smart traveller country ratings

Smart Traveler 4+

Us department of state.

• 4.8 • 5.9K Ratings

Screenshots

Description.

Smart Traveler, the official State Department app for U.S. travelers, invites you to see the world with easy access to frequently updated official country information, travel advisories, U.S. embassy locations, and more. Smart Traveler also provides access to the State Department's free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment enables the State Department to better assist you in emergencies such as natural disasters, unrest in foreign countries, or lost/stolen passports overseas. During your travels, STEP can help your family and friends reach you in an emergency. Smart Traveler also provides quick access to the Department's Consular Affairs Facebook and Twitter pages.

Version 2.3

Updated Twitter link to X

Ratings and Reviews

5.9K Ratings

Great visual ratings for each country!

Not sure what reviewer Xxxxxx€£¥%:( is smokin’ but the country rating system is obviously and clearly displayed. Some people just like to troll. Anyways, I’ve been using this app off and on for years and the most recent update really modernized it and made it easier to use. As a matter of fact, the rating system is really neat (especially in the Advisories section) because you can clearly see the number of countries belonging to a specific rating. I just hope our government keeps the app updated all the time because it really is useful.

Excellent App missing one important feature

I love the app so much as it provides all the information that you need while providing a sense of security. The only feature I would love to see is to include the US embassy contact information at the destination. In addition, a 24/7 emergency chat/contact service would be fantastic.

DoS: Please update

We appreciate this app and that the Dept. of State gives us a venue for logging our whereabouts while traveling abroad. That said, everything about this app seems precisely the same as it did when we first used it in Autumn 2017. Visually it is extremely bare-bones. It forces you to re-type absurd amounts of data. It doesn’t allow you to access a pull-down menu of previous travel companions and their data. I understand that DoS often operates on very thin budgets, but something should really be done to get this valued app a mid-life upgrade.

App Privacy

The developer, US Department of State , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Not Collected

The developer does not collect any data from this app.

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

More By This Developer

US Alumni JO

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Countries, economies and regions

Select a country, economy or region to find embassies, country briefs, economic fact sheets, trade agreements, aid programs, information on sanctions and more.

International relations

Global security.

• Australia and sanctions
• Australian Safeguards and Non-proliferation Office (ASNO)
• Counter-terrorism
• Non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control
• Peacekeeping and peacebuilding

Regional architecture

• Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
• Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
• East Asia Summit (EAS)
• Australia and the Indian Ocean region
• Pacific Islands regional organisations

Global themes

• Child protection
• Climate change
• Cyber affairs and critical technology
• Disability Equity and Rights
• Gender equality
• Human rights
• Indigenous peoples
• People Smuggling, Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery
• Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment
• Australia’s treaty-making process

International organisations

• The Commonwealth of Nations
• United Nations (UN)
• World Trade Organization

Foreign Arrangements Scheme  

Trade and investment, about free trade agreements (ftas).

• The benefits of FTAs
• How to get free trade agreement tariff cuts
• Look up FTA tariffs and services market access - DFAT FTA Portal
• Discussion paper on potential modernisation – DFAT FTA Portal

About foreign investment

• The benefits of foreign investment
• Investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS)
• Australia's bilateral investment treaties
• Australia's foreign investment policy

For Australian business

• Addressing non-tariff trade barriers

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai

Stakeholder engagement.

• Ministerial Council on Trade and Investment
• Trade 2040 Taskforce
• First Nations trade

Australia's free trade agreements (FTAs)

• ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand (AANZFTA)
• Chile (ACLFTA)
• China (ChAFTA)
• Hong Kong ( A-HKFTA & IA)
• India (AI-ECTA)
• Indonesia (IA-CEPA)
• Japan (JAEPA)
• Korea (KAFTA)
• Malaysia (MAFTA)
• New Zealand (ANZCERTA)
• Peru (PAFTA)
• Singapore (SAFTA)
• Thailand (TAFTA)
• United Kingdom (A-UKFTA)
• USA (AUSFTA)
• Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)
• European Union (A-EUFTA)
• India (AI-CECA)
• Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
• Australia-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

Trade and investment data, information and publications

• Fact sheets for countries and regions
• Australia's trade balance
• Trade statistics
• Foreign investment statistics
• Trade and investment publications
• Australia's Trade through Time

WTO, G20, OECD, APEC and IPEF and ITAG

Services and digital trade.

• Service trade policy
• Australia-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement
• Digital trade & the digital economy

Development

Australia’s development program, performance assessment.

• Development evaluation
• Budget and statistical information

Who we work with

• Multilateral organisations
• Non-government organisations (NGOs)
• List of Australian accredited non-government organisations (NGOs)

Development topics

• Development issues
• Development sectors

2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

• Sustainable Development Goals

Where we deliver our Development Program

Humanitarian action.

Where and how Australia provides emergency assistance.

People-to-people

Australia awards.

• Australia Awards Scholarships
• Australia Awards Fellowships

New Colombo Plan

• Scholarship program
• Mobility program

Public diplomacy

• Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program
• Australia now
• UK/Australia Season 2021-22

Foundations, councils and institutes

• Australia-ASEAN Council
• Australia-India Council
• Australia-Indonesia Institute
• Australia-Japan Foundation
• Australia-Korea Foundation
• Council for Australian-Arab Relations (CAAR)
• Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR)

International Labour Mobility

• Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme
• Agriculture Visa

Australian Volunteers Program

Supporting organisations in developing countries by matching them with skilled Australians. 

Sports diplomacy

Australia is a successful global leader and innovator in sport.

A global platform for achievement, innovation, collaboration, and cooperation

About Australia

Australia is a stable, democratic and culturally diverse nation with a highly skilled workforce and one of the strongest performing economies in the world.

Australia in Brief publication

This is the 52nd edition of Australia in Brief, revised and updated in February 2021

Travel advice

To help Australians avoid difficulties overseas, we maintain travel advisories for more than 170 destinations.

• Smartraveller – travel advice

International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate

Prove your COVID-19 vaccinations when you travel overseas.

• Services Australia

The Australian Passport Office and its agents are committed to providing a secure, efficient and responsive passport service for Australia.

• Australian Passport Office

24-hour consular emergency helpline

• Within Australia: 1300 555 135
• Outside Australia: +61 2 6261 3305
• Getting help overseas
• Visas for Australians travelling overseas
• Visas to visit Australia

24-hour emergency consular support

If you're an Australian citizen and you have serious concerns about your welfare or that of another Australian overseas, contact your local Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate, or call our 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on

• 1300 555 135 within Australia
• +61 2 6261 3305 from anywhere in the world.

Read more about getting help overseas on Smartraveller.

We maintain travel advisories on Smartraveller for over 175 destinations, assigning an overall advice level to each. The advice levels reflect the risks for Australian travellers in each destination. We also provide general advice on a range of travel topics.

Visit Smartraveller to explore our travel advice for all destinations .

We continually review and update our travel advice based on credible information. Stay up to date with any changes by subscribing for updates .

Visit the Australian Passport Office for more about passports.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not issue visas for overseas travel or visiting Australia and can’t provide specific information on visas.

Read about visas for Australians travelling overseas .

Find out about visas to visit Australia .

Pros and Cons of Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

Last Updated: 05/15/2024

Published: 03/11/2023

I may make commissions from purchases made through links.  Read here for more information. And as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

I’m an American who’s lived overseas 5 years and love discovering all the world has to offer. I made this blog to share resources for digital nomads and expats I wish I’d had.

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) allows U.S. citizens to register with the U.S. government to receive notifications during emergencies. It’s helpful if you don’t pay attention to the news much. But not so much so if you have privacy concerns. Keep reading to learn more.

I’ve used the STEP program for several years so far. I want to share some advantages and disadvantages based on my experience.

Here’s what you’ll find:

• STEP delivers important safety & security information to your email inbox.
• The US government will have your email, but you could use an email address you never use.
• STEP won’t fill your inbox; they email once in a while.
• You must sign up again when visiting another country.
• The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is free to enroll.

Pros & Cons of STEP

The following sections will cover the advantages and disadvantages of registering for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

1. Safety Updates Are Helpful

By enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, you can receive important safety and security information from the U.S. Department of State . This information can include travel warnings, alerts, and emergency messages to help you stay safe during your trip.

I’m in Taiwan. And most updates I’ve gotten are about vaccines during COVID-19, Taiwan military drills, and tips regarding emergency natural disaster preparation.

2. Consular Assistance

If you encounter an emergency while traveling abroad, enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program can help you access consular services. This can include assistance with medical emergencies, legal issues, and other emergencies.

3. Peace of Mind

Knowing that you have enrolled in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program can give you peace of mind while traveling. You will have access to essential information and assistance in an emergency, which can help you feel more secure and prepared.

4. It’s Free & Doesn’t Take Long to Register

It took me around 10 minutes to fill out my information and register for the notifications . Upon signing up, they’ll send a confirmation email.

You also don’t need to pay any money to receive notifications.

5. Makes It Easier for the Government to Find You During Emergencies

You don’t provide the U.S. government with your address in your country, but it can help you reach your local embassy or consulate quicker in an emergency. Though, you could use Google Maps to find your nearest diplomatic building.

You provide them with your contact information, which may make it so the government will let your family know what’s going on during an emergency. They don’t specify whether they do so, though.

If they do, it will prove helpful if, for instance, your country’s had nationwide internet outages.

Cons of Smart Traveler Enrollment Program:

The following sections will cover the cons of the STEP program.

1. Doesn’t Serve as Proof of Citizenship

Though you’re registering your passport number and other personal information, you can’t use it to prove your identity in the country you’re staying in.

2. Have to Sign up Again When Traveling to Another Country

You must sign up for STEP notifications when entering a different country. Signing up for a notification takes less than 10 minutes, but it’s tedious if you’re backpacking across Europe or country-hopping in Asia.

3. Privacy Concerns

Some travelers may be concerned about the personal information collected when enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This information can include your name, contact information, and travel itinerary.

4. Limited Assistance

While the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program can assist in an emergency, it may only be able to assist with some situations. Most travelers may prefer to rely on their own resources or local authorities instead .

5. Limited Coverage

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is only available to U.S. citizens and nationals. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may not be able to enroll in the program and receive its benefits.

What Is the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program?

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Department of State. The American government designed the program to help U.S. citizens and nationals stay safe while traveling abroad .

By enrolling in the program, travelers can receive important safety and security information from the U.S. Department of State, and access consular services in case of an emergency.

Who Is the STEP Program Best For?

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is best for U.S. citizens and nationals who are planning to travel abroad.

It’s especially useful for those who fall under one of these scenarios:

• Staying in a country for an extended period
• The country frequently has natural disasters
• Terrorism & crime frequently happens in the country visited

STEP’s also great for anyone who doesn’t pay attention to the local news much. As the U.S. government frequently provides updates regarding regional developments.

How to Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

Enroll is the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program by visiting step.state.gov/STEP/pages/individuals/newAccountStart.aspx

From there, follow these steps:

• Read and accept their Privacy Notice
• Create an account: username, password, & security question
• Citizenship
• Contact information
• Passport number

Once you have enrolled in the program, you will receive important safety and security information from the U.S. Department of State via email.

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This North American country tops the list of the safest countries for travelers

A new year means new destinations.

When looking at where to go, travelers will consider the usual factors such as weather, cost and available activities. This year, safety is also top of mind as more people want to go off the beaten path and take solo trips.

To help, travel insurance provider Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection just released its ninth annual State of Travel Insurance report, which includes the safest countries in the world for travelers.

"The definition of safe destination has evolved,” Carol Mueller, vice president at Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, told USA TODAY in an email. "In our most recent survey, travelers lean in on countries they believe as safe destinations they can move about freely without discrimination or harassment."

To determine the list, the travel insurance provider surveyed 1,702 people on their own travel experiences in different countries and also pulled data from third-party resources that evaluate safety concerns such as terrorism, weather emergencies, health measures and the safety of underrepresented groups. This included the  Global Peace Index  and the State Department’s own  travel safety ratings .

Learn more: Best travel insurance

While these countries are considered to be overall safe for people to visit, the company noted the report doesn't mean every part of the country is safe nor account for the possibility of natural disasters. And as always, don't let your guard down when it comes to petty theft against tourists.

'It's like your local bestie': This startup helps make solo travel as a woman feel safer

Read below to see the 15 countries determined to be the safest for all travelers.

The Great White North tops this year's list of safest countries in the world for travelers, thanks to its low violent crime and strict gun laws. Last year, the country, known for its high standard of living and political stability, made sixth on the list.

2. Switzerland

Known for its security and low crime rates, Switzerland made second place for the safest nations to visit. The country is known for its high quality of living and beautiful nature, such as Lake Geneva and Lake Zurich.

