Basic plan that covers 100 minutes of talk and unlimited texting while also offering 100MB of data. Need more of everything? Then try the Cruise Plus plan ($100/month), which includes 1GB of data on top of unlimited talk and text. 

Google Fi international phone plans

If you do a lot of international traveling, don't ignore Google Fi Wireless , the wireless service set up by Google that uses T-Mobile's cellular towers to provide coverage. International travel is built into two of Google Fi's plans — the Unlimited Plus and Flexible options.

Google Unlimited Plus| Unlimited Data | $65/month The Unlimited Plus plan is the way to go with Google Fi, as you can use your data at no extra cost when traveling overseas. Google Fi customers who pay by the gigabyte of data used are also eligible for this perk.

Travel perks in current plans: You've got two options with Google Fi — tiered data through the company's Flexible plan or a pair of unlimited data options. Flexible coverage costs $20 a month for talk and text plus $10 for each GB of data you use. (Data usage is rounded off to the nearest megabyte so you only pay for the data you consume.) Google stops charging you after you use 6GB a month, meaning you'll never pay more than $80. 

If you find unlimited data plans more appealing, Google has you covered there, too — it also offers a $65 Unlimited Plus option that rolls in unlimited talk, text and data. Unlimited Plus subscribers now get a year of YouTube Premium as a perk. 

The real benefit to either Unlimited Plus or Flexible is that those plans cover you when you're traveling in 200-plus countries. When you're overseas, Google Fi charges the same rate for data usage, whether you're on an unlimited data plan or paying by the gigabyte. Voice calls cost 20 cents (though calls placed over Wi-Fi are free) and you get unlimited SMS messaging. 

Alas, Google's $50/month Simply Unlimited plan is not eligible for the free data perk when traveling. That said, all three of Google Fi's plans let you use talk, text and data in Mexico and Canada.

Google Fi is even more appealing now that Google has opened up service to all phones, including iPhones. Note that phones optimized for Google Fi — Google's Pixel phones (currently the Pixel 8 , Pixel 8 Pro , Pixel Fold and Pixel 8a )  along with a selection of Samsung phones and Motorola budget devices — can switch seamlessly between cellular coverage and Google's Wi-Fi hotspots, while other phones cannot.

Trip-specific passes: Unlike the other carriers here, Google Fi doesn't offer travel passes for extended trips. Your only option is to get coverage through the Flexible and Unlimited Plus plans.

Cruise rates: Google Fi is not available when you're at sea — only when you're on land in one of the 200-plus countries covered by the carrier.

Other international phone plan options

Discount carriers typically don't provide much in the way of benefits for travelers, but there are some exceptions. The most noteworthy alternative is Visible , which has expanded the travel perks for subscribers to its $45/month Visible Plus plan .

Visible is owned by Verizon and uses its parent company's network for coverage. The Visible Plus plan features unlimited data, including access to Verizon's high-speed 5G network. Travelers will be particularly interested in the unlimited talk, text and 2GB of daily data available through Visible Plus when traveling in Canada and Mexico. Visible Plus customers are also eligible for one free Global Pass day per month, in which they can use talk, text and data at no charge in 140 countries. Global Passes normally cost $10.

Best international phone plan: Device compatibility and eSims

Traveling overseas used to mean checking to see if your phone would be compatible once you set foot in another country. But those days are drawing to a close now that 3G networks are shutting down, eliminating much of the distinction between phones that work on either GSM and CDMA. If you've got a recent smartphone that connects to LTE, chances are strong it's going to work just fine in other countries. (You still might want to confirm that your phone works on the LTE bands available in the country you're heading to prior to your trip, just to avoid any unpleasant surprises.)

Many phones now support electronic SIM cards or eSIM technology, where you no longer need to swap in a local SIM card to make your smartphone work with an overseas network. (Since the iPhone 14 , Apple devices sold in the U.S. only feature eSIM support — that includes the newer iPhone 15 models.) One of our editors took an international trip using an eSIM for her phone and found it easy to setup and use with a local network — in fact, she plans to use the eSIM approach on all future travel. 

That said, not every country supports eSIM. And depending on your phone carrier in the U.S., you might already have options that cover your phone use in other countries.

International phone plans: What about 5G?

As noted above, many of the plans that offer international travel either have you connect at whatever speed is available locally or at a reduced speed in cases where you're drawing from your own data plan. But what if you've got a 5G phone that can connect to faster networks overseas?

For the most part, we'd expect your phone to operate as before, either at whatever speed the local network offers or a capped speed if that's part of your carrier's travel plans. However, in a few instances, U.S. phone carriers have started making deals with overseas wireless providers that allow their customers to access 5G speeds when roaming. You should check with your carrier for information about the country you're going to travel in.

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Philip Michaels is a Managing Editor at Tom's Guide. He's been covering personal technology since 1999 and was in the building when Steve Jobs showed off the iPhone for the first time. He's been evaluating smartphones since that first iPhone debuted in 2007, and he's been following phone carriers and smartphone plans since 2015. He has strong opinions about Apple, the Oakland Athletics, old movies and proper butchery techniques. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.

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iPhone in Europe: Information for AT&T customers

Feb 27, 2012

45 comments

Note: This article is part of a series on Using an American iPhone in Europe… without Going Broke .

If you’re an AT&T customer planning to use your smartphone abroad, you have some choices to make before you leave home. These will impact how you use your phone and how much you’ll be charged. These choices include whether or not you expect to use your iPhone abroad to:

• Phone: place and receive international phone calls

• Text: send and receive text messages

• Web: browse the web and check emails on your phone

• Apps: use iPhone applications.

AT&T offers one comprehensive “package” to address each issue. Note that AT&T recently made some big changes to their international offerings when they introduced the add-on International Day Pass package. If you were used to the old options (separate packages for texting, calling, data, etc.), you’re in for a surprise, as they’ve all been bundled together.

Also, please note: If you’re serious about smartphone savings while traveling, be sure to read our guide to buying a SIM card in Europe for American phones . Using a European SIM card requires you to unlock your phone (or bring along a cheapo unlocked phone to use), and can lead to big savings.

