Will do this method next time. I was overseas and paid over $130 with Verizon for 3 weeks for 2G of data. I also went over and were charged extra..!!!!
This is the most helpful information, especially in your response in the comments, that I have found regarding prepaid sim cards. I, too, was confused about whether they were "pay as you go", or use for a certain amount of time as well as the question about what happens when the minutes ran out. Thanks very much.
Thank you for the detailed info and how to put it in! What is the best SIM card company to use, what size for a 3 week trip, and this might be a stupid question but do I need different SIM cards for different countries?
It really depends on which countries you go to. In most cases in my experience you'll need a different SIM card for different countries. I always suggest to buy a local SIM card at your destination.
I have a portable wifi device that allows for SIM insertion. My wife and I are traveling to St. Martin in March. Should I just wait to buy a local cell service SIM card when I arrive? I will only be there 1 week but use several GBs for phones, internet and laptop.
Hey so i'm going to costa rica where there is no wi-fi. So you're suggesting I purchase the sim card once I land in costa rica? As opposed to getting one now here in canada and putting it in?
No sorry, Mint won't work outside the USA. I'm only using Mint Mobile as an example in this video. You'll need to buy a local SIM card in SE Asia. They are typically super cheap.
Purchase a SIM card in Italy and install it there, unless you buy an international SIM card on the internet like I have linked in the description of this video
When you put in a postal code, do you use your own or where you are travelling to. I live in Canada, going to uk. Also can I use an older phone that is working instead of my new one.
Very helpful but wondering about changing numbers - traveling to Costa Rica for a month, how will I receive calls/texts if I change the number? What are the cons of keeping my same number? Thanks!
Where a u get the SIM card if I’m from USA and whant to travel to Paris but I what to get my service before my plane take off and I don’t have no more service?
Thanks for the video. I am from Canada and going to the USA in a few days. On Mint Mobile site, it says the $15 plan requires a 3-month commitment. Is that right?
My husband and I are traveling to Germany and Austria in 4 weeks and I'm really stressing out over how we're going have GPS capability. I need to purchase a new cell phone with more memory asap. Do you have any recommendations for companies that offer cheap plans and unlocked phones? Once we arrive in Munich it will be a national holiday so I don't know if we'll be able to find a place to purchase a SIM card. Any recommendations either that day or the next? Will most places charge the same amount? How much data should I purchase if we're mainly using my phone for google maps for 17 days? Is there something I need to do like put the phone on airplane mode so the data isn't wiped out too quickly or will that disable the GPS? I've heard you can download google maps ahead of time for offline use but then I guess that wouldn't show where there's traffic delays. This is all so foreign to me. Will I need to buy a different SIM card for the 3 days we're in Austria? Thanks for any help you can provide.
Before you go, do download offline maps for the areas in Germany that you'll be traveling to. This will save you on data usage. Traffic updates will require a data connection. You can turn on airplane mode if desired and enable GPS at the same time. Airports will charge you more for SIMs. Try to get one in town at a convenience store or supermarket. I can't see you using more than a couple gigabytes in 17 days. Not sure about different carriers in Germany and Austria, sorry, but you can try this international SIM tonyflo.com/OneSimCard
Hi Tony, I plan to travel to a few countries in Europe, do I need to buy a new sim card at each country upon arrival, or is there a multi-country sim available?
Hi Tony! I’m traveling to Vancouver canad for one week and think my best option is to buy a prepaid SIM card. Should I wait until I arrive to Vancouver? I see lots of viewers have asked about whether the iPhone needs to be unlocked or not. Answer is yes it needs to be unlocked. Question is how do I unlock it?? Thank you for your help. I’m totally new to all this information. 😊
to be safe... i just put my phone on airplane mode when i got on the plane.. i only turned it on when i was making a call home. i got the pay by day plan but those are very expensive i know there is a cheaper way by using a old phone and your Iphone where there is apps like signal and whats up where you dont have to use data because of wifi.
@@TonyFlorida can you advise me on a US local prepaid sim that would also work in the United Kingdom. I just need US prepaid sim that would allow me to receive calls and texts from the US in the UK.
I am travelling to the United States from Canada. I’m thinking of ordering an AT&T prepaid card and having it sent to me in Canada so I don’t have to fool around once I get to the US to find a AT&T store. When you were setting up your Sim card you entered a postal code. Do you use the postal code of the city you’re in that you’re travelling to or do you use the postal code of your home?
Good question. There were many times when I wasn't asked for my zip code/address when purchasing abroad. Australia might have asked me for my address... if they did I answered honestly and gave it back home
@@TonyFlorida awesome thanks and are you aware if Vodafone works for England, Azores and Madeira by chance? I am planning on going to those three places over 10 days in February
I'm going to Jamaica 🇯🇲 in a couple weeks I'm assuming the same rules apply. Get the sim card from there and insert then use it and I should be able to talk and use prepaid data over there.. is that correct??
