How to Use Your Cell Phone Internationally | AT&T (2024)

When am I charged for AT&T International Day pass?

The first time you use your data, send a text, or make or accept a phone call, is when AT&T International Day Pass kicks in and you’ll be charged a daily fee. Keep in mind that you might have apps that use data in the background, so be sure to turn off cellular data or go to airplane mode if you don’t want to risk being charged.

Daily fees are calculated and applied to your bill at the end of your bill period. After ten daily fees per bill period on a given line, you can continue to use that line through the end of the bill period for no additional charge.

By paying $12 per day, your phone will work as if you were using it at home. That coverage includes access to your data* so you won’t need to search around for Wi-Fi hotspots while traveling abroad. You’ll also get texting to the world, calls to the U.S., and calls to the 210+ destinations. You’ll be able to use it fully without incurring any other charges beyond the ten days per line, per bill.

*When added to your unlimited plan. Coverage and data speed vary by destination and may be changed

Do I have to opt in daily to use AT&TInternational Day Pass once I add it to my device?

No, you don’t have to opt-in daily. Your AT&T International Day Pass starts automatically when you use data, talk, or send a text in an included destination if you don’t optout.

Can I use AT&T International Day Pass on a cruise ship?

No, only AT&T Cruise packages include usage on eligible cruise ships while at sea. Review ships and package options. Good to know: If your cruise takes you to an International Day Pass destination, one can be added to cover your usage in port and onshore. Learn more about Cruise phone packages

Do I need to remove International Day Pass after my trip ends?

No need to remove International Day Pass once you return home. International Day Pass will remain dormant on your wireless plan, and you won’t be charged while in the U.S. You’ll be ready to use your phone on your next overseas trip (so long as the destination is one of the 210+ supported by International Day Pass) and you won’t be charged for International Day Pass again until then.

What do I do if I have a service issue when I’m traveling abroad?

Most international service issues can be solved by turning your phone off for one minute and then back on. For trouble using data, confirm Data Roaming is turned on in your device Settings. If the issue persists, call AT&T international customer care at +1.314.925.6925 (this is a free call from your AT&T wireless phone).

When should I not use the International Day Pass?

While the AT&T International Day Pass offers a ton of value, it’s important to consider the daily fee and whether it’s appropriate for how you plan to use your phone. If you’re planning to stay in one of the 210+ foreign destinations covered by AT&T International Day Pass for an extended period, the $12 daily fee can add up. Remember, though, this $12 fee is capped, and after ten daily fees per line per bill, you can continue to use your phone through the end of the bill period at no additional charge.

However, in some cases, such as longer trips with light usage, it might be more economical to consider other options, for example, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card or opting for a dedicated international plan.

How to Use Your Cell Phone Internationally | AT&T (2024)

FAQs

How to Use Your Cell Phone Internationally | AT&T? ›

To turn on data roaming for international use, you'll need to go to your phone's settings and activate both voice and data roaming to access cellular coverage. What does “roaming” mean? Roaming allows you to make calls, send texts, and use wireless data even when you're outside of your domestic network's boundaries.

How to use your phone internationally? ›

If you plan to take your cellphone on your next trip abroad, here are tips to avoid racking up exorbitant international roaming charges:
  1. Buy a Local SIM Card. ...
  2. Unlock Your Phone. ...
  3. Buy or Rent a Mobile Phone. ...
  4. Add an International Travel Plan. ...
  5. Use Wi-Fi Only. ...
  6. Use Communication Apps Over Wi-Fi. ...
  7. Turn Off Cellular Data.

How to avoid cell phone charges when traveling internationally? ›

Even if you decide to get a local SIM card, these tips will help you out by saving data abroad.
  1. Turn off roaming. This stops cellular data use so you won't be paying extra for a plan you don't have. ...
  2. Stop apps from sucking your data in the background. ...
  3. Turn off automatic downloads. ...
  4. Track cellular usage.
Oct 3, 2019

Should I turn off cellular when traveling internationally? ›

Do: Turn Off Data Roaming. Before you get on that plane (or train) to leave the country, turn off both data roaming and cellular data on your phone. This will prevent your device from connecting to towers or networks along your journey, leading to pricey roaming charges from your carrier.