AT&T’s International Day Pass

AT&T offers one add-on plan, called the International Day Pass, for international usage. This package is added on top of whatever monthly charges you currently incur. To get these rates, call AT&T before taking off and have them add the package to your plan. You may also log in to your AT&T account and add the International Day Pass yourself . It is possible to have them add the plan from abroad, but it’s a better idea to set it up before taking off.

(Note: This package does not expire. Instead, it only activates when you use your phone outside of the U.S. However, double check once home to make sure that the plan has paused and that you’re not still paying for it!)

Here are the details for  AT&T’s International Day Pass plan for iPhone and Android phone use throughout Europe:

• Price:   $10 per day for up to 10 days, and 50% off each additional line. After 10 days, each additional day is free so long as you are within one billing cycle. The pass resets during a new billing cycle.
• Text: Unlimited SMS
• Calls: Unlimited to the U.S., within the country you are located, and countries included in the International Day Pass list
• Data: Unlimited if you have an unlimited plan, otherwise, it’s the same amount as your current data package

Note that the International Day Pass charges you $10 each day that you use call, text, voicemail, or data features on your phone. Once the 24 hours are up, it resets and will only charge you another day if you access those features. You won’t be charged if you take a digital detox for part of your trip.

Another crucial thing to note is that this pass works with your billing cycle. If you pay for a full 10 days and then your billing cycle resets and you use the International Day Pass for another 10 days, the cost will apply to each billing cycle.

For more information on the International Day Pass stipulations, check out this FAQ from AT&T.

Making telephone calls from abroad

If you plan to use your phone to make and receive calls, the International Day Pass allows unlimited free calls to the U.S., within the country you are staying, and to more than 100 countries included on this list .

Cheapo tips

• Placing and receiving: Don’t forget that you’ll be charged the International Day Pass daily fee for placing and receiving calls. Even if you answer the phone and say, “Don’t call me, I’m in Florence! (click),” you’ll be charged $10 for the following 24 hour period.

• Voicemail: Yes, listening to your voicemail will cost you, as you’ll need to connect to your carrier.

• Use Skype instead of calling: For calling home, I prefer to use the Skype app on my phone when I have a free Wi-Fi connection. Using Skype (or other apps, such as Google Talk), you can call another user for free, or call a telephone for just pennies per minute.

• Texting: I recommend using text messages in place of short phone calls, whenever possible, but note that the International Day Pass includes unlimited SMS texts only, not iMessage. Using iMessage on your iPhone will count toward your data package, which may or may not be unlimited depending on your usual plan. More details on this below.

• Data roaming: If you don’t want to be charged the $10 fee for the International Day Pass on certain days, don’t forget to deactivate your data roaming. (See more tips for how to set up your iPhone when traveling abroad .)

Sending and receiving text messages

As for texting, without a plan, it costs $.50 to send text messages throughout much of Europe ($1.30 if the message includes a photo or video). However, AT&T’s package offers  free unlimited texting . This is good news for those of us who rely upon texting to communicate while traveling.

What about receiving text messages? You’ll pay for these just as you would for receiving a text message back home. If you have unlimited texting, you’ll be able to receive unlimited texts abroad at no extra charge.

• Using iMessage: What about just using iMessage or another messaging app to send text messages while traveling? You could do that, but don’t forget that you’ll only be able to send and receive these messages when you’re running the app. Thus, either you have to fire up the app and use expensive data (not recommended unless you have an unlimited data package and thus unlimited data for the International Day Pass), or you’ll have to connect to a Wi-Fi network. The latter option will work, but it prevents you from sending and receiving when you’re out and about, resulting in delays in receiving messages.

Using email, browsing the web, and using apps

If you plan to send and receive emails, browse the web or use applications (such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram), you’re going to want to have the International Day Pass, as you’ll be using data. If you don’t have a package, then you’re strongly cautioned to only use these features when connected to a Wi-Fi network!

AT&T’s International Day Pass offers the same amount of data you have on your regular phone plan. If you have unlimited data, no problem. If you only have a certain amount, here are some estimates of the amount of data required to:

• Send or receive an email (without attachment): Approx. 20 KB per email

• Send or receive an email (with attachment): Approx. 300 KB per email

• Load a webpage: 1 MB per page

• Stream music: 500 KB / minute (30 MB / hour)

• Stream video (standard quality): 2 MB / minute

• Using data? Get a package: If you plan to at least check your email every once in a while (without a Wi-Fi connection), I recommend getting the International Day Pass. Checking your email even occasionally without a package will quickly become very expensive.

• Maps use data to load: Maps are confusing, as they require data to initially load, but your GPS location can load without data. Got that? For example, using Wi-Fi, you could load up a map of your neighborhood in London and then, without any data use, pull up that map later and see your location. However, to load a new map with a Wi-Fi connection (or do a search or zoom in), you’ll need to use data. I find this one of the handiest data uses, and another good reason to sign up for the International Day Pass.

Sticking to Wi-Fi

Of course, if you just stick to Wi-Fi for the duration of your trip, you don’t need to add on the International Day Pass. For years I traveled in “Airplane” mode, with my telephone basically disconnected, but my Wi-Fi fired up. This allowed me to use emails, maps, Facebook, Skype, and the internet only when I was connected to a free Wi-Fi network.

That’s still an option. However, be aware of the obvious drawbacks of relying on Wi-Fi: You’re lost without a connection.

These days I opt for the International Day Pass, take advantage of the unlimited texting, make infrequent and short phone calls, and use data to check emails (but never open attachments) and use Google Maps. And I never open other big apps (like Facebook, Skype or Twitter) unless I’m connected to a Wi-Fi network.

Monitor your usage

Even if you opt for the International Day Pass, it’s a very good (even critical) idea to monitor how much data you use, especially if you do not have an unlimited plan for data. Checking data usage is easy on an iPhone. You can see your Cellular Data Usage by clicking into “Settings” –> “Cellular”. Once abroad, the first thing you should do is scroll to the bottom and click on “Reset Statistics”.