If it works for your situation, I recommend you get a prepaid when you arrive at your destination. Preferably not at the airport because you will probably pay more for it there. But depending on where you go it could be at a phone store or a market. This is what I've always done on my travels. Another option is to buy a prepaid SIM online. Although I've never done this, I've heard good things. Here is an option on Amazon: amzn.to/2T43u6w. If you go this route, just make sure your phone is compatible here www.onesimcard.com/cell-phone-compatibility/
Hi Tony, My plan is to purchase the Mint 4G 3 month card today and Installing the card when I get to Heathrow. I assume that there is a website I can use at Heathrow to call Mint to register my phone. Alternatively, should I change over before I travel? I have a Galaxy s7, an older phone and believe I have to take out my Verison card and replace it with the Mint card. Would appreciate your advise. Thanks, John
Hey there, thank you for this great tip....im from Canada, when i was in LA, USA, i bought a hotspot with AT&T so i can use it for internet - Uber, Facebook, Google Maps, etc instead of using my international roaming, which serves me well... Now, i will be visiting Salzburg, Austria for a week in December 2021, i just need to buy a prepaid SIM card and use it for Internet Connections right?
Thx Tony. Does it make a difference if I activate in the US or in France? How do I get it to provide a local France # since my host needs a local number to text or call me?
Does this work with an unlocked prepaid phone ? I’m traveling to El Salvador and when I come back to the US if I put the t mobile SIM card back will my phone work fine or do I need to go to the store ? Please answer😭
Is a dual SIM card phone required or is it just a matter of removing your normal sim and replacing it with the temporary one? Also, why do you suggest getting a new number? TIA
Replacing your existing SIM is sufficient. If it's a long-term trip, then keeping your existing number makes sense. Otherwise, a temporary number is fine
If you opt for a new number during set up, do you know if I'll need to create a new entry in what's app? I created a group chat so I could keep people at home updated on my trip.
So theoretically speaking if I purchase a phone through straight talk can I use any brand prepaid sim (like AT&T/mint) or do I have to buy a straight talk prepaid Sim?
hello i travelled to the uk from canada last year they charged me 15 bucks a day!,,, just to call home and check up on mom i think my monthly bill when i returned was 96 dollars extra on top of my monthy bill... so the question is... if i use whats up app to call mom where she would be using my internet (@ home) and a extra phone i have I would be using my girlfriends internet and my cell phone the uk... i wouldnt need data? would I? all i would need is the service number to call the phone am i correct?
Hey, TF, love your SIM card/traveling explanations. I have a Mint Mobile phone in the U,S. and am traveling to Australia in October. I know I can buy gigs from Mint for international travel. I'm wondering if I can buy a Mint Mobile SIM card on arrival in Sydney.
Excellent video for a non techy! We are traveling from Canada to USA for about 5 months. Is this still the best way to go? We would like to keep our Canadian numbers. Does that cost us anymore? Which USA sims card would you suggest? Thanks!!
Great review thanks!...worked eventually...BUT...Verizon made my old Verizon Samsung Galaxy S7 phone a 2 hour long process to get it to work correctly...an alert..."SIM Card is not from Verizon Wireless" kept popping up and blocked mobile data and the internet connection.. apparently this is a common problem with verizon phones...they delete any other network except verizon... but you gotta get a smart Mint Customer Service Rep...the first one i called blamed everything on Verizon...who in turn blamed everything on Verizon...round and round we go... phone and text worked ,,,just no internet...no google maps...no browser chrome... called Verizon customer service ...1st hour long process...and had them unlock the phone remotely... then called Mint ...2nd hour...and the agent had to walk me through the process of adding a network...t-mobile...lots of data entry....on my part...many opportunities to screw something up... settings>mobile networks>access point names>ADD>Name>APN>MMSC>MMP>APNType>APNProtocol....etc finallly worked in the end...very happy with it as an emergency phone thanks for recommending this!...smiley face
Thank you Tony for the helpful content! Just a quick question. I'm traveling to Iceland. Verizon is my carrier. I don't want to automatically start an international plan with them. So I pick up my Sim card at the airport. To activate it do you just use the airport wifi? Thx so much.....
@Tony Florida can you advise me on a US local prepaid sim that would also work in the United Kingdom. I just need US prepaid sim that would allow me to receive calls and texts from the US in UK.
Can you explain to me texting from the prepaid back to a us number? Does it cost more or use more data? Planning a trip and wanting to know if keeping in touch with friends and family is difficult with prepaid new number.
