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    International Roaming

    Don't come home to a $1,200 bill.

    First — turn OFF roaming

    Before flying:

    • iPhone — Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → "Data Roaming" OFF.
    • Android — Settings → Mobile Network → "Data Roaming" OFF.
    • This blocks $5-10/MB charges.

    Best options abroad

    • eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, GigSky) — buy data plan in app for the country you visit. $5-30/week. Best.
    • T-Mobile Magenta — free 5GB international + free texting in 215+ countries built in. Senior favorite.
    • Verizon TravelPass — $10/day. Use your normal plan abroad.
    • AT&T International Day Pass — $12/day.
    • Google Fi — built for travel. Same price abroad as US.
    • Local SIM card — old-school. $10-30 at airport.

    eSIM setup (best for most)

    1. Download Airalo or Holafly app.
    2. Pick country / region.
    3. Pick data plan (1-30 days, 1-20 GB).
    4. Pay $5-30.
    5. Install eSIM (QR code on phone).
    6. Land abroad — switch to eSIM in Settings.
    7. Internet works without home carrier.
    8. WhatsApp / iMessage / FaceTime now free.

    Free travel tips

    • Download Google Maps offline maps BEFORE leaving (in the app).
    • Pre-download Netflix shows over hotel wifi for the plane.
    • WhatsApp + iMessage work over wifi — free.
    • Hotels + cafes have free wifi worldwide.
    • Turn off auto-app updates (Settings → App Store → Automatic Downloads).

    Cruise ship roaming WARNING

    Cruise ships use SATELLITE — unbelievably expensive. $5-15/MB. Always Airplane Mode at sea. Only connect to ship's wifi. Or skip internet entirely (digital detox).

    Texts vs iMessage

    If you're iPhone-to-iPhone, iMessage uses wifi/data — FREE internationally. Green-bubble (regular SMS) costs roaming. Tell family to use iMessage / WhatsApp / FaceTime while you're away — keeps you connected free.

    International Roaming Tips | TekSure