You’re set — now stick to your plan, or upgrade if you’re about to go over!

Also in our Guide to Using an American iPhone in Europe:

Using an American iPhone in Europe… without Going Broke

Tips for Verizon Customers

Tips for Windows, Android and Blackberry Customers

Setting up your phone to avoid a billing “surprise”

AT&T vs Verizon: A comparison of international plans

About the author

About the author: Tom Meyers created and launched EuroCheapo from his Berlin apartment in 2001. He returned to New York in 2002, set up office, and has led the EuroCheapo team from the Big Apple ever since. He travels to Europe several times a year to update EuroCheapo's hotel reviews. Tom is also a co-host of the New York City history podcast, The Bowery Boys. Email Tom . [ Find Tom on Google Plus ]

Related Posts

• How to set up your American iPhone when traveling in Europe to avoid a billing “surprise”
• Buying a SIM card in Europe: The cheapest way to use a smartphone while traveling
• American Smartphones in Europe: Windows, Android and Blackberry customers
• iPhone in Europe: Information for Verizon customers

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45 thoughts on “iPhone in Europe: Information for AT&T customers”

I really loved and appreciated taking your time to share this valuable information. Im traveling to Munich this month to stay there for six months for My Husband business project and his taking us and two daughters ,one 16 years old and the other one are turning 26 in June . I would love any suggestions about adult school that not cost exaggerated or jobs that not required speak German . We have looking for schools or jobs to be prepared for my orders daughter work visa to stay for 90 days Since you had living in Europe is any advise or tips that you can share . My older Daughter is my concern and is important for us to be together. We are absolutely new like baby first steps in a new place . I really would love any information .

Sincerely: Miriam L .

Note:I’m Spanish and my grammar is very poor

Thanks for all the great, well written, well researched information. FYI AT&T now offers an international plan where for $10/day you can access all the features of your current home-based AT&T plan. It’s not exactly a great deal, especially for long trips, but it is another option. They also appear to be promoting this new method and making it more difficult to find the “passport plans” on their website. I’ve heard that T-mobile has unrolled new unlimited international data plans, as a way to pull in new customers, but I haven’t really looked into it. If that’s true, that might be a good reason for frequent international travelers to abandon AT&T.

Hi Larry, Thanks for the compliments! And thanks for the update on the AT&T plan. We love it when readers share their tips and feedback. Craig

Thank you so much for this concise posting! Leaving for London in a couple of hours and had not thought to call AT&T….will do now!

According to AT&T’s Passport information, it’s *not* free to use WiFi. https://www.att.com/shop/en/wireless/international/roaming.html Perhaps this was not the case at the time this article was written, but I asked AT&T Customer Support, and they said that in order to use *any* WiFi while abroad, the user would need the $60 Passport package at a minimum.

How can they charge to use WiFi?

Normal Wi-Fi is free and will always be free. You can turn your phone onto airplane mode and turn on Wi-Fi and use free Wi-Fi at your hotel or at a McDonald’s, for example.

However, AT&T is trying to sell you on access to Wi-Fi “hotspots”. If you download their app and pay for the $60 package (or higher), you can access these Wi-Fi hotspots throughout Europe (and the world). These are offered in partnership with other phone carriers and the app will tell you where you can find them.

However, this isn’t the same as just using good, old-fashioned wi-fi. Your phone is configured so that you can use Wi-Fi wherever you can find a free Wi-Fi network to join… no matter what AT&T tells you!

I hope that helps. Have a great trip! Tom

How do I text a U.S. iPhone that is in Italy? It has a U.S. phone number and I’m in the US. the iPhone has the cheapest passport international plan but does not appear to be receiving my texts. I am receiving texts from that person though.

I want to make sure if I use the “Airport mode” and connect into “WiFi” once a day that I will still receive any/all iPhone iMessages that have been sent to me throughout the day?

Thanks, Deb

Our daughter is doing a semester in Austria this fall and she heard that AT&T has poor coverage in Europe. Is that true? I would think you’d be roaming the whole time, using other carrier’s cell towers so it wouldn’t make any difference which carrier you were on.

Hi Greg, I have traveled all over the world and found that getting an unlocked phone with two SIM card slots and then buying the SIM cards in the respective countries for a few dollars is the best and cheapest way to operate. I have done this in Europe, China, India, and Singapore. You basically do what the locals do, circumvent the pricey American roaming plans and don’t really have to worry about how many minutes you are using etc. You can get a decent unlocked Android phone at Walmart.com for example, the local SIM card at any of the many little private phone shops in European cities and then they’ll even help you set it up. It is easier than you think since the Europeans are more advanced in that regard and usually never roam. The second SIM card in the phone could be an American one from say PTEL, a company that sells them online and then send it to you with a local US number. They “piggy back” on TMobile. If she has a WIFI connection, she can use SKYPE as the article mentioned or she could also use the MagicJack or the Viber APs to call US and Canadian numbers for free from wherever she is. I hope this helps save you and your daughter hundreds of dollars as it did for me – and good luck to her in her studies ( I grew-up a few miles from the Austrian border in Germany).

Hi! My question kind of piggy-backs off of Linda’s. I know that with the package, when my French friends use their French numbers to contact my American one, they won’t incur international charges. I’m in France, and unexpectedly need to be able to communicate with locals via phone, but only for two weeks. And because I don’t need to make many calls/texts, just some, I want to go ahead with my phone and take on the international rates. But will my friends be charged international rates if they call/text me while I’m here? Or if I call/text them? What happens on their end? I hope you can help! Thank you so much!

McKenzie, Whether your French friends get charged or not depends on your actual number NOT your location. If you use your US number in France, you get charged the roaming fees, and they do get charged for an international call, even if you sit right next to them. But they have a good international plan so it’s ok for them.

Hi there – If I get an ATT passport plan, does it matter if I text international numbers i.e. my friends with French mobile numbers in France or does the unlimited text only work for texting U.S. numbers? Thanks- incredibly helpful!!

Interesting question! I believe that all texts are treated equally for the international plans. I’ve never noticed a difference for texts sent to my US or European friends with any of these plans.

