Be Aware - I Learned the Hard Way | Google Fi for International Travel in 2023? - A Rant 🤣

[@ebeyslough]

You don't have a travel issue with Google Fi. You have a "I don't live in the US" problem which they clearly state on their website that it ain't gonna work.

[@DBTRVL]

When I signed up years ago that was not the case. They changed their terms. I wasn’t so much upset with them turning off the data as I was with the fact that I couldn’t even downgrade or cancel my account while abroad. As I stated, I tried twice to downgrade my account tier to a $60 less per month plan that would still give me phone and text for emergencies, yet they still charged me for the old plan for 2 month without telling me there wasn’t a way to change anything on the account from outside the US. Not even with a VPN. I was only told after I explained my frustration to a customer support agent who actually had to ask other colleagues why this was the case.

[@averyyoutube]

Weird thing to say when he just explained. I live in the US, but I've been traveled for as long as 8 months at a time. Most of my travels last beyond 6 months, so this issue with Google Fi, even though I pay taxes for 12 months of US residency, would exist for me as well. He does have travel issues.

[@lovelifting]

@@averyyoutube what service do you use for your long-term, out of country usage?

[@islandultra]

@@averyyoutube 🤔 you pay taxes for residency?

[@averyyoutube]

@@islandultra Yes, I pay several different taxes because of my residency status. If I claimed residency in another country, I would be able to claim waivers and bypass some taxes. Instead, saying "12 months of US residency" makes it obvious my situation. The more you know.

[@elliotrose7932]

You are the first youtuber I've seen that has shared this extremely inconvenient "feature" of Google Fi. All other videos are just hype 5 star videos about how it is perfect for travel. Thank you for shedding light on this issue because I have a feeling there are many Fi customers that had a different expectation as to how the "unlimited" plan works abroad. Just like you, I also experienced something similar. Went with Google Fi because of the sweet unlimited plan for travel. Visited the Philippines for 5 months last year; data stopped working around month 3. Needless to say I felt just like how you felt. I've switched to mint mobile as my primary. Now when I travel I just use that country's provider as a data only sim.

[@ChristopherPoitras]

This isn't for someone that is going to be out of country long term. It's been known for a while. TMO also does this. This is for people that do 1 week to 1 month.

When you don't tavel outside on the US for more than 3 months it should be fine.

[@WSJChan]

Highly appreciate Broshar! Its good to know this since I believe there are many many folks who are digital nomads (or techies) who work in US and abroad. I will not be cautious on G Fi after hearing this. Such a corporate BS. Extremely annoying especially when company's reputation (trust) is utmost for loyalty. Have a great trip Broshar!

[@scubasteve1555]

It's liiterally on their website, it's not hard to find if you just do research as you should.I live and work abroad and have zero issues managing my Google Fi plan.

[@lynnbutler2826]

Very helpful to know! I’m considering Google Fi and this will definitely influence my decision 👍

[@Ventososulfurico]

When you change your service to “unlimited “ always, always read the fine print. There is always lots of restrictions like 75% of data/call needs to happen within your home region

[@Rreeves84]

Thank you for the information this has saved me time and money.

[@lovelifting]

Wow. You saved me a lot of hassle! Thank you

[@Yuliana_lisova]

What would work the best if you travel just for a week overseas every 6 months? Can I cancel Google fi after a month of usage and get it again when needed?

[@laiyaj8880]

That sucks they didn't let you change the plan while you're aboard. How was the overall experience with international data on google fi though? I'm planning to go to NZ and AUS and considering activating the international data on google fi.

[@ShibaSoftware]

To maintain a U.S. number for calls and texts while in japan, which service do you recommend?

[@mannyc4224]

it's like a gym membership you have to go in to cancel. LOL

[@heynow2880]

Can you use it on a cruise ship at sea?

[@jakexake2940]

Thank you. Is it possible to change inside a US military sovereign base in Japan?

[@mav48185]

So this only happens when staying longer than 90 days?

[@DBTRVL]

Yeah. They have the ability to change the policy in the future, but for now 90 days seems to be the limit for international data.

[@mav48185]

@@DBTRVL not sure if it's worth it. I have T-Mobile magenta max. I go to Mexico and Canada a lot. I use more than 5gigs and after that it's stupid slow. At least this is unlimited and idk if it's worth paying 65 for unlimited everything

[@Genshinaction]

@@DBTRVL Now that I'm thinking about this, I wonder if it has to do with the contract that Google has with the local telecom company? 90 days I believe is how long a passport allows you to stay in another country (I've not traveled in awhile so I could be wrong). Maybe Google is going off thinking the majority of people will be back by then ? I'm broke so when I do travel outside the country it's at most for 2 weeks. I do appreciate the information you provided though.

