{"id":24258,"date":"2014-03-20T10:43:34","date_gmt":"2014-03-20T14:43:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/?p=24258"},"modified":"2025-12-18T05:31:03","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T10:31:03","slug":"t-mobile-for-travelers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/t-mobile-for-travelers\/","title":{"rendered":"Is T-Mobile Still the Best Phone Carrier for US Travelers?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"The<\/p>\n

A long time ago in a state far, far away (Massachusetts), I used AT&T as my cellphone service provider. When the iPhone first came out, I bought it because I could remove the original AT&T SIM card, insert a local SIM while on the road, and still have a handy-dandy smartphone to tweet from.<\/p>\n

Flash forward again to the end of 2013, when T-Mobile announced it was giving all their users free international data and text messaging in over 140 countries. Free data and I didn’t have to get a local SIM card or change my number? Sign me up!<\/p>\n

Since then, I’ve been using T-Mobile as my service provider.<\/p>\n

But are they still as good as they used to be when I first signed up? After all, all companies change – and T-Mobile has made some changes (good and bad over the years).<\/p>\n

So, let’s talk about them!<\/p>\n

Now, historically, T-Mobile has had a reputation for having terrible coverage. And, for a number of years, they did \u2014 but thanks to the money they received after the failed merger with AT&T, they heavily invested in their network and began offering 4G and LTE speeds. Now, their coverage map is as good as the other carriers and you can get 5G coverage pretty much everywhere. I never ever have a problem with service or coverage.<\/p>\n

With their plans starting at $50 USD per month, they are also the clear winner here too. And the biggest savings and perks come with multiple lines \u2014 meaning a family of four can get T-Mobile\u2019s full benefits suite (outlined below) with Experience Beyond for just $53\/line\/month.<\/p>\n

I have 5G or LTE wherever I go, and I haven\u2019t had any dropped calls. I only have a few instances of “no service” in a few rural areas, but that usually only lasts a few seconds. However, that used to happen with Verizon too, so, while annoying, it’s not a deal-breaker for me.<\/p>\n

I am thrilled that T-Mobile \u2014 with its contract-free (and cheaper) plans, free international data, and better customer service model \u2014 is out there. I never again have to worry about buying foreign SIM cards and coverage. There are no additional costs in my travels. I know what my phone bill is going to be every month, and I get to keep the same number worldwide.<\/p>\n

Their plans come with a lot of perks. Their Experience Beyond plan comes with all the following features:<\/p>\n