Retirement Travel School: International Cell Phone Plans 2024 | Google Fi and Airalo Explained

In today's video, the Retirement Travelers discuss our experience with international cell phone plans, Iphone 15 esim, Google Fi, Airalo and much more. Your international travel plans in 2024 will be greatly impacted by your ability to have reliable international data and phone service to each country you visit. We show you how to use your phone while traveling internationally share what has worked for us and hasn't worked with our international cell phones, service providers and other international travel tips for 2024. Happy journeys. Please note the Google Fi can only be used for citizens of the United States. Airalo can be used in conjunction with many other plans.
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Video Number 163
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Reasons You Want Google Fi and Airalo for Your International Cell Phone Plan:
Using Google Fi and Airalo together can offer several advantages for international travelers or retirement travel:
1. Coverage: Google Fi provides coverage in over 200 countries and territories, making it a convenient option for travelers who frequently visit various destinations. Airalo, on the other hand, offers affordable international roaming data plans in many countries, complementing Google Fi's coverage.
2. Cost-effectiveness: Google Fi offers competitive rates for international calls and texts, and it charges the same data rate ($10/GB) in over 200 countries. However, Airalo may offer even cheaper data rates for specific countries or regions, allowing travelers to save money on data usage.
3. Flexibility: Airalo offers eSIM plans, which means travelers can easily purchase and activate data plans for specific countries directly from their smartphones without the need for physical SIM cards. This flexibility allows travelers to tailor their data plans to their specific needs and destinations.
4. Backup: While Google Fi provides reliable coverage in many countries, there may be instances where coverage is limited or unavailable. In such cases, having an Airalo eSIM as a backup can ensure that travelers stay connected even in areas where Google Fi may not have coverage.
5. Compatibility: Google Fi and Airalo are compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones that support eSIM technology. This means travelers can easily switch between the two services without needing to change their devices or SIM cards.
Overall, using Google Fi and Airalo together can provide travelers with comprehensive coverage, cost-effective data plans, flexibility, and peace of mind when traveling internationally. We love using Google Fi, but it you are traveling outside the United States for more than 90 days, you will need an additional plan like Airalo for international data coverage.

[@rontiemens2553]

You kids just keep looking younger and younger. You like travel, it likes you!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for the kind words. 😊😊 Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@JohnW-ef4qh]

I use T-Mobile for my international Wi-Fi calling, text, and data which it says covers 215+ countries. I have had zero issues traveling throughout Europe, Egypt, and Turkey for the past 2 1/2 years. My bill has always consistently been around $65 per month. I use the Magenta Plan 55+ plan.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for sharing. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@traveler65]

Same 👍👍👍. Been full time traveling for at least 6 years. Been totally happy with T-Mobile every where we have gone.

[@BangNguyen-ux4ie]

@@traveler65 Did you ever have to buy the additional tier T-mobile for faster speed while abroad? I know they always offer this on top of the basic speed.

[@PK-nb9ph]

Another great topics and good info, thanks John/Bev!! 🤗

[@RetirementTravelers]

Glad you enjoyed it! Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@mississippiapple1078]

Thank you for clearing this up!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Glad it was helpful! You are welcome. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@airstreamer]

Great, precise information. Thank you for always giving great explanations! Michelle

[@RetirementTravelers]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for following along with us. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@johnkeith1964]

I use T-mobile. They have a very similar international plan to Google Fi. Unlimited data and text in 210 countries. Calls are $0.25 a minute using the local cell network. Data and text is granted in 30 day blocks or when you physically enter a different country. New country and the clock is restarted. We were fine for four months this last trip, with three months in one country. no cutting off of data. Agree that it is so convenient to keep your phone and number.

[@westquester]

If you talk to Tmobile they will tell you it's policy that if you are not in the US for greater than 90 days they will cancel your account. The technical language is that 50% or more of your data usage needs to be in the US or they cut you off. Same is true for all major US carriers

[@johnm.6469]

Hi @JohnKeith 1964 I started typing this question to John and Bev, then saw your post. My wife and are planning to travel full-time and may only be in the U.S. 1-2 months per year. When you researched your T-Mobile plan, did you look at T-Mobile's Talk and Text Plan? It's $25/line /month and comes with unlimited texting in 140+ countries. If we went with this plan, we would buy an eSim plan for our data. We have a daughter living in Italy and use WhatsApp for calls, but want to keep our current U.S. number for texting and two-factor authentication for banking. Any thoughts? Also, if you don't mind me asking, what's the cost of your current plan?