[@TenochMictlan]

So id this service worth it for a short stay? Like weeks at a time?

[@bambu8]

Thanks! You saved from a ton of headache

[@fightinspirit]

I'm in the Philippines and wont be back in the US until June. I got my notice yesterday from google fi that I have 30 days. What do I do now?

[@DBTRVL]

There isn’t much you can do. You’ll still be able to use voice and text after the 30 days, but no amount of reaching out to Fi will help keep your data. You can download Airalo if you have a phone with an ESIM and purchase data for the Philippines that way or you can put in a local SIM until you arrive back in the US.

[@willin7138]

Signed on with Google Fi in 2020. If the plan was as promoted, would have been perfect given my travel schedule. Canceled my Google Fi account this week. Google Fi does not deliver as advertised. My advice, do not sign on, if you are already using Google Fi, change immediately. Who the hell do these people think they are?

[@mrpcakes]

im currently on t-mobile and and considering switching . Are you able to remote into a machine in the US to manager your account or you actually need your phone physically

[@DBTRVL]

As long as the computer you’re remote accessing is in the US you should be able to do that.

[@abubakaranwar6859]

Very good point that would resolve the vpn issue since the device is operating in USA

[@Kristiethebetawoman]

I traveled for 3 months and they eventually said i will need to back to the US for some time before im allowed international data agian. But their protection device policy i'm unsure if i want to keep, i filed a claim a month ago and been getting almost daily update it's still being reviewed.

[@netdragon256]

All carriers are a hassle and confusing when traveling internationally. If you are international for a long period of time, just get a pay as you go phone service there. If that's not allowed legally in that country just get a friend there to buy you a pay-go line.

[@BrightResultsMedia]

So did you leave google fi….? I wonder if you just keep traveling if it stays ok. Like if you leave the current country after 90 days and go somewhere new.

[@DBTRVL]

I had a family member sign in from a computer in the US and change my account to the flexible plan. I just saw my bill and that worked. It’s around $20 a month for the calling and texting. I still need a US number for some things so I’m going to keep it.

[@DBTRVL]

If you leave the US and don’t return for 90 days the data is turned off. When you return to the US it will be switched back on. I’m not sure for how long you’d need to be back in the US before traveling abroad again.

[@averyyoutube]

@@DBTRVL Does your family member logging in count as you returning? I know it sounds silly, but it's the limitation for updating the account... so would it work for renewing that 90 day period as well?

[@VeganWithAraygun]

Thanks for the warning. What other method would you recommend? (I've got an unlocked 1+8Pro, Sim 1 slot open, 3 weeks in Nepal, via Amsterdam and Dubai)

[@DBTRVL]

If your phone has an ESIM (most newer devices do) you can download the Airalo app and pay as you go for data in different countries. For the last few months I’ve been using it with great results. When my data gets low I just reload the ESIM.

[@matz0rz4o8]

@@DBTRVLAiralo is dogshit. You blow thru the data packages like nothing

[@jaimegajg]

I appreciated the information. It is valuable.

[@androgynastronaut]

Thanks. I was thinking about getting Google Fi because I'm an American living in the EU. No I definitely will not. Best.

[@Ljberkow]

You have to actually physically be in the USA to activate Google Fi and they now tell you that if you are away more than three months, it's problematic.

[@patrickswann2544]

Thanks for this info - so 2FA still worked fine, and if you would have switched to an ala carte plan before you left it would have still worked, or am I overlooking something?

[@arnoldvales784]

@DB TRVL - does google cut off cell service as well or is it just data? I work abroad and return to the US about once a year. I only need a US number to link to my google voice (for 2FA purposes) so I just signed up for the flexible plan. I rarely make phone calls and my company provides for local internet coverage so I won't be using data off of googlefi at all. Do you think this will work or will I still get cut off by google? Thanks for a very informative video

[@DBTRVL]

I’ve been able to still get messages for 2FA no problem.

[@BigHeadAvenger]

Text and phone calls will work. The data won’t.

[@cambodiyeah1]

Thank you! I had just ordered Google Fi and wish I'd seen this before. But, I got it canceled!

