t mobile us tourist plan

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T-Mobile’s Tourist Plan is an affordable, three-week data plan for visitors to the US

The Tourist Plan is essentially the reverse of a benefit T-Mobile offers subscribers to its U.S. Simple Choice plans, Simple Global, which offers free international roaming to 145 countries. And in principle, it’s not all that different from the carrier’s stateside crop of monthly Simply Prepaid plans. Both net you a bucket of minutes, unlimited texting, and 4G LTE data that throttles to 2G speeds after you’ve exceeded your allotted threshold. But the Tourist Plan, importantly, differs in duration, since it’s automatically cancelled after three weeks, and in terms — you get just a tad less data than T-Mobile’s $40 per month, 3GB plan, and for $10 less. And to sweeten the pot, T-Mobile is waiving all activation fees and offering the plan’s SIM card free of charge.

The Tourist Plan isn’t without caveats. You can’t take advantage of Music Freedom, Binge On, or other any of the other benefits that Simply Choice customers get, phone calls outside of the U.S. aren’t covered, and you can’t roam for more than 200MB of data. And you’ve got to bring your own GSM phone — the Tourist Plan is strictly a SIM affair. Still, the Tourist Plan’s pricing is attractive compared to the mainstream competition. Verizon’s $30 per month prepaid plan includes unlimited talk and text, but no data. And Sprint’s less expensive, $35 prepaid tier caps out at 1GB of data. It may not be as good as, say, T-Mobile’s Walmart-exclusive, $30 5GB data plan, but if you’re touching down in the U.S. only briefly, you could do worse.

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Folks interested in taking advantage can stop by a T-Mobile store or “[select] dealers that offer T-Mobile prepaid services” starting June 12.

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• Cellular Carriers

While carriers are blowing their horns about the various 5G networks being rolled out across the country, there’s a bit of sleight of hand going on that will affect some long-time customers. The 3G network we used to use for voice calls is going away.

Some carriers, like AT&T and T-Mobile, are still using 3G for voice calls on older phones. Newer phones use 4G networking for Voice over LTE (VoLTE) service. AT&T and T-Mobile intend to finally abandon 3G and switch entirely to newer network technology, and that will make some older phones obsolete.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 is finally available, alongside Samsung's latest 5G phone, the Galaxy Note 10+ 5G. At launch, the Galaxy Note 10+ 5G will only be available on Verizon, but eventually, it'll make its way to other carriers too. And, when that happens, the T-Mobile variant will be the first phone to leverage T-Mobile's powerful 600MHz spectrum, according to a new tweet from T-Mobile chief technology officer Neville Ray.

5G is often associated with millimeter-wave frequencies, which are the ultra-high frequencies that can transmit a lot of data at shorter distances. But carriers are also building out other frequencies with 5G too, such as the low-band frequencies that can travel further distances, and the mid-band frequencies that offer a compromise between the two. T-Mobile's 600MHz frequency band is one of those low-band frequencies that's able to travel much longer distances than mmWave frequencies.

T-Mobile is updating its Revvl lineup of smartphones and announced the third generation of the Revvlry and Revvlry+. The new phones are aimed at offering decent specs at an affordable price, plus they boast a relatively modern design, especially for a phone in this price range.

The new phones will be available starting on July 19 and see to have a lot to offer. In fact, the phones are really just T-Mobile-branded versions of the Motorola Moto G7 Plus and Moto G7 Play, which are very respectable phones in their own right. Here's everything you need to know about the new T-Mobile Revvlry and Revvlry+ smartphones. T-Mobile Revvlry

Best prepaid SIM Cards for U.S. travelers and tourists 2024

Make sure your phone speaks the right language.

At a glance

Best overall, best for short stays, best budget, best non-mvno, best prepaid data plan, best data-only plan.

At a glance 1. Best overall 2. Best for short stays 3. Best budget 4. Best non-MVNO 5. Best prepaid data plan 6. Best data-only plan FAQ

Whether you're going on a quick vacation or moving for good, it's never a bad idea to invest in one of the best prepaid SIM cards so you can stay in touch with friends and family back home. If you're having trouble choosing among all of the options that are out there, fear not: we've gathered all of the best prepaid SIM cards for travelers so you don't have to worry. 

As long as your Android phone is unlocked for international use and compatible with local networks, such as T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T, ordering a SIM card online or through a nearby retailer should be simple. 

Keep reading for all of the best prepaid SIM cards for U.S. travelers and tourists alike. If you want to go even deeper, you can also check out our guide to the best MVNO carriers or save some cash with the best MVNO deals of the month. 

From $15 at Mint Mobile

Soon to be owned by T-Mobile, a Mint Mobile SIM is a perfect choice if you're staying in the U.S. for three months or longer, with unlimited talk/text, a mobile hotspot, and more. 

Read more below.

From $19 at Ultra Mobile

The Ultra Mobile 3GB plan gives you a month of unlimited talk and text to over 90 countries worldwide on T-Mobile, up to 3GB of 5G/4G LTE data, and free Wi-Fi calling.