[@johnkeith1964]

So the Go5G 55 plan that includes Unlimited text and up to 5GB of high-speed data in 11 countries, then unlimited data at up to 256Kbps in 215+ countries and destinations Is $40/line In terms of canceling the plan after a month…. All I can say is we were gone four months and nothing happened. No warnings. But they do say on their webpage that it is “not for extended travel.”

[@wizardofoz4284]

We live 8 months out of a year in Italy and have no problem with our T-Mobile services….

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for sharing. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@questvari8318]

Thank you John&Bev for the video. It is so well-explained.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for watching. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@RetirewithJulia]

This is incredible information in such an easy format. You two are technology mavens!!!!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks so much for the kind words. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@user-tl7vd5zv3u]

Thanks John and Bev, very helpful for my upcoming trip to Panama. I signed up for both the vpn and Google Fi after watching this video.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Glad it was helpful! Hope you have a great trip in Panama. Be sure to watch some of our Panama videos from a couple years ago. 😉 Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@onecasual1]

Once again, I've learned something new after watching your videos! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! 🤩 Joanne

[@RetirementTravelers]

You are so welcome! Thanks for following along. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@pammc2783]

Wow.....just what I've been looking for....I've been researching and getting confused....THIS I understood....thank you!!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@JohnandCaraRetiredTravellers]

We needed this video! We are going to the UK for 2 months this fall and I’ve been researching ESims. We’ve had expensive and stressful past experiences with physical SIM cards. Thank you! ~Cara 😊

[@RetirementTravelers]

Glad it was helpful! Hope you have a wonderful trip. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@lydiabolen7853]

Wow! Another home run! Thank you again. I was just wondering if i should move into the Apple ecosystem. Love the info on Google Fi, too!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks. Glad you found it helpful. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@sabinamock4799]

guys this great information. Thank you for sharing.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@Curiousrun]

We love your videos! We wish Google Fi was available to us Canadians, but the information was still useful. Last year, we used a regional Airalo esim for data in three countries, and it worked like a charm. Keep up the great information.

[@RetirementTravelers]

We wish it were too. It’s a great plan. Thanks for watching! John & Bev

[@johnkelley1426]

Checked into Google Fi. It's not offered in our US, remote, flyover zipcode. Amazing and frustrating, and not unexpected. We live in the outback and America treats us as such. Thus, we overpay for transportation, delivery, and most goods and services. The only thing 'cheap' out here is property - for obvious reasons.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for sharing. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@theo3053]

This is extremely helpful! We spend a month in Switzerland each year. We use Verizon’s international plan of $10 per day …. times 2 for both phones. It’s expensive, but we always had the service we needed. We are definitely going to switch over to Google Fi!! 👍

[@RetirementTravelers]

Glad it was helpful. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@philwebster3914]

Hi John and Bev,can I suggest you put “for US residents” only in the title as it would have stopped me watching, safe travels 👍

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for the tip! Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@petet6077]

Very true - too much US centric content which is a bit suprising to us especially from Bev and John.

[@IamBangladesh24]

Welcome to Bangladesh" Village Tours! 🌿 As your trusted guide, I am committed to providing you with a truly unforgettable experience in our picturesque village.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@pwilkinson18]

Jeez. You should rename this as an ad for Google Fi

[@RetirementTravelers]

We share what we think is the best system for world travel. Have you found a better one? We’d truly be interested. John & Bev

[@nomadjim]

Great video! I've been a Google Fi user for the past 2 years, spending most of my time outside the US. So far I haven't been kicked off, but it's great to know there is an easy fix using Airalo to fill the gap until I get back to the States. And I always wondered about how you would get reinstated after being kicked off Google Fi data so thank you for explaining that. Now I feel a lot better about continuing to use Google Fi. It really is so seamless each time you enter a new country. Loving your travel school series!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks and glad you are enjoying our Travel School. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@theresewheeler1498]

So much information. Wish I knew this prior going abroad for two weeks Instead taking 10$ with Verizon Oh well now I know. Thank you for sharing . Stay safe 😊

[@RetirementTravelers]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@CCB249]

