Travel

A Good Phone Setup for US Full-Time Travelers on International Trips

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If you are a full-time US traveler heading abroad, this setup is perfect for staying connected. It allows you to keep your US phone number for multi-factor authentication (MFA), make free calls and texts to/from the US, and enjoy reliable data almost anywhere in the world. This guide is for those traveling internationally long-term, not occasional vacationers.

Step 1: Use a Phone that Supports eSIM and is Not Carrier-Locked

your phone is compatible with eSIM and is not carrier-locked. This feature lets you use multiple carriers at the same time, so you can keep your US number active while using an international data plan.

Step 2: Ultra Mobile for Your US Number

Sign up for Ultra Mobile’s $15/month plan before traveling internationally. Here is why it is a great option:

  • Free calls and texts to/from the US using Wi-Fi calling when connected to Wi-Fi outside the US.
  • Keeps your US number active for receiving MFA codes and important messages.

Important Notes:

  1. Set up Wi-Fi calling before leaving the US. This ensures you can make and receive US calls and texts over Wi-Fi for free while abroad.
  2. If you are not connected to Wi-Fi, you will incur roaming charges for receiving or sending texts or calls internationally.

Step 3: Ubigi for International Data

For reliable global data, I recommend Ubigi. They offer eSIM data plans for almost every country and region, with flexible and affordable options. With Ubigi, you can avoid the hassle of buying or swapping local SIM cards in each country.

Bonus Tip: Google Voice for Cheaper Calls to Non-US Numbers

Need to call non-US numbers? Connect to Wi-Fi and use Google Voice. It offers much cheaper rates than your carrier’s international calling fees, making it the best option for those calls.

Why This Works

This combination—Ultra Mobile for calls and texts, Ubigi for data, and Google Voice for non-US calls keeps you connected, avoids high roaming fees, and ensures you have affordable international data and calling options wherever you travel.

Quick Setup Checklist

  1. Make sure your phone is compatible with eSIM and is not carrier-locked.
  2. Set up Ultra Mobile and Wi-Fi calling before traveling internationally.
  3. Download the Ubigi app and activate an eSIM for global data.
  4. Use Google Voice for affordable calls to non-US numbers.
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