Read more below.  

From $15 at Lycamobile

If the ability to call abroad is your main focus, all Lycamobile plans come with unlimited talk and text to over 85 countries and a variety of data options.

From $30 at AT&T

Best non-MVNO 

Choose AT&T Prepaid's 5GB plan for $30 per month and you'll get unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of data with 5G access and the ability to text over 230 countries for free.

From $40 at T-Mobile

T-Mobile's prepaid plan is a little pricey, but you get 10GB of data, a free mobile hotspot, and access to the world's largest 5G network. 

From $35 at Cricket Wireless

If you only need data on your travels, Cricket's data-only plan offers a minimum of 20GB of high-speed data, as well as usage in Mexico and Canada. 

1. Mint Mobile

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

Mint Mobile is one of the best MVNO carriers today and uses T-Mobile's 4G LTE and 5G network, making it a great prepaid SIM card to get if you plan on staying in the U.S. for at least three months. As we found in our Mint Mobile review , Mint's 5G connection is strong, and its phone compatibility is one of the best in the country.

With Mint, you need to purchase at least three months of service upfront. After that, the best deals are offered when you sign up for six months or 12. For three months on the unlimited plan, you'll pay $90 and get unlimited talk, text, and data, 10GB of mobile hotspot, and free calls to Mexico and Canada. Calling to other international locations is available at a per-minute rate but if you use an app to call your friends such as WhatsApp or Line, you'll only need data.

Joining Mint Mobile is easy, and you can even sign up for a trial online to get a free Mint Mobile SIM card . It's especially easy if your phone is eligible for an eSIM since you can then activate the SIM straight from your phone and later continue your service if you like it. You can also get a Mint SIM card from Target, Best Buy, Walmart, or Amazon.

2. Ultra Mobile 3GB

Ultra Mobile is an MVNO on T-Mobile's network, meaning that you'll get great T-Mobile coverage at a lower price. Our Ultra Mobile review showed strong coverage and speeds. Though Ultra Mobile offers its own set of prepaid plans, the Ultra Mobile 3GB plan is a perfect fit for anyone visiting the U.S. for a month or less.

This is a more traditional SIM and after 30 days, the plan will expire, making it great for users who just wanted simple talk and text to a wide range of destinations and don't need a lot of data on their travels. For $19 with the SIM kit included, you'll get unlimited talk and text to over 90 countries worldwide, plus free Wi-Fi calling and up to 4GB of 5G/LTE data, meaning you should have no issue reaching friends and family back home.

3. Lycamobile

Lycamobile is unique because it's a global MVNO, and in the U.S., it's an MVNO on T-Mobile's network. To check whether your phone is compatible, the easiest thing to do is type in your IMEI number on Lycamobile's website, but most GSM unlocked devices should work.

Lycamobile offers several plans to pick from and really caters to those who need unlimited nationwide talk and text and international calling and texting to 85+ countries. Each plan includes these features at no additional charge, making this the perfect plan if you're someone who wants to be able to call abroad whenever you want.

When it comes to data, you have multiple options starting at just 250MB and going up to 60GB. The cheapest 250MB plan costs $15, while the top unlimited data plan costs $59. The 2GB plan is only available to new customers so if you're already signed up, this plan will come with 1GB of data. Each plan includes slightly different bonus features, so you'll have to pick what makes the most sense for you.

Fortunately, Lycamobile SIM cards are pretty easy to get a hold of. They're sold online on Lycamobile's website and Amazon, but you'll also find Lycamobile SIM cards in several retailers, including 7-Eleven, pharmacies, local convenience stores, etc. When in doubt, you can also use the online store locator to find the nearest retailer near you.

4. AT&T Prepaid

Known for its great coverage, AT&T is also an excellent carrier to consider getting a SIM card from when visiting the U.S. and one of the best prepaid phone plans . It tends to have better coverage in rural areas than other carriers, so it's also a great option if you plan to be on the road a lot. For $30 (plus taxes and fees), AT&T Prepaid will get you 5GB of high-speed data, which is then throttled to 128Kbps. As always, you should check your device's compatibility with AT&T online before signing up.

On this plan, you're able to use your mobile hotspot, and you can text to more than 230 countries. You'll also be able to talk, text, and use data in Mexico and Canada (though data speeds may be slow). And if you think you'll need more than 5GB of data, you can always upgrade to a 15GB prepaid plan for $40, which is a great deal and definitely worth considering.

5. T-Mobile Prepaid

T-Mobile not only offers some of the best cell phone plans you could get today, but it also has an excellent prepaid option that will suit most travelers and tourists needs when visiting the U.S. Because T-Mobile's network has improved vastly over the past few years and its 5G network has some of the most expansive coverage and fastest speeds in the nation, you'll likely get excellent service with T-Mobile when traveling to major cities during your stay.