Besides having some of the best views of the dancing northern lights , Norway is also one of the safest places when it comes to crime rates, terrorist activity and violent demonstrations. According to the report, Oslo, the capital of Norway, was the country's safest area.

Those wanting to see Ireland's Cliffs of Moher or sip on some Guinness can rest assured in going through with those travel plans. The country had fewer homicides in 2022 than 16 U.S. cities, according to the report.

5. Netherlands

Last year, the Netherlands took the top spot for safest destinations to visit, and this year, it made fifth. Survey respondents repeatedly said they felt safe in the country and its capital Amsterdam. Just beware of the tourist tax increase as the city continues to crack down on reckless partiers.

6. United Kingdom

With a beautiful countryside and cities with low murder and theft rates, the United Kingdom is a safe bet for travelers. Unfortunately, the country is soon going to implement a fee to enter its borders .

7. Portugal

There's a reason digital nomads flock to this sunny coastal country, and it's not just the delicious seafood and wine. Portugal's cities are secure and orderly, and the rural areas are peaceful. In 2022, the country was determined to be one of the best places for solo female travelers too.

Last year, Denmark was the second safest country in the world for travelers, and its low crime rates continue to help it be a safe choice for travelers. The northern European country typically steals the spotlight for its happy residents and its politics.

Like its Nordic neighbor Denmark, Iceland is often regarded as the world's most gender-equal country and the safest country in the world when it comes to crime. To entice travelers even more, the country is home to otherworldly landscapes featuring glaciers, geysers, hot springs, waterfalls and volcanic terrain.

10. Australia

Rugged wilderness and cosmopolitan cities make Australia a desirable country for travelers, especially female solo travelers since the Land Down Under also has low homicide rates. In 2022, there were 377 recorded homicides, about half of what Chicago experienced, according to the report.

11. New Zealand

Although expensive, New Zealand is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore its coastlines, mountains, fjords and more, or for those who are big "Lord of the Rings" fans. With low crime rates, the country is also considered to be quite peaceful and great for female solo travelers.

Along with low crime rates, Japan offers travelers a blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity. Think robot servers in restaurants amongst ancient shrines. In Japanese culture, politeness and orderliness are also highly valued, making it a safe place for travelers, solo or not. However, the report doesn't consider natural disasters, such as the earthquakes that recently shook the western part of the island nation.

Home to the City of Light, France has stood the test of time as one of the world's most popular destinations. Thankfully, for travelers, the country has relatively safe transportation (well, minus petty theft, which is common on the metro) and safety from disease epidemics, according to the report. However, violent demonstrations mean travelers should be cautious and check local media for updates.

Another popular European destination, Spain is known for petty theft like pickpocketing. Overall, the Mediterranean country has a low crime rating for how heavily touristed it is, the report said. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection recommends people especially watch out for passport thefts, so as always, travel cautiously.

This year, Brazil made the list of safe countries to visit. The survey respondents who identified as women, people of color and LGBTQ+ especially felt safe in the South American country, known for its beautiful beaches. However, Brazil's borders are notably dangerous for crime activity.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

How the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program could help you on your next trip abroad

Editor's Note

Though careful planning and common sense are two of the best ways to stay safe when traveling, security situations can rapidly change in foreign countries.

That's why the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs has created the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to help keep you up-to-date on relevant security updates from the nearest U.S. consulate, wherever in the world you happen to be.

Here's how to sign up for STEP.

Who should register for STEP?

The primary purpose of STEP is to keep American citizens safe. Here are a few reasons to consider signing up:

• You're traveling to an area that's politically unstable or prone to violence.
• You're taking an extended trip (several weeks or months) where you have limited Wi-Fi access.
• You're traveling for a major event, summit or conference (like the World Cup) that might become the target of protests or attacks.
• You're a minority traveling to an area where you might be targeted as an outsider.
• You'd like an additional safety resource during your trip, no matter the destination.

Some group trips or programs may require participants to enroll. For instance, I had to enroll when I studied abroad in college.

In the event of a rapidly deteriorating situation, such as a coup or natural disaster, STEP can connect you with evacuation efforts or provide important safety information and help you take care of yourself.

How to register

To register, create an account and fill in your personal information and emergency contact details.

Once your account is set up, log in and register each specific trip or residence abroad. You'll repeat this process for each new trip to receive STEP alerts.

You'll then be prompted to enroll any upcoming trips to receive STEP notifications. Select the nearest U.S. consulate to where you'll be staying. Note that "destination" refers to the country (not a specific city, state or territory), and the available options will auto-fill as you type.

Next, fill in the dates of your trip, the reason you're traveling and how you can be reached while abroad. If there are any timely alerts specific to your destination, you'll also be alerted of that information at this point.

Bottom line

It may be helpful to think of STEP like travel insurance: If all goes well, you won't need to use it, and you might even forget you have it.

However, if things go wrong while you're traveling abroad, your local U.S. embassy is the quickest way to get help; the embassy's goal is to ensure all Americans in its jurisdiction are safe and accounted for. This is when STEP notifications can become incredibly important.

The entire sign-up process takes less than five minutes, and the trip registration process takes about 60 seconds.

For additional resources, be sure to follow the State Department on Twitter and bookmark its international travel page for the latest country alerts.

Related reading:

• The difference between CDC and State Department travel warnings
• Confused by State Department travel advisories? Here's what they mean
• If you need a passport quickly, this service may be for you
• Passport processing wait times decrease for the 1st time since February
• Prepare to wait: Current Global Entry processing times are up to 11 months

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

What Is The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program And Why Do You Need It?

• News and Tips
• Travel News

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and many countries post record-breaking daily or weekly case counts, the U.S. State Department now cautions that U.S. citizens who travel internationally may face unexpected challenges related to the coronavirus as they attempt to return to the U.S. or travel from one foreign country to another.

One of those challenges is to simply stay up-to-date on various countries’ travel restrictions. 

That’s because governments around the world continue to implement new requirements and even impose new travel restrictions as they strive to keep COVID-19 case counts down in their own countries. The problem, however, is that changes are often implemented quickly with little advance notice, which may take those traveling by surprise.

The good news is that the State Department offers a service that helps U.S. citizens and nationals stay informed about changing conditions in countries they are visiting or plan to visit. 

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that enables U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. That way, they are able to quickly receive important information from the U.S. embassy about safety conditions in their destination country, which helps them make informed decisions about travel plans. Another benefit is that enrolling a trip in STEP makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact travelers with important information about natural disasters or civil unrest in their destination country, or to contact the traveler in the event of a family emergency.

Here’s a quick look at what you need to know about STEP before your next international trip.

Created To Assist U.S. Citizens

Consular officers at U.S. embassies and consulates can help U.S. citizens who run into legal, medical, or financial difficulties while visiting other countries. For example, if a U.S. citizen’s passport is stolen while traveling, staff at an embassy or consulate can help that traveler get a replacement passport. They can also provide the names of English-speaking doctors or local attorneys, as well as provide information about dangerous conditions.

“In a crisis situation such as a natural disaster or severe political instability, the Department of State often takes an active role in providing information and assistance to U.S. citizens in the affected area,” the State Department explains . “We encourage all U.S. citizens travelling or residing overseas to notify the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate of their contact information so that, in an emergency, we can contact them to provide important safety and security information, or support during a crisis. Enrolling in STEP is an easy way to send your contact information to us online.” 

In addition to Travel Advisories, U.S. embassies and consulates often send alerts about emerging situations in a country. It’s important to enroll your international trip in STEP because these alerts are written specifically for a traveler’s dates of travel and destination.

You can learn more about the STEP service here and create an account to enroll a trip here .

Know Before You Go

If you are planning an international trip, the State Department has two more suggestions for you. The first is to visit its Country Information webpage so you can learn about your destination.

“We provide safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each Country Information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you,” the State Department explains. “Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to decide whether traveling to that country is right for you.”

The State Department’s Country Information web page may be found here .

The State Department’s second suggestion is to visit its Traveler’s Checklist webpage, which is found here .

That page includes information explaining how to get informed about conditions in a country you plan to visit and ensure you have all necessary documents. It also provides information about three types of insurance: health insurance, evacuation insurance, and additional insurance for unexpected expenses such as those from interrupted or delayed travel and lost luggage.

While you’re thinking about international travel, be sure to read all of our travel news coverage as well as our COVID-19 coverage, including 6 Things The State Department Says You Should Do If You’re Traveling Internationally and 21 Expert Tips For Traveling Internationally Right Now .

Jim Fulcher has been a writer and editor his entire career. In addition to writing, he also enjoys traveling--particularly in an RV. Over the course of numerous trips, Jim has driven an RV through West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. His favorite national park is Yellowstone, which he has visited three times.

Smart Traveler Reviews

About: Smart Traveler, the official State Department app for U.S.

  Table of Contents :

• User Reviews (20)
• Is it Legit?
• Is it Safe?
• Not working
• Report Issue
• Contact Support

About Smart Traveler

Smart Traveler also provides quick access to the Department's Consular Affairs Facebook and Twitter pages.

Smart Traveler also provides access to the State Department's free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

invites you to see the world with easy access to frequently updated official country information, travel advisories, U.S. embassy locations, and more.

STEP can help your family and friends reach you in an emergency.

unrest in foreign countries, or lost/stolen passports overseas.

Overall User Satisfaction Rating

Key benefits of smart traveler.

- Clear and modernized interface

- Neat rating system, especially in the Advisories section

- Useful for traveling to all countries

- Contains a lot of information

20 Smart Traveler Reviews

By running_jennifer

Great visual ratings for each country!

Not sure what reviewer Xxxxxx€£¥%:( is smokin’ but the country rating system is obviously and clearly displayed. Some people just like to troll. Anyways, I’ve been using SmartTraveler off and on for years and the most recent update really modernized it and made it easier to use. As a matter of fact, the rating system is really neat (especially in the Advisories section) because you can clearly see the number of countries belonging to a specific rating. I just hope our government keeps SmartTraveler updated all the time because it really is useful.

By AppAddict21

Doesn’t scroll

Useful app, just wished it would scroll properly. If I click in a country for more information, I can see there is a bunch of info; however, I cannot scroll passed what fits on my screen. If I do just a little bit, when I try to scroll more, it just resets to the top of the page again. Hopefully there will be a fix for this at some point as SmartTraveler can be extremely useful for those that travel overseas frequently.

By Joe2002612

Okay could be better

It’s a good app but it needs to be updated. Some things I can’t see because it won’t allow me to go down the page more

Needs Editing

Fairly simple app to use but is sometimes cumbersome when you need to add information to the STEP area. Unfortunately, cannot access information on Israel as it gives information for Iceland the same that is included in the Iceland tab.

By Dor on NJ

Previously was a very good app but now it’s as if they don’t want you to have readily available information. Everyone wants to know about SAFETY! Why are we directed to the web page when it is not formatted for your cell phone & so you can’t read the giant text. You have to click all over for information. What a joke trying to read the world map with the color coded legend. SEROUSILY!!! Hit DELETE everyone. I will get info elsewhere.

By Tangothedon

Needs work!

SmartTraveler actually had the info you need inside of it but like someone has already mentioned, you cannot scroll down to read all the information that’s given. SmartTraveler can be useful and a great app if someone actually took the time to fix it so it can work properly.

By Gabester445

I just wish it worked better

It seems like the information is good but i can’t scroll down any of the pages to read it. Seems to be a lot of bug overall. They should hire someone to actually make SmartTraveler functional

By Kahlil Gibran

Updates? Not working correctly

Are there any updates for SmartTraveler? Love SmartTraveler but does not scroll all the time and not updates to current situation all the way.. Would be super easy to pull up SmartTraveler instead of having to go trough the website..

By Unsure about UnSync

It’s the webpage in the app

This isn’t anything beyond the DOS webpage. In fact, it’s less than it. I thought SmartTraveler would be useful to sign in or sign up for stays in a country, then to receive alerts (push notifications) from the embassy for updates and warnings. I shouldn’t complain about a free app, but it costed me time and taxes. So it’s pretty expensive and disappointing for what it is.

By Victoria Woodhull

Impossible to Scroll!

SmartTraveler is so 1990s - oh, wait, there weren’t any iPhone apps in the 90s! Well, that explains why SmartTraveler is great in theory, and awful in practice. Ideally, app developers who understand 2021 app technology would work their magic on SmartTraveler, and make it what it could and should be.

Would be useful if it was ussble

Given how long the scrooling problem has been around it’s clear noone at State uses this. Some information is 3 or 4 years old and others in conflict with different parts. St. Kitts is either Level 2 or Level 4, etc. All in all a good idea but not much effort put into it.

App isn’t up to date!

On February 26, 2020 the US Department of State added the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) under Level 2 alert for Italy; however, SmartTraveler was last updated January 20, 2020 so it’s not showing the virus alert.