Texting from a foreign prepaid SIM back to the US is typically going to either be blocked or cost extra (execpt for some plans in Mexico or Canada). Where are you going?
so....my go-to place is Belize and I've been paying the $20 per mo for at&t international calling but am switching to Consumer Cellular bc I'm tired of being ripped off....they don't have any intern'l service so when I travel, do I have to buy the card in Belize and install there?
That is correct... buy a local SIM card in Belize and install it in your phone when you arrive. From my experience, stay away from buying the SIM card in the airport (if that's even an option) and buy it in town somewhere.
I have a few questions, 1. Does prepaid mean pay as you go? (Free until you use it, cost is per minutes used)? 2. Can this be used overseas? 3. What phones does this work with? (I plan to use this with a flip phone, so I have a spare travel/emergency phone)
Mint can only be used in the United States. I am only using Mint in this video as an example of what to expect overseas. Prepaid does not mean pay as you go. With prepaid, you get a certain number of minutes and data that you can use per month. When you exceed this limit, your service will stop working unless you purchase more. Mint specifically works with unlocked phone. You can check compatibility here www.mintmobile.com/byop/
Your best bet is to buy a local SIM card when you get there. I'm not familiar with the carrier brands in Ireland, but you shouldn't have issue getting one on arrival. Just don't buy it at the airport.
Hi Tony, I am planning to come to USA (Arizona Tempe) for my master's studies in few months. I just wanted to know that If I get a Lyca sim from amazon and can I use this in Arizona with my mobile phone brought from India. I heard that my phone might not work in US frequency band. Can you enlighten me mate ? Thanks in advance!. Hope you will answer.
@@TonyFlorida Thanks mate. I see that my brand is not compatible with 4G LTE whereas it is compatible with 3G and 2G. Will that be enough to make calls in USA for 1 month till I change my phone and SIM ?
@@hariprasanth6308 I'm not sure about 2G, but you should be able to make basic phone calls over 3G with no problem. Most areas in the US except very rural areas will have at least 3G coverage
@@TonyFlorida thanks. Jumping topic....i was lured into tmobile, thought magenta plus plan for 50 was great.....find out its for 4 lines....who the f needs 4 lines...and their data abroad is slow crap anyway, t mobile gets the Decepive advertising award for the week. Maybe i'll grow 4 heads.
Thank you for your helpful video on this issue of local sim card for international travel. Can I buy that Mint prepaid sim card and insert it in a cell phone that I bought recently, and that I am sending to my relative abroad as a gift? Is the Mint mobile sim card really prepaid and is not bought with a plan tied to my credit that I purchase the sim card with? I would like to know if the prepaid sim card simply loses value after the credit runs out. In other words, I don't want my credit card to be charged for additional fees if my relative wants to make additional calls using that sim card if it is tied to my credit card after it initially runs out of credit. Can I buy that Mint mobile prepaid sim card here in the United States? Please advise.
I think you mostly understand how the SIM cards work, but I want to be clear that Mint will only work in the US. I am just using it as an example for SIM cards in general when you travel outside of the US. The card is indeed prepaid and when your data/minutes run out, so unless you authorize additional charges through your online account, you won't be billed again after the initial purchase.
@@TonyFlorida But what is one of the prepaid card that would work in Namibia, a country that uses GMS. Without success,I have been searching on the Internet the whole week and this weekend to find such a prepaid sim card that works in Namibia and South Africa.
@@FKtdyvan I'm not sure, but I would recommend that you buy a SIM card locally in Namibia to ensure it will work. Something like this maybe www.amazon.com/OneSimCard-Prepaid-International-Countries-credit/dp/B002ZJ5EDC
Tony my name is tony as well. For voice network did you guys. Get voice over lte , when they shut down the 3G in the united States. Canada won't shutdown 3G until December 31 2025
Hi Tony! I'm moving to Spain to keep working remotely in my own business. Flight is in 3 weeks, so trying to sort this out in advance. I really need to keep my # for my customers, websites, etc. I tried skype #, didn't work well... so I've followed your previous video and ported my US # to google voice. Once in Spain, I plan to get like a good local phone service contract, not a prepaid sim which I'll need to charge all the time. Here you talk about prepaid sim cards, but do you know if my current iphone device is already unlocked; if I can insert my future European contract sim card inside and with that data I'll have, being able to access to my ported US # through the google voice app? I've spent so many hours this week making calls, looking at videos and trying to make this work! I appreciate your help very much. Ana
Hi Ana. Your understanding is correct. With a cellular connection in Spain, you will be able to make/ recieve calls and texts as normal with the Google Voice app on your phone. Let me know if you have any other questions. That aside, what part of Spain? That's so exciting! Good luck!