There are four T-Mobile prepaid plans from which to choose, though the ideal plan for most visitors will be T-Mobile's 10GB prepaid plan for $40 per month. This plan includes unlimited domestic talk and text, up to 10GB of high-speed data, free mobile hotspot data, and a music unlimited feature so that any music you stream won't eat up your data. If you want to add international calling, you can do so for $15 extra, or if you're traveling to Mexico or Canada for a few days, you can add talk, text, and 5GB of data to use over there for an extra $5.

6. Cricket Wireless

If you don't think you'll need minutes during your stay in the U.S. and really just want data, you could consider a data-only plan from Cricket Wireless , which is an MVNO on AT&T's network. For $35, you'll get 20GB to use during the month, or for $55, you'll get 100GB.

Again, this plan doesn't come with any minutes, so you'll have to be sure you're fine using apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Skype to connect with family or friends. It does come with text and picture messages across the U.S., as well as usage in Mexico and Canada if you plan on visiting those countries as well. It's the perfect plan for anyone who will be spending lots of time on the road and wants to be able to stream, download, and do some high-speed browsing.

You can get a Cricket SIM card by going into a Cricket Wireless authorized retailer, which you can locate with Cricket's online store locator. Other popular retailers such as Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart will also sell Universal SIM card activation kits for Cricket Wireless. The good news is that if you do end up wanting minutes, you can always switch to another one of Cricket's plans with the same SIM card.

Back to the top^

Which prepaid SIM card is best for you?

Why you can trust Android Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

You really can't go wrong with a prepaid SIM card on T-Mobile or AT&T's network while visiting the U.S., and the right fit for you depends on the length of your stay and whether you need features like being able to call back home. If you're traveling for only three weeks or less, the Ultra Mobile 3GB plan is the best choice and offers just enough talk, text, and data to stay connected.

On the other hand, if you'll be in the U.S. for a few months, Mint Mobile will give you the best multiple-month value. And if you're somewhere in between, a prepaid plan from either T-Mobile or AT&T is easy, reliable, and guaranteed to give you great coverage.

Should you use your current carrier's add-ons?

Many carriers have partnerships with international carriers to offer greater service to their own customers. Luckily, this often goes both directions and means there may be a plan add-on that can give you plenty of data without needing to set up and activate a new SIM. While these travel add-ons can be quite pricey, the simplicity of this option will make it worth it to many people. It also gives you the chance to have a connection if you're waiting for a connecting flight in another country.

What about eSIM apps?

Another emerging option is eSIM apps. These apps can use your phone's built-in eSIM slot to quickly activate and pay for a phone plan without needing to remove your old SIM or worry about shipping a physical SIM in the first place. Airalo , for example, allows customers to buy as little as 1GB for a week. If you just need enough data to get around in a new city, this is a good option. It works with Google Pay, credit card, PayPay, and even Alipay.

If you have an iPhone, there's even an official T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM app that accepts credit card payments from a number of countries. Regrettably, this app isn't available on Android though there are still other eSIM providers on the platform.

Just be sure to confirm compatibility before taking off. Still, there are other apps available on Android that offer solid deals on data without contacts or physical SIMs necessary.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

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After almost a decade of working in the e-commerce space, Patrick Farmer (he/him) began his career at Android Central as a Deals and Commerce Writer before moving into a new role as AC's eCommerce Editor in 2023. When he's not hunting down the best deals and offering shopping advice for our readers, you'll often find him listening to music, camping out at a brewery, or treating his cat like a human child. 

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T-Mobile 'Tourist Plan' delivers three weeks of US cell service for just $30

Visiting the US this summer? T-Mobile's 'Tourist Plan' offers an affordable way to stay connected for up to three weeks.

• Self-taught tinkerer, informal IT and gadget consultant to friends and family (with several self-built gaming PCs under his belt)

Visiting San Francisco from outside the US? T-Mobile has a cellular plan just for you.

Traveling internationally with your mobile phone can be a challenge. For those without a good international roaming plan, the choice is often to go Wi-Fi only -- or risk those often onerous international roaming charges.

For T-Mobile subscribers in the US, things were already considerably streamlined thanks to the company's Simple Global feature , which effectively added free international roaming (albeit at greatly reduced data speeds) to up to 145 countries worldwide. And now the company is flipping that option around to international visitors touring the US.

Starting June 12, the T-Mobile Tourist Plan will allow allow anyone with an unlocked phone to get a 3-week all-in plan when visiting the United States for just $30. (At current exchange rates, that's about £21, 27 euros or AU$42.)

The details:

• Unlimited data (but 4G LTE speeds for only the first 2GB)
• Unlimited domestic (US) and international texting to more than 140 nations
• 1,000 minutes of talk time within the US
• Free SIM card, no activation fee

If that sounds too good to be true, note that it's not renewable, and automatically expires after three weeks. Also, phone calls outside of the US aren't covered.

Still, it seems like a good deal for anyone who wants quick and easy access to the US network. The Tourist Plan will be available at any T-Mobile store, as well as "some dealers that offer T-Mobile prepaid services."

Head to T-Mobile's website for additional details.

