Cellular data while traveling abroad has become more of a necessity than a luxury these days. We’re constantly relying on transit apps, checking out restaurant reviews, and seeking out other essential information. But finding a reliable, hassle-free solution for international data can often be a challenge.

As a reminder, I am not affiliated with any of the tools listed below. I did not receive any monetary or other incentives from them. My opinions are solely based on my personal experience.

Let me introduce you to Google Fi’s Unlimited Plus Plan, an excellent option for US residents who spend the majority of their time within the States. This plan offers worldwide coverage, spanning over 200+ destinations, providing seamless access to international 5G speeds with some noteworthy benefits and a few caveats worth considering.

The Amazing Travel Perks

Unlike other carriers that only give you 5GB of data or require you to buy a separate international roaming pass, Google Fi’s Unlimited Plus plan treats data abroad the same way it does at home. There is no separate data limit and the same 50GB data limit applies regardless of where you are at. If you hit that 50GB limit, your data gets slowed down to 256 kbps which is pretty much unusable in most cases.

Furthermore, Google Fi offers unique perks, such as the ability to request up to four additional data-only SIM cards at no extra cost. These SIMs share the same data bucket as your phone, allowing you to use them in 5G/LTE-enabled tablets and hotspots. Personally, I have one SIM in a Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE tablet and am looking to add another to a Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro hotspot. Additionally, Google Fi allows you to add LTE versions of Pixel or Galaxy watches to your existing line at no extra charge.

This means you can have a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, and hotspot, all capable of accessing up to 5G cellular data in over 200+ destinations, for just $65 per month ($40 if you’re on a family plan with four or more people which is what I do).

However, one drawback of Google Fi is the steep cost of additional full-speed data after exceeding the 50GB limit ($10 per 1GB). To avoid unexpected charges, it’s advisable to refrain from data-heavy tasks like downloading updates or uploading videos.

Seamless Switching

With Google Fi, switching to international data is effortless. As long as your phone’s “data roaming” is turned on, the moment you land and disable airplane mode, you’ll receive a text from Google Fi welcoming you to the country. You’ll automatically connect to the regional carrier that Google Fi has a roaming contract with. There’s no need to adjust your cell provider plan beforehand, making it convenient for travelers, especially those hopping between multiple countries in a short time frame.

Restrictions

There are a couple of restrictions that come with Google Fi and international roaming:

• If you travel outside the country for more than 90 days, your data service will be suspended. This policy was implemented to prevent abuse by digital nomads who had been using the service for permanent international roaming.
• You must sign up and activate Google Fi in the US and use the service for at least a day (ideally a few weeks) before embarking on your trip
• If your data service is suspended, you can still make calls and send texts, but you’ll need to use data in the US for approximately 30 days to reinstate your international service.

Final Thoughts

Google Fi’s Unlimited Plus Plan offers an excellent solution for travelers seeking seamless access to international data. With its worldwide coverage, generous data allowance, and hassle-free switching, it’s a convenient option for staying connected while exploring the globe. Just be mindful of the restrictions and potential additional charges to make the most of this service.