How do I set my phone to international roaming? ›

Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming. Toggle on/off to enable/disable roaming service for voice and data.

How do I get my phone to work overseas? ›

Do's for using your mobile overseas
  1. Check with your carrier. ...
  2. Enable Wi-Fi calling. ...
  3. Purchase a local travel SIM card. ...
  4. Download offline maps. ...
  5. Use messaging apps. ...
  6. Avoid roaming data. ...
  7. Don't ignore plane mode. ...
  8. Skip international plans.
Mar 15, 2024

What do I need to do to use my phone abroad? ›

Using mobile data while travelling abroad

Unless your provider allows free roaming (which may also be limited to certain destinations) you'll need to buy an international data roaming package before your holiday. If you don't, you may be charged per MB of data used and it can get expensive.

Do I get charged for receiving texts while abroad? ›

Most operators do not charge for receiving an SMS while roaming. The sender of the SMS also only pays the usual price as if the receiving customer were on their home network. Hence mobile operators bear the additional costs of handling the received roaming SMS without charging customers for it.

Do I get charged for receiving calls while abroad? ›

Re: Receiving mobile calls abroad

Hi @Ianchubb it doesn't cost you to receive a call and it won't activate the passport. If someone has helped give them a thumbs up.

Can I put my phone on airplane mode to avoid international charges? ›

Putting your phone on airplane mode stops all cellular activity, effectively preventing roaming charges. However, it also disconnects you from vital communications. For a balanced solution, eSIMs offer affordable international data, SMS, & calling.

How do I prepare my iPhone for international travel? ›

How to set your iPhone for international travel
  1. Your Primary SIM should be ON, with Data Roaming toggled OFF. ...
  2. Your eSIM should be ON, with Data Roaming toggled ON. ...
  3. Your eSIM should be your only data source. ...
  4. Your Default Voice Line should be your Primary SIM/phone number. ...
  5. Make sure iMessage can use email.

What is the best practice for traveling overseas with a mobile device? ›

Maintain positive physical control of devices at all times (Do not leave in hotel safe). Turn off unused wireless communications (e.g., Bluetooth®1, NFC, Wi-Fi). Disable GPS and location services (unless required). Do not connect to open Wi-Fi networks.

Will I get charged if cellular data is off? ›

If Cellular Data is off, all data services—including email, web browsing, and push notifications—use Wi-Fi only. If Cellular Data is on, carrier charges may apply. For example, using certain features and services that transfer data, such as Siri and Messages, could result in charges to your data plan.

How to use your phone internationally without charges? ›

You can set your phone to airplane mode before arriving at your destination and keep it there while traveling abroad so that your phone doesn't use data. You'll just have to manually connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth if you'd like to use these options while abroad.

Do I need to notify T-Mobile of travel? ›

Please note that International Passes will only work in 215+ Global countries (see T-Mobile List of Countries and Destinations). It is recommended that you notify us at least five business days before your travel so that we can work with T-Mobile to setup your plan.

What to turn off on iPhone when traveling internationally? ›

Turn off Data Roaming to prepare for a trip
  1. In the Settings app, tap Cellular or Cellular Data. Then: If your device has a single SIM card or eSIM, turn on Cellular Data, then tap Cellular Data Options. ...
  2. Turn off Data Roaming. 1,2
May 14, 2024

How can I use my phone number internationally? ›

Porting over your phone number to a VoIP telecommunications provider will do the trick. These services work overseas because they use the Internet as opposed to cell tower lines to make calls and send messages.

Can I use my cell phone on international flights? ›

If your plane has Wi-Fi, you are free to email, browse the web and use social media. It depends on the destination you're flying from and to. It's not permitted to call on domestic airlines, however many international airlines, in fact, though many only offer the service on select routes.

Do I need an international SIM card for my phone? ›

Can you use your regular SIM card for international travel? You can use your regular SIM card for international travel. However, you may face additional charges when using your phone abroad - and an international SIM provides extra functionality for travelers.

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