Useful if scroll would work

SmartTraveler was so helpful in the past when it scrolled properly. Please fix this issue so we have access to this important information when traveling abroad.

Worst version yet.

In this version, the country section links are scrambled. Click the button for ‘Benin’ and you get info for ‘Brunei.’ Click the button for ‘Togo’ and you get the info for ‘Tonga.’ And on and on. Bugs like that don’t leave a traveler feeling like SmartTraveler is exactly reliable for security- related functions like the STEP program. Bad, bad, bad.

By Michaell S

Scrolling issue

Unable to scroll down any of the pages, thus all of the information is useless below what you can see initially on the screen.

By Sweeneymom

Won’t let me sign into STEP

SmartTraveler offers a link to STEP. It tells me I have exceeded the attempts to sign in and blocks me for 30 minutes. I only entered my name/PW once and it was correct. This is also happening on the direct STEP site so perhaps it’s a STEP issue??

By Jimbolayaa

Unreliable app & wasting my tax $

How can an app designed to keep US citizens traveling abroad safe be riddled with bugs and not work? I tried to access the STEP function from within SmartTraveler , but it crashed, followed by “error in server” message. Then I tried to used the scroll though and use the search function to look up a country. I click on Germany, but the result reveal Gambia instead. I hope someone reads these reviews and fixes the bugs. Otherwise, please save taxpayers money and delete SmartTraveler from SmartTraveler Store.

By Js19670102

Useless app

SmartTraveler is not informative. Very generic information. With entry requirements changing every day and alerts, you would think that SmartTraveler could help keep you informed. Not. I would not recommend SmartTraveler or even tell them where I am traveling. We are all in our own.

By Jeanlorent

Where to find Level 4 declared Mars 18, 2020

I am looking at many countries in level 1 or 2. But I heard that yesterday the State has raised all travel out off the US to level 4. Why cannot I find anything about level 4 on SmartTraveler?

All the info you’ll need…

Superb app for traveling to all countries. Great update!

Needs access to current data

I had already created a this app account on-line and was happy to see SmartTraveler that I assumed would sync (or at least be able to access) my account. The trips I had created on-line were not synced (or syncable) with the iPhone account. Screens that lead to on-line data are just a redirect of a browser and not within SmartTraveler . While being able to see alerts and warnings is informative, having to recreate my trips (and keep them updated to two places) is a drag.

By PowerSchool messed up

Need to maintain up to date information

Yesterday (10 July) travel to Haiti was changed to Level 4. SmartTraveler still shows Level 3, last updated 5 July. This is not helpful to anyone. Please maintain SmartTraveler properly. We can’t even trust the information on it.

Update for iPhone X screen

I mean cmon. You’ve had 6 months and it takes an hour max. I’ll be happy to change my review when you’ve joined the present. Thanks.

By Charlottan999

STEP not accessible

I always register with STEP before traveling to a foreign country. It has stopped functioning on iPhone X. Not sure if it’s a bug which needs an update

No app details??

There isn’t any information listed on any of the countries I’ve searched. When will this be rectified?

By Ronnie/girl

SmartTraveler allowed me to set up a login, but when I try to login, it keeps saying I exceeded my login attempts. Frustrating

Doesn’t work.

Wouldn’t trust it from THIS government, anyway. & they screamed when the health care site still needed some work.

By sjquicksilver

Great app for International Travel

SmartTraveler gives you the information you'd find on the Department of State website for US citizens travelling abroad. Everyone should review travel warnings and country-specific information before making plans for travel. I also highly recommend enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before travelling abroad in case things should go awry. Yeah, I don't want the US government in my business at home, but oh, what a beacon of light an embassy can be in a foreign country! Once again, this is an app created by the US government for US citizens. Non-citizens can also find a wealth of information regarding travel warnings and foreign countries. I'm kind of puzzled as to why someone gave SmartTraveler 3 stars and complained about not having information for domestic travel... seriously? That's what AAA is for. One thing that really needs to be implemented on SmartTraveler is the ability to sync the account information you setup with the DoS (personal/emergency contact info, itineraries, etc). However, you can log into the DoS website on the in-app browser or through Safari. Great job so far... don't stop here!

Useful info, Limited capabilities in app

The information is useful, but to rate SmartTraveler higher, it need the ability to bookmark the countries you care about (i.e. the ones you may be visiting during an upcoming trip) It would also be very useful to include information about traveling to US Territories, for example Guam.

By robertinoo

This is a great app, for knowing about visa requirements for US citizens before traveling, and also a ton of useful info about countries, although there is 'way over protective' language of countries especially in middle east and Africa, and since I travel allot to these countries I have never experienced any aggression from their people but of course everyone should use common sense anywhere even in your own backyard. Unfortunately I find Africa and middle east safer than my city of Detroit!

Is Smart Traveler Safe?

Yes. Smart Traveler is very safe to use. This is based on our NLP (Natural language processing) analysis of over 4,014 User Reviews sourced from the Appstore and the appstore cumulative rating of 4.8/5 . Justuseapp Safety Score for Smart Traveler Is 42.1/100.

Is Smart Traveler Legit?

Yes. Smart Traveler is a totally legit app. This conclusion was arrived at by running over 4,014 Smart Traveler User Reviews through our NLP machine learning process to determine if users believe the app is legitimate or not. Based on this, Justuseapp Legitimacy Score for Smart Traveler Is 55.7/100. .

Is Smart Traveler not working?

Smart Traveler works most of the time. If it is not working for you, we recommend you excersise some patience and retry later or Contact Support .

How was your experience with Smart Traveler? Post a Review

Leave a comment:

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Travelers Think Every Airline Has Improved This Year — Except One

Sally French is a travel rewards expert who joined NerdWallet in 2020. She previously wrote about travel and credit cards for The New York Times and its sibling site, Wirecutter.

Outside of work, she loves fitness, and she competes in both powerlifting and weightlifting (she can deadlift more than triple bodyweight). Naturally, her travels always involve a fitness component, including a week of cycling up the coastline of Vietnam and a camping trip to the Arctic Circle, where she biked over the sea ice. Other adventures have included hiking 25 miles in one day through Italy's Cinque Terre and climbing the 1,260 steps to Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi, Thailand.

She lives in San Francisco.

Meghan Coyle started as a web producer and writer at NerdWallet in 2018. She covers travel rewards, including industry news, airline and hotel loyalty programs, and how to travel on points. She is based in Los Angeles.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

It’s a good time to travel by air. Each month so far this year, airfares have been cheaper than the same month in 2023. Plus, passenger satisfaction is at an all-time high.

That’s according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) Travel Study 2023-2024, which sought to understand consumer sentiment toward U.S. airlines. This year’s study found that satisfaction rates have improved for the second consecutive year.

ACSI’s scores are calculated based on benchmarks such as ease of making reservations and checking in, cabin cleanliness, employee helpfulness and boarding experience. The results are based on responses from over 16,000 people surveyed via email between April 2023 and March 2024.

The report found that every major U.S. airline improved its score year over year except for one: United Airlines.

Here’s what you need to know about the best and worst U.S. airlines for customer satisfaction — and why flying has gotten relatively better across the board.

The best-rated U.S. airlines for satisfaction

ACSI’s study ranked nine major U.S. airlines on a scale of 0-100. Here's each airline’s customer satisfaction score, from highest to lowest:

Alaska Airlines performed quite well, ranking as the airline with the best customer satisfaction for the second straight year in ACSI’s survey.

Notably, Alaska also came out on top in NerdWallet’s annual analysis of the best airline and best airline rewards programs .

Unlike the rest of its peers, however, United Airlines' customer satisfaction score dropped year over year. Though United’s scores were the only ones to decrease, the airline isn’t the worst in terms of customer satisfaction. Frontier and Spirit, both budget airlines, still scored lower.

Why did United’s score drop?

Forrest Morgeson, a marketing professor at Michigan State University and director of research emeritus at the ACSI, said in an email that the drop in United customer satisfaction scores is due to the declining quality of the reservation system and low scores for in-flight service.

Morgeson also cited the growth in United’s basic economy passengers, which he said makes “for a less satisfying experience by design.” In 2023's fourth quarter, the airline reported its basic economy airfares recorded a substantial 20% revenue increase year over year.

While most airlines sell a basic economy option, offering fewer frills (e.g., usually a middle seat and the last boarding group) in exchange for a lower cost, United’s basic economy ranks among the worst.

In another customer satisfaction poll — this one the ​​J.D. Power 2024 North America Airline Satisfaction Study — United scored the lowest of any full-service U.S. carrier in a ranking of basic economy offerings. The only U.S.-based carriers to score lower are Spirit and Frontier.

Why customer satisfaction has generally gotten better in 2024

Staffing levels have rebounded — and then some.

Morgeson said higher customer satisfaction scores for other airlines were largely driven by increases in airline staffing levels from pandemic lows.

“This resulted in big score jumps for staff-driven aspects of the customer experience, such as check-in and boarding, in-flight service and staff courtesy,” he said in an email.

Airline staffing numbers are even higher than even before the pandemic. In November 2023, U.S. airlines employed 814,190 workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics. That’s almost 9% more than the 748,143 workers employed in November 2019.

Budget airlines are improving

Though they still generally performed poorly on customer satisfaction scores, budget airlines showed the biggest overall improvements. Spirit still ranks lowest overall in customer satisfaction of any airline, yet its score also saw the greatest increase. Frontier and Allegiant Air also saw big jumps.

Morgeson attributed the score increases to budget airlines’ value compared with full-service carriers.

“Customers are likely feeling more satisfied with their [budget airline ticket] purchase, particularly in light of legacy airlines’ additional fees,” he said.

Budget airlines notoriously charge high fees, but full-service carriers have recently piled on their own fees. In 2024, Southwest raised its EarlyBird check-in fees as high as an additional $99 per one-way airfare, depending on the flight (up from $25), and upgraded boarding fees as high as $149 per segment, depending on the flight (up from $80). As well, a slew of airlines raised their checked bag fees .

Still, budget airlines typically charge the highest fees, which can include upcharges for seat selection, checked bags and overhead carry-on bags. NerdWallet analyzed ancillary fees and found that a one-way fare on Frontier Airlines incurs, on average, $157 in additional fees. Spirit fees average $120 each way. Both figures are more than double the cost of other airlines’ average fees.

More arrivals are on-time

Airline reliability improvements also played a key role in this year’s higher customer satisfaction rates. According to data from the BTS, the average on-time arrival rate for U.S. airlines in 2023 was 78.2%, up slightly from 76.6% in 2022.

One standout budget airline, Allegiant, skyrocketed from its on-time arrivals rate of 63.4% in 2022 to 73.4% in 2023.

“Passengers noticed, because its on-time arrival score also skyrocketed in the ACSI Study,” Morgeson said.

How can air travel continue to improve?

The lowest scores across airlines continue to be seat comfort and quality of complimentary in-flight food and beverages. If budget airlines or United Airlines want to increase customer satisfaction, it might be as simple as offering a little more than a free bag of pretzels.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-2x Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays and United® purchases. 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases

60,000 Limited-time offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

1x-2x Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, dining, at gas stations, office supply stores and on local transit and commuting. Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.

75000 Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

1x-3x 3 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases. 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, select streaming services & all other travel. 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. Plus, each year, receive up to a $125 United® purchase credit and up to 10,000 miles in award flight credits (terms apply) and earn up to 6,000 Premier qualifying points.

70,000 Limited-time offer: Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

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5 Best Smart Water Bottles of 2024

These bottles can remind you to drink up, charge your phone or even play your jams.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

The pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab tested smart water bottles to find those that are easy to use and offer useful and reliable tech : reminders, hydration tracking, temperature data and more.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Smart Water Bottle

Hidratespark pro smart water bottle.

Best Value Smart Water Bottle

Icewater 3-in-1 smart water bottle.

Best Smart Water Bottle with Bluetooth Speaker

Aquio ibtb2bb bottle with bluetooth speaker.

Best Smart Water Bottle for Charging

Tylt water bottle and portable power bank.

Best UV-Light Smart Water Bottle

Larq insulated stainless steel water bottle.

We also considered bottles from brands we know and love, as well as those with compelling features. Though we do include a UV-light bottle on this list — for which we have assessed certain brand-provided data — our experts need to review more data before supporting claims of self-cleaning or sanitizing.

Read on for more about how we test products, how we chose these smart water bottles and what to consider when shopping for one. We also have round-ups of the best shaker bottles for your next workout as well as the best coffee thermoses for the coffee obsessed.