My son and I have had Google Fi for a few years. He is a techie. My husband's phone is Federal Government issue, so he can't use it outside the US anyway. I love Google Fi, but I also have a Google Fi phone.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for sharing. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@gazzafloss]

Hi J&B, thanks for the tip. We're usually not away from home for so long so usually just get a local SIM, (usually can be ordered from home), for data and communicate via Whatsapp with the folks back home, and travel friends in other parts of the world, (talk and txt). We have many friends/family that travel, we find that suits our needs. We're in Japan at the present and have found it very cheap to get a local SIM card that gives unlimited data, for WhatsApp our original, back home phone number is the same and most folks we know have and use it.

[@RetirementTravelers]

WhatsApp does work great. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@azarml]

Can you still get texts (like from banks) to your phone #? @gazzafloss

[@mishu3271]

Another fab video. We don’t get esimmed phones in Canada (at least not when I bought $$$ iPhone 14 last year). I see the clear benefit of them now through your detailed explanation. Our Canadian telecoms have an iron fist against anything threatening their dominance. They routinely charge me for using my phone while on a trip. Thats fraud. They even charged me for Cuba which is not even possible. I spend hours arguing with them about these errors but always win. I NEVER use my phone in any mode but WiFi . Only rarely has this been a problem.

[@MrSteveCee]

I am on Rogers in Canada but disable 'Roam Like Home" when outside Canada. I use Airalo on our iPhones when travelling. Airalo has a compatibility list and it includes the iPhone 14 (We have the iPhone 14 Pro). I have a friend currently in Ireland and she downloaded Airalo to her iPhone 12. Works fine. She is happy with the saving. 20 days in Ireland would cost her $300 CAD with Rogers. Airalo is costing her $10 USD.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for sharing. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for sharing. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@kasinyvr9781]

If you have an iPhone 14 you have an eSIM option. We have used it in France to get local service there through Orange.

[@cathybohan3446]

Important to weigh the cost of google-fi vs a physical card. Especially if you also have to upgrade phones. If your data usage is minor (communications, searching tourist info, and maps) a limited sim card could be enough. If travel only involves a couple or three foreign countries a year that's only around 25 usd per phone per country. I'm not sure the Google-fi wins. Worth doing some math, i think. Thanks for all of your useful info. It encourages us to think outside our little box.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Glad you are finding our channel helpful. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@InternationalBigshot]

Google Fi seems kind of expensive. I use a combination of Mint (now part of T-mobile) with 5GB data/month for $180/year. I use Airalo eSims for data anywhere outside the US. I almost never make actual phone calls while traveling and the occasional text for 2-factor authentication is still available on my Mint phone number. Texting is easily done with Whatsapp or Signal or something similar. I experience no disruptions. When I return to the US the Mint data takes over what I was getting through the Airalo eSim. Something to consider if you want to save a little money.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for sharing. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@dalesmf4310]

how did your Mint work? I need a u.s carrier before i leave in order to get those darn Verification Texts from Banking. do you have to choose a Mint plan AND on top of that , one of the International Roaming plans ??? seems like i have to choose both correct? in order to Receive Texts from the u.s while overseas?

[@InternationalBigshot]

@@dalesmf4310 To get text messages you need to keep your Mint account active for phone calls. Your foreign eSim (or physical Sim) is only used for data. You set this up on your phone using your Mint Sim for personal calls, texts, etc and your foreign data plan (Airalo or whatever foreign eSim you're using for data). This assumes that your phone can use more than one Sim at a time. If not, none of this applies. You do not need an international roaming plan. If you will be using your phone for calling a lot then maybe an international plan is needed, but why not just use Whatsapp, Signal,, or something similar for VOIP service?

[@mancello]

I used Google Fi recently in Thailand for one month with no issues at all. I like the convenience of having a data connection as soon as I land in Thailand. Getting a local SIM is a cheaper option but it's not nearly as convenient. One thing to note is only two of the three Google Fi plans have international coverage.

[@Mr.DJones]

Hello mancello. Question, please. I'm going to Vietnam soon for about two to three months (they have a 90-day visa). So, I can use Google Fi for calls, text, and data without using a third party for data. Thank you very much for your time.