Have a great trip!

How much data does something like google maps or waze use if you are driving? I would like to use my phone as a GPS while driving through Austria but I’m unsure if that is an affordable option!

Robyn, Google Maps gobbles up huge amounts of data if you leave the “data” feed on. One trick is to turn it on to download all the mapping info. Then after a few minutes turn the data off and voila, you are still on your free GPS mode with a downloaded map but without useless data feed and charges. You just won’t get some traffic updates (that you may not get anyways) but it will save you more than 75% of your data charges. If you drive for a long time, at the next rest stop, turn on the data feed again to update your map. Then turn it off again and so on.

Does one need to have AT&T’s Passport App on your cell phone to use the phone in Europe?

No, you don’t need any special app to use your phone. You should contact AT&T to make sure that your phone is activated for international use, however. (Most should be.) I never use their app — I can’t really figure out what the advantages of it are! You don’t need it to use Wi-Fi, make calls or sends text messages. I have enough apps taking up memory on my phone, I don’t need another one! 🙂

Thanks, Tom

It might be easier to pull the SIMM card out of your iPhone when you depart the USA basically turning the iPhone into a iPod Touch. Then use Google Voice or Skype app to place VoIP calls over over a Wifi network. I use a VPN service on my iPhone when using public Wifi networks so I don’t get scammed by a honeypot. A VPN service also lets your connection to the internet be any place in the world the VPN service has servers. For local voice calls and texts just pick up a burner phone with the minutes you will use on your trip. Email those you will need to communicate with in Europe your burner phone number.

Ordered AT&T plan (phone, text, no data); was told it was not prorated but sold by the month, and if you don’t use it you lose it-it doesn’t roll over.

I meant to say also that the extensions app turns your mobile into an extension of your current Vonage plan phone. And, for those who don’t know about Vonage, it’s a company that offers VoIP internet phone calling. We’ve had a plan with them for years now and love it.

Has anyone used the Vonage Extension App for iPhone in Europe? I just downloaded and installed it. It says that if I turn on Airplane Mode, then enable Wi-Fi while abroad, I will be able to make calls for the same price that I can normally make them from the U.S. So, that theoretically means that I should be able to be making calls from the U.K. or France etc., for nothing, as it currently doesn’t cost me to call those countries from my land line in the U.S. with my current plan with Vonage. Has anyone tried this? I’m VERY curious to know as my wife and I are going soon to London and Paris. Thanks in advance.

Follow-up comment. I did turn my phone on again, quickly signed up for Skype and purchased $10.00 of Skype credit. Using wifi Skype worked perfectly to call the US, although I never could get a in-Ireland call to go through. That was probably my inability to understand what to dial.

Oct. 2012. After reading these posts I vowed not to use my iPhone in Europe. I then had an emergency and turned on the phone to access a phone number in Contacts so I could use a landline. I SHOULD have immediately switched to airplane mode but didn’t. I shortly received a email warning of high data usage. I turned off the phone until that evening when I contacted ATT to discover I supposedly had 14,000kb of data usage 5 hours before I was even in Ireland, a $283.00 charge. I had not received any photos, video, etc. and again, wasn’t even in country when the alleged charges occurred. The best they would do is sign me up for a $30.00 data plan and back date it. I never turned the phone on again. Arriving home I discovered the $283.00 charge was on my bill, although a phone call today apparently has corrected that. You’ve been warned!

I will be in Europe shortly- you said skype will work with wifi, will facetime work also?

You can also send unlimited free messages between iPhones by turning on iMessage (under Settings > Messages > iMessage (turn on) and using wifi. I checked with AT&T today and they confirmed this.

I am in Europe and Asia for the next 6 months and my US phone wouldn’t work here anyway since it is a cheap Net10 phone. Since I was too cheap to buy an Iphone with plan in the US, I brought my new Ipod with me to Europe, which is really helpful as long as I have Wifi. Once I am connected, I can make hour-long calls via the AP’s that Viber, Skype or Yahoo offer -the later two which have video calling of course. Texting works with all three but as far as I know, only Viber will send it to one’s phone in the US. There is another AP that is called “Pinger” (before it was “Textfree”) which will give you a free virtual US phone number but you have to either purchase minutes at 1 or 2 cents or participate in their diverse promotions. That said, I was able to buy a SIM card for 2 Euros in Paris and used an old phone my local friends had to set-up my local “mobile” French phone number. Then I bought 50 Euros worth of minutes from “Lycamobile” through one of the many mobile outlets in Paris and actually got another 25 Euros of minutes for free from Lyca as a bonus. Since I am not on a subscription plan, I will just have to buy more minutes if and when I run out of them but so far I still have plenty left after almost two months as I am not even being charged for receiving calls. International calls are cheap too – they only cost about 2 to 3 cents or so. But in order to make and receive unlimited free real phone calls to and from any phone in the US and Canada, I actually brought my small “landline” phone with me that I then plug in to my laptop via my “Magicjack” plug-in that I’ve had for a couple of years now and which works nearly anywhere in the world. That’s because it is using US servers to connect you the same way it does at home (for the yearly price of $20- you can buy the MJ gizmo at Radio Shack or online for $45). So, with a little planning, one, a few or all of the above choices should let you make all the phone calls you need for very little! Just remember to bring your gizmos with you and to get your plugs and 220V adapters (for the landline phone if you want one or you can bring ear phones and mic instead), you can usually get them in the same store you get your SIM card or other specialty store. However, as it was correctly stated in another comment, your laptop works on 110 or 220V as long as you have the cheap plug (as opposed to a more expensive converter that I am using for my diverse other items such as battery charger and landline phone.) I hope this helps!

I have an iPhone 4g and am currently traveling in Spain for 2 weeks. What a mess! Basically, I want no cellular traffic at all – no cellular calls and no cellular data to avoid the billing horror stories that I keep reading about. I only want web access where I can use Skype, Maps, and Mail.