The HidrateSpark PRO, formerly the HidrateSpark Steel , was easy to use in our tests. The bottom of the bottle glows as a reminder to drink up, and you can choose to have it send push notifications to your phone to nudge you as well. It connects via Bluetooth to the HidrateSpark App (available for iOS and Android), and it can sync with Apple Watch, Fitbit and Garmin so you can add hydration to your tracking. It even includes tech to help you find your bottle if you've forgotten where you left it.

According to the manufacturer, the bottle is insulated to keep liquids cold for up to 24 hours, but note that it's not compatible with hot liquids. This version includes the chug lid, but we like that you can opt for a straw lid. Both lid styles are dishwasher safe, but the bottle is hand-wash only — remove the glowing puck first. A charging cord is included.

For under $20, you can buy Icewater's smart water bottle that glows to remind you to drink. Just power it up, and it will nudge you every hour — no Wi-Fi or app required . It also has a built-in Bluetooth speaker, so you can connect to your smartphone to play music and podcasts (again, no app required). But we did note that the company touts a "special resonance function" that "when used on wooden tables, will produce a strong bass," so be aware that the sound might be diminished in certain settings.

We have not tested this bottle in our Labs, but the manufacturer claims the vacuum-insulated stainless steel can keep your beverage hot for up to 12 hours or cold for up to 24 hours. The lid has a built-in large carrying loop, and the bottle holds 20 ounces of liquid.

At a glance, this is a 16-ounce, insulated bottle that keeps liquids cold for 24 hours and hot for 14. But look closer, and you'll see that the bottom of the bottle is a detachable Bluetooth speaker — perfect for workouts or picnics.

The company states that the waterproof and dustproof speaker provides about six hours of play before it needs recharging. It can also sync to your phone, so you can use it to answer calls as well. Our tester said the speaker's sound was impressive for its size. The bottle comes with a charging cord, and we like the convenient carry loop on the lid.

Cut clutter in your bag with this two-in-one water bottle that rings in at around $20 and has a removable smartphone and tablet charger . According to the manufacturer, the charger provides up to two full charges. It unscrews so the bottle and lid can be cleaned safely — both are top-rack dishwasher safe.

Though we have not tested this bottle, the company says it's vacuum insulated to keep liquids hot or cold for up to 12 hours. The bottle comes with a charging cord and is compatible with iPhone 8 and newer and Samsung Galaxy and Note 8 and newer (but not Google Pixel phones).

This smart water bottle claims to deactivate up to 99% of bacteria and to self-clean via a UV function. Because the UV technology is built into the lid, the Larq is not bulky ; it looks and feels like a regular water bottle. Our experts appreciate that the brand has conducted laboratory testing to show the efficacy of the UV function within the cap to neutralize E. coli bacteria and that the company is sharing it with consumers online .

While the bottle seems to make self-cleaning claims, our experts still believe that every water bottle should be regularly cleaned with a brush, dish soap and water to remove any food particles that might get transferred into the water bottle during use or any other impurities that might accumulate inside the bottle over time.

This bottle holds 25 ounces and comes in several colors — green, pink, blue, black and mint. At close to $120, the bottle is rather pricey, but it's also available in a smaller 17-ounce version that is $20 less expensive.

How we test water bottles and smart products

When the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute test water bottles , they're dropped , shaken and knocked over to see if they leak . They're weighed when full to see how heavy they are and how comfortable they are to tote around. They're opened and closed to evaluate the ease of use.

We have testers drink out of them when sitting down and while walking around. We note if they're dishwasher safe and how thoroughly they can be washed by hand.

When we test smart home devices , like home robots , doorbell cameras and robot vacuums , we assess how easy they are to set up and whether the app is intuitive. We note the novel features of each product: Does it have another functionality, like audio or charging capabilities? We also note the battery life.

For these bottles, our testers used them in daily life to check the helpfulness of the apps and the function of any reminders or tracking capabilities.

What are the benefits of a smart water bottle?

Every smart water bottle has different functions and settings, all with the aim of getting you to drink more water. If you're looking for one to remind you to drink or want to keep track of your water intake over time, make sure to choose a bottle with the features that will help you meet your hydration goals. Here are some of the common things a smart water bottle can do:

• Reminds you to drink up. Some bottles have built-in batteries (either standalone or rechargeable via a USB cord) and can nudge you to hydrate by glowing or sending notifications to your smartphone.
• Logs your intake. Smart water bottles may also tally the volume of liquid you're drinking via an app that syncs to your smartphone. You can use that data to set and meet a hydration goal.
• Reports the temperature of your beverage. Some are designed with tech that can monitor the temperature of your beverage so you'll know whether to add more ice to your water or freshen up your coffee.
• Provides other functions. There are also bottles with built-in Bluetooth speakers or power banks for charging devices. Some may also make self-cleaning claims, but our experts need to further review that technology before we can recommend it. We did confirm data from the Larq bottle on our list regarding specific claims about removing E. coli and Salmonella .

What should I know before buying a smart water bottle?

When shopping for a smart water bottle, you need to consider both the bottle and the tech.

✔️ Size: The smartest bottle won't help if it doesn't fit your needs. Do you want a smaller bottle that fits in a certain bag? Do you want a larger bottle that you'll need to refill less often? Check the capacity of the bottle before buying.

✔️ Insulation: Some bottles are insulated and will keep liquids hot or cold for several hours or up to a full day. But take note that some bottles don't allow ice (it can interfere with the monitoring of the water level), so if you want cold water, it needs to be added already cold. Others are not compatible with hot liquids.

✔️ Cleanup: Generally speaking, the tech portion of a smart water bottle is not going to be dishwasher safe. But is the rest of it, or is it hand-wash only? Decide what's important to the way you'll use the bottle.

✔️ Compatibility: Consider the operating system and/or app for any smart tech: Does it work with the operating system of your devices and/or fitness trackers? Is it customizable? Does the battery's longevity fit your lifestyle?

✔️ Price : Our research suggests you can find a top-rated smart water bottle for anywhere between $20 and $80, but there are also options under $20 plus bottles that are over $100. The higher the price tag, the more smart features you'll have built-in. Keep in mind which design aspects are most important to your hydration needs.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Sarah Wharton is a deputy editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She led the testing for these smart water bottles, and she has also conducted testing for travel mugs and heated mugs .

She consulted with Health and Sustainability Lab Director Birnur Aral , Ph.D., for her opinion on brands’ data regarding the efficacy of UV-light bottles and Chief Technologist Rachel Rothman for feedback on the sound quality of those with speakers.

Sarah (she/her) is a deputy editor in the Good Housekeeping Institute , where she tests products and covers the best picks across kitchen, tech, health and food. She has been cooking professionally since 2017 and has tested kitchen appliances and gear for Family Circle as well as developed recipes and food content for Simply Recipes, Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Oxo and Food52. She holds a certificate in professional culinary arts from the International Culinary Center (now the Institute of Culinary Education).

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Ukraine war latest: Huge explosion reported in Russian city - as Putin 'sacks four defence ministers'

A total of 78 nations call for the "territorial integrity" of Ukraine to be the basis for any peace agreement to end Russia's two-year war. Meanwhile, there's been a big escalation in fighting in the Kharkiv region. Listen to our daily podcast, on the situation in Ukraine, as you scroll.

Monday 17 June 2024 16:55, UK

• Big picture: Everything you need to know about the war right now
• Escalation in fighting in Kharviv over weekend
• Huge explosion reported in Russian city
• Putin 'sacks defence ministers'
• US condemns Vietnam for hosting Putin in Hanoi
• Dominic Waghorn analysis: It's a bad week for Putin - but Kyiv's allies face an uncertain future
• Your questions answered: Are there any signs of an underground resistance in Russia?
• Listen to the Daily above and tap here to follow wherever you get your podcasts
• Live reporting by Jess Sharp and (earlier) Mark Wyatt

A Ukrainian military unit has released a video claiming to show its men using a "vile weapon" - the SPG -9. 

The clip, which has not been verified by Sky News, purports to show the soldiers from the Azov Regiment firing the recoilless gun in the Serebryansky forest in Luhansk. 

The regiment described the weapon as a "silent tool for eliminating occupiers". 

"Their effectiveness infuriates the enemy. Bombs explode around them and the forest burns. The Russians try to destroy them at any cost. But SPG operators continue to eliminate occupiers every day and night," the caption of the video reads. 

The Azov Regiment, which has far-right and ultra-nationalist roots, is part of Ukraine's National Guard and evolved out of a battalion that was formed in 2014. 

It fought against Russian-backed separatists who carved out breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine.

Last week, the US cleared the way for the unit to use American weapons. 

US law bars foreign security forces from US military assistance if they have committed gross violations of human rights, but a review cleared the unit for US funds, the State Department said.

The unit said Western weapons would improve the combat  capabilities of their fighters and save lives. 

Russian navy vessels have left Cuba's capital today, the state run news agency RIA has reported. 

A warship and a nuclear-powered submarine arrived in Havana last week and were expected to depart today. 

While their arrival wasn't seen as a threat by the West, the move was considered a Russian show of force amid heightened tensions due to the Ukraine war. 

Four Ukrainian drones were allegedly downed during an attack on Russia's Novolipetsk Metallurgical Plant today.

Igor Artamonov, the governor of Lipetsk Oblast, claimed one drone had been "suppressed" while another had been shot down "over the industrial territory of Lipetsk".

The factory, which produces civilian products, has continued to operate as normal, according to owners Novolipetsk Steel.

Lipetsk sits around 250 miles into Russia's mainland.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly sacked four deputy defence ministers.

According to Kremlin decrees, Nikolay Pankov, Ruslan Tsalikov, Tatyana Shevtsova, and Pavel Popov have all been let go.

Reports suggest that Mr Putin's cousin, Anna Tsivileva, has now become a deputy defence minister.

Mr Putin has appointed Anna Tsivileva, who Russian media said is the daughter of the president's cousin, as a deputy defence minister.

Leonid Gornin, a deputy finance minister, will be a first deputy defence minister under defence minister Andrei Belousov.

Pavel Fradkov, the son of former prime minister Mikhail Fradkov, was also appointed a deputy defence minister, along with Oleg Savelyev.

Vladimir Putin could authorise the use of a tactical nuclear weapon of Russia's army faces defeat in Ukraine, says the secretary of Kyiv's national security council.

Russian officials have made frequent threats to launch nuclear weapons since the Ukraine invasion begun in February 2022.

Oleksandr Lytvynenko told the Times that he couldn't see Putin deploying nuclear weapons while Russia had the upper hand in the war.

However, when asked if there were any circumstances under which Putin might resort to their use, Lytvynenko said: "We can't rule out anything, if Russia is on the verge of a catastrophic defeat."

Lytvynenko added that it still remained unlikely that Putin would press the nuclear button and almost certainly trigger a third world war.

"He wants to live," he said.

A Russian missile attack on Ukraine's east-central Poltava region today has left 55,000 people without power, the regional governor has said.

No one was killed in the strike, according to preliminary information, but at least nine people were injured. Several apartment blocks were also damaged.

Power lines were also hit, leaving private and industrial consumers without electricity. 

Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine's energy sector have intensified since March, resulting in blackouts in many regions as half of the country's power generating capacity has been knocked out.

A senior Ukrainian energy official has warned that emergency blackouts and scheduled power outages will intensify over the coming weeks as a result. 

Former Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko presented the shell-blasted seats of a Kharkiv stadium to onlookers in Munich on Monday.

The Sonyachny Stadium was purpose-built for the 2012 European Championship but, a decade later, was destroyed by Russian shelling following their invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

In Munich, where Ukraine's national team take on Romania today, refugees, supporters and members of the public gathered in front of the seats where Shevchenko spoke.

"When I was the coach of the national team, we often came to Kharkiv for training," said the 47-year-old , now president of the Ukraine Football Association.

"We prepared for the Euro 2021 qualifiers at Sonyachny. Learning that the stadium was destroyed felt like finding out your home was ruined.

"Even if football pitches or stands cannot withstand Russian shells, we will never stop standing for our country and telling the world about this ruthless war."

More than 500 sports facilities have been destroyed during Russia's invasion of Ukraine, including 77 football stadiums.

Sir Rod Stewart has published a statement in support of Ukraine after the singer was booed in Germany when photos of president Volodymyr Zelenskyy were shown on screens at his concert.

Before performing his 1991 hit Rhythm Of My Heart - which he calls a war song - the Ukrainian flag and images of Mr Zelenskyy were shown on screens, prompting boos, shouts and whistles from the crowd.

"I have supported the Ukrainian people throughout this war," said Stewart today. 

"From arranging for members of my family to take supplies to the country, to renting a house in the UK for a Ukrainian family, as well as employing two Ukrainians as part of my touring crew. 

"So yes, I do support Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine, and I will continue to do so. Putin must be stopped. I’m having the time of my life playing for German audiences, sharing some special memories and I'm looking forward to playing my remaining dates there."