[@mancello]

@@Mr.DJones Yes it works in Vietnam.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for sharing. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks. We've had no issues with Google Fi except for the 90 days out of the US issues on the data. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@zeitgeist888]

I love google fi for price, availability and service . I haven't been suspended for time but have gone over data limits and the slow down was noticeable. I also use Airilo with good results. Just landed in Germany a few hours ago and service was available while taxiing so nice. I'm curious if Google fi would ever suspend calls or text if you had the phone outside the US for very long period of year(s) or more? If not it may be a good way to have east 2 factor authentication. One other note is the google fi will send you a free sim card for data on tablets and laptops which is also nice.

[@RetirementTravelers]

We've been suspended at least six times over the years. The longest we've stayed abroad is nine months and still had phone and text. Good to know about the sim card for tablets and laptops. Happy Journeys in Germany! John & Bev

[@TiogaLoop-jq6ic]

Thank you guys for the information. We have T-Mobile and it’s OK but very mediocre speed while in other countries, what is the speed and quality of the data overseas with your Google Fi plan? Any minimum average speed offered?

[@RetirementTravelers]

T-Mobile is more expensive and offers less data (5GB vs 50GB). We are very happy with the speed of our data, but when we are in a country without good infrastructure, we are at the mercy of their system. All the carriers must use other carriers to deliver data. Overall, we highly recommend Google Fi. John & Bev

[@marycolmenar1633]

Thank you for sharing and very useful information. Can I make voice calls and send text messages with Google Fi while I am outside the U.S. while traveling (ex. contacting a tour company, restaurant...)?

[@RetirementTravelers]

Yes you can! You can do everything. You will just lose international DATA after 90 days overseas. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@bartbellmore1401]

Good video. But one error. Airalo does offer voice and text with their discover plans. Airalo is not data only. They issue UK phone number on their discover plans.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for the clarification. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@Mr.DJones]

Thank you for your time and posting. I've been looking for this info. 👍 I have a Google 7 Pro and it has two eSims. :) Question, please. So, when Google Fi kicks you off after three months, they only suspend your data, NOT your calling or text? I am going to Vietnam soon for two or three months to decide if I want to retire there. So, I could keep Fi and continue to make calls and texts in Vietnam (I checked, and it is on their list) and switch to Airola for my data/maps, etc.? Thank you again and have fun. :)

[@RetirementTravelers]

Yes, only your international data gets suspended. Airalo could work well in that situation. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@miriamjackson8517]

Good info.. never heard of Google Fi!!... so question about getting kicked off if you are out of USA for more than 3 months... How do they know??... you mentioned something about "if your cell phone doesnt ping in US"... if you have Express VPN can't you chose a location in the USA (even if you just use that location like once a month and then switch back to the local area) .. i used to have Expres VPN very specifically so i could chose a British location so i could watch a show that was only streaming if you were in Britain.. so i would think this could be a work around for you too and not have to get a separate data plan... but i guess it depends on how Google Fi knows you are not in the states.

[@RetirementTravelers]

They know exactly which towers your phone connects to. If it doesn't connect in the US for 3 months, you will get suspended. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@696969bold]

My T-Mobile plan covers data for 215+ countries...all part of my plan. Calls cost, but switch to a What'sApp free wifi call or use free wifi to call with a VPN.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Your T-Mobile plan also has a suspension when you stay longer than three months. "Not for extended international use; you must reside in the US and primary usage must occur on our network." You only get 5GB per month of data whereas Google Fi would give you 50 GB. It looks to us as if you're paying more for your service too. Not sure what plan you have but it looks like it might be as much as $50 more a month. Thanks for your comment. John & Bev

[@696969bold]

@RetirementTravelers with my T-Mobile plan, my data is unlimited. 5GB of hi speed, then throttled to 2G speed. It works well for me and my needs. Do what's best for you. Don't you also mention that GoogleFi suspends data after 90 days "in country" or is it out of US?

[@anisdave7762]

This is great video. Two questions 1 - if you have two e-sims and google fi is only used for phone and other e-sim is used for data and when you get a call on your US google fi number then will that call get charged as you are using data from other sim? This is not connecting to some external wi-fi network but the can data from other sim be cosidered as wi-fi? 2 - if you are planning to stay more than 3 months internationally then do you downgrade your plan from "unlimited plus" plan to "flexible"? It seems text and calls are same rate in both plans when you are in international location but "flexible" can bring down your monthly bill a lot if you can use second e-sim for data.