As stated ‘AirPlane mode On’ blocks everything. But even when I turn Data Roaming to Off, Cellular Data to Off, and 3G to Off, I still get text messages when I switch ‘AirPlane mode to Off’. Under ‘Mail, Contacts, Calendars’ I even turn ‘Push mode to Off’ and then ‘Fetch New Data mode to Manual’. How is this possible that I still get text messages? The source of the messages is an ‘automatic web site send’ and thus cannot be using iMessage web addressing.

Turn Airplane mode on, and then AFTER that, you can turn WIFI back on! It’s for when you have airplanes with Wifi in them 🙂

I also was caught by AT&T’s promise – and I was careful to make *sure* during the conversation – that the data would not be pro-rated. It was. I came back to a $900 phone bill, and also experienced the joy of talking to a manager who eventually credited me for the overage.

So, make sure you have the international features for the entire billing cycle(s) you are on vacation. (Sucks if your vacation spans cycles – you pay double.)

Also don’t forget to *turn off the international features* when you get home! (But not until the last day of the cycle )

I recently called AT&T to inquire about international rates for my trip to Europe coming up next week. I did purchase the call package at $5.99 to make outgoing calls, which the customer service agent said is prorated for the length of my stay (2 weeks), she got the exact dates of my travel from me. She also told me of the data plans, which were somewhat confusing to me, expecially because I will be on a cruise the first week of my trip. She told me that once the cruise ship is 12 miles off shore, whatever data plan I would buy from them would no longer work, and that I would have to buy the cruise ships data plan if I wanted internet access while on the ship. Also, telephone calls are the only service that is prorated, everything else will be billed for the entire length of the billing cycle.

I chose not to purchase the data from AT&T given the information she gave me, instead I will likely buy whatever the ship has to offer, and when I am on land keep an eye out for a starbucks or other free wifi source.

I recommend people buy the Whatsapp App for a one time cost of $2.00 you can use a texting app that actually runs off your data plan, so you don’t need to pay for additional texting packages.

I will be in Spain in few days. Would Google voice work from there for data and phone?

wondering if anyone has tryed to use http://www.viber.com to circumvent these charges for Iphones and android. All parties must be signed up but is good for a family situation to communicate back home.

my daughter is going to study for the year in London and Paris- she relies on her Iphone for everything- I’m trying to figure out if I should just buy her a phone in London or can she use her iphone without it breaking the bank. Any suggestions?

re Shaun’s daugther in Europe…i was told to buy a local “tracphone” -Vodaphone – type thing there and a get local city’s SIM card but to use this just for local European calls not to call back home. Use Skyp and viber for that.

This article’s pro-rated billing tip is incorrect. Last year we went to France for 2 weeks, and when we returned, I canceled the world data plan immediately so I wouldn’t forget to shut it off.

My next bill from AT&T was for more than $700. They pro-rated my data, along with the monthly price. So half the data I used was billed at the full roaming price.

It contradicted what the AT&T agent told me repeatedly during our lengthy conversation BEFORE the trip. When I called to complain, I had to speak with a manager and endure a loooooonnnnggg detailed conversation in order to negotiate the bill down to a reasonable level.

The lesson I learned, and will be using during my trip to Italy in May, is to leave the damn plan active for the entire month to avoid getting hosed in the pro-rated game.

I have one tip to add to the discussion.

I have travelled to Europe twice in the past year and a half with my AT&T iPhone, and both times, I wanted to be able to use it for limited contact with the states, and occasionally for location services (e.g., it’s very helpful to dial up a Google Map in a foreign city once in a while). For these reasons, “Airplane Mode” wasn’t a good strategy. You have to have cellular data turned on to use GPS features.

But I was still terrified of people calling me while I was away and being charged even if I didn’t pick up the phone.

So I bought an “online number” from Skype before I left. It’s a cheap virtual number you can get with basic voicemail services. The last thing I did on my way to the airport was forward my phone to that number.

While in Europe, I was able to text back home (and other friends on the trip), get location fixes, etc….. without fear of my phone ever ringing. At night when I had wifi, I could check voicemails on Skype if I wanted to (I didn’t… I was on vacation!)

$10 – 50 text messages from AT&T $25 – 50 MB data from AT&T (a location fix uses up 1MB or so of data, and you can track what you’ve used in Usage). $18 – Skype online number

$53 total for a two week trip. Not exactly cheapo, but a good compromise for me.

While in England can I send iPhone to iPhone text messages for no cost as in the US? Can I do iPhone to iPhone face time for no cost as in the US? Thanks for any responses.

Hi Genella,

I don’t think that sending any texts while abroad will be free, regardless of your iPhone-to-iPhone situation back home. And Facetime will require a network — and the only way to use it for free will be to go onto a Wi-Fi network.

I’d strongly suggest that you call AT&T and verify this with them before you go. You may want to purchase the international texting plan, which will cut back on those charges, as I mentioned in the article above.

I just got back from France and my AT&T iPhone didnt work at all. My husband had an galaxy android, it worked about 70% of the time. We also purchased an international data plan for the ipad. It worked sometimes while in Paris, and absolutely no connection outside the city .

OMG I am going to Germany for 2.5 months and planned on doing my eBay business on my US Iphone 3GS. I would never be able to pay for that. I have AT&T. can’t use my laptop over there, cause the plugs don’t fit. 220v. these are the only options I have with my IPhone over in Germany???? help please 😉 danke for your time. (I am leaving the end of may) regards Marika Tarver

No need to panic — you can still use your iPhone while in Germany, just keep it in “airplane mode” and you’ll be fine. You’ll just have to find a Wi-Fi connection. Then you can spend hours on eBay (and Skype calls, too) and not pay for it.

Read the section at the bottom of this article on “airplane mode”: http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/iphone-in-europe-tips-for-avoiding-a-billing-surprise.html

Have a good trip! Tom

@ Thomas Meyer wifi mode doesn’t work and text messing doesn’t work while the phone is on Airplane Mode. Wifi is not as open as it is in the US. I found the often the only open wifi was at Starbucks and they are not on every corner like they are in the US.