Russian president Vladimir Putin will visit North Korea tomorrow and Wednesday, the two countries have confirmed.

"At the invitation of the Chairman of State Affairs of the DPRK, Kim Jong Un, Vladimir Putin will pay a friendly state visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on June 18-19," the Kremlin said.

 Mr Putin will then visit Vietnam on 19-20 June.

The majority of Russia's activity in Ukraine today has been focused in Pokrovsk's direction, according to the Ukrainian military.

The Pokrovsk oblast sits to the north-west of Russian-controlled Donetsk where the majority of recent advances have taken place.

According to the latest operational report of the last 24 hours from the Ukraine military, Russia has continued to intensify its attacks in this region.

In total, there have been 20 reported attacks in the Pokrovsk direction today. Yesterday, there were 40 combat clashes on the Pokrovsk front, which the Ukraine military claims is the highest number since the beginning of June.

Towards Kharviv there is less action, with four combat clashes reported in the Vovchansk district, situated to the north-east of the city.

Russia's advances have so far come at a high cost in terms of casualties, with most available estimates suggesting Russia has lost more than 1000 soldiers per day since 24 May.

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Latest update

We continue to advise:

Do not travel to Russia due to the security situation and the impacts of the military conflict with Ukraine.

Russia (PDF 2.04 MB)

Europe (PDF 2.62 MB)

Local emergency contacts

All emergency services, fire and rescue services, medical emergencies, advice levels.

Do not travel to Russia. 

Do not travel to Russia due to the dangerous security situation and the impacts of the military conflict with Ukraine. 

Do not travel to North Caucasus.

Do not travel to North Caucasus due to the high threat of terrorism and political unrest.

See Safety .

• There's an ongoing threat of terrorism. Terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda and Daesh-aligned groups, continue to call for attacks in Russia. Attacks can be indiscriminate and may occur on or around seasonal, festive, or religious events in public places, including popular tourist sites. Attacks may occur with little or no warning. Always be alert to possible threats and have a clear exit plan. On 22 March, there was a terrorist attack at Crocus City Concert Hall, resulting in significant loss of life. Security measures or restrictions may continue to be in place across the country. Follow the advice of local authorities.
• Security incidents, such as drone attacks and explosions, often occur in southern and western areas of Russia, including regions bordering Ukraine, Moscow, and St Petersburg. This can cause significant flight delays and travel disruption. You shouldn't attempt to travel to the Russia-Ukraine border or cross into Ukraine from Russia.
• The security situation could deteriorate further with little warning. If you're in Russia, leave immediately using the commercial options available or private means if it's safe to do so. Departure routes from Russia may become disrupted at short notice, so have an alternate exit plan. 
• If you decide to stay in Russia, review your personal security plans. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family. Our ability to provide consular assistance in Russia is limited. The Australian Government won't be able to evacuate you from Russia.
• There are limited transportation options, restrictions on financial transactions and possible shortages of essential products and services. 
• The Russian Government has introduced a 'medium response level' in several regions of Russia, including Krasnodar, Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kursk, and Rostov and a 'heightened preparedness level' in the remainder of the Central and Southern Federal districts. A basic readiness level covers the rest of Russia. There may be an increase in security personnel and installations. Security measures or restrictions may be introduced with little to no notice. Monitor the media for developments.
• Russian authorities make strong, negative comments in relation to      Western countries, including Australia. Local authorities may adopt a more negative attitude towards foreigners in Russia in reaction to perceived support for Ukraine and sanctions on Russia. Non-participating bystanders can draw scrutiny from security forces and have been detained. Remain vigilant, avoid protests or demonstrations, and avoid commenting publicly on political developments.
• Continue to follow the advice on Smartraveller. If you have significant concerns for your welfare or that of another Australian, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• The laws regarding the import and use of medicines are strict. For each medication containing restricted substances, you need a doctor's letter and a notarised translation confirming your need. Contact the  Embassy of Russia  for details.
• Rabies and tick-borne encephalitis are on the rise. Ticks are common from April to October. Take care when travelling through forests.
• Infectious diseases such as typhoid, hepatitis, diphtheria, measles, and tuberculosis are at risk. Boil drinking water or drink bottled water.
• Public medical facilities in Russian cities are below Australian standards and basic in rural areas.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Russia may subject males it regards as Russian to mobilisation, regardless of any other citizenship held. Laws introducing heavy penalties for 'crimes against military service' have been passed. The Australian Government won't be able to intervene if you're mobilised.
• Conscription occurs regularly in Russia. The Government may subject males it regards as Russian to mandatory conscription, regardless of any other citizenship held. The maximum age of conscription is 30 years old. Draft notices can be serviced to the conscripts online, preventing conscripts from leaving the country once the notice is registered and sent.
• Russia has passed laws that severely restrict free speech, imposing severe restrictions on the publishing and distribution of information related to the Russian armed forces and any military operations. Foreign journalists and other media workers in Russia may face considerable risks, including arrest and imprisonment. Don't share or publish information about current events in Ukraine and Russia.
• Russian authorities may arbitrarily enforce local laws. You may be interrogated without cause by Russian officials and may become a victim of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion.
• Don't use or carry any illegal drugs. Penalties are severe. Carry your passport, visa, and migration card at all times. Authorities won't accept copies.
• Don't take photos of military places or sensitive areas, such as passport control. Using commercial film, television, camera equipment, or drones in public is also illegal without permission. 
• Russia doesn't recognise dual nationals. We can only provide limited consular assistance to dual nationals who are arrested or detained. To leave, you'll need a valid Russian passport.
• Same-sex relationships are technically legal but are not widely accepted. Violence against members of the LGBTI community occurs. Russia bans "LGBTQIA+ propaganda", criminalising any act regarded as an attempt to promote what Russia calls "non-traditional sexual relations". The promotion of LGBTQIA+ issues may be considered illegal by local authorities, and activists may face consequences under Russian law. Gender changes without medical requirements are banned. The law also annuls marriages in which one person "changed gender" and prevents transgender couples from adopting children.
• Law enforcement agencies in Russia cooperate closely with agencies in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. If you commit an offence in one of these countries, you may be detained in another (including at the border) and extradited for prosecution.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• If you're in Russia, leave immediately using the commercial options available or private means if it's safe. The security situation could deteriorate further with little warning. If you decide to stay in Russia, review your personal security plans. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family. Have an alternate exit plan.
• If you plan to depart Russia, confirm with your transport operator that services are still operating. Commercial travel routes between Russia and Europe are often disrupted due to measures taken in response to military action in Ukraine. Several Russian airports are now closed to the public, disrupting internal flights to and from Moscow and other cities.  Finland  has closed its land and maritime borders with Russia indefinitely.
• Confirm the entry requirements before arrival if you're travelling through an overland border crossing into  Estonia  or  Latvia . Latvia introduced an entry ban on vehicles registered in Russia in September 2023. There's a ban on vehicles crossing into/from Estonia at the Ivangorod- Narva crossing. Train services are also suspended. Entry and exit on foot is allowed. Additional restrictions or entry requirements could be imposed or changed suddenly. Be aware that some borders may close without notice. Australia and other countries have placed sanctions on Russia. Russia's response to these sanctions may disrupt travel and affect travellers.
• Russian airlines and railways may be affected by shortages of parts and essential technical components for their fleets, which could affect maintenance and safety standards. Research your railway and aviation provider before choosing their services. The International Civil Aviation Organisation has issued a Significant Safety Concern (or 'red flag') notice regarding Russian airlines' capacity to oversee safety. 
• If, despite our advice, you decide to enter Russia, expect thorough security checks at the border, including questioning and inspections of electronic devices. Entry requirements can change at short notice. Contact your airline or the nearest embassy or consulate of Russia to confirm entry requirements.
• Bank cards issued outside of Russia don't work in Russia. You won't be able to access funds from these cards once you enter Russia. You may not be able to exchange Australian dollars or old, worn, or damaged US dollar and euro banknotes into Russian rubles in Russia. Ensure you have enough money to cover your stay.
• Dual nationals can't leave Russia without a valid Russian passport. If your passport expires while you're in Russia or if you enter Russia using a repatriation certificate, you'll need to get a new one before you leave. This can take up to 3 months. The Australian Government is unable to intervene or fast-track this process.  

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what we can and can't do to help you overseas.
• For consular help, contact the  Australian Embassy  in Moscow. Our ability to provide consular assistance in Russia is limited due to the evolving security situation. The Australian Government will not be able to evacuate you from Russia.
• The Australian Consulate in St Petersburg can provide limited help.
• If you have significant concerns for your welfare or that of another Australian, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Russia. Terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda and Daesh-aligned groups, continue to call for attacks in Russia. Attacks can be indiscriminate and may occur on or around seasonal, festive, or religious events in public places, including popular tourist sites. Attacks could occur with little or no warning. Always be alert to possible threats and have a clear exit plan. Russia has seen several terrorist attacks, which have caused large casualty numbers. Russia's aviation has also been targeted. 

On 22 March, there was a terrorist attack at Crocus City Concert Hall near Moscow, resulting in 145 deaths and more than 500 people injured. 

Russian authorities continue to announce arrests and the disruption of planned attacks.

Security measures or restrictions may continue to be in place across the country. Follow the advice from local authorities.

Terrorists have attacked other European cities. Targets have included:

• places of worship 
• government buildings
• shopping areas
• tourist sites  
• restaurants
• nightclubs 
• entertainment venues
• transportation hubs 
• major events which attract large crowds

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• be extra cautious around possible terrorist targets
• always have a clear exit plan
• report anything suspicious to the police
• monitor the media for any new threats
• take official warnings seriously and follow the instructions of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:   

North Caucasus

There's a high threat of terrorism in parts of the North Caucasus, including:

• North Ossetia
• the south-eastern part of Stavropol bordering Chechnya
• Karbardino-Balkaria
• Karachay-Cherkessia

Terrorist attacks continue to occur in Chechnya. Several people have been killed and injured.

Our ability to provide consular assistance to Australians in those parts of the North Caucasus is limited.

If, despite our advice, you travel to these parts of the North Caucasus:

• monitor local conditions via media and travel operators
• arrange personal security measures

Georgia-Russia border

The Georgia-Russia border area is volatile because of tensions in Georgia.

If, despite our advice, you travel in the border region, read our  Georgia travel advice .

Security situation

Security incidents, such as drone attacks and explosions, often occur in southern and western areas of Russia, including regions bordering Ukraine, Moscow, and St Petersburg. This can cause significant flight delays and flight cancellations. You shouldn't attempt to travel to the Russia-Ukraine border or cross into Ukraine from Russia.

The security situation could deteriorate further with little warning. If you're in Russia, leave immediately using the limited commercial options available or private means if it's safe to do so. Departure routes from Russia may become disrupted at short notice. If you decide to stay in Russia, review your personal security plans. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family.

The Russian Government has introduced a 'medium response level' in several regions of Russia, including Krasnodar, Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kursk, and Rostov and a 'heightened preparedness level' in the remainder of the Central and Southern Federal districts. A basic readiness level has been introduced in the rest of Russia. There may be an increase in security personnel and installations. Security measures or restrictions may be introduced with little to no notice. Monitor the media for developments.

Ukraine border areas and Crimea

The Russia-Ukraine border is volatile due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Security incidents regularly occur in Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, and other regions of Russia bordering Ukraine, including explosions and large fires. The security situation in the region could deteriorate at short notice. You shouldn't travel to the Russia-Ukraine border or cross into Ukraine from Russia.

We currently advise you do not travel to Ukraine due to the volatile security environment and military conflict. Read the  Ukraine travel advice   for more information.

The Australian Government doesn't recognise Russia's claimed annexation of the Ukrainian region of Crimea or its other territorial claims in occupied Ukraine.

Leaving Russia

Where it's safe to do so, you should leave Russia immediately. Use your judgment to decide the best time and safest means of exit. 

Transport routes may be disrupted. Plan for delays at land border crossings. Expect disruption to travel and changes at short notice. Make sure you have an adequate supply of food, water, medication, and fuel. Make sure you have payment options that will work during your journey and at your destination. 

Read your destination's travel advice to ensure you meet the entry requirements. These may differ when entering by road, rail, or air. Be aware that some borders may close without notice. Commercial travel routes between Russia and Europe have been impacted by measures taken in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Check with your airline or travel agent for current flight availability. Any travel options you pursue are at your own risk. See ' Travel '.

For more information on entry requirements for countries bordering Russia, read the travel advice:

• Georgia   
• Latvia   

If you decide to stay in Russia:

• follow the instructions of authorities
• ensure your travel documents are up-to-date, and keep your passport and other travel documentation safe
• contact your family and friends in Australia so they're aware of your location and situation
• keep up to date with developments on the security situation, monitor reputable media, and regularly check our travel advice and  social media
• review your personal security plans and make contingency plans to leave as soon as you judge it safe to do so
• always be alert and aware of your surroundings
• avoid large gatherings and areas with groups of fighters and military equipment.

