Top International Calling Plans for Students Abroad
Discover the best international calling plans tailored for students studying abroad. This guide highlights key factors such as destinations, plan types, and top service providers like AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and U.S. Cellular. Find affordable options including unlimited calls, prepaid and postpaid plans, and recommended add-ons to stay connected with loved ones worldwide without breaking the bank. Ensure you select a plan that matches your calling habits for seamless and cost-effective international communication.
Top International Calling Options for Students Overseas
Studying abroad in the US often means staying connected with family and friends across borders, which can become costly. To save money and ensure reliable communication, selecting the right international calling plan is essential. Before choosing a plan, consider a few important factors to maximize value and efficiency.
Key Factors When Choosing an International Calling Plan
- Calling Destination
Identify which country you need to call regularly. Make sure the plan includes your primary destinations or offers affordable rates for those locations.
If you frequently make international calls daily, opting for unlimited plans is ideal. Some plans offer limited minutes for a set fee, which might suffice for occasional use.
The choice depends on your calling habits. Prepaid plans require ongoing recharges and may run out of balance unexpectedly. Postpaid plans provide continuous service without frequent recharges, suitable for heavy callers.
Popular International Calling Providers
- AT&T
AT&T offers handy add-ons such as World Connect Value for $5/month, providing unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada plus discounted rates to over 225 countries. The East Asia & India pack at $15/month includes unlimited calls to China, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, and South Korea, with additional savings on other countries. - Sprint
Sprint's International Connect and Mexico-Canada Plus packs cater to international callers. The International Connect pack at $15/month offers unlimited landline calls in over 60 countries and unlimited mobile calls in 35 countries. The Mexico-Canada Plus pack at $5/month provides unlimited calling to both countries and discounted rates elsewhere. - Verizon
Verizon's postpaid plans with 12GB or more include free unlimited calls within North America. Additional packs for $5/month offer unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada; for $15/month, unlimited calling to over 40 countries is available. - U.S. Cellular
U.S. Cellular provides plans like a $5.99/month package for unlimited calls to Canada and a $3.99 International Long Distance Plan for unlimited landline calls in Mexico, along with discounted rates to up to 200 countries.