Thanks for your comment. The Wi-Fi does work in Airplane mode — but you have to turn it on. As soon as you switch into “airplane,” the Wi-Fi will be switched off. However, just turn it back on and you’re set to go.

For texting, you’re right — you’ll need to deactivate airplane to text, as we mention in the article.

Hi Marika, you can use your laptop in Germany, your computer charger will work on 110v/220v the only thing you will need to get is a inexpensive plug adaptor for your charger. you can get on on Amazon for about 4 bucks.

http://www.amazon.com/Goldsource%C2%AE-American-German-Grounded-Adapter/dp/B0042L2OCK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1332855158&sr=8-3

Enjoy your trip Bob

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Cruising or traveling abroad this summer? Why these cellphone packages can be your best travel companion

Whether you're taking a Caribbean cruise , sightseeing in European cities or trekking through South America , staying connected on your mobile phone can be a game changer.

Some travelers value the ability to use their mobile phone overseas because it allows them to stay in touch with family 24/7.

Others find it crucial to have access to a GPS when lost in a medieval town's bewildering alleyways.

Then, there's the ease of checking in for a flight via an airline app, scheduling an early-morning ride to the airport on an app or simply asking your phone's virtual assistant, "What's a great restaurant or museum nearby?" The amount of information we need at our fingertips when traveling abroad is hard to overstate.

Roaming overseas used to be an expensive proposition. However, in recent years, major U.S. wireless carriers have made it easier than ever for customers to keep data streaming on personal devices without incurring exorbitant pay-per-use fees.

Among them, AT&T offers some of the best options for travelers on both land and sea with AT&T International Day Pass and AT&T Cruise packages .

Here are the details on each and how they can help you stay connected on your summer travels.

AT&T International Day Pass

For many travelers, the most seamless option for using your mobile phone while abroad is to connect your device to a local cellular network and use that connection to make calls, send texts, surf the internet and use apps, just as you would at home. AT&T International Day Pass lets you do just that.

Adding AT&T International Day Pass to your eligible wireless plan is simple. You can sign up before your leave, or it'll get added for you as soon as you arrive at your destination. It's also cost-effective and reliable, with no complicated setup or SIM swaps necessary.

While the feature is on your account, you can talk, send a text, or use data in any of the included countries; you will be charged $10 per day on the first line used and $5 for each additional line on the same account used the same calendar day.

The other aspect that makes this feature appealing versus the competition? It caps the number of days charged to your account at 10 per line, per monthly billing cycle. This means you'll only pay for, at most, 10 days per line per bill, regardless of how long your trip is. It doesn't matter which borders you cross — as long as you're in one of the carrier's 210-plus destinations.

The plan includes spots like England, Spain, Aruba, Cambodia and Botswana. While most popular destinations are included, a few far-flung locations, such as the Maldives and Antarctica, are not covered.

This gets even better for customers on eligible unlimited plans , which offer coverage (at no additional cost) when traveling to select destinations in North and South America. Be sure to check your plan details to see whether international coverage in these countries is included and to learn more.

When you get home, you don't need to worry about removing it — you won't be charged anything until you connect to the local network on your next international trip.

AT&T Cruise Plus and AT&T Cruise Basic packages

As veteran cruisers know, using your mobile phone on a cruise is not as easy as it is at home without racking up expensive roaming charges. Once you've sailed away from the nearest land-based cell tower, your phone will usually go into roaming mode and accrue those hyper-expensive satellite roaming charges.

It is possible to switch your phone into "airplane mode" and stay connected at sea via your ship's Wi-Fi. The big-name cruise lines are making strides to improve their onboard Wi-Fi offerings, but connectivity can still be finicky and slow depending on the ship and where it sails.

Adding international, cruise-specific coverage enables connectivity at sea and can help travelers avoid unnecessary charges, including sometimes-expensive shipboard Wi-Fi plans. AT&T Cruise packages work in tandem with AT&T International Day Pass to offer a streamlined way for travelers to stay connected, even if they are toggling between journeys on land and sea.

Customers traveling internationally on cruise ships can choose between two packages: AT&T Cruise Plus ($100) and AT&T Cruise Basic ($60). For each package, the charge allows up to 30 days of usage. Choosing a package depends on your personal travel habits — how many phone calls you expect to make and how much data you generally burn through while traveling abroad (requires a compatible device with domestic wireless service).

The Basic package, for smartphones only, includes 100 minutes of talk (with an overage of $1 per minute), unlimited texts and 100MB of data (with an overage of $10 per 100MB beyond that). The more extensive Plus package, for smartphones and tablets, allows unlimited talk and text as well as 1GB of data (with an overage charge of $10 per 100MB beyond that).

Before signing up for a cruise package, always make sure that your ship is one of the more than 175 cruise ships that the package covers. The big names like Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line are all on the list.

It's also important to note that cruise packages only work at sea, kicking in 9 to 11 nautical miles from shore. If part of your trip involves land travel either before or after your cruise, you'll need to add the AT&T International Day Pass for those days.

Things to keep in mind when choosing an international phone plan

Below are a few more tips for choosing an international phone plan and making the most of it while you travel abroad this summer and beyond.

Sign up in advance

On land, relying on Wi-Fi is possible if you don't intend to leave your hotel much. However, at some point, the likelihood is that you will incur costly pay-per-use roaming fees if you haven't signed up for a plan with your carrier in advance. Be sure to check out your options before crossing any borders.

Turn off updates

Since so much data roaming goes on in the background — many apps continue to gobble data even when you're not actively using them — you'll often incur fees that far exceed what a day plan would cost, even just using your phone sparingly for emergencies. Turn off any unnecessary updates ahead of travel.

Consider prepaid packages

Cruisers are not beholden to typical international roaming charges (which are excessive enough). Rather, they can get hit with extremely expensive satellite roaming charges. Surfing the internet, using social media, reading emails or even just checking the weather will all use data charged at a premium rate — this can make a prepaid package very appealing.

Don't expect flawless connection on cruises

Bandwidth and connection speed are problematic at sea. Depending on where your ship is and whether anything (like a mountain range) is blocking the connection to the satellite, you may still experience lag time on calls or slow connection speeds.