Civil unrest and political tension

Russia's parliament has passed laws that severely restrict free speech. Foreign journalists and other media workers in Russia may face considerable risks, including arrest and imprisonment.

While the effects of this law are still unclear, you may be detained or fined for: 

• sharing or publishing information that local authorities deem false
• sharing or publishing information that may be detrimental to the armed forces
• calling for, sharing, or publishing speech in support of sanctions against Russia

You should not:

• share or publish information related to the current events in Ukraine and Russia
• participate in demonstrations and large gatherings

Russian authorities may adopt a more negative attitude towards foreigners in Russia due to perceived support for Ukraine and sanctions on Russia. Russian authorities may arbitrarily enforce local laws. You may be interrogated without cause by Russian officials and may become a victim of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion.

Avoid commenting publicly on political developments.

Anti-war and anti-mobilisation protests have taken place in cities across Russia over the invasion of Ukraine. Many protesters have been arrested.

Unsanctioned protests are illegal, and you can be arrested if you participate. Remain vigilant and avoid rallies, protests, demonstrations, and other large public gatherings, as they can turn violent, and you may be arrested.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Theft and assault

Petty crimes, pickpocketing and muggings are common. Groups of children sometimes commit crimes, too.

Hot spots for crime include:  

• the Izmailovsky Market
• other tourist attractions
• the Moscow and St Petersburg metros

Thieves often steal passports. They target travellers in  robberies  and  assaults , particularly in large cities.

To protect yourself from theft and assault:

• keep your personal belongings close, particularly in tourist areas
• be aware of your security in public places, particularly at night
• monitor local media on crime
• racially or religiously motivated assaults may occur throughout Russia.

Drink spiking

Criminals may drug and rob travellers at nightclubs and bars. This sometimes happens after accepting offers of food, drink, or transportation from strangers.

To protect yourself from spiking-related crime:

• never accept food or drinks from strangers
• don't leave drinks unattended
• leave your drink if you're not sure it's safe
• stick with people you trust in bars, nightclubs, and taxis
• don't accept offers of transport from strangers
• Partying safely

Using taxis

People have reported extortion and robbery while taking unauthorised taxis.

To protect yourself from robbery while travelling in taxis:

• only use official taxi apps or companies
• don't flag down taxis on the street
• don't share taxis with strangers
• always negotiate and confirm the fare before you get in a taxi

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud is common.

To protect yourself from fraud:

• only exchange currency at banks
• keep your credit card in sight during transactions
• only use ATMs inside banks and during business hours
• always hide your PIN

Other scams

Criminals may try to cheat you by changing money in the street or a bank queue.

Some Australians have been victims of fraud by bogus internet friendship, dating and marriage schemes operating from Russia.

These are large-scale, well-organised  scams .

Criminals arrange to meet people through internet dating schemes or chat rooms. After getting to know you, the criminal will ask you to send money so they can travel to Australia. However, the relationship ends after the money has been received, and the funds can't be recovered.

Be wary of people you meet through internet dating schemes or chat rooms.

People have also reported harassment, mistreatment and extortion by police and other local officials.

If you suspect you're being extorted by a police officer or other local official, offer to walk with them to the nearest police station. Once there, you can check their identity and their demands.

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:   

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Kidnapping  is common in parts of the Northern Caucasus.

It can be for:

• political purposes
• retribution

Foreigners have been targeted in the past.

If, despite the risks, you travel to an area where there is a particular threat of kidnapping:

• get professional security advice

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

Climate and natural disasters

Severe weather  during winter can disrupt travel in Russia.

To protect yourself from accidents caused by severe weather:

• take care when walking in snowy, icy or windy conditions
• take care when driving
• use appropriate driving equipment, such as winter tyres or chains
• monitor the media and other sources for updates

If you're delayed, contact local authorities about a visa extension if required.

Spring flooding caused by melting ice is common in some parts of Russia.

In April, severe flooding affected multiple settlements in over 30 regions across Russia, including the Urals and Western Siberia. Thousands of people have been evacuated. 

If you are in Russia, monitor the media and follow the advice from local authorities.

Snow and ice

Wind, snow, and ice-related accidents injure and kill people annually. These include:

• traffic accidents
• collapsed roofs and snow falling from roofs 
• falling debris 
• prolonged exposure to extreme cold

Slipping on ice can result in serious injuries, such as broken bones, back injuries, or paralysis.

During summer, forest and peat  fires  can occur in Russia, including in the Moscow region.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

The North Caucasus and the far eastern region of Russia can experience  earthquakes .

Tsunamis  are common in all oceanic regions of the world.

To protect yourself from natural disasters, take official warnings seriously.

If a  natural disaster  occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Get updates on major disasters from the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System .

Travel insurance

Most Australian travel insurance policies won't cover you for travel to Russia. Do not travel to Russia. See ' Safety '

You may have to pay thousands of dollars up-front for medical care if you're not insured.

Physical and mental health

Do not travel to Russia. If, despite our advice, you travel to Russia, consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least eight weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice  (World Health Organization)
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor. 

Russia has temporarily restricted exporting certain categories of goods, including foreign-made medical products. 

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Russia. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Russia has strict laws about the import and use of medications, including medications that are available over the counter in Australia, such as cold and flu tablets.

When you arrive in Russia, you must present a doctor's letter to authorities confirming your need for each medication. Especially if your medications contain the following:

• barbiturate
• sibutramine
• anabolic steroids
• androgens and other sex hormones
• analgesic, such as tramadol
• psychostimulants
• other restricted substances

The letter must:

• contain a description of the medication, including the chemical composition
• describe the required dosage
• explain the underlying medical condition
• confirm the medicine is for personal use only
• be signed by your treating doctor

You must also have a notarised translation of the letter into Russian.

Before you leave Australia, contact the Embassy of Russia for the latest rules for bringing medicines into Russia.

• Russian Government website

Health risks

Tick-borne diseases.

Tick-borne encephalitis  (World Health Organization) and other tick-borne diseases are a risk, especially if you travel through forested areas.

Ticks are common in rural areas from spring to autumn: April to October.

People have reported increased incidents of tick-borne encephalitis.

Measles cases can routinely occur in Russia, with the country currently experiencing increased measles activity. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you travel.

• Measles immunisation service  (Department of Health and Aged Care)

HIV/AIDS  is a risk.

Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.

There have been reports of  rabies  across Russia.

Rabies is deadly. Humans can get rabies from mammals, such as:

• dogs  
• other animals

If you're bitten or scratched by a dog, monkey, or other animal, get treatment as soon as possible.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic, and other  infectious diseases  are common, including these listed by the World Health Organization:  

• typhoid  
• measles  
• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid unpasteurised dairy products

Get urgent medical attention if you have a fever or diarrhoea or suspect food poisoning.

Medical facilities

Public medical facilities in Russian cities are below Australian standards.

Standards are extremely basic in rural areas.

There are a few international-standard private facilities in major cities – these clinics can be very expensive to access.

Before you're treated, private facilities need either:

• up-front payment
• evidence of adequate insurance
• a written guarantee of payment

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to get proper care. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

Gender changes are banned, including gender transition surgery, hormone therapy and changing gender on official documents without medical requirements. The law also annuls marriages in which one person "changed gender" and prevents transgender couples from adopting children.

There are laws banning "LGBTQIA+ propaganda". These criminalise any act regarded as an attempt to promote what Russia calls "non-traditional sexual relations". Sharing information or public display of any material promoting "non-traditional relationships" is now a serious criminal offence. The 'international LGBTQIA+ movement' has been classified as an 'extremist organisation' under Russian law, criminalising the display of symbols such as the rainbow flag (including on social media). 

In November 2022, Russia announced that the partial mobilisation of military reservists for the conflict in Ukraine was complete. However, a decree formalising the completion hasn't been issued. The Russian Government may subject males it regards as Russian to mobilisation, regardless of any other citizenship held. Laws introducing heavy penalties for 'crimes against military service' have been passed. The Australian Government will not be able to intervene if you're mobilised.

The Russian security services have arrested US citizens on spurious charges, singled out US citizens in Russia for detention and/or harassment, denied them fair and transparent treatment, and have convicted them in secret trials and/or without presenting credible evidence. The US Government warns that Russian officials may unreasonably delay consular assistance to detained US citizens.

Russian authorities have introduced criminal liability for publishing and distributing anything they consider 'deliberately misleading' about the Russian armed forces and any military operations. These laws have been interpreted and applied very broadly to many forms of dissent.

Law enforcement agencies in Russia cooperate closely with agencies in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. If you commit an offence in one of these countries, you may be detained in another (including at the border) and extradited for prosecution. 

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Russian authorities imposed restrictions on real estate and foreign currency transactions for foreign residents. These restrictions can be revised at short notice. Seek advice from local authorities.

Possessing, selling, consuming, or carrying any illegal drugs is illegal.

Penalties are severe and include long prison terms.

Russia has strict rules around medication carried into the country for personal use, including some medications that you can get over the counter in Australia.

If you don't declare restricted medications, authorities could detain you. See  Health .

• Carrying or using drugs

Routine police checks are common in public places.

Carry your passport, visa, and migration card with you at all times. Authorities won't accept copies.

If you can't provide travel documentation on request, authorities can detain and fine you.

In Russia, it's illegal to:

• take photos of military places, strategic sites, and other sensitive areas, such as passport control and guarded railway sites
• use commercial film, television, or camera equipment in public areas without permission, but hand-held home video cameras are allowed
• use drones without permission from the Russian aviation authority.

Penalties for breaching the law include fines, jail, and deportation.

Russia regulates religious activity. Authorities restrict activities such as preaching and distributing religious materials.

If you plan to engage in religious activity, ensure you're not breaking local laws.

Contact the Embassy or Consulate of Russia for more information.

Cybersecurity laws

Russia has blocked or restricted some social media platforms and websites, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X (formerly known as Twitter).

Russia has banned certain Virtual Private Networks (VPN). 

• Cyber security when travelling overseas
• Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor)

Official documents

Some Australian documents, such as birth or marriage certificates, need to be  legalised  before Russian authorities will accept them.

If you have an Australian document that you need to use while in Russia, contact the Embassy or Consulate of Russia for information.

Apostilles  and some legal certificates can be issued by:

• DFAT  in Australia
• Australian embassies and high commissions  overseas

Surrogacy laws

Russia bans surrogacy for all foreigners except those married to Russian citizens. Recent court cases have resulted in long custodial sentences for some providers of surrogacy services. All children born through surrogacy in Russia are granted Russian citizenship, regardless of their parent's citizenship.

Get independent legal advice before making surrogacy arrangements in Russia or with residents of Russia.

• Going overseas for international surrogacy
• Going overseas to adopt a child

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual nationality

Russia doesn't recognise dual nationality.

In November 2022, Russia announced that the partial mobilisation of military reservists for the conflict in Ukraine was complete. However, a decree formalising the completion hasn't been issued. Russia may subject males it regards as Russian to mobilisation, regardless of any other citizenship held. Laws introducing heavy penalties for 'crimes against military service' have been passed. The Australian Government won't be able to intervene if you are subjected to mobilisation.

Conscription occurs regularly, and Russia may subject males it regards as Russian to mandatory conscription, regardless of any other citizenship held. Conscription in Russia occurs semi-annually, and conscripts typically serve one year. The maximum conscription age is 30 years old. The draft notice is to be serviced to the conscripts online and prevents conscripts from leaving the country once the notice is registered and sent.

Russian authorities won't recognise your Australian nationality if you're a dual national. They will treat you like any other national of Russia.

If you're a dual national: 

• you must enter and leave Russia on a Russian passport
• you can enter Russia using a repatriation certificate (svidetelstvo na vozvrashcheniye) if you don't have a Russian passport, but you must still leave Russia on a Russian passport
• you must declare any other nationalities or foreign residency permits to the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs
• you could be conscripted into the Russian military if you're a male between the ages of 18 and 30 

If you're a dual national, this severely limits the  consular services  we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Contact the  Embassy or Consulate of Russia  well before any planned travel to Russia.

Dual nationals can't leave Russia without a valid Russian passport.

You'll need to get a new Russian passport before you leave if:

• your Russian passport expires while you're in Russia
• you enter Russia using a repatriation certificate

Getting a new Russian passport for non-residents is complex and can take up to 3 months. The Australian Government is unable to intervene or fast-track this process.

Children born outside Russia and added to their parents' Russian passports need their own passport to leave Russia.