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T-Mobile unveils Tourist Plan for summer vacationers to the USA

Published on May 31, 2016

One challenge that has long-plagued vacationers is the complexity of making cellular arrangements for the trip. T-Mobile is angling to take the hassle out of this process by offering tourists coming to the US a simple plan that lets them stay afloat on 4G LTE without navigating complicated deals or enduring the gouge of roaming. For $30, you get three weeks of T-Mobile service that includes 1000 minutes of calling within the US, unlimited international texting to over 140 countries and territories, 2GB of 4G data, and unlimited lower speed data after you use that up.

You might be concerned about the trouble regarding getting a SIM card and activating it, but don’t worry about it. The carrier is saying they’re going to cover the cost of your SIM card and activation 100%. Just walk into a T-Mobile store with your phone and ask for the Tourist plan. You do have to have an unlocked device, of course.

This plan will go live starting June 12. There’s no sense in signing up online since you need to bring your phone in for activation, but you can use their site to find a T-Mobile location close to where you’re staying. Check out the promo page for the full scoop on this plan, and let us know what you think of it in the comments below. Solid deal or a total rip-off? Give us your opinion!

Next: Best pre-paid T-Mobile Android phones

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7 Phones Available

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T-Mobile Tourist

• Price: $30.00/recharge
• Minutes: 1000 Minutes + Unlimited Texts
• Data: 2GB 4G LTE Data, then slowed (no overages)
• Messages: Unlimited
• Contract Length:  Prepaid
• Expiry:  21 days

Latest Deals

• About this plan
• Phones Available

About this Cell Phone Plan

The T-Mobile Tourist Plan is cell phone plan meant for individuals or families and offered by T-Mobile. The plan offers customers 1000 minutes of talk, unlimited text messages, and 2GB of 4G LTE data (which is slowed once limit is met). The T-Mobile Tourist Plan is a no contract plan.

Mobile Hotspot

This plan includes mobile hotspot at 3G speeds.

Phone Options

Customers can bring their own GSM-compatible phone.

Additional Extras

This plan also includes the following features:

• Wi-Fi Calling
• Call forwarding
• Visual voice mail
• Call waiting
• Conference calling

Other T-Mobile Plans

Wirefly offers great deals on a large selection of smartphones, cell phones, tablets, mobile hotspots, and other wireless devices for the nation's most popular carriers. Use Wirefly’s innovative cell phone and plan comparison tools to ensure you are getting the best deal on the market. Shop with confidence knowing that Wirefly wants to help you find the best prices on cell phones, cell phone plans, TV, and Internet service.

Buying a SIM card in the USA

by Anne Betts | Jan 13, 2020 | Travel Tech , USA | 16 comments

Updated January 13, 2020

This latest update highlights T-Mobile’s transition of its tourist plan to an almost identical plan of the T-Mobile MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) Ultra Mobile. Because the plans and setup are so similar, my previous reviews of the original T-Mobile plan have been left intact. I’m yet to use Ultra Mobile’s tourist plan but I expect the experience to be similar to that of T-Mobile.

Finally!! Visitors to the United States can pick up a local SIM card and a decent prepaid plan at an affordable price. Compared to my previous visits, buying a SIM card in the USA  was never this easy.

Buying a SIM card in the USA from T-Mobile

In September 2018, my travelling companions chose the T-Mobile Tourist Plan. As a result, I was able to get a front-row seat on set up and use. When Roam Mobility failed to deliver on my next U.S. visit, I headed to the nearest T-Mobile store to pick up the same plan. The T-Mobile Tourist Plan worked flawlessly on both occasions.

In the first scenario, my Australian friends were spending a week in New York City. Then, they were heading up to Boston, and then Portland to catch the ferry to Nova Scotia. T-Mobile’s coverage map indicated service in all the areas they were visiting.

The three-week tourist plan was a good fit for them. For their two-week stay, it offered better value than any of the AT&T plans. They purchased from the network provider, as opposed to a reseller or dealer. T-Mobile has stores in most New York City neighbourhoods, and along the east coast, in the event service and support were needed.

We dropped into a T-Mobile store in Harlem to get connected.

  The Tourist Plan from T-Mobile

T-Mobile’s tourist plan was a welcome change from the incompatible technologies and expensive plans of the past. It wasn’t as good as plans I’ve had in Australia , New Zealand and Spain , but it covered the needs of travellers looking for a useful amount of data, calls, and texts at an affordable price.

The Tourist Plan included:

• a T-Mobile SIM card (the three-in-one SIM included nano, micro and standard sizes).
• no activation fee.
• unlimited data, with up to 2 GB at 4G LTE speeds. Full speeds were available up to the 2 GB allotment, including while tethering. It was then throttled to up to 2G speeds.
• unlimited domestic texts, and unlimited international texting to more than 140 countries.
• 1,000 minutes of calls within the USA.
• Smartphone Mobile HotSpot (tethering) to share a phone’s internet connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
• domestic data roaming of 200 MB when travelling outside T-Mobile’s network area, using wireless data from another carrier. A text notification was received when approaching this limit.
• The Tourist Plan was prepaid, and expired automatically after 21 days. There was no need to cancel it. It was a stand-alone product and ineligible for additional features. The single-use disposable SIM couldn’t be extended, topped up, or reactivated.
• The Tourist SIM Kit cost $30 plus tax ($3.86 in New York). The total cost of $33.86 USD included set up and activation.

Review of the Tourist Plan from T-Mobile

• Set up was quick and efficient, and activation was immediate. Dawn, the T-Mobile representative, verified that everything was working as expected by calling to and from the newly activated phone. She taped the Australian SIM card to the SIM card holder, and ensured the receipt contained the new U.S. phone number.

• Coverage was excellent in all areas between New York City and Portland, Maine (and for the first hour crossing the Bay of Fundy). There were no dead spots.
• Free Wi-Fi was used when it was available. As a result, the 2 GB at 4G LTE speeds wasn’t exceeded.
• It was perfect for using data on the move: Google Maps, email, social media, Google, WhatsApp, FaceTime, and more.
• Texting to the UK, Canada, and Australia worked perfectly.
• The 1,000 minutes of calls within the USA were more than enough for calling accommodation hosts, ordering takeout, making reservations, calling travelling companions, and confirming bookings. Calls were clear, from and to indoors and outdoors.

In April 2019, my experience in San Francisco was similar. At the T-Mobile store near Golden Gate Park, set up was an efficient experience. I walked out of the store with a network-connected phone. My two travelling companions and I relied heavily on Google Maps to navigate San Francisco’s excellent transportation system. Between T-Mobile and an unlimited-use transit pass, exploring San Francisco was very affordable.   

Where to buy T-Mobile’s Tourist SIM Kit

The kit could be bought online, but it had to be purchased with a US credit card and shipped to a U.S. address.

A more convenient option was to buy it at the point of arrival. Inmotion is a large airport-based electronics retailer, with a presence in major airports. Insert the airport code in T-Mobile’s store locator , and chances are you’ll be directed to an Inmotion storefront.

In my case, flights from Canada to New York City land in Newark and LaGuardia. I prefer LaGuardia for its proximity to public transportation and easier, less costly access to the five boroughs using a MetroCard. I dropped in to Inmotion’s Terminal B storefront and was greeted by a representative who was eager and willing to set me up with the Tourist Plan. All before stepping outside the terminal.

Ultra Mobile Tourist Plan

The T-Mobile Tourist Plan has been replaced by an almost identical plan offered by Ultra Mobile . The “Visiting the US?” link at the T-Mobile site takes the visitor to Ultra Mobile. Ultra Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) of T-Mobile. An MVNO is a reseller for wireless communications services. As such, Ultra Mobile uses the T-Mobile network so the T-Mobile coverage map will be relevant.

The Ultra Mobile plan is similar to the T-Mobile Tourist Plan described above. The three-week plan’s features include:

• 1000 minutes of domestic talk
• unlimited domestic and international texts
• unlimited data with up to 2GB at 4G LTE
• 100 minutes to 80+ countries

The 100 minutes of international calls is a welcome feature that wasn’t included in the T-Mobile plan.

An Ultra Mobile Tourist SIM Kit can be purchased at T-Mobile Brand retail stores or T-Mobile Preferred retail stores. For more information, Ultra Mobile has a handy list of questions and answers.

Have you used Ultra Mobile Tourist Plan? If so, what was your experience?

If you’re visiting the USA, you might be interested in my other posts:

• 31 Fabulous things to do in San Francisco
• A detailed guide to biking the Golden Gate Bridge
• Inside Eastern State Penitentiary: the “magnificent ruin” of Philadelphia
• Lunch at the United Nations, New York
• Visit McSorley’s Old Ale House, New York City

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Image by TeroVesalainen from Pixabay

16 Comments

If I buy the kit at Inmotion, do I still need to go into a T mobile store to activate it? Thank you.

Inmotion will get you up and running with set up and activation. There’s no need to visit a T-Mobile store. That’s a key benefit of the Inmotion airport locations.

Can you confirm if the $30 plan still exist? I’m hearing it’s now $40 for 10 GB?

The website still indicates it’s $30 for 2 GB plan.

I bought it in San Francisco a month ago. It cost $30 plus tax.

Hi, I was informed by t mobile staff that there is a $10 plus tax activation fee for the t mobile tourist sim and I would not be able to activate the sim without paying this fee. Did you have to pay this additional fee as well when you bought from in motion or t mobile store directly?

Hi Cheryl. At both T-Mobile stores (Harlem in NYC, and by Golden Gate Park in SF), there was no activation fee. The SF experience was just two months ago, in April 2019. The total in both cases was $30 plus tax.

It is not available anymore. Just buy the 55USD sim card it is valid for 21 days with unlimited internet and unlimited call and text within the US. Thats what I bought. So far good service in NY. No problems except when inside the subway.

Your site is so helpful, Anne. Thanks. We’re heading to the US in a few months and we will absolutely use the T Mobile sim.

Do you know if we can use a Samsung (S3 or S5) phone in order to access the 4G LTE data? I’ve searched the net over some time but I can’t seem to get a definite answer.

I know this is a long-shot for you but I’m getting anxious now.

Again, thanks for all the information on your site.

Hello Mal. T-Mobile has a feature on its site where you can check your phone’s compatibility with the T-Mobile network by inserting your phone’s IMEI number: https://www.t-mobile.com/resources/bring-your-own-phone?icid=WMM_TM_Q418UNAVHA_9O9ELOM511J15816 Might this help? Good luck.

Hi, thanks for the useful information! 🙂 I would like to ask for your help. Last week I browsed T-Mobile US webpage and found all the info on the Tourist SIM. Today I browsed it again it it is redirected to ultramobile webpage https://www.ultramobile.com/tourist/?icid=WMM_TMNG_PPEULTRA_AU4DD3J38PK7L3C8617764 , which is an MVNO of T-Mobile. Does it mean that only Ultramobile SIMs are available? My friends are travelling to NYC in two weeks and I want to collect for them all info about mobile phone usage in the US. Do you know if these Ultramobile SIMs are available at InMotion Stores (at JFK for example), similar to T-Mobile’s old Tourist SIM? Thank you very much, Aniko from Hungary

Hello Aniko. I’m also directed to the ultramobile site from T-Mobile. It appears to be a recent rebranding of the Tourist Plan. I can only assume that the InMotion stores can set your friends up with the new product, or one of the many T-Mobile stores in NYC. Good luck.

Hi, today a T mobile customer service agent told me that the Tourist Plan no longer exists. I´m traveling from Colombia to Los Angeles.

Thank you for your most helpful review. We’re off to Orlando FL for two weeks and shall try the T Mobile plan for my wife and me.

Thanks Anne for the awesome guide. The Ultra Mobile tourist plan is a great deal for frequent travelers and expats.

do you know about any SIM cards (data+voice) that doesn’t expire (ie, i can keep the same SIM for recurring trips to the US (1-2 months at a time) without a monthly fee? I did use Roammobility with no issues, but they went under with Covid.

You can now buy a Lycamobile SIM card in any InMotion store access the US. It’s priced at $35 for 7GB and $50 for 15GB which isn’t a bad deal for airport standards. They are valid for 30 days and it’s preloaded so you just need to pop it in your device, dial a code and you are good to go.

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The one shocking mistake that led to us tourist rene remund’s staggering $143k bill.

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A US tourist has revealed the moment he received a bill of six figures after a short holiday to Switzerland went horribly wrong.

Rene Remund and his wife Linda made the trip last September, a journey the pair had been on previously given it’s where he is originally from.

As always, Remund ensured his mobile phone provider was notified of his travels, by going in-store to share his overseas movements. He said that as a customer of 30 years, he was told he was “covered.”

But while enjoying the Swiss countryside and sharing some of the magical sights of his trip via photo messages to friends and family, not once did Remund think these texts could be racking up thousands and thousands in daily roaming costs.

After returning home and receiving his T-Mobile bill, Remund thought it was for $143 which he thought to be “reasonable.”

“I get this T-Mobile bill and it doesn’t bother me very much because I was reading $143,” he explained, adding it wasn’t until he went to pay the bill that he realized a few more zeros were involved.

“I look at the bill and I say, ‘Excuse me’,” he said.

“$143,000.00 … are you guys crazy?”

According to the mobile phone bill, Remund racked up 9.5 GB of data while in Europe, costing him thousands of dollars each day.

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And while 5-10GB isn’t considered a large amount of data, not being covered by roaming fees will cause a user to run up thousands of dollars very quickly.

“I called [T-Mobile] and the girl put me on hold for a while,” he explained.

“She said let me check this out and I’ll get back to you. She gets back and says, yeah this is a good bill.

“I said, ‘What do you mean it’s a good bill?’ And she says ‘Well, this is what you owe.'”

“I said ‘You’re kidding me … you’re crazy.'”

Following confirmation his bill was to the value of around $143,000.00 — Remund hired a lawyer to argue the fact he was “covered” for international roaming to avoid such “exorbitant” charges.

His lawyer issued a letter to the president of T-Mobile, for which no reply was given until just a few days ago.

The letter from T-Mobile allegedly said that the service provider was “sorry” for the charges and that Remund would receive a “credit” to eliminate the entire phone bill.

In an email issued to local media Scripps News Tampa, T-Mobile said that customers should always “check the travel features of their plan, such as international data roaming, before departing.”

“If a customer is on an older plan that doesn’t include international roaming for data and calling, they’ll need to make sure they’re using aeroplane mode and wi-fi when using data to be certain the device doesn’t connect to an international network.”

Last year, Melbourne activist and author Sally Rugg was slapped with a little over $720.00 fee two minutes after she touched down in London.

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US man returns from Europe to $143,000 T-Mobile bill for using phone overseas

Gigantic bill apparently reflected using 9.5 gigabytes of data on a phone that had not been set up for international roaming

A Florida man was stunned to come back from a European trip and – upon checking his phone bill – realize that he had been charged a staggering $143,000 by his phone company for using his device while overseas.

ABC Action News reported that Rene Remund and his wife had toured Switzerland last September and had even gone to a T-Mobile store to share his travel plan with his phone provider before leaving.

But the gigantic bill apparently reflected using some 9.5 gigabytes of data while overseas on a phone that had not been set up for international roaming.

Remund told ABC that he called T-Mobile and waited on hold while the charges were examined and the person he spoke with informed him that the bill was not a mistake and that he was liable for it.

Remund replied: “You’re kidding me?”

He then hired a lawyer, who contacted ABC for help. Shortly after T-Mobile were contacted by ABC, the company offered to credit Remund’s account.

T-Mobile told ABC : “We recommend our customers check the travel features of their plan, such as international data roaming, before departing … if a customer is on an older plan that doesn’t include international roaming for data and calling, they’ll need to make sure they’re using airplane mode and wifi when using data to be certain the device doesn’t connect to an international network.”

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5 Of The Best T-Mobile Alternatives If You're Switching Mobile Service Providers

A s great as T-Mobile can be, it's far from a perfect option. Sure, the major provider offers everything from entertainment perks to special home internet deals to national 5G coverage. But like every carrier, for all of T-Mobile's fair share of pros, its cons might not make it the best fit for you.  

The brand's plans have been set at increasingly high prices, with its Go5G plan tying with Verizon as one of the most expensive options. Additionally, while T-Mobile's 5G network is rated among the best nationwide, its 4G/LTE coverage is far weaker when compared to other providers, especially in rural areas. Any of these factors may indicate that T-Mobile isn't the best fit for you or your lifestyle. 

The good news is that you don't always have to turn to the big boys to get great all-around service. There's no shortage of smaller mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that use the wireless capacity of the bigger providers, delivering some of the same nice perks at a more affordable rate. The following selection was chosen based on a combination of data offered, cost factors, user reviews, and industry opinions. More about our selection process can be read at the end of this article.   

Read more: 12 Smart Gadgets You Didn't Know Existed

Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile's reputation has only grown since its introduction in 2016. With prices for other carriers spiking in recent years, Mint has remained ahead of the curve by keeping its overhead costs low and offering plenty of perks and discounts while still providing exceptional service.

Mint, an MVNO under T-Mobile's network, currently offers an introductory rate for all its plans at $15 for the first three months, equating to $45. While that means you have to pay a bit more upfront, it still makes for a safe way to test out the service and see if it's right for you, whereas T-Mobile doesn't allow for such a safety net. Additionally, you can download the Mint Mobile on the iOS App Store or Google Play for a one-week free trial of the service. After the three-month period comes to an end, you have the choice of paying $25 a month for 5GB, $35 a month for 15GB, $45 a month for 20GB, or $40 for Unlimited data. Compared to T-Mobile's cheapest plan which starts at $50 for one line, it's easy to see Mint's value. 

Mint's tethering hotspot is part of your overall data allowance, meaning that the more you use your phone as an internet source the faster you'll run out of data, which may be a deal breaker if you travel a lot. Also keep in mind that after your initial three months with the provider, you will have to commit to paying a higher rate if you only commit to three or six months of service. You only get the best price if you buy a full year of service. 

Of the many MVNOs under T-Mobile, Google Fi is easily one of its most versatile and dependable. No matter your lifestyle, there's bound to be a Google Fi plan that has what you need and then some.  

Google Fi carries three distinct plans to choose from . Flexible allows you to only pay for the data you use, with a base price of $20 a month with every additional line costing $15 plus an added $10 per gigabyte, with your data slowed down once you hit 15GB. Next is Simply Unlimited, which goes for between $50 and $150 per month for between one and six lines. Its 35GB of data and additional 5GB of hotspot tethering is more than sufficient for most. If not, then there's the Unlimited Plus plan that goes from $65 for one line to $240 for six and 50GB of data plus free 100GB of Google One storage. 

What sets Google Fi apart from the crowd is its travel capabilities. While T-Mobile makes you pay $0.25 per minute for most international calls, the Unlimited Plus Google Fi plan allows you to call 50 countries outside North America for free with affordable options for other locations. Similarly, unless you're an iPhone user, your hotspot service will also work smoothly when traveling outside the United States. While most of its best perks require you to be on its premium plan, it doesn't change Google Fi's rightful place as one of the best bang-for-your-buck phone plans on the market. 

Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile is yet another economical option for those seeking a good alternative to more pricey providers. Its wide array of unlimited plans, flexible pre-pay options, and generous data allowance have made Boost a very attractive choice. 

Three out of Boost's four plan options offer unlimited coverage. Buyers can choose between a 5GB plan for $15 a month, Unlimited without mobile hotspot for $25, Unlimited plan with 12GB of mobile hotspot for $40, or Unlimited Plus with 30GB of mobile hotspot for $60. Given the bare bones allotment for the $15 plan, you're probably best off going with the $25 option, which platforms such as Whistle Out and Clark have commended as providing more than sufficient 4G/LTE and 5G coverage and download speed. While Boost offers three-month and yearly plans, with one of its yearly plans even going as low as $8.33 a month for 1GB of data, customers are not required to sign up for one as is the case with Mint Mobile. 

There are some notable factors to keep in mind with Boost. Signing up online can be a tricky process, as the site will not let you know if your phone is eligible to pair with the service or not before paying. Additionally, if using your older phone, there's a $25 activation fee which is not disclosed right away online. As a result, it's best to sign up in person at a T-Mobile store. You are also unable to choose between AT&T and T-Mobile as your network provider when signing up, which can be an issue if you live in an area where one service is weaker than the other. 

While T-Mobile has plenty of great MVNOs under its belt, that doesn't mean other major providers should be left out of the conversation. If Verizon is a better option for your area, then Visible might be your best bet, with numerous perks  worth discussing. This plan delivers on Verizon's acclaimed 4G/LTE and 5G network while cutting down on much of the confusion of other brands with only two simple unlimited plan options. 

Its Basic Unlimited plan offers unlimited talk and text in all of North America along with unlimited data and hotspot for only $25 per month. For only $20 more a month, you can get the Visible+ Premium Unlimited plan with the same features at greater speed, along with additional international perks such as 2GB data use in Mexico and Canada and calls and texts to over 200 countries. It even grants users a monthly Global Pass day, which allows for 2GB of high-speed data and unlimited minutes and texts in more than 140 countries, with the ability to get more during the month for an additional $10 per day. It's important to note that the Global Pass days do not roll over month-to-month. Additionally, you can get data for your smartwatch for no additional charge, which is also a nice perk.There isn't much bad about Visible, although you should check to ensure your area works well with Verizon's service. Visible also has removed some helpful features in recent years, most notably its Party Pay program, which offered special discounts and individual billing for multiple lines. 

If money is your biggest conundrum with T-Mobile but you still want to be on its 5G and 4G/LTE network, then Tello is worth looking into. Whereas other providers only offer you a handful of plans to choose from, Tello puts you in charge of picking what works best for you.

Tello sets itself apart from the competition by allowing users to customize their plan by letting them choose how much data and texting minutes they intend to use per month. These plans can go as low as $5 a month for no data and 100 text messages and up to $25 for unlimited text and data. Even at its highest, Tello tops a good majority of other providers when it comes to prices. Additionally, you can call and text for free to Mexico, Canada, and India, along with more than 60 other countries with whatever minutes are left on your account. 

Tello currently holds a stellar 4.5 rating on TrustPilot,  a significantly higher score than even Mint Mobile and Visible. Keep in mind that if you rely on your phone a lot for internet connection, it will likely run out quickly with only 5GB of hotspot tethering. 

Why We Chose These Plans

When deciding what phone plans made this list, they needed to offer a significant advantage over T-Mobile. In most cases, this was cost-related, given how expensive T-Mobile's plans have gotten over time. Most of these provider's most expensive unlimited plans were in the $60 range, often only being slightly more expensive than T-Mobile's cheapest plan options. Others, such as Google Fi, offered significantly better call, text, and data perks for travelers and frequent data users compared to T-Mobile. Ultimately, we aimed to find as diverse an array of budgetary and lifestyle options as possible to accommodate a wide range of needs. 

Overall reception to these brands was also important. While we have had our own experience with and written about some of these providers before, it was crucial that our picks were also well-regarded by other users and industry professionals. Trusted platforms such as Whistle Out, Wired, TrustPilot, and Tom's Guide all gave these carriers their seals of approval, oftentimes testing each out for a month or so before recommending them. 

Read the original article on SlashGear

Golden line: See what cell providers offer senior discounts

As inflation ticks up , there are one group of people who may have a coupon printed right on their drivers license: seniors.

Some, such as Farm Forum financial columnist Rick Kahler, argue that more people should take advantage of the discounts offered to those of a certain age.

"No one forces businesses to offer senior discounts," Kahler, the president and owner of Kahler Financial of Rapid City, wrote. "Companies do so because it’s ultimately good for them if you do business with them instead of their competitors."

As cell phones become increasingly integral for communication, the more experienced at life can take advantage of plans marketed towards those over 55.

Here are the senior discounts and plans offered by mobile carriers.

AT&T offers the Unlimited 55+ for people 55 or older and who have a billing address in Florida. The plan costs $60 per month for one line or $80 per month for two lines. Each line receives unlimited data, phone calls and text messages.

The plan must be purchased at an AT&T location in Florida.

Seniors in other states can take advantage of an up to $10 per month discount through AARP on the cell phone provider's Unlimited Premium plan.

T-Mobile offers three 55+ lines for seniors:

• Essentials Choice 55: $45 per month for one line
• Go5G Plus 55: $70 per month for one line
• Go5G Next 55: $80 per month for one line

Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless does not offer a senior discount or plan.

Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile offers a cell phone plan for seniors 55 and older called Mint 55+. The plan costs $15.99 per month and includes assistance with cancelling a contract with a previous carrier.

Consumer Cellular

AARP members can save 5% on monthly service and 30% on some accessories at Consumer Cellular.