Bottom line

Whether it's a Galapagos cruise or a road trip through Europe, if you plan to travel this summer with your mobile phone — and don't want to pay excessive roaming charges — an international cellphone plan can save you time and stress.

With AT&T's international features, you can use your phone just like you do at home without worrying about connecting to public Wi-Fi or obsessing about whether your phone is switched to airplane mode.

If you have the AT&T app, each package is super easy to add and remove from your existing cellphone plan and provides peace of mind and reliability. The 10-day bill cap for the AT&T International Day Pass means no matter how long you travel, it's extremely cost-effective compared to pay-per-use rates.

AAA Newsroom

Automotive, Travel, and Traffic Safety Information

Top Labor Day Travel Trends of 2024

Aaa booking data shows alaska cruises, european cities, and tourist attractions are most popular.

WASHINGTON, DC (Aug. 19, 2024) – This year’s record-breaking , blockbuster summer travel season comes to a close with many Americans exploring Alaska by cruise. According to AAA booking data, Seattle is the number one Labor Day weekend* destination, up nearly 30% from last year when it also topped the list. Anchorage and Juneau are also on the top ten list of Labor Day destinations.  

“This is the time of year to go on an Alaska cruise,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “There are fewer crowds compared to earlier in the summer, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of fall colors! It’s no surprise Alaska cruises are sold out this Labor Day weekend.”  

AAA travel experts say if you’re interested in going on an Alaska cruise next summer, the time to book is now to lock in the best rate and ensure you get the type of cabin you want.   

According to AAA booking data, o verall domestic travel over Labor Day weekend is up 9% compared to last year , while the cost to travel domestically is down 2%. Other top Labor Day destinations include Orlando, New York, Boston, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, and San Francisco. For many families, Labor Day is the last hurrah before school begins. To make the most of those trips, AAA recommends identifying must-see sights and creating a flexible itinerary ahead of time. “ Trip Canvas is a great free resource for travelers in the planning phase,” Twidale said. “You can find free things to do in Denver or the best museums in New York City .”  

Travelers taking road trips should expect to pay less for gas compared to last year. The national average over Labor Day weekend in 2023 was $3.81. In recent weeks, gas prices have remained steady, hovering around $3.50. Despite the popularity of summer road trips, overall gas demand is down as daily driving habits have changed post-pandemic, preventing pump prices from spiking. Hurricanes hitting the Gulf and affecting regional refineries could cause gas prices to go up as the peak of the season approaches in September. For drivers taking road trips in their electric vehicles, AAA now offers information on the cost of Level 2 commercial EV charging and updates that data weekly .   

International travel over Labor Day weekend is down 4% compared to last year, per AAA booking numbers , while the cost to travel internationally is up 11%. Most of those travelers are heading to Europe. Eight out of the top ten international destinations booked through AAA are European cities. Travelers renting a car abroad should consider getting an International Driving Permit (IDP), which translates their driver’s license information into 10 languages. Some countries – including Italy and Spain – require it. AAA is the only entity in the U.S. authorized by the State Department to issue an IDP.   

  Top Labor Day Destinations  

  Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car over Labor Day Weekend   

INRIX , a provider of transportation data and insights, says car travelers should avoid the afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday and Friday, as those times will be the most congested. Drivers should hit the road in the morning unless they’re leaving on Saturday when the best time to travel by car is in the afternoon. Travelers returning on Sunday and on Labor Day should leave as early as possible to avoid heavy traffic in the afternoon.    

“Drivers should expect the most severe traffic jams before the holiday weekend as commuters mix with travelers,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Monitoring traffic apps, local news stations, and 511 traveler information services may help drivers navigate around congestion and reduce driver frustration this Labor Day.”  

Source: INRIX  

*Labor Day Weekend   

AAA looked at booking data for Thursday, August 29 through Monday, September 2, and compared those numbers with booking data for that same five-day period in 2023.   

About AAA   

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA delivers exceptional roadside assistance, helps travelers plan their dream vacations and adventures, offers exclusive member discounts and benefits, and provides trusted financial and insurance services – all to enhance the life journey of our 64+ million members across North America, including over 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA offers or become a member, visit AAA.com.  

  About INRIX  

Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether it’s keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com.   

Americans Will Need a ‘Visa’ to Visit Europe Next Year—Here's What to Know

Do you need a visa to go to Europe? It’s a question most American travelers don’t even think to ask, with United States passport holders having long traveled throughout most of the world without worrying about visa applications . But that’s set to change next year, as the European Union prepares new travel document requirements for American tourists.

The European Union’s new visa waiver scheme, known as the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), was previously set to roll out in early 2024, but is now anticipated to launch “starting in the first half of 2025,” per the official ETIAS website . A European Commission spokesperson has confirmed with Condé Nast Traveler via email that as of August 2024, everything is on track to hit the target timeline of spring 2025.

ETIAS is not a visa in the traditional sense; it only requires a quick online application, with approval delivered via email. Once it launches in 2025, ETIAS authorization will be required for all Americans traveling to all ETIAS member countries , which fall into one of four categories: full Schengen members like Spain , France, and Italy; European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries like Iceland , Norway, and Switzerland; future Schengen members such as Cyprus; plus European microstates like Andorra and Monaco .

The European Commission first introduced the idea of a new pre-entry requirement to tighten border security in 2016. Since then, the timeline has been adjusted on multiple occasions due to technological needs required to roll out the new system, according to the EU’s Justice and Home Affairs Council.

So what’s the hold up? The postponement is due, in large part, to setbacks in the building of another new IT infrastructure in Europe: the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will replace manual passport stamping with electronic registration. According to Anitta Hipper, another European Commission Spokesperson, ETIAS cannot launch until EES is fully operational as the traveler authorization system will rely on EES data to identify potential risks.

The contractor in charge of creating these IT systems, eu-LISA, is working towards launching EES on November 10, 2024, with ETIAS launching in the following months. The revised timeline is linked to several factors, including “delays in developing the system at the central level by the contractor, but also in [EU] Member States when it comes to delays in preparation for the necessary equipment to use the EES at the border crossing points,” Hipper tells Traveler . “The Commission will continue working very closely with Member States and eu-LISA to minimize the impact of the delays and deliver interoperability under this mandate.”