If you're travelling alone with a child, Russian border authorities may require the following:

• documentary evidence of your relationship to the child
• written permission for the child to travel from the non-travelling parent
• Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Australia and other countries have placed sanctions on Russia. Russia's response to these sanctions may disrupt travel and affect travellers.

You need a visa to enter Russia unless you're travelling on certain commercial cruise ships.

You can't get a visa on arrival.

If you arrive in Russia without a valid visa, authorities will fine, detain and deport you at your own expense. They may bar you from re-entering.

Make sure you apply for the correct visa type, such as 'tourist' and 'visitor' visas.

If your visa type doesn't match the purpose of your visit, authorities may:

• not let you enter 

You may need to provide biometric fingerprints for the visa application process.

After you get your Russian visa, check your passport details are correct, including the following:

• passport number
• date of birth
• intention of stay
• validity dates

If there are errors, return your passport to the  Russian Embassy or Consulate  for correction.

It's impossible to amend visa details once you're in Russia.

Border measures

If, despite our advice, you decide to enter Russia, expect thorough security checks at the border, including questioning and inspections of electronic devices.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest  embassy or consulate  for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Australians sanctioned by Russia

The Russian Foreign Ministry issued statements on its website advising that, in response to Australian sanctions, the Russian Government had added several Australians to a 'stop list', denying them entry into Russia on an indefinite basis.  

These statements can be viewed here (copy and paste the URL into a new browser if you can't open the link):

• 17 April 2024 statement -  https://mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/1944697/  (in Russian)
• 21 June 2023 statement  -   https://mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/1890258/
• 16 September 2022 statement  -  https://mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/1830085/   (in Russian)
• 21 July 2022 statement  -  https://www.mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/1823204/
• 16 June 2022 statement   -  https://www.mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/1818118/
• 7 April 2022 statement   -  https://www.mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/1808465/

DFAT can't provide advice on the implications of another country's sanctions. If you're listed, you should obtain legal advice if you have concerns about the potential impacts of the Russian sanctions. Do not travel to Russia if you're on Russia's 'stop list'. 

Other formalities

Migration card.

Foreign visitors generally receive a migration card on arrival in Russia.

If you receive a paper migration card, keep the stamped exit portion of the card with your passport.

The migration card covers both Russia and Belarus. When leaving either country, you must show the stamped card to passport control.

If you lose your migration card:

• your departure could be delayed
• you could be stopped from staying at a hotel in Russia

You can get a replacement from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, but this process is complex and could delay your departure.

Biometric fingerprinting

Foreign citizens entering Russia for work or intending to stay over 90 calendar days may be subject to biometric fingerprinting and regular medical check-ups. The biometric fingerprinting procedure will need to be done only once. Medical check-ups must be re-taken upon the certificate's expiry (valid for 1 year).

Travel with children

If you're  travelling with a child , you may need to show evidence of parental, custodial or permission rights. This is particularly the case for dual nationals. See  Local laws

• Advice for people travelling with children

Electronics

The government strictly controls the import of electrical and some high-technology equipment.

The rules are complex.

You may import terminal global positioning systems (GPS) devices if you declare them on arrival. However, you'll need a special permit to import a GPS device connected to a computer or an antenna.

Authorities can detain you if you don't have a permit.

To import a satellite phone, you must show proof of advanced approval. Request approval from the  Federal Service for the Supervision of Communications .

Russian border officials can demand to inspect any electronic device, including installed software when you enter or leave the country.

Travel between Russia and Belarus

Do not travel to Russia or Belarus due to the security environment and impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. If you're in Russia or Belarus, leave immediately using the limited commercial options available or private means if it's safe to do so.

If, despite our advice, you decide to enter Belarus from Russia, note that the government doesn't allow foreigners to cross the land border between Russia and Belarus . You must do so by air.

If you're travelling between Russia and Belarus , you must have visas for both countries.

Visa-free entry into Belarus doesn't apply to travellers arriving from or travelling to Russia.

Contact the  Embassy of Russia  and the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus  for details.

Registering your stay in Russia

If you stay more than 7 working days, including your arrival and departure day, you must register with the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

You must pay a registration fee.

Most hotels do this for their guests, but you're legally responsible. Confirm with check-in staff on arrival that they've registered you.

The registration process can be complex if you're not staying at a hotel.

Register at the nearest post office if you're travelling on a visitor visa.

Register through your employer if you're travelling on a visa that lets you work. Confirm with your employer that they've registered you.

If you don't register, authorities can fine you or delay your departure.

• The Russian Embassy

Visa overstays

Make sure you leave Russia before your visa expires. Some visas, including tourist visas, can't be extended.

If you overstay your visa, you won't be allowed to leave Russia until the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs determines your legal status or deports you.

Authorities can detain you until they've processed your case.

Penalties for overstaying include fines and deportation.

You may be banned from re-entering.

Customs Rules

Russian Customs provides a list of goods that must be declared when entering or leaving Russia, regardless of whether they come in carry-on or unaccompanied/checked-in luggage. 

Anyone entering Russia must declare cash amounts exceeding the equivalent of 10,000 USD as well as certain types of goods, including jewellery and antiques. 

Items imported by air for personal use that are worth more than 10,000 EUR or weigh more than 50 kg must be declared. They will incur customs duties and taxes of 30% of the cost (no less than 4 EUR per 1 kg). 

For cash amounts exceeding the equivalent of 100,000 USD, documents confirming the origin of the money in addition to customs declaration must be provided.

If you fail to declare items exceeding the value or weight standards, these may be confiscated, and you may be detained and charged with an administrative or criminal offence. 

If you fail to declare amounts of cash exceeding the threshold, your money may be confiscated, and you may be detained and charged with an administrative or criminal offence. 

Make sure a customs official stamps your declaration. Only stamped declarations are valid.

Russia has imposed restrictions on exporting certain categories of goods, including foreign-made medical products. Seek advice from local authorities.

Russia has strict regulations on the export of antiques, artworks and items of historical significance. These are items purchased in Russia or imported to Russia from overseas. They also include modern art and posters if they are particularly rare or valuable.

Authorities may not allow the export of items more than 100 years old.

If you want to export any antiques, artworks or items of historical significance:

• keep receipts of your purchases
• obtain an export permit from the Ministry of Culture in advance of travel — export permits aren't issued at the airport
• declare each item to border authorities when you leave Russia
• be ready to show each item to border authorities
• be ready to show receipts for each item to border authorities

Don't try to export items requiring permits without the relevant paperwork. This is a serious offence.

Russian Customs legislation about the import and export of money and goods may change without warning. Seek advice from local authorities.

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for six months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than six months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

If your passport is lost or stolen while ashore, you will need to obtain an emergency passport and an exit visa to leave Russia within the 72-hour visa-free period. If it's not done within 72 hours, you will face a court hearing and possible fine, deportation and entry ban.

To arrange a new visa:

• obtain an official police report
• apply for a replacement passport through the  Australian Embassy in Moscow
• apply to Russian authorities for an exit visa
• include the police report with your application

If you replace your passport while in Russia, make sure authorities transfer your visa to the new passport.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing an 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

•       LGBTQIA+ travellers  

The currency of Russia is the Rouble (RUB).

Russian authorities have imposed temporary restrictions on the export of foreign currency in cash out of Russia. Travellers exiting Russia can't take more than the equivalent of 10,000 USD in cash. Make sure a customs official stamps your declaration. Only stamped declarations are valid.

You must carry proof that your funds were imported and declared, or legally obtained in Russia. Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Mastercard, Visa, and American Express have suspended operations in Russia. Cards issued outside Russia will not work at Russian merchants or ATMs. Cards issued inside Russia may continue to work, but they won't work outside Russia. It may not be possible for you to access your funds through Russian banks or to make payments to Russian businesses with non-Russian credit/debit cards. Be prepared with alternate means of payment should your cards be declined.

You may not be able to exchange Australian dollars as well as old, worn, or damaged US dollar and euro banknotes into Russian rubles in Russia. Ensure you have enough money to cover your stay in Russia. 

Traveller's cheques aren't widely accepted, even in Moscow and St Petersburg.

Local travel

Postal services between Russia and Australia are temporarily suspended. 

More information 

• Australia Post website

Travel to Latvia or Estonia

Latvia bans the entry of vehicles registered in Russia. More information can be found on the  State Revenue Service website . Vehicles are also banned from crossing into/from Estonia at the Ivangorod-Narva crossing. Train services are suspended. Entry and exit on foot are allowed. Additional restrictions or entry requirements could be imposed or changed suddenly. Be aware that some borders may close without notice. 

If you're travelling through an overland border crossing into  Estonia  or  Latvia , confirm the entry requirements for your destination before arrival.

Australia and other countries have placed sanctions on Russia. Russia's response to these sanctions may disrupt travel and affect travellers. Confirm entry requirements for your  destination  before arrival, as additional restrictions or entry requirements could be imposed or changed suddenly.

If, despite our advice, you decide to travel to Russia, note that some areas across the country are considered  'closed' for foreigners. Foreigners need government permission to enter these 'closed' areas. If you need government permission or are unsure if you need it, contact the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Driving permit

You should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP).

You may drive with an Australian driver's license if you carry it with a notarised Russian translation.

Road travel

Driving in Russia can be hazardous due to:

• poor driving standards
• ice and snow in winter
• poor road conditions in rural areas

The blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0%.

• Driving or riding
• the Russian Embassy

Some taxis appear official but aren't licensed by local authorities.

People have reported extortion and  robbery  while taking unauthorised taxis. See  Safety

Book an official taxi through the local taxi app, by phone, at major hotels and from inside airports.

Flights from Russia to other countries are limited. These may change or be suspended at short notice. You should contact airlines or travel agents directly for the most current information.

The  EU announced  that 21 Russian-owned airlines were banned from flying in EU airspace due to safety concerns.

Russian airlines and railways may be affected by shortages of parts and essential technical components for their fleets, affecting maintenance and safety standards. If you're flying domestically or internationally, research your aviation provider before choosing their services.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Russia's air safety profile with the  Aviation Safety Network

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in Moscow.  Our ability to provide consular assistance in Russia is limited. The Australian Government will not be able to evacuate you from Russia.

Australian Embassy, Moscow

13 Kropotkinsky Pereulok Moscow 119034 Russia Phone: (+7 495) 956-6070  Fax: (+7 495) 956-6170  Website:  russia.embassy.gov.au Twitter:  @PosolAustralia

Telegram: Contact @AusEmbMoscow

If you're in St Petersburg, you can also contact the Australian Consulate for limited consular help.

Australian Consulate, St Petersburg

Moika 11 St Petersburg 191186 Russia Tel: (+7 964) 333 7572 (NOT for visas) Email:  [email protected]  (NOT for visas)

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

Australians in need of consular assistance should contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

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Home » Mobile

Best Cell Phone Plans

We picked the best cell phone plans for unlimited data, nationwide coverage, hotspot data, family discounts, and sign-up deals.

✰ Best-value plans from our recommended partners ✰

Choosing a cell phone plan has never been harder: There are just too many great options.

Between T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and the plethora of prepaid carriers like Visible, Mint Mobile, and Consumer Cellular, there are over 200 cell phone packages available in the United States—many of which include excellent pricing, generous data allotments, and 5G coverage.

We keep tabs on the latest plan options and follow developments in the mobile world closely. Take a dive into this guide to get the scoop on the best cell phone packages. You can find details on which plans deliver the best coverage, most competitive prices, greatest deals on hotspot data, juiciest discounts for families, and more.

Best cell phone plans at a glance

Here is a quick breakdown of the plans we highlight on this page:

• Best unlimited plan for a single line: T-Mobile’s Go5G Plus plan gives you everything you could need in a phone plan and more: Unlimited high-speed data, 50GB of monthly hotspot data, international data and texting, plus a yearlong AAA membership and subscriptions to Netflix and Apple TV+.
• Best cell phone coverage: Verizon’s Unlimited Welcome offers the best cellular coverage for a fair price, so you’re more likely to get a clear connection whether you’re in a network-congested city or a remote rural area.
• Best overall value : The $25 Visible Plan doesn’t cost much but still delivers reliable 4G LTE and 5G coverage via Verizon’s networks. You also get unlimited hotspot data, albeit at maximum speeds of 5Mbps.
• Best deal for new customers: Mint Mobile charges only $15 per month for the first three months of service for unlimited talk, text, and data with a 40GB data cap.
• Best family plan : The AT&T Unlimited Starter SL plan comes with ActiveArmor security, a nice chunk of hotspot data, and lower rates per line as you add more lines together.
• Best budget option for a single line : Tello sticks to the basics with its 10 GB Data + Unlimited Talk & Text plan. For just $19 a month, you get a solid chunk of high-speed data that works over T-Mobile's 4G LTE and 5G networks. You can also use the data for your phone's hotspot. 

