How Does Google Fi International Roaming Work, And Is It Worth It?
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
International roaming used to be something only offered by the big three postpaid carriers. Thankfully more prepaid carriers have embraced international calling in recent years. Chief among these options is Google Fi Wireless. In this guide, we explain how Google Fi international roaming works. We'll also discuss the costs, if it's worth it, and if there are any worthwhile alternatives.
Google Fi International ratesGoogle Fi is known for its exceptional international access. The exact benefits will vary depending on what plan you get. Fi Wireless Unlimited Plus has the best international perks out of all the plans. It includes unlimited talking, text, and data in the US, Mexico, Canada, and over 200 other countries.
You can see a full breakdown below:
Simply Unlimited Unlimited Plus Flexible Simply Unlimited$50 a month
Unlimited Plus$65 a month
Flexible$20 a month for talk and text, $10 per gig
Calling and Texting outside the US, Canada, and Mexico
Simply UnlimitedNone
Unlimited Plus Free textingFree calls in 50 destinations$.20 per minute for call for all other regions Flexible$.20 per minute for call, free texts
Data in the US, Canada, and Mexico
Simply UnlimitedUnlimited
Unlimited PlusUnlimited
FlexibleUnlimited talk and text, $10 per GB for data
Data traveling outside of US/Canada/Mexico
Simply UnlimitedNone
Unlimited PlusFree in over 200 destinations
Flexible$10 per gig in over 200 destinations
While the basic Unlimited option doesn't include any kind of roaming, it's interesting to note that the Flexible plan does. You can get data at $10 per gig even when traveling, as long as you are in one of over 200 supported countries.
Is Fi Wireless International roaming a good deal?Google Fi is absolutely the best-prepaid carrier for international data, hands-down. US Mobile is a close second with up to 10GB of international data on its highest plan level. The rest of the prepaid carriers either offer nothing or extremely limited international options. For example, Mint Mobile has an extremely expensive UpRoam program.
Does Google Fi offer better international data options than postpaid carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile? Honestly, yes, it does. Here's a quick look at how AT&, Verizon, and T-Mobile international features stack up:
Overall all postpaid carriers offer international options, but Google Fi does it better. Fi Wireless doesn't charge you extra beyond its initial costs for the Unlimited Plus plan. Those with the Flexible plan also have the same access to data at $10 per gig they'd get stateside. If you really do a lot of international traveling, Fi Wireless is truly hard to beat.
Should you use Google Fi international rates or go with a local SIM card?
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
Are Google Fi international rates better than local SIM card rates? The answer to this is going to vary depending on where you are visiting. In many cases, getting a local SIM will still be cheaper, unless we're talking about places like Canada that are known for horribly expensive phone rates (just like the US.) Still, the convenience can't be overstated enough.
During work trips in the past, I've loved getting off the plane and immediately being able to use my phone, regardless of whether I was in Spain, Germany, or even Taiwan. I didn't have to research local SIM card providers ahead of time or rush around the airport to buy one from a vending machine. It's also worth mentioning you can pause Google Fi service at any time. For frequent travelers, it might be worth keeping a paused Fi card around just for travel. In fact, some international users have attempted to use Fi locally for similar purposes, though it usually ends in a suspension of data eventually.
One challenge to the convenience of Google Fi Wireless international rates is the rise of e-SIM support among prepaid carriers. This means that you can easily switch carriers without getting a SIM card in countries that support the technology. Still, that requires some extra research and hoops that might not be worth it to you.
Is Google Fi a good carrier for international travel?97 votes
Yes, there's nothing better!
76%
Yes, but I still prefer getting local SIMs when abroad.
14%
No, I don't think it's worth it.
9%
CommentsUnlocking SIM Cards With A Logic Analyzer
[Jason Gin] wanted to reuse the SIM card that came with a ZTE WF721 wireless terminal he got from AT&T, but as he expected, it was locked to the device. Unfortunately, the terminal has no function to change the PIN and none of the defaults he tried seemed to work. The only thing left to do was crack it open and sniff the PIN with a logic analyzer.
This project is a fantastic example of the kind of reverse engineering you can pull off with even a cheap logic analyzer and a keen eye, but also perfectly illustrates the fact that having physical access to a device largely negates any security measures the manufacturer tries to implement. [Jason] already knew what the SIM unlock command would look like; he just needed to capture the exchange between the WF721 and SIM card, find the correct byte sequence, and look at the bytes directly after it.
Finding the test pads on the rear of the SIM slot, he wired his DSLogic Plus logic analyzer up to the VCC, CLK, RST, and I/O pins, then found a convenient place to attach his ground wire. After a bit of fiddling, he determined the SIM card was being run at 4 MHz, so he needed to configure a baud rate of 250 kbit/s to read the UART messages passing between the devices.