[@takeoverjupiter]

It’s a good aervice if you’re in the military but for other people not so much

[@W_Sushi]

Thank you for the information! it's exactly what I need~

[@addicusbrown]

Great information that most people won't have to encounter, but need to know. I'm just starting with my Google Fi and may have to send a child or two overseas for a bit and knowing this allows me to prepare the proper phone/data service. Thanks

[@chrissshan]

this is good advice! one thought if you have a computer at home with wake on lan you can turn it on remotely and just remote in home to make that change from that computer 😆

[@StephenDallas-n8v]

I guess 90 days makes sense because that is the typical limit you can stay in another country without a special visa.

[@jessicaloayza5650]

Thank you for your review

[@williamwalker3719]

Thanks good info, was just looking into this plan… Appreciate you direct concise information.

[@elainec5313]

Where is this video recorded? so beautiful city view.

[@DBTRVL]

Fukuoka, Japan

[@averyyoutube]

Have the same question as others, so sorry for the repetition :( Different than most, however, I don't need the data. I just need access to a US number for work and banking, in my pocket. For data, I can use a 2nd sim. Do they restrict your calls or texts after any amount of time as well? I think you answered this in the video, but I'm out the door! Thanks in advance.

[@DBTRVL]

I’ve still been able to use my calling and texting functions. I don’t remember the per minutes / message rates tho.

[@averyyoutube]

@@DBTRVL Sounds like that's going to work for me then... Not sure the data would be worth my time anyway, since its so cheap to use Globe data here in Ph. Maintaining a working cell number and messages would be worth the 30 bucks per month (or so). Thanks for the reply sir - appreciate it!

[@tanyawashburn8964]

How difficult is it to set up Airalo?

[@2nmingo]

i left google fi in the dust 84 is way too much for me. i switched to mint mobile and im so happy with them im paying 150 every 6 months

[@10CamMedia]

Do you have International needs?

[@SukhoiWolf]

does that include international? Unlimited data/calls/messages?

[@2nmingo]

I dont use international calls i use WhatsApp which uses internet to function

[@melbastephenhigbee9771]

I’ve been doing volunteer work abroad and only need the phone for ID verification for banking, otherwise use local sim. They suspended my service months ago, but keep right on billing (crooks) 😡. When I go back to US it works, but they do not reactivate my international service, although they claim that when phone is used in US again full service will be reinstated. There must be a better alternative for globetrotters!

[@seth-bullock]

Why wouldn't you just contest the charges on your credit card and turn them in for fraud, then switch to another company? That's what I would of done. If they aren't going to honor what they claim they are selling, then that's fraud.

[@richholt]

thanks for the warning

[@BrittMFH]

Honestly, I did read this somewhere in the Google Fi instructions/information. You need to do all admin work in the US. But I can imagine it's frustrating if you don't see that.

[@phsx2890]

What if I don’t use google fi now?

[@richardottum1]

Thank you for this. I wonder if google is mining blockchain with the extra data people will over use easily.

[@2013TombRaider]

who lives out of usa for more than 3 months anyways? bro you have to be very rich to leave work for more than 3 months and spend money out of usa 🤣

[@orochimaru.999]

I tired the free trial from them and I was charged $358.90 for twos of the free trial like wtf it was o. The free trail

[@ClosetsMedia]

Suggestion remote access a computer at your home country and then change settings.

[@perfectbreakfast]

really really helpful

[@lisoliveira]

You live in Japan. Get a plan there.

[@Ljberkow]

Don't they tell you ahead of time not to plan on using Google Fi abroad if you're going to be away for over 3 months?

[@MusicAtMyDesk]

Wow. Sorry dude. But huge thank you for letting everyone know!

[@paracha3]

That video helped me not sign up for Google Fi

[@carminered]

Yea but now you have Verizon

[@AustinTXRealEstatebyFelix]

Damn @google #googlefi #google

[@ComputerRepairinNewYork]

They are crazy

[@eprohoda]

Hell~ Wow~ great !💫

[@DaeMurda]

I can text using WiFi internationally but no phone calls over WiFi. The phone was mostly useless overseas. The whole plan is trash even at home

[@cdlwilla9214]

You're trash, but ok.

[@zz7365]

So ur upset for trying to cheat the system?

[@purewater77887]

have you tried Tello?

[@apriljoy6177]

It's a rip off

[@apriljoy6177]

Bunch of liars at goggle fi

[@curtbrackenrich7883]

I get your issue and I don't totally disagree nor do I totally agree. I will say however you are spending clearly thousands of dollars traveling internationally and it seems like you're enjoying your life. You might want to rethink a KZbin video griping about a $50 charge on a cell phone bill.

[@tonyn3227]

Fuk, Google it's overpriced, t mobile is much better.

[@lenh7900]

😂