@@TonyFlorida thanks. waiting for the 24 hrs to kick in and see how it'd work. We're moving a few miles west of Santander. Skiing and surfing available, great seafood, cliffs and beautiful culture. I'm very excited.
@@TonyFlorida So, if the prepaid card is given to someone as a gift and who then use up the calling credit on it, then, that person cannot keep making calls on that sim card and get the fees charged to the credit card that someone used to purchase the sim card as a gift?
@@FKtdyvan you can virtually reload some prepaid sims online, but that requires access to your account, so unless you share your account details with the recipient of the gift then it's unlikely that they will be able to add additional charges to the credit card
Hi Tony Just need to know if use Mint overseas it will works or not, and also i have an iphone device not android, can you help me with your cell phone number so i can communicate with you Thanks in advance
Great travel advice. We always use prepaid sim card when we travel to Asia. Saves us money.
Yeah for sure, it's the way to go
Will do this method next time. I was overseas and paid over $130 with Verizon for 3 weeks for 2G of data. I also went over and were charged extra..!!!!
This is the most helpful information, especially in your response in the comments, that I have found regarding prepaid sim cards. I, too, was confused about whether they were "pay as you go", or use for a certain amount of time as well as the question about what happens when the minutes ran out. Thanks very much.
You're very welcome 😊
Hi Tony, does your phone have to be unlocked in order for your sim to be enabled?
Yes, you'll most likely need an unlocked phone
Thank you for the detailed info and how to put it in! What is the best SIM card company to use, what size for a 3 week trip, and this might be a stupid question but do I need different SIM cards for different countries?
It really depends on which countries you go to. In most cases in my experience you'll need a different SIM card for different countries. I always suggest to buy a local SIM card at your destination.
This is an old comment but is all of this information still accurate?
Amazing video Thank You
Glad you enjoyed it
Tx for the simple a good instructions
Thanks, I'm going the other way. I'm coming from Europe and want to continue using my phone there. I' trust it works for me.
Yes, this will work for you
@@TonyFlorida Thanks
I have a portable wifi device that allows for SIM insertion. My wife and I are traveling to St. Martin in March. Should I just wait to buy a local cell service SIM card when I arrive? I will only be there 1 week but use several GBs for phones, internet and laptop.
Dear nice video
I am cto NYC for 16 days.
Which prepaid sim should i buy and also tell me its price and its specification
Hey so i'm going to costa rica where there is no wi-fi. So you're suggesting I purchase the sim card once I land in costa rica? As opposed to getting one now here in canada and putting it in?
Between US Mobile and Mint Mobile prepaid sim cards, which one do you think is best to use in Asia or anywhere outside the 🇺🇲
Very helpful. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
What about when it comes to a 4G LTE USB modem dongle that takes SIM cards? Would this plan still work?
I actually have Mint mobile pre-paid! I'm going to SE Asia soon and you're telling me my phone will still work? 😁
No sorry, Mint won't work outside the USA. I'm only using Mint Mobile as an example in this video. You'll need to buy a local SIM card in SE Asia. They are typically super cheap.
Thank you for your video is has been very useful. Quick question will the Mint mobile card work in the Caribbean? Specifically Anquilla?
No, Mint will only work in the US
How did you get the SIM card ? Did you pay the 3 months?
I have 4 of us going to Italy. When do we install the SIM card? Before we leave? On plane? When we get to Italy?
Purchase a SIM card in Italy and install it there, unless you buy an international SIM card on the internet like I have linked in the description of this video
would this work for GSM inactive phone in South Africa ? Going there in a few months from NY. Thanks.
Going to spain. Can i buy a SIM card and insert it in my cellular ipad to have data service?
Can you switch back before you return
Thank you Tony! Great video!
Does this work in southern India?
Not Mint Mobile, but a similar prepaid card would
I don’t have a us number can I still purchase this prepaid SIM card and use ?
When you put in a postal code, do you use your own or where you are travelling to. I live in Canada, going to uk. Also can I use an older phone that is working instead of my new one.
Will be in the us in June 2023. What will it cost to get a decent service for two weeks?
Very helpful but wondering about changing numbers - traveling to Costa Rica for a month, how will I receive calls/texts if I change the number? What are the cons of keeping my same number? Thanks!
Do we need any documents to purchase and activate the sim card
Hi thanks for this wonderful video I’m about traveling to Africa can I use this and I’m going for about a month,what do you recommend please
I have no experience with African SIMs, but I'm sure you can find one on arrival
Where a u get the SIM card if I’m from USA and whant to travel to Paris but I what to get my service before my plane take off and I don’t have no more service?
This should work for you tonyflo.com/OneSimCard
Tony, I am going to Boznia and Salzburg on June. Can I buy the Mint SIM cards in the US and use them In Boznia?