Once he found the bytes that signified successful unlocking, he was able to work his way backwards and determine the unlock command and its PIN code. It turns out the PIN was even being sent over the wire in plain text, though with the way security is often handled these days, we can't say it surprises us. All [Jason] had to do then was put the SIM in his phone and punch in the sniffed PIN when prompted.
Could [Jason] have just run out to the store and picked up a prepaid SIM instead of cracking open this wireless terminal and sniffing its communications with a logic analyzer? Of course. But where's the fun in that?
Google Fi Review: Affordable Phone Plans With Reliable Coverage And Stellar International Benefits
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With network coverage provided by T-Mobile (as well as a slew of secure mobile hotspots around the US), Google's mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Google Fi Wireless, is a low-cost alternative to big budget carriers for those looking to save on their phone bill.
While phones "Designed for Fi" will have better coverage on Google Fi, most phones will be compatible with the service — albeit sacrificing some functionality and perks for the price, especially in comparison with "Designed for Fi" phones like the Google Pixel series and select other Android phones.
I tested Google Fi's service, coverage, and data reliability during a week in New York City to see whether making the switch is worth it. Google Fi has some significant benefits, but depending on your needs it might not be right for you. Here's a breakdown of the plans, their prices, and their perks to see if Fi will work for your lifestyle.
Google Fi's three-tiered phone plans stand out for their international coverage options and offer additional support for certain Android phones.
What works
What needs work
Google Fi offers three no-contract plans, each including hotspot capabilities, VPN (virtual private network) usage, and select smart watch integration.
The plans are structured to encourage users to shell out for the $65 per month Unlimited Plus plan, which offers additional benefits like Google One storage and a free year of YouTube Premium for free with the plan, but customers looking to save their money can turn to the Flexible plan that offers pay-what-you-use data and some of the same baseline benefits.
The middle ground here is in the Simply Unlimited plan, which has select benefits featured in the Unlimited Plus plan at a price point more geared toward families that use a lot of data on multiple lines.
Here is the cost and benefits breakdown of each of Google Fi's three plans:
*All plans revert to slower data speeds after a certain amount of monthly high-speed data usage. For Simply Unlimited, data speeds slow after 35GB of high-speed data are used. For Unlimited Plus, the threshold is at 50GB. Flexible plan members will experience data speeds slowing after 15GB of data are used.
**Hotspot data is not priced differently from the rest of your high-speed data on a Flexible plan, and will still cost $10 per GB.
Google Fi's Flexible plan allows for a pay-what-you-use data structure. Eve Montie/Insider FlexibleWith the Flexible plan, you only pay for the data you use — rounded to the nearest 0.1GB at $10 per GB — and if you go over a certain amount of data in a month you don't have to pay extra for any additional data used in that month.
This is thanks to Google Fi's Bill Protection feature, and it's a huge selling point for their lowest-price plan. That said, you can still rack up a maximum monthly bill of $80 as a single user on the plan (if you use 6GB or more of data in a month), and more as the number of lines on your plan increases.
The Flexible plan is also ideal for international travelers, who are often saddled with roaming fees when using high speed data while abroad, as your data price doesn't change when you use data overseas.
The below table outlines the price adjustments as you add lines to a Flexible plan with Fi:
*Your data level adjusts depending on the number of lines in your plan, and all users on the plan draw from the same pool of data. Any data used after you meet the data level is free.
The Flexible plan is perfect for the traveler or the little-to-no-data-user. As you add lines to the plan, however, it starts to make less and less sense to keep this plan rather than switch to one of the unlimited plans (or frankly a larger carrier with more coverage and benefits), especially when you consider that the data pool is shared between phone lines.
With six members on a Flexible phone plan your monthly bill could be as high as $275 if all lines combined use more than 18GB of data, which definitely defeats the purpose of having a low-cost plan. If you have multiple lines or use a lot of data, the Simply Unlimited or Unlimited Plus plans will be more cost-effective at the end of the day, but low data users will certainly save with Flexible.
Simply UnlimitedSimply Unlimited is Google Fi's middle-tier plan, priced at $50 per month for a single line and boasting unlimited data with 5GB of dedicated hotspot data as its major selling points. This plan is geared toward individuals who use a lot of data, so data speeds aren't capped until you hit 35GB of data in a month.
This plan is a much better option than Flexible for someone who uses a lot of data in a month and wants to avoid a steep bill just in case. At the higher monthly price point, however, it's more comparable with unlimited data plans from other MVNOs, like Mint Mobile or Visible by Verizon, which both offer unlimited plans for $40 or less per month.
Unlimited PlusUnlimited Plus is Google Fi's highest-priced plan, and it includes perks along with your wireless service. When you sign up for an Unlimited Plus plan, you'll get a year of YouTube Premium included for free as well as 100GB of Google One storage. If you already use Google One, using Fi will give you a $1.99 discount on your bill each month, which equates to the price of the 100 free GB you'd get if you were a new user.
