Best International Postpaid Mobile Plans for Frequent Travelers

If you're a frequent traveler, returning home might mean facing hefty bills—sometimes reaching $1000—that catch you off guard. International calls and data usage can quickly become expensive without proper planning. Depending on your cellular provider, coverage areas, data limits, and features vary.

Avoid using your US data plan abroad with your US phone to prevent surprises. For avid travelers, opting for an international postpaid plan can be highly cost-effective, offering generous data allowances and seamless connectivity.

Postpaid plans allow for flexible data extension when needed, unlike prepaid options. We've highlighted two top carriers favored by international travelers who prefer postpaid services.

T-Mobile
Known for its extensive global network, T-Mobile reaches up to 140 countries worldwide. International calls cost just 20 cents per minute—a very affordable rate. Unlimited texting and 2G speeds are available globally, with options to upgrade to 3G roaming for an additional $15. In countries like Mexico and Canada, travelers enjoy unlimited texting and surfing at 4G LTE speeds.

Few providers match T-Mobile’s coverage and affordability for international travel.

Sprint
Existing Sprint users can activate international coverage at no extra cost. Sprint’s Open World add-on is excellent for trips to South America, offering unlimited calls and texts across many countries plus a monthly 1GB cap of 3G speed data at no charge. Note that this doesn’t cover countries like Cuba, Guyana, Suriname, or French Guiana. Once your data limit is exceeded, Sprint charges $30 per GB at 3G speeds. This option suits travelers seeking budget-friendly data and flexible usage, unlike prepaid plans that charge for unused data. Unlimited calls and texts within North and South America further enhance Sprint’s appeal as a top international plan choice.