Thanks for the video. I am from Canada and going to the USA in a few days. On Mint Mobile site, it says the $15 plan requires a 3-month commitment. Is that right?
That seems to be the case
The other option was visible but but they don’t ship to canada. And they are only online and ship fedex overnight
My husband and I are traveling to Germany and Austria in 4 weeks and I'm really stressing out over how we're going have GPS capability. I need to purchase a new cell phone with more memory asap. Do you have any recommendations for companies that offer cheap plans and unlocked phones? Once we arrive in Munich it will be a national holiday so I don't know if we'll be able to find a place to purchase a SIM card. Any recommendations either that day or the next? Will most places charge the same amount? How much data should I purchase if we're mainly using my phone for google maps for 17 days? Is there something I need to do like put the phone on airplane mode so the data isn't wiped out too quickly or will that disable the GPS? I've heard you can download google maps ahead of time for offline use but then I guess that wouldn't show where there's traffic delays. This is all so foreign to me. Will I need to buy a different SIM card for the 3 days we're in Austria? Thanks for any help you can provide.
Before you go, do download offline maps for the areas in Germany that you'll be traveling to. This will save you on data usage. Traffic updates will require a data connection. You can turn on airplane mode if desired and enable GPS at the same time. Airports will charge you more for SIMs. Try to get one in town at a convenience store or supermarket. I can't see you using more than a couple gigabytes in 17 days. Not sure about different carriers in Germany and Austria, sorry, but you can try this international SIM tonyflo.com/OneSimCard
Hi Tony, I plan to travel to a few countries in Europe, do I need to buy a new sim card at each country upon arrival, or is there a multi-country sim available?
I believe Europe has SIMs that work between countries, but I don't have any details on carriers
Hi Tony! I’m traveling to Vancouver canad for one week and think my best option is to buy a prepaid SIM card. Should I wait until I arrive to Vancouver? I see lots of viewers have asked about whether the iPhone needs to be unlocked or not. Answer is yes it needs to be unlocked. Question is how do I unlock it?? Thank you for your help. I’m totally new to all this information. 😊
to be safe... i just put my phone on airplane mode when i got on the plane.. i only turned it on when i was making a call home. i got the pay by day plan but those are very expensive i know there is a cheaper way by using a old phone and your Iphone where there is apps like signal and whats up where you dont have to use data because of wifi.
Thank you, that was useful. Is it a must to deactivate the other sim card?
Not at all
@@TonyFlorida can you advise me on a US local prepaid sim that would also work in the United Kingdom. I just need US prepaid sim that would allow me to receive calls and texts from the US in the UK.
I am travelling to the United States from Canada. I’m thinking of ordering an AT&T prepaid card and having it sent to me in Canada so I don’t have to fool around once I get to the US to find a AT&T store.
When you were setting up your Sim card you entered a postal code.
Do you use the postal code of the city you’re in that you’re travelling to or do you use the postal code of your home?
Tony , can I use this to get service in Belize?
what zip code do you use the one where you are in the new country or your home zip code? Thanks very informative!
Good question. There were many times when I wasn't asked for my zip code/address when purchasing abroad. Australia might have asked me for my address... if they did I answered honestly and gave it back home
@@TonyFlorida awesome thanks and are you aware if Vodafone works for England, Azores and Madeira by chance? I am planning on going to those three places over 10 days in February
which is the best prepaid sim card to buy for 21 days trip to the USA
Mint Mobile is a good option
Does my new iPhone 12 Pro needs to be unlock? or can be used locked with Europe SIM card?
Yes, you'll need an unlocked phone
I am planning to travel in Berlin and italy...i currently use mint in US...how can i use that europe? Any advice
Not possible, you'll need a local Italian and/or German SIM card
I'm going to Jamaica 🇯🇲 in a couple weeks I'm assuming the same rules apply. Get the sim card from there and insert then use it and I should be able to talk and use prepaid data over there.. is that correct??
Yes that's correct
How much data does it give you? Thanks!
Depends on which plan you choose
Hey Tony, I'm travelling to the US next week. Where can I buy this mint prepaid sim? Thanks!
You can buy online or at Target or Best Buy
Please tell me if you know anything about using the prepaid sim card in Africa?
I don't, but in general, you should be able to pick one up on arrival
Where do you buy a prepaid card? A cell phone store? Can you buy them ahead of time at home before you leave? Thanks!
If it works for your situation, I recommend you get a prepaid when you arrive at your destination. Preferably not at the airport because you will probably pay more for it there. But depending on where you go it could be at a phone store or a market. This is what I've always done on my travels.
Another option is to buy a prepaid SIM online. Although I've never done this, I've heard good things. Here is an option on Amazon: amzn.to/2T43u6w. If you go this route, just make sure your phone is compatible here www.onesimcard.com/cell-phone-compatibility/
Hi Tony, My plan is to purchase the Mint 4G 3 month card today and Installing the card when I get to Heathrow. I assume that there is a website I can use at Heathrow to call Mint to register my phone. Alternatively, should I change over before I travel? I have a Galaxy s7, an older phone and believe I have to take out my Verison card and replace it with the Mint card. Would appreciate your advise. Thanks, John
Hi John. Please note that Mint will only work in the US. You'll need to buy a local SIM card at your destination
Thanks so much for this video! I’m travelling to Canada next month, do you know if this Mint Mobile sim will work in Canada? Thanks so much!
I don't think Mint Mobile works in canada
where does the coverage work through? does it work in the islands?
Depends on which plan you get. I doesn't look like One SimCard is supported in the Caribbean tonyflo.com/OneSimCard
There is an island hopper SIM card that works in the Caribbean!
Hey there, thank you for this great tip....im from Canada, when i was in LA, USA, i bought a hotspot with AT&T so i can use it for internet - Uber, Facebook, Google Maps, etc instead of using my international roaming, which serves me well...
Now, i will be visiting Salzburg, Austria for a week in December 2021, i just need to buy a prepaid SIM card and use it for Internet Connections right?
Yea that should work just fine
Does mint mobile works in a different country or do you mean buy a card in the country you want to go to
edit..nvmmm read the description
Thx Tony. Does it make a difference if I activate in the US or in France? How do I get it to provide a local France # since my host needs a local number to text or call me?
You will need to purchase a SIM card in France in order to get a French phone number.
Will this work in italy?
Does this work with an unlocked prepaid phone ? I’m traveling to El Salvador and when I come back to the US if I put the t mobile SIM card back will my phone work fine or do I need to go to the store ? Please answer😭
Si esta desbloqueado si tiene que servir porque ahí dice en la página de ellos
@@ericasanchez6639 gracias!!!!!
Yes, it should work in your situation
Is a dual SIM card phone required or is it just a matter of removing your normal sim and replacing it with the temporary one? Also, why do you suggest getting a new number? TIA
Replacing your existing SIM is sufficient. If it's a long-term trip, then keeping your existing number makes sense. Otherwise, a temporary number is fine
@@TonyFlorida Thanks!
If you opt for a new number during set up, do you know if I'll need to create a new entry in what's app? I created a group chat so I could keep people at home updated on my trip.
You can still sign in with you old Whatsapp # I believe
Does the phone have to be unlocked or anything like that... Does any of that matter
Yes, you'll need an unlocked phone
Can you use local calls for those sim call?
So theoretically speaking if I purchase a phone through straight talk can I use any brand prepaid sim (like AT&T/mint) or do I have to buy a straight talk prepaid Sim?
I'm not sure about straight talk's phones
You need to buy an unlocked GSM phone
if i use the local sim card, if someone calls my regular number what happens? do i need to alert my contacts that im using a different number?
Unless you port your number over, you will get a new number which you'll have to let your contacts know of
hello i travelled to the uk from canada last year they charged me 15 bucks a day!,,, just to call home and check up on mom i think my monthly bill when i returned was 96 dollars extra on top of my monthy bill... so the question is... if i use whats up app to call mom where she would be using my internet (@ home) and a extra phone i have
I would be using my girlfriends internet and my cell phone the uk... i wouldnt need data? would I? all i would need is the service number to call the phone am i correct?
Hey, TF, love your SIM card/traveling explanations. I have a Mint Mobile phone in the U,S. and am traveling to Australia in October. I know I can buy gigs from Mint for international travel. I'm wondering if I can buy a Mint Mobile SIM card on arrival in Sydney.
Yes. I got a Telstra prepaid SIM on arrival when I was in Australia www.telstra.com.au/mobile-phones/prepaid-mobiles/offers-and-rates
Excellent video for a non techy! We are traveling from Canada to USA for about 5 months. Is this still the best way to go? We would like to keep our Canadian numbers. Does that cost us anymore? Which USA sims card would you suggest? Thanks!!
I think Tello is exactly what you're looking for tonytravels.com/Tello. I've personally used them in the past, and they are really affordable
Great review thanks!...worked eventually...BUT...Verizon made my old Verizon Samsung Galaxy S7 phone a 2 hour long process to get it to work correctly...an alert..."SIM Card is not from Verizon Wireless" kept popping up and blocked mobile data and the internet connection..
apparently this is a common problem with verizon phones...they delete any other network except verizon... but you gotta get a smart Mint Customer Service Rep...the first one i called blamed everything on Verizon...who in turn blamed everything on Verizon...round and round we go...
phone and text worked ,,,just no internet...no google maps...no browser chrome...
called Verizon customer service ...1st hour long process...and had them unlock the phone remotely...
then called Mint ...2nd hour...and the agent had to walk me through the process of adding a network...t-mobile...lots of data entry....on my part...many opportunities to screw something up...
settings>mobile networks>access point names>ADD>Name>APN>MMSC>MMP>APNType>APNProtocol....etc
finallly worked in the end...very happy with it as an emergency phone
thanks for recommending this!...smiley face
Happy you finally figured it out. Thanks for sharing... may be helpful for others
So can you bring that phone and service from the other country back to the us and will it work if so would your pricing every month still be the same?
For the most part, the SIM card will only work within the country that you buy it from.
Thank you Tony for the helpful content! Just a quick question. I'm traveling to Iceland. Verizon is my carrier. I don't want to automatically start an international plan with them. So I pick up my Sim card at the airport. To activate it do you just use the airport wifi? Thx so much.....
Yep, you got it. Enjoy!
@Tony Florida can you advise me on a US local prepaid sim that would also work in the United Kingdom. I just need US prepaid sim that would allow me to receive calls and texts from the US in UK.
Google Fi would probably be your best bet
Can you explain to me texting from the prepaid back to a us number? Does it cost more or use more data? Planning a trip and wanting to know if keeping in touch with friends and family is difficult with prepaid new number.
Texting from a foreign prepaid SIM back to the US is typically going to either be blocked or cost extra (execpt for some plans in Mexico or Canada). Where are you going?
Hi Tony! will my uber app work fine if i buy and use a local prepaid sim card abroad?
Yes
Very informative 🙏🏾🙏🏾
Thank you 🙌
Will this work with an Unlocked 🔓 phone 📱?
where do I purchase a SIM card for United States?
Mint Mobile 👉 mint-mobile.58dp.net/jWyg30
Tello 👉 tonytravels.com/Tello
Do I buy this SIM card when I arrive in the USA from Canada or do I order it from Mint or Tony travels before?
so....my go-to place is Belize and I've been paying the $20 per mo for at&t international calling but am switching to Consumer Cellular bc I'm tired of being ripped off....they don't have any intern'l service so when I travel, do I have to buy the card in Belize and install there?
That is correct... buy a local SIM card in Belize and install it in your phone when you arrive. From my experience, stay away from buying the SIM card in the airport (if that's even an option) and buy it in town somewhere.
Tony Florida thanks- I’ll see if I have any more questions and come to you for answers- if I do!
Im chatr mobile getting between 3G and 4G speed
I have a few questions, 1. Does prepaid mean pay as you go? (Free until you use it, cost is per minutes used)? 2. Can this be used overseas?
3. What phones does this work with? (I plan to use this with a flip phone, so I have a spare travel/emergency phone)
Mint can only be used in the United States. I am only using Mint in this video as an example of what to expect overseas.
Prepaid does not mean pay as you go. With prepaid, you get a certain number of minutes and data that you can use per month. When you exceed this limit, your service will stop working unless you purchase more.
Mint specifically works with unlocked phone. You can check compatibility here www.mintmobile.com/byop/
@@TonyFlorida thanks alot for clearing that up!
@@TonyFlorida then why does your video say about foreign/overseas.. it’s similar but what is the cheapest way overseas
Will I still get my emails from my home country?
How many Gigabytes per 5 dollar in 30 days?
Thank you in advance 🖐️
Depends on what plan you choose
Hi Tony I am leaving Florida moving to Ireland What Sim card do you recommend when I am in Ireland?
Is it cheaper to use penny talk
Thanks
Your best bet is to buy a local SIM card when you get there. I'm not familiar with the carrier brands in Ireland, but you shouldn't have issue getting one on arrival. Just don't buy it at the airport.
@@TonyFlorida Thank you I found one on Amazon that was the mint I hope it works so when I get in I don't have to deal with trying to find one
@@TonyFlorida oh why is getting it in the airport bad?
Hi Tony,
I am planning to come to USA (Arizona Tempe) for my master's studies in few months. I just wanted to know that If I get a Lyca sim from amazon and can I use this in Arizona with my mobile phone brought from India. I heard that my phone might not work in US frequency band. Can you enlighten me mate ?
Thanks in advance!. Hope you will answer.
I would check on Lyca's website to see if your phone is compatible www.lycamobile.us/en/check-phone-compatible-lycamobile/
@@TonyFlorida Thanks mate. I see that my brand is not compatible with 4G LTE whereas it is compatible with 3G and 2G. Will that be enough to make calls in USA for 1 month till I change my phone and SIM ?
@@hariprasanth6308 I'm not sure about 2G, but you should be able to make basic phone calls over 3G with no problem. Most areas in the US except very rural areas will have at least 3G coverage
@@TonyFlorida Thank you so much for your valuable advise and quick response.
Which zip code do you use, your travel location or home address, thanks
It depends. If it asks you for a local address, I'll use my hostel or Airbnb address. Otherwise I'll use my home address 😊
@@TonyFlorida thanks. Jumping topic....i was lured into tmobile, thought magenta plus plan for 50 was great.....find out its for 4 lines....who the f needs 4 lines...and their data abroad is slow crap anyway, t mobile gets the Decepive advertising award for the week. Maybe i'll grow 4 heads.
@@gasbike100mpg 😂
How long is the number last?
Where can I get the prepaid sims
Many convenience stores, airports, Walmart if you're in the US
Thank you for your helpful video on this issue of local sim card for international travel. Can I buy that Mint prepaid sim card and insert it in a cell phone that I bought recently, and that I am sending to my relative abroad as a gift? Is the Mint mobile sim card really prepaid and is not bought with a plan tied to my credit that I purchase the sim card with? I would like to know if the prepaid sim card simply loses value after the credit runs out. In other words, I don't want my credit card to be charged for additional fees if my relative wants to make additional calls using that sim card if it is tied to my credit card after it initially runs out of credit. Can I buy that Mint mobile prepaid sim card here in the United States? Please advise.
I think you mostly understand how the SIM cards work, but I want to be clear that Mint will only work in the US. I am just using it as an example for SIM cards in general when you travel outside of the US.
The card is indeed prepaid and when your data/minutes run out, so unless you authorize additional charges through your online account, you won't be billed again after the initial purchase.
@@TonyFlorida But what is one of the prepaid card that would work in Namibia, a country that uses GMS. Without success,I have been searching on the Internet the whole week and this weekend to find such a prepaid sim card that works in Namibia and South Africa.
@@FKtdyvan I'm not sure, but I would recommend that you buy a SIM card locally in Namibia to ensure it will work. Something like this maybe www.amazon.com/OneSimCard-Prepaid-International-Countries-credit/dp/B002ZJ5EDC
Tony my name is tony as well. For voice network did you guys. Get voice over lte , when they shut down the 3G in the united States. Canada won't shutdown 3G until December 31 2025
Does it give you a new number?
Yes, you have the option of getting a new phone number with a SIM card
The traveling Sim card have to be unlock phone
I believe so
Can I use this to make a new tinder account? With the new number?
Yeah definitely
Hi Tony! I'm moving to Spain to keep working remotely in my own business. Flight is in 3 weeks, so trying to sort this out in advance. I really need to keep my # for my customers, websites, etc. I tried skype #, didn't work well... so I've followed your previous video and ported my US # to google voice. Once in Spain, I plan to get like a good local phone service contract, not a prepaid sim which I'll need to charge all the time. Here you talk about prepaid sim cards, but do you know if my current iphone device is already unlocked; if I can insert my future European contract sim card inside and with that data I'll have, being able to access to my ported US # through the google voice app? I've spent so many hours this week making calls, looking at videos and trying to make this work! I appreciate your help very much. Ana
also, I wonder about SMS. DO you know if google voice would allow me to receive SMS from my different softwares, quickbooks, bank, etc?
Hi Ana. Your understanding is correct. With a cellular connection in Spain, you will be able to make/ recieve calls and texts as normal with the Google Voice app on your phone.
Let me know if you have any other questions. That aside, what part of Spain? That's so exciting! Good luck!
@@TonyFlorida thanks. waiting for the 24 hrs to kick in and see how it'd work. We're moving a few miles west of Santander. Skiing and surfing available, great seafood, cliffs and beautiful culture. I'm very excited.
Too fast when you click on get off on wifi here.
Great
Because it is a prepaid SIM card there are no charges after bought right? I’m very confused on how this works
That's right. You buy a prepaid card for a fixed amount which gives you a certain amount of data and minutes for a certain period of time
@@TonyFlorida So, if the prepaid card is given to someone as a gift and who then use up the calling credit on it, then, that person cannot keep making calls on that sim card and get the fees charged to the credit card that someone used to purchase the sim card as a gift?
@@FKtdyvan you can virtually reload some prepaid sims online, but that requires access to your account, so unless you share your account details with the recipient of the gift then it's unlikely that they will be able to add additional charges to the credit card
Does it work with locked phone or only unlocked?
Unfortunately a locked phone is typically restricted to a single network.
Looks like you used your cell phone as a Frisbee...
LOL you're right ;)
Hi Tony
Just need to know if use Mint overseas it will works or not, and also i have an iphone device not android, can you help me with your cell phone number so i can communicate with you
Thanks in advance
What about when it comes to a 4G LTE USB modem dongle that takes SIM cards? Would this plan still work?