Do you need a visa to go to Europe in 2025?

While many have compared ETIAS to a visa, Condé Nast Traveler travel specialist Nathan Cripps says the distinction between a visa and an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an important one to temper any stress travelers may have in regards to the new requirement.

“ETAs have been in use in various countries for many years and are considered simple, easy, and cost-effective,” Cripps says, pointing to countries like Canada and Australia that have made use of ETAs for decades. “The system is designed to make travel to Europe safer and easier, and once up and running it will soon become just another part of the routine.”

How will ETIAS work?

When Europe’s new authorization system is eventually implemented, travelers with passports from visa-exempt countries will have to apply for ETIAS online prior to their arrival on the continent. This requirement will affect citizens from the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among dozens of other countries. Unlike traditional visas, the application process for ETIAS is relatively quick and easy—it’s also inexpensive, costing only €7 (about $8) for a three-year approval. All travelers will need to fill out an ETIAS application regardless of their age. However, children under 18 and adults over 70 years old can apply for free.

Travelers will simply fill out an online form with their basic biographical data and travel history. They’ll also respond to several security questions, and if everything checks out, they’ll receive approval via email within an hour. This will be the case for most travelers, although some may require additional security checks that prolong the process to up to 96 hours.

“The most important piece of advice I can give travelers is to make sure to apply for your ETIAS at least 96 hours before your flight departs,” Cripps says. “Airlines will likely require proof of an ETIAS in order to board your flight, and while most travelers are expected to receive their approval quickly, you don’t want any surprises before your big trip.”

Cripps also recommends that travelers set a reminder in their calendars ahead of when their three-year ETIAS approval expires to avoid future hiccups.

“I do not see [ETIAS] as a big deal considering I am from the US and have a lot of passport privilege ,” says Sojourner White , a remote social worker and travel content creator who has previously lived in Europe and plans to travel back there in the near future. “We are just not used to having travel restrictions, so people are freaking out, but honestly paying $8 is so much cheaper than what other people have to pay in order to travel in Europe.”

She does, however, believe that the many delays are only going to further confuse travelers, especially when ETIAS is eventually implemented. “The constant rescheduling of the launch reminds me of the Real ID issues in the US. When you put out information prematurely people make plans with that information,” White says. “I foresee some problems, at least in the beginning, with people being confused as to what they need to do, especially if they are not seasoned travelers or it’s their first trip to Europe.”

Her best advice for newer travelers so they don’t get caught off-guard? “Be in tune with the US Department of State website. They have the Smart Travelers Enrollment Program (STEP) that I recommend everybody sign up for, too, so that you can be notified of changes that may be happening as you are traveling.”

For Jody Bear, Condé Nast Traveler travel specialist and founder of Bear & Bear Travel , this is also a good time to remind travelers of some basic rules of thumb they should follow before packing their bags for Europe—or anywhere around the world.

“Be mindful of when your passport expires. [Typically] the expiration date must be at least six months beyond your return trip date,” she says. “As a general rule, you should always have at least two to four blank pages in your passport, but it can vary depending on the country you are visiting, so it is recommended you check your passport as far in advance as possible.”

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I found a great deal for my first cruise in 15 years, but I'm not setting sail without cruise insurance

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• You can never be completely sure that you won't have to cancel a cruise, which is why I got travel insurance.
• My policy was $386 and includes a cancel for any reason benefit that will reimburse most of the cost.
• It also includes medical evacuation and repatriation in case of an emergency at sea.

A few weeks ago, I started researching trips for my family and me over the winter holiday season. After pricing out flights, hotels, and rental cars for vacations in Europe or tropical islands, I decided to pivot my planning.

While it's been 15 years since my last cruise, I was able to find deals that were affordable for a family of three. But I wanted to make sure that if we booked the cruise now, we'd have proper coverage in case something stood in our way from going in December.

With a kid and two adults, you never know who will be sick in the winter months or what types of winter storms will roll through, which makes travel insurance essential. 

While some travel insurance policies cover cruises, not all do. I decided to look into getting cruise travel insurance . Here's what it covers and how much it would cost for a family of three.

I was able to customize what type of coverage I wanted 

While cruise insurance policies offer a lot of the same coverage as travel insurance policies, they also offer additional add-on benefits that are relevant to cruises. I used a cruise travel insurance comparison site to find a plan through WorldTrips that covers all three of us for $386.

As I searched through quotes from different cruise travel insurance companies, I was able to select add-on coverage that I felt we needed. A lot of these options aren't usually offered with standard travel insurance.

For example, I added a hurricane and weather benefit. We live in New York City, and the cruise is in December. In case we're hit with a snowstorm or inclement weather, this policy allows us to cancel the cruise and receive a reimbursement. Without this coverage, we could miss the cruise and lose thousands of dollars.

I added on a cancel for any reason benefit 

One offering that cruise travel insurance companies usually have is a cancel for any reason upgrade. If we decide in the winter months not to go on the cruise anymore for no specific reason, we're able to get 75% of the cost of our trip back. 

This perk is usually an add-on for cruise travel insurance policies, but it is worth it. Even though it doesn't give you a full refund, it allows you to recoup most of your cruise costs if you no longer want to go.

The typical trip cancellation benefit offered by travel insurance companies only provides reimbursement if the trip is canceled due to specific things like illness, injury, or death.

Medical evacuation and repatriation was a must-have for our plan

One of the biggest reasons I wanted cruise travel insurance for my family was to cover any and all medical costs that could happen while we're out at sea. In addition to standard coverage, like emergency medical coverage (the plan I picked offers $100,000 per person in coverage), the plan also covers medical evacuation and repatriation, up to $250,000 per person.

This is important to me because if one of us gets very ill and has to be transported to a medical facility or return back home, this benefit covers the costs of that.

Watch: Cruise ship captain breaks down 8 cruise ship disasters in movies and TV

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