Guide to Phone Plans Abroad

If you have a modern smartphone, the easiest way to get data is via an eSIM.

• Buy Before You Fly: You can download an eSIM profile using apps like Airalo or Nomad while still at home on Wi-Fi. It will activate the moment your plane lands.
• Data Only: Most travel eSIMs provide data only, not a local phone number. They are perfect for using WhatsApp, Google Maps, and Uber during your first week.

Once you settle in, you should transition to a local phone plan. Travel eSIMs are too expensive for long-term use, and you will eventually need a local phone number to register for a bank account or sign a lease.

Important: Ensure your phone is "unlocked" from your home carrier before you leave, otherwise it will reject foreign SIM cards.

Don't just cancel your home phone plan! You will still need your old number to receive two-factor authentication (2FA) text messages from your home country banks.

• Port to Google Voice: (US only). For a one-time $20 fee, you can port your number to Google Voice. You will then receive all calls and texts over Wi-Fi or local data for free.
• Cheap Pre-Paid Plans: Port your number to the cheapest possible pre-paid plan (e.g., Ultra Mobile PayGo at $3/month) and turn on Wi-Fi Calling. As long as you are connected to Wi-Fi, you can receive SMS codes globally for free.

Unlocking your phone and setting up an eSIM are crucial tasks for Phase 3 of your Moving Abroad Checklist.

Having a functioning phone is the foundation of your First Month Abroad, allowing you to easily set up your International Banking.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card that allows you to activate a cellular plan without having to use a physical nano-SIM. You can buy them through apps like Airalo or Holafly before you travel.

How can I keep my home phone number?

You can port your home phone number to a Voice over IP (VoIP) service like Google Voice, Skype, or a cheap pre-paid plan with Wi-Fi calling. This allows you to receive bank SMS codes without paying high international roaming fees.

Should I get a local SIM card?

Yes. While travel eSIMs are great for your first week, a local plan is almost always cheaper for long-term data and gives you a local phone number, which is necessary for food delivery, banking, and government registration.