T-Mobile international data plans

T-Mobile is a wireless network provider that claims to have the largest nationwide 5G network in America. With its extensive network, it reaches more cities and towns in America compared with other telecommunications companies. Aside from its services within the country, T-Mobile is also known for its reliable international services.

T-Mobile allows travelers, digital nomads, and dispersed families to enjoy seamless connectivity abroad. To help you decide whether T-Mobile is the right provider for your needs, we’ve gathered the latest information on its international data plans and travel perks.

Fast facts

Before we explore what T-Mobile has to offer for borderless connectivity, here are some key facts about the company:

• Founded: 1994
• Headquarters: Bellevue, Washington
• Number of subscribers (in 2023): 119.7 million customers (postpaid and prepaid)¹
• 5G network coverage (in 2023): 330 million people²
• Core services: Telecom services, mobile wireless communications, high-speed internet
• Major competitors: AT&T, Verizon, DISH Network

In 2021, T-Mobile overtook AT&T in terms of US market share and has continued to maintain its high subscriber count. As of the first quarter of 2024, it holds 31.43% of the US wireless market³, ranking second only to Verizon. Its growth seems to be propelled by its customer-centric features, including:

• Data Stash (unused data are carried over month to month for up to one year)
• Wi-Fi Calling (no additional charges for making calls over Wi-Fi)
• Unlimited Streaming (streaming of videos and music from top platforms does not count toward data usage)
• Transparent Billing (no hidden fees, taxes, or surcharges) 
• No Contracts, No Data Overages (no lock-in periods and no charges for exceeding data limits)

T-Mobile’s international services: reliable connection across borders

T-Mobile was the first wireless network provider to waive high-speed data roaming charges. Through its “Mobile Without Borders” initiative, subscribers no longer need to pay extra when using data, talk, and text services while in Canada and Mexico.

Today, T-Mobile offers services in over 215 countries and destinations⁴. Any active T-Mobile phone will work across the globe without any need for complex setups. Moreover, T-Mobile users on qualifying plans enjoy free data roaming with no hidden charges.

Some of the features and benefits that come with a T-Mobile international plan are:

Free in-flight connection

T-Mobile international services include free in-flight connections on Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and other partner airlines. When you subscribe to any Go5G plan, you can stream videos, surf the net, and send unlimited texts during flights, for up to four full flights per year.

Low fees for unlimited international calls

Calls to the US, Mexico, and Canada are typically free of charge. In other countries, though, calls are charged $0.25 per minute⁵. If you anticipate being on the phone for hours, consider paying $15 per month to enjoy unlimited international calls. This service allows you to make landline calls in 70+ destinations and mobile calls in 30+ destinations.

If you’re looking for other alternatives, BOSS Revolution has international call services with low rates. Download the BOSS Revolution Calling App to subscribe to the unlimited plan most suitable for your needs.

Flexible data pass

T-Mobile phone plans include up to 5GB of high-speed data. Travelers may boost this limit by activating an international pass. A 1-day data pass provides 512MB of extra data for $5, while a 30-day pass offers 15GB of high-speed international data for $50.

Money-saving travel deals

Subscribers of T Mobile international plans also enjoy travel perks such as discounts on flights and accommodations. For example, one recent offer provides 15% off all Hilton brands. These deals can help travelers save up to 40% on overall travel expenses.

Types of T-Mobile international data plans

There is no specific TMobile international plan, but all the plans the company offers can be used for international phone and data services. Among the most popular plans that can be used during international travel are Essentials and Go5G. All these plans have Wi-Fi calling, flat international call rates, and high-speed data access in over 215 countries and destinations.

Go5G Next

This plan is ideal for heavy data users who need unlimited data and high-speed mobile hotspot. Aside from unlimited premium data, it also includes access to streaming platforms Apple TV+, Hulu, and Netflix, albeit with ads. Another thing that’s great about this plan is that you get to upgrade your phone every year. 

Go5G Plus

Go5G Plus has almost the same features as Go5G Next, except for the yearly phone upgrades. It’s ideal for users who don’t need new phones every year but still want the best data and entertainment options. It provides great value for those looking for unlimited data, streaming services, and a solid mobile hotspot allowance at a slightly lower price than Go5G Next.

Go5G

For mobile users who can live without yearly phone upgrades and premium extras like Hulu, the Go5G plan is a good option. This plan comes with international roaming, free in-flight connection, high-speed data, and unlimited texts and calls.

Essentials

Essentials provides the most basic, budget-friendly option for users who want unlimited data without any frills. It’s perfect for budget-conscious users who don’t heavily rely on premium data or entertainment services.

The chart below compares the key offerings and costs of the four plans. 
 

T-Mobile international data pass

Aside from the international phone plans, T-Mobile also offers three different types of International Passes that travelers can use to make unlimited calls and boost their data limits. All International Passes can be used in more than 215 countries and destinations.

Keep in mind that the passes can only be purchased on top of qualifying plans and can be activated only one at a time. If you activate a new pass before the existing one expires, all unused benefits of the prior pass are forfeited.

If you require additional flexibility for international calls or want an alternative to the Unlimited Calling & Data Pass, BOSS Revolution provides a range of cost-effective solutions for international communication. Simply create a BOSS Revolution account to save on international calls to over 200 countries.

Prepaid international roaming plans

Even without a qualifying postpaid plan, you can still access T-Mobile international phone services through a prepaid plan. With a Simply Prepaid plan, you can use your T-Mobile phone to connect to a local carrier in your destination.

The text messaging rates for prepaid plans are fixed, while international call rates vary by country. For instance, calls to Canada cost only $1.00 per minute, while calls to Ecuador are charged $5.99 per minute. If you get the North America add-on, which costs $5 per month, you can save on calls within the US, Mexico, and Canada as the subscription gives you unlimited texts and calls to landlines and mobile lines within the region.

While T-Mobile prepaid plans can keep you connected through calls and text, they do not include data roaming. As such, this prepaid plan is best suited for short-term international travelers, especially those who frequently travel to North American countries and need affordable communication options without data roaming in other regions.

If it’s imperative that you have data access while traveling, consider downloading the BOSS Revolution app to easily top up mobile services provided by local carriers.

How to add and activate an international data plan with T-Mobile

Most phone plans of T-Mobile are international phone plans. If you are using a Go5G Next or Go5G Plus plan, these plans already include international data coverage. As long as your plan is active, your phone will automatically connect to supported networks when abroad.

To add an International Data Pass⁶ to your plan, follow the steps below:

1. Log in to your T-Mobile account.
2. Go to “Manage” and select “See plans.”
3. Go to “Manage add-ons” and select the data pass you want to add.
4. Click or tap “Continue.”
5. Look for “Change Date” and set it to the specific day you want to start using the data pass.
6. Check the details and terms of use then click “Agree.”
7. Click “Submit” to activate the add-on.

T-Mobile international roaming coverage

Go5G, Go5G Next, and Go5G Plus plans offer international coverage in over 215 countries and destinations. All three plans also include high-speed data and 5G coverage in certain areas where 5G networks are available.

For users who are in areas where 5G is not available, the plans automatically switch to 4G LTE or whatever network is detected. The Go5G plans also allow Wi-Fi calling, so you can switch off cellular data when there is a Wi-Fi connection available to save data usage. This flexibility is particularly useful in areas with poor cellular coverage but stable Wi-Fi.

Wrapping up

T-Mobile offers flexible international plans that are easy to add and activate through their app. The unlimited calling and data pass add-on is great for travelers needing short-term international service, while Go5G plans provide comprehensive data, hotspot, and 5G coverage in numerous countries. Wi-Fi calling can further help manage data while abroad.

For users seeking additional flexibility or lower-cost international calling options, BOSS Revolution offers a variety of affordable solutions. Our calling app enables international calls via Wi-Fi and unlimited messaging. We also offer mobile top-up services that ease access to connectivity solutions offered by local carriers. Check out the BOSS Revolution app to see how these services can help you stay connected as you travel.

Sources: all third party information obtained from applicable website as of October 31, 2024

1. https://s29.q4cdn.com/310188824/files/doc_financials/2023/ar/TMUS-2023-Annual-Report.pdf
2. https://s29.q4cdn.com/310188824/files/doc_financials/2023/ar/TMUS-2024-Proxy-Statement.pdf
3. https://www.statista.com/statistics/199359/market-share-of-wireless-carriers-in-the-us-by-subscriptions/
4. https://www.t-mobile.com/our-story/un-carrier-history
5. https://www.t-mobile.com/benefits/travel
6. https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/data-passes

This article is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to address every aspect of the matters discussed herein. The information in this article is not intended as specific personal advice. The information in this article does not constitute legal, tax, regulatory or other professional advice from IDT Payment Services, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “IDT”), and should not be taken or used as such by any individual. IDT makes no representation, warranty or guaranty, whether express or implied, that the content in this article is current, accurate, or complete. You should obtain professional or other substantive advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the information in this article.