✈️ International Roaming Cost Calculator
Compare carrier roaming add-ons, local SIM cards, travel eSIMs, and Google Fi for your next trip.
Trip Details
How Carrier Roaming Works
Most major US carriers offer daily international roaming passes ($5–$10/day) that let you use your existing plan abroad. These are convenient but get expensive fast on longer trips — a 10-day Europe trip can cost $100+ just for the roaming add-on.
Local SIMs are the cheapest option for trips over 4–5 days. You buy a prepaid SIM at the destination for roughly $10–$30 and get generous data. Downside: your US number won't ring. Enable Wi-Fi calling or use a forwarding app to receive calls.
Travel eSIMs (Airalo, Holafly, Maya) give you a data-only connection on your existing phone number — no physical SIM swap needed. Costs typically $15–$40 for 1–3GB over 7–15 days. Ideal for modern unlocked phones.
Google Fi is unique: it charges $10/GB internationally (up to a cap) with no daily fees. For light users on short trips, Fi often wins. Heavy users will still prefer a local SIM.