Quick guide to this article:

• T-Mobile: Best unlimited plan for a single line

Verizon: Best coverage

Visible: best overall value, mint mobile: best deal for new customers.

• AT&T: Best family plan
• Tello Mobile: Best budget option for a single line
• How to pick a cell phone plan
• Best cellular coverage
• Best wireless speeds

Honest reviews written by real people

Why should you trust Reviews.org? Because we are real people writing these reviews, and we talk to real people in order to research them.

Our brand partners do not see or approve our articles before they are published, but we make a commission if you click an affiliate link. Learn more about Reviews.org on our About Us page .

How did we pick the best cell phone plans?

Reviews.org does extensive research to compare and contrast prices on cell phone plans—but price isn’t everything. To determine the real value of a good cell phone package, we pay close attention to important factors like the coverage you get and data speeds on the carrier’s network. We go into more detail on these two driving factors and others farther down on this page .

After looking over the fine print for pricing, speeds, high-speed data, and more, we reach out to folks in different areas of the country and scour platforms like Reddit and Quora for firsthand accounts giving us insights into the cellular carriers and plans we want to highlight. We also try to get hands-on experience with cell phone plans when it’s possible to do so. With all those considerations, we can make reliable recommendations.

Reviews.org makes money when readers click our sponsored links, but I researched and wrote this piece independently. Our brand partners do not read or preapprove our pieces before they are published.

T-Mobile Go5G Plus: Best unlimited plan for a single line

Cellular carriers have been leveraging partnerships with streaming companies and other brands to offer “everything but the kitchen sink”-style phone options lately, and T-Mobile’s Go5G Plus is a perfect example. One of T-Mobile’s flagship unlimited plans, it offers truly unlimited high-speed data, 50GB of hotspot data along, and some major perks, including subscriptions to Netflix and AppleTV+ (with 4K streaming), a free one-year AAA membership, and T-Mobile Tuesday discounts.

This is a perfect option for regular travelers and others who regularly need phone and internet while away from home. A Wi-Fi hotspot data cap of 50GB gives you a lot of flexibility for streaming, gaming, and remote work on multiple devices. The plan also includes unlimited texting and 5GB of priority data when you travel internationally—and 15GB of data for Canada and Mexico.

It’s well worth considering a lower-tier T-Mobile unlimited package (such as Go5G or Essentials Saver) if you don’t need all the bells and whistles that come with Go5G Plus. But no other carrier compares to T-Mobile when it comes to mobile perks, and all of the flexibility, firepower, and extras you get on this plan more than justify the higher cost.

Pay half price for the same T-Mobile coverage

If you want to get a good cell phone plan that operates on T-Mobile’s network, you can always opt for a prepaid carrier. Prepaid carriers (otherwise known as MVNO or mobile virtual network operators ) use the same networks as the major carriers, but charge significantly less for unlimited plans.

Tello’s unlimited data plan costs only $25 a month and uses T-Mobile’s network for service. Just know that Tello's unlimited plan comes with a 35GB data cap, and once you pass that data allotment, your speeds slow to an absolute crawl. Stick to Wi-Fi as much as you can, and you shouldn’t come close to passing the data cap.

Verizon has long held a strong reputation for cellular coverage, and it still delivers excellent service across most of the country today. Verizon’s 4G LTE network covers 55% of the country ( according to federal data ) and it gets the best ratings for coverage experience from Opensignal, an analytics organization that monitors cellular networks. That makes Verizon’s Unlimited Welcome plan the way to go if you need an ultrareliable cellular carrier or live in an area that otherwise gets spotty service.

Francisco Ruiz, an avid road tripper living in Los Angeles told Reviews.org about an experience where Verizon’s coverage made all the difference. “We blew a tire on the I-15 freeway near Barstow and were miles away from the nearest town,” Ruiz said. “I was the only one in our group who used Verizon—and the only one who could get a signal to call AAA.”

Verizon takes a thrifty approach to perks

The Unlimited Welcome plan also offers discounts and benefits as part of a unique slate of $10 per month add-ons. Services include mobile hotspot data, TravelPass credits, and subscriptions to platforms like Apple One and the Disney Bundle ( Disney+ , Hulu , & ESPN+ ). Some of the discounts are pretty slim, and it would be nicer if you could get the benefits for no additional price. But the $10 add-on structure makes it so you can pick and choose. It also brings down the overall price of an unlimited plan, letting you cover all the important fundamentals (like 5G Ultra Wideband access and unlimited high-speed data) at a relatively affordable price.

Pay half price for the same Verizon coverage

Verizon’s cell phone plans can be costly, but you can get a cheaper unlimited plan on Verizon’s network with a prepaid MVNO carrier.

Looking for an alternative to Verizon? If you already pay for Spectrum or Cox internet , you can bundle your internet and cell phone packages together for a discounted rate. Going with one of these providers is a great option if you need a simple, low-cost cellular plan that still delivers solid cell service over the best 4G LTE network coverage in the country.

The first thing you notice about Visible is the price: An unlimited phone package for only $25 a month is absolute steal. The fact that you get unlimited talk, text, data, and mobile hotspot data for such a low fee makes Visible one of the best value cell phone plans on the market.

As you can read in our full-length Visible wireless review , you do have to accept some limitations with this carrier. The baseline plan operates on Verizon’s network, giving you the best cellular coverage in the United States. However, you don’t get access to the fastest data speeds on Verizon’s Ultra Wideband 5G network—that requires an upgrade to Visible+, which costs $20 more per month.

The hotspot data on this plan is also capped at 5Mbps. But you get unlimited hotspot data, and in a switch from how things used to be, Visible allows you to connect more than one Wi-Fi device at a time. Slow it may be, you still enough speeds to stream in standard definition and browse the internet—a handy option if you’ve got a toddler in the backseat who just has to watch Disney+ on their iPad during a long drive or you need to do some work while at a hotel.

Currently, nobody can beat Mint Mobile 's unlimited plan that costs just $15 per month for the first three months of service. Even after those three months are up, Mint's $30 unlimited plan still has most cell phone packages beat when it comes to price. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need good cell phone service for at least a couple of months, look no further.

You won't always get the fastest data speeds with a prepaid carrier. But since Mint uses T-Mobile's fast 5G network—the fastest and most widely-available 5G in the country —that means you can get download speeds on your phone up to 50Mbps. 

Occasional data speed throttling

Mint Mobile customers might occasionally see their data speeds throttled during peak-usage periods or when the network gets congested with too many users. If tons of people are accessing the internet at the same time on T-Mobile's network, the carrier gives priority to its brand-name customers and sends prepaid customers to the back of the line.

You're much more likely to run into data throttling in a big city or at a crowded concert or sports game. But if you're out in the suburbs or living in a rural area, you’re less likely to see slowdowns.

AT&T Unlimited Starter SL: Best family plan

On its own, the AT&T Unlimited Starter plan costs $66 a month, but the price per line drops significantly when you add more lines. Three lines or more make the plan just $45.99 a month per line, and you can get it down to $35.99 a month per line when you get a family plan with four or more lines together.

The total savings on this plan adds up to $380 every month. AT&T has a lot of great cellular plans , but this one hits the sweet spot because you also get unlimited data, 5GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data every month, and you can even get a free phone with the trade-in program. What sets this AT&T family plan apart from similar plans offered by T-Mobile and Verizon is the extra security features. All AT&T plans come with a feature called ActiveArmor that alerts users for suspected fraud and spam. If you’re worried about family members getting scammed, this feature offers some peace of mind.

Tello Mobile 10 GB Data + Unlimited Talk & Text: Best budget option for a single line

A prepaid provider running over T-Mobile's 4G LTE and 5G networks, Tello gets you a simple deal that's perfect if you make a few calls a week and use your data for standard social media scrolling. T-Mobile has the biggest 5G network in the country and excellent coverage overall, so you can get reliable cell service on this plan for a bargain price.

The plan costs just $19 a month, and while it doesn't give you as much data as you get from other carriers, 10GB a month is still enough to get a modest streamer or social media scroller through the month. You can also use your phone's hotspot with this plan; just be careful how often you use it, since the hotspot data comes out of your total 10GB monthly allotment. 

If you need more data, you can always upgrade to the unlimited plan, which gives you 35GB of data for just $6 more a month.

Want to know more about Tello? Take a look at our Tello Mobile review .

What to look for in a cell phone plan

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when deciding on a cell phone plan:

A reasonable price: The average phone user spends $66 a month on a cellular plan from one of the “Big Three” carriers (T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T). But many cellular customers would be just fine paying $39 a month for a prepaid plan from an MVNO like Visible or Mint. Make sure to compare prices and think through what features you really need before committing to a phone plan.

Enough high-speed data to last you the month: About 10GB of high-speed data a month is a great start for many users, but consdering the average person checks their phone 144 times a day , you may need more or less depending on how often you use your phone to go online. Many cell phone plans are advertised as “unlimited,” but they come with a cap on high-speed or “premium” data that gives you a fast connection over 4G LTE and 5G networks. You may need to look at the fine print to figure out how much high-speed data you’re getting.

Adequate coverage for where you live: Not all mobile providers have reliable service in every part of the United States. Verizon has the best 4G LTE cellular coverage in the country, but T-Mobile has the biggest and fastest 5G network. See our breakdown on the best carriers for coverage to get a sense of which carrier works best for you.

Mobile hotspot data (if you need it): Do you like taking your laptop and working on the beach? Some cell phone plans offer designated high-speed hotspot data every month, and you can also sign up for a separate data plan that lets you power a mobile hotspot device capable of hitting faster speeds and connecting more devices. 

A discount for two lines or family plans: Many carriers offer a discount per-line when you open two lines or more on a package, giving you a break on the overall cost of your monthly bill. This is usually referred to as a family plan discount, but you can add anyone you want on an extra line—including friends or even neighbors.

Which wireless carrier has the best cellular coverage?

Verizon has the best cell phone coverage for 4G LTE users nationwide, while T-Mobile gets the best 5G coverage.

Analytics company Opensignal credited Verizon for offering the best 4G LTE coverage in the country. Those results track with our experience comparing the top cell phone coverage in the United States. While usage of 5G phones is on the upswing, 4G coverage is still more prevalent than 5G. So you’re best off with a plan on Verizon’s network over AT&T and T-Mobile for coverage.

Network coverage experience

Opensignal’s “coverage experience” rating measures “the extent of mobile networks in the places people live, work and travel,” according to its report. Taking in both percentage of land and population covered by cell service, the rating reflects the users’ experience as they travel around areas where cell service should be readily available.

Every cell phone plan we recommend uses at least one of the Big Three major networks: AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon. These networks stretch across the United States but can offer wildly different experiences depending upon your exact location. For example, a Verizon customer in Des Moines, Iowa might get better cell reception than a T-Mobile customer in the same city.

The best way to find out what coverage to expect in your neighborhood is by entering your zip code in our coverage map and swap between the networks to see what network offers the best coverage for you.

Which wireless carrier has the best wireless speeds?

T-Mobile gets the fastest data speeds on average, according to Opensignal. The analytics company rates speed through the Download Speed Experience metric, which measures users’ everyday experiences with 4G and 5G wireless networks—and T-Mobile blows the competition out of the water.

Faster internet speeds mean you can download and upload files faster and watch YouTube videos without buffering. But fast speeds also make it possible to do more things on one device. For example, fast speeds mean you can download an app in a shorter time while also getting up-to-date traffic info on your GPS app in between streaming YouTube videos.

Average download speeds

Recap: what’s the best cell phone plan.

There isn’t really a one-size-fits-all best cell phone plan. That’s why we break down our recommendations into categories. Here are our best-in-choice cell phone plans for our top six categories:

• Best unlimited plan: T-Mobile’s Go5G Plus plan offers unlimited high-speed data, including 50GB of hotspot data, for $90/month per line. Go5G Plus customers also unlimited international texting, 5GB of international high-speed phone data, free subscriptions to Netflix and AppleTV+, and a free AAA membership for a year. And with T-Mobile Tuesday deals, Go5G Plus’s perks are practically unlimited.
• Best coverage : Verizon offers the most reliable coverage no matter where you go in the country.
• Best overall value : Visible gets you unlimited hotspot data (with max speeds of 5Mbps) for just $25 a month, making this a nice plan for small families and road trippers.
• Best deal for new customers : Mint Mobile offers its unlimited talk, text, and data plan to new customers at half the price for the first three months of service.
• Best family plan : The AT&T Unlimited Starter SL costs $66 a month on its own, but the price plummets down to $36 monthly if you get a family plan together with four or more lines.
• Best value phone plan for a single line : Tello’s 10 GB Data + Unlimited Talk & Text only costs $19 a month and gets you a solid little chunk of data and excellent coverage over T-Mobile's 4G LTE and 5G networks.

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