Like the Simply Unlimited plan, Unlimited Plus isn't truly unlimited — you'll get high-speed data access until you pass a threshold of 50GB in a month, after which your data speeds will slow down due to deprioritization. This is a tradeoff for the low prices you get with MVNOs, particularly in congested areas, where the main carrier will prioritize their premium-paying customers in terms of data speeds. Depending on your location this may or may not affect your experience; however, in urban areas you'll be more likely to have a lot of network traffic than if you live in a less densely populated area.
Coverage areaAs with any mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Google Fi uses a larger carrier's cellular network to provide most of their coverage. Google Fi uses T-Mobile, with supplementation from a network of mobile hotspots to boost signal and connectivity in areas where T-Mobile is more sparse in its coverage.
Google Fi offers a coverage map tool on their site where you can check to see if you're in the areas covered by 5G, 4G, or extended coverage, which largely overlaps with T-Mobile's coverage map.
Google Fi's coverage map indicates 4G and 5G coverage along with its extended network provided by US Cellular and various hotspots. Google FiThe quality of your network connection will depend on the type of phone you have — as phones "Designed for Fi" will have further reach than those that aren't. If you have a phone that's "Designed for Fi" according to this list, you'll have access to not only T-Mobile's baseline coverage network but also a widespread network of VPN-protected Wi-Fi hotspots and additional cellular towers provided by US Cellular. Your phone will switch on its own between these hotspots and a 5G or 4G connection when applicable, extending your coverage beyond the basics provided by T-Mobile.
This may or may not make a difference in your area — for example, in my testing I used a "Designed for Fi" phone, but since I performed all my testing in network-heavy New York City I was well-covered everywhere I went with a 5G or 4G connection.
If you have a device that is compatible with Google Fi but that isn't "Designed for Fi," you won't get the additional coverage provided by the hotspots and US Cellular towers. This essentially leaves you with T-Mobile coverage.
Service reliability and speedsIn my own testing, I didn't have much issue with my Google Fi plan, and my usage of it was pretty seamless. I tested the Flexible plan for just one week, so nowhere near enough time to judge the effects of data deprioritization, which would have definitely adjusted my experience. I only used about 1 full GB of data, and my data speeds would have been capped after I used 15GB.
Again, with the Flexible Plan's Bill Protection feature, I wouldn't have to pay for any data used after 6GB. Doing the math, as a heavy data user, I would have likely paid $40 or more per month for the Flexible Plan, making it about as much cost-wise as if I had chosen an unlimited plan from somewhere like Visible or Mint Mobile.
I tested some of the apps that people most frequently use on their phones these days — Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok — as well as the basics of phone calls, video calls, and texts. As I could have expected, social media apps had a bit of loading time between videos or posts when my service was less than 4 or 5 bars of 4G LTE or 5G. In areas where I was covered and had good service, however, I had no issues with buffering when watching video, and downloads were smooth. I noticed poor video call quality, but that was the only snag I encountered.
It's also important to note that I was using a "Designed for Fi" phone, which in theory added to the plan's performance. As a general rule, it's safe to say that if you live in an area covered by T-Mobile, you'll be good to go with Google Fi, though you'll get more comprehensive coverage with a "Designed for Fi" device.
Customer supportWhen you order your Google Fi SIM card, you'll receive an envelope that includes the SIM as well as a few setup instructions.
You'll be guided to download the Google Fi app to manage your plan, and the packet gives step-by-step instructions on how to insert your new SIM card and switch to a new service. There's a tucked-in insert specifically for iPhone users as well, who have a few additional instructions for setup.
The packet is helpful and informative, which bodes well as a new user. Once your SIM is installed, the app has walkthrough instructions on what you'll need to do if you want to keep your old phone number or get a new one through Fi.
Google Fi's setup kit includes your SIM card, setup instructions, and an additional instructions card for iPhone users. Eve Montie/InsiderGoogle Fi's app offers 24/7 customer support over the phone as well as through chat and email. The resources provided in the app are pretty standard, and don't necessarily deviate from what you might expect to be available as a customer, but the UX is quite good and easily navigable.
I'd argue that the Bill Protection feature on the Flexible Plan is as good as any customer support service, however, as it allows you to set an alert for when you use a certain amount of data to avoid paying more than you can afford. It's a smart addition, especially for a plan that can rack up in price with multiple lines.
Users can monitor their monthly data usage in Google Fi's app, as well as adjust their plan or purchase a new device. Eve Montie/Insider Should you sign up for Google Fi?Frequent international travelers may find the most benefit from Google Fi Wireless, as the service's international coverage options are extensive and adjustments are low-cost.
If you already own a Google Pixel phone (or any "Designed for Fi" phone), the smart switching between T-Mobile, US Cellular, and Google's hotspot network will likely significantly supplement your coverage area. Low monthly data users will also like Google Fi, as the Flexible plan will cost far less each month than either of the service's unlimited data plans (let alone a major carrier's baseