International Mobile Internet Options for U.S. Based Travelers

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Keeping Connected Globally

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

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

International Mobile Internet Tips Video

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

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

 

General Mobile Internet International Tips

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

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

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

For our full collection of International Mobile Internet travel resources:

International Travel Resources

Wi-Fi

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

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

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

If you’re planning to travel internationally, it is important to include gear in your aresnal that is easily portable and can be used for connecting to a Wi-Fi source:

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

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

You'll likely encounter intermittent speeds, may need to connect in crowded public places with little privacy, and should consider taking precautions to keep your connection secure.

Using a virtual private network (VPN) is a good option for protecting yourself when regularly surfing on public Wi-Fi, whether internationally or domestically.

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

Mobile Internet Security, Privacy, and VPNs

Voice

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

Most modern cell phones support GSM international roaming, so the simplest option for voice services is just to activate international roaming with your home carrier. This allows your number to stay active, so you can receive calls wherever you go.

Be sure to check the specifics of your plan. ou may discover that you have a basic voice service option that will meet your needs. While default roaming rates can be expensive, you don’t have to answer every call. Keeping your phone active lets you see who’s calling, giving you the choice to answer or return the call later.

If you plan to make or receive calls frequently, avoiding standard international rates is key. Many carriers offer international packages with discounted calling rates, often as low as $15/month, to keep your home number active affordably.

If keeping your domestic number isn’t important, local SIM cards in many countries provide substantial savings on calls, though managing incoming calls may be trickier since you’ll have a different number.

Alternatively, internet-based services like Google Voice, WhatsApp, FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, and Skype allow you to make calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data—bypassing traditional cellular networks entirely.

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

Cellular Data

The most important international data tip is to turn off data roaming on your devices when near international borders—unless you're certain your plan includes good international coverage. Remember, the nearest cellular tower could be across the border, leading to unintended roaming charges before you’ve even left your country!

Default international data roaming fees can be shockingly high, and many travelers have faced massive bills from accidental roaming. While some smartphone plans will notify you when you’re roaming internationally, data limits and costs can still be restrictive.

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

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

Satellite Data

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

Starlink Satellite Internet

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

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

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

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

Starlink

Other Satellite Options

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

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

Mobile Satellite Options Alternatives to Starlink

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Data Saving Tips for Capped Plans

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

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

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

Minimizing Data Usage & Managing Common Data Hogs

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Member Exclusive Content Below

U.S. Cellular Carrier International Roaming Policies

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

Global SIMs

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

Obtaining local SIMs

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

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Summary: Research, Planning, & Flexibility Are Key

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