[@RetirementTravelers]

We are confused about the first question. Both are always considered cell. We can however make calls over WiFi, and our Airalo data can be used for this, if you have your phone set on WiFi calling and airplane mode. We were able to get calls on our cruise ship with this set up. We think it will work everywhere, but don’t quote us. We might be wrong, but we don’t have any other way to get a phone call otherwise. Not sure if that’s what you’re asking. On the second question, yes, Google Fi can be downgraded and we’ve done it. Google allows you to change once each billing cycle. Thanks for asking and hope this helps. John & Bev

[@fromthedigitaltransformati8646]

@@RetirementTravelers so for #1, you are on road and you dont have any wi-fi network to connect but you are connected to data using Airalo plan and use your phone to make calls, will it consider Airalo as wi-fi connection and not charge you 20 cents per minute? . Thank you for answer on #2

[@DunRovinRanch-1969]

That’s all very well and good but what about the rest of us who already have ATT or Verizon and don’t want to change plans?

[@RetirementTravelers]

Airalo still works with those plans as well. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@macaccount4315]

Google Fi can disconnect you if they detect you are out of the country. This is less of an issue if you come back to the states often. This is do not apply to military plans.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Yes, it impacts only the international data, not calls or text. It happens after 90 days overseas. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@harveyh3696]

Looks like those sim card vendors are going the way of Fox Photo booths in the '80 for processing your camera film. My old S10 did not support Airalo but since getting my S24 it's installed and ready for action in a couple of months.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Haha! Made us laugh about Fox Photo! We remember pulling up to them to get our film. Sure don't miss 'em! Glad you've got it installed. We really love Airalo! Happy Journeys! John & Bev

[@andrewconnelly4893]

You mentioned using iPhone15 and your privious carrier was Verizon. Any thoughts or guidance on buying the phone outright vs using the payment plan from Verizon? In short, are there any thoughts or considerations when switching/transfering your cell phone number from a carrier (e.g., Verizon, ATT, etc.) to GoogleFi?

[@RetirementTravelers]

We always buy our phones outright. We had no trouble switching over to GoogleFi. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@krisjanesmith7899]

Love your channel. Thank you for the helpful video. I have just added a google Fi number as an ESIM to my unlocked ATT iphone. I both needed a 2nd number here in the USA, but also want an phone plan/number I can use with unlimited data and calls internationally. I am a bit unclear how to set the iphone settings, while traveling abroad, to ONLY use the GOOGLE FI number and NOT allow my ATT number to be active (so as to avoid their $10/day fee). Can you offer some help and hints here.. THANK YOU!

[@RetirementTravelers]

If you will go to our website and send this note to us there, we can work with you to answer. I’m afraid we’ll miss a message if we try to communicate here and we’d like to make sure we help you. John & Bev retirementtravelers.com/contact-us

[@johnkelley1426]

Amazed I was ignorant of Google Fi. 2016?! Wildly overspent on Verizon overseas (and the online and local shop customer service were poor). We're cheap and not running a business so iPhone SE2's work fine and have eSIM capability. Don't travel as aggressively to need 8 eSIM slots. Thanks.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for sharing. Google Fi has worked well for our travel schedule. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@margog9604]

It sounds like one disadvantage might be that you don't get a local phone number for the country you're visiting. Many hotels, restaurants, tour guides, etc., request a local phone number. What are your thoughts on this?

[@MrSteveCee]

Very good point. It is a problem sometimes as they are not keen on potentially paying long distance charges. I have found that they are usually ok if you can give them a WhatsApp number as they frequently have that capability- and there is no cost to them.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Not a problem at all. We have been traveling for 4 years and never had that issue. They ALWAYS want WhatsApp. It works so well everywhere we go. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@RetirementTravelers]

WhatsApp works great. Thanks for sharing. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@MrSteveCee]

@@RetirementTravelers That has been my experience as well. WhatsApp solves it.

[@kristelwyman]

Hi John and Bev! Curious what you found in Namibia?

[@RetirementTravelers]

Not sure what you are referring to? From a cell phone standpoint, the Airalo package was sold out, so we didn't haven't data unless we had wifi. We were only there for 2 days, so it wasn't an issue. If you are referring to Namibia, wow. In just a short time, we hiked mountains, went up giant sand dunes, kayaked with 3000 seals and saw thousands of pink flamingos! Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@kristelwyman]

@@RetirementTravelers Hi and sorry I was unclear, but thank you! Yes, I meant for cell phone coverage -- but wow, you've given me something to look forward to with Namibia in general!

[@JV-pd8wg]

Hi! Do you switch back to a cheaper basic plan on Google Fi after three months (once you’ve added Airalo)? Why would you keep the unlimited Google Fi plan? Thank you.

[@RetirementTravelers]

We did on our 9-month trip a couple of years ago. If it is only a 3-4 month trip, we don't switch. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@EZTravel-sp4tk]

When Google suspends your service after 90 days do you still pay the $110.00 per month or do they reduce the cost until you hit a tower back in the US. Thanks for the good info!

[@RetirementTravelers]

We switched back the first year, but our plans going forward is to mostly limit trips to 3 months or less. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@azarml]

Can you use Google Fi to create a hotspot? I really prefer to do my searching on my Surface but it doesn't have a sim slot.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Yes we can. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@dianac7002]

Hi! Could using a VPN service for your phone trick Google Fi into thinking you're in the United States to prevent the 3-month data cutoff? Thank you!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Great thought, but that doesn't work. Need to ping to a physical tower in the US. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@coachab100]

I have used Airalo in the past. I usually only travel for 2-3 months at a time. If I used Google Fi, I wouldn’t have to use Airalo too? Also, if on a cruise and at sea, would Google Fi work or only at ports? Cruise WiFi is super expensive! Thanks!

[@RetirementTravelers]

You wouldn’t need Airalo. Cruise WiFi is different. We only are able to use Google Fi and Airalo at ports. We wish cruise ships would get with the program and offer fast free WiFi. It isn’t even hard now with Starlink. John & Bev

[@BB-yi6qn]

I'm Asian. Welcome to Asia. Tokyo Japan. Seoul Korea. Shanghai China. Taipei Taiwan. Bangkok Thailand. Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. Singapore. Manila Philippines. Jakarta Indonesia

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks so much. We loved our visits to Asia. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@pinkhairlady3966]

I dont live in the US. Do you know if there is something similar like Google Fi outside of USA?

[@RetirementTravelers]

We don't think so, but not sure. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@JV-pd8wg]

Hi! How do you make phone calls to the US from Europe if WhatsApp is not available? Calls to banks etc. Cheapest way? Thanks.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Pretty much your only option is to use a cell phone plan. If we can use WiFi calling, we do, but otherwise, we don’t know of another method. John & Bev

[@jamesmateik8150]

Not sure if you saw my last message, but the reason I was/am still thinking Google Fi is because the unlimited version would be $55 vs the $100 you just referenced with Airalo. According to a Google search, Verizon phones are unlocked after 60 days of use (which I am well past). But do you know if I could still keep my Verizon plan if I signed up for Google Fi on the same phone?? thank you for the quick reply and great response. The reason I was/ am still thinking Google Fi is because the unlimited version would be $55 vs the $100 for 50 GB you just referenced with Airalo. According to a Google search, Verizon phones are unlocked after 60 days of use (which I am well past). But do you know if I could still keep my Verizon plan if I signed up for Google Fi on the same phone??

[@RetirementTravelers]

Sorry, you are out of our area of expertise with the Verizon question. If you are overseas less than 90 days, Google Fi is awesome. Beyond that, you can compare Airalo vs. others for data. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@kirstenveneziano1205]

I tried to use Airlo and thought I had installed it correctly so that it would automatically work when I landed in Morocco in January. It turned out I hadn't installed it correctly, and I was already on my tour, and trying to deal with customer service in emails to correct the situation while I'm touring the country was difficult and I finally gave up. I just paid $100 monthly fee to have international roaming through Verizon for a 13 day trip to Italy. I need to figure out some other plan before I retire because that's not sustainable financially. I'm looking forward to trying Google fi. Do you need to do anything for it to switch back on when you come back to the United States?

[@RetirementTravelers]

We just keep Google Fi on all phones all the time. We never switch. The only reason we have to use Airalo is for international data when we stay more than 90 days abroad. Google Fi suspends (data only) after 90 days. In the future, we are planning 90 days or less trips, so we will only use Google Fi. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@rhondillon5056]

I use Google Fi, but was warned by Google that I cannot just use internationally. Must be used in usa. Hv you had that warning?

[@RetirementTravelers]

We use Google Fi all the time internationally. There is no issue until you stay more than 90 days overseas without returning to US. Google suspends your international data at that time, but nothing else. If we are on a longer trip, we just supplement with Airalo. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@elliealfers6121]

Do you have to stay in the US for a specific amount of time for the Google Fi International data to be fully reinstated? Or, is it as simple as staying in the US for a day or 2 to be up and running again before heading to another country?

[@RetirementTravelers]

Great question. Our seems to work immediately when we get back. We are usually home for a couple months, so not sure about exactly when it reinstates internationally. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@elliealfers6121]

@@RetirementTravelers Thank you so much! 😊

[@jamesmateik8150]

I’ve done a bit of research on Google Fi but cant seem to find an answer for my situation. I currently have an Iphone 12 with a Verizon plan. I do not want to cancel my Verizon plan. However, I am traveling to Europe (Italy, Germany, France) next week and need an international option. So for my situation, would I be able to keep my Verizon plan on my current phone, and yet still use that same phone to sign up for Google Fi for my 3 week trip? If so, how do I activate it before I go and how do I deactivate/cancel the service when I get back to the US? Or would there be a better option besides Google Fi for my situation (without using Verizons $100 a month, or $10 a day option)?

[@RetirementTravelers]

If you are looking for data, just add Airalo to your phone. You can set your settings to have your Verizon for your phone and Airalo for your data. Your phone will sort it out, if you have your settings correct. If you need to call, Goggle Fi will charge by the call, just like Verizon. With Airalo you can get a regional Europe plan with 10 GB data for $37 or 50 GB for $100. You could save a little if you go by country and not the region. There are other options, so check out our link. airalo.pxf.io/rQnbrB You could add Google Fi, if you have an unlocked phone. It’s an e-sim so it works like an additional sim. If it were us, we wouldn’t add an additional plan. John & Bev

[@jamesmateik8150]

@@RetirementTravelers thank you for the quick reply and great response. The reason I was/am still thinking Google Fi is because the unlimited version would be $55 vs the $100 you just referenced with Airalo. According to a Google search, Verizon phones are unlocked after 60 days of use (which I am well past). But do you know if I could still keep my Verizon plan if I signed up for Google Fi on the same phone?? thank you for the quick reply and great response. The reason I was/am still thinking Google Fi is because the unlimited version would be $55 vs the $100 for 50 GB you just referenced with Airalo. According to a Google search, Verizon phones are unlocked after 60 days of use (which I am well past). But do you know if I could still keep my Verizon plan if I signed up for Google Fi on the same phone??

[@brendastewart2039]

Will google FI work if you don’t have an iphone 15? Is this plan only available to US citizens?

[@RetirementTravelers]

Yes it does, but not sure what is the lowest Iphone series. Pretty sure it is only for US citizens. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@Energy950]

Does 2FA work overseas with GoogleFi?

[@RetirementTravelers]

Yes it does. No problems. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@Laura-kb5sr]

Does anyone know of a travel insurance company that lets people contact them by WhatsApp or chat? Most seem to have a dinosaur system of calling them collect or sending email.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Great question. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@susanromo4637]

Hi. Does anyone know if my phine needs to be unlocked first in order to use airalo? I am on a T mobile phone plan.

[@RetirementTravelers]

We believe it has to be unlocked. Hope this helps. John & Bev

[@MrSteveCee]

It has to be unlocked. 100%.

[@felipepipe18]

Can't you just pay google fi a one time fee to able to keep your number permanently? I think it is $20, and then just use Airalo wherever you go?

[@RetirementTravelers]

You can keep your number. You never lose your number, only international data. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@Energy950]

What happens to GoogleFi if you don't return to the States for more than a year?

[@RetirementTravelers]

Not sure. International data (only data) gets suspended after about 90 days overseas. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@janicenunn8525]

I am confused, I pay $30/mo for unlim talk text and data. $100/mo. seems like a big jump. Nothing in between?

[@janicenunn8525]

I use spectrum

[@leapintothewild]

I’ve not researched pricing yet, but have repeatedly seen T-Mobile recommended as having a good international plan.

[@RetirementTravelers]

We believe T-mobile is more expensive and they limit your data to 5GB as opposed to 50 from Google Fi. If you have a plan where you pay $30 for unlimited "international" talk and data, you have hit the pot of gold! We don't know how you do this. Our $110 is for two phones. As for Google Fi, they offer several plans, just Google the options. John & Bev

[@janicenunn8525]

@@RetirementTravelers yes you are right. I looked at the G fi plans and I have only one line, on Spectrum and it is not international, would be $10 extra to add in just Mex and Canada. The g fi plan looks more competitive given all that. And G-fi has option for just one line.

[@ExtraGuac007]

Google FI will only suspend your data service, but you can keep and use your Google number for talk and text? Others has said they cancel your service completely if you are out of the country for more than 6 months at a time.

[@RetirementTravelers]

It’s not true for us. We have suspended service at the moment and can call and text. We have over stayed at least six times and it’s true every time. It’s just over three months, not six. Perhaps they didn’t have their settings correct or they didn’t actually use Google Fi. If you read the policy, you will see, only data is suspended. Thanks for asking so we could clear this up. John & Bev

[@ExtraGuac007]

@@RetirementTravelers Interesting. These same people said that Google won't even let them modify or cancel their phone plan unless they came back to the US and make the request there.

[@jimd2343]

I don’t get it my wife and I are retired with a net of several million dollars. And couldn’t travel around the world. I’m going to France in October for 10 days and I know it will cost around $15K US. Not sure how you do it.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Starting off, we have no home and no expenses other than travel. Like we said in a previous video, we balance low cost countries like Central and South America, the Balkans, the Baltics, and Southeast Asia with higher cost countries like France, which is very expensive. Our split is about 66% low to 33% high. We don't do guided trips, we use a LOT of public transportation, only eat two meals a day, and incorporate lots of other cost saving strategies like credit card points. It's a challenge to stay within our budget, but somehow we do it. Have a happy journey! John & Bev

[@jimd2343]

Enjoy your travels. Do you have an exit plan from travel someday

[@rrobinson8582]

What about WhatsApp?

[@RetirementTravelers]

We use WhatsApp all the time. Everybody around the world seems to have itl Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@monicamarotz891]

Did you purchase your phone from GoogleFi? Does GoogleFi support your Apple Watch?

[@RetirementTravelers]

Apple phones and watch and Google Fi supports. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@rickhansen9199]

Any other options? Once again, your “travel skills” series only covers the option you use which isn’t very helpful.

[@MrSteveCee]

I have travelled to 72 countries and personally have benefited from their video series. I have learned something new on EVERY video without exception. They are very clear that they are talking about what works for them based on lots of trial and error. I am more than ok with that.

[@margog9604]

Pretty helpful to me! :-)

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks. Glad our travel school has been helpful. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks so much. Glad you have gotten some benefit from all the travel school videos. We do just try to share our actual experience to help people. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@elkinjohn]

Is this click bait? Did you sell out? That is very expensive... not cheap at all!

[@RetirementTravelers]

$110 for 2 people for unlimited international data, txt and calls with a seamless product while traveling?? We kind of like it. John and Bev

[@allenas12]

So no info on this subject for your non American viewers? Waste of time

[@RetirementTravelers]

Airalo is a product that anybody can use around the world. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@jeremynachbar3205]

I use T Mobile. It can be slow. But there’s no way in the world I would use Google Fi. I hate Google and what they are doing with suppression of speech. I can barely stomach KZbin and their behavior. I hope their effective monopolies are eventually destroyed.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Thanks for sharing. Happy journeys, John and Bev retirementtravelers.com/

[@maxdavies9327]

Once again you two make the mistake of thinking everybody that travels is American…. BIG MISTAKE.. you lost me I’m afraid.

[@RetirementTravelers]

Sorry we didn’t please you. We can only give our experience. Surely you aren’t implying that we should know what every country in the world’s cell phone options are. Airalo is available to everyone, no matter the country. John and Bev

[@av8dr]

John and Bev share their experiences as Americans and I find them extremely useful. If you’re looking for advice on other countries, there are KZbinrs who offer them.

[@connieg7692]

When you search on KZbin search for your topic then enter the name of your country so you can get video results that are geared towards your country. KZbin search results usually default to United States viewers.

[@maxdavies9327]

Thank you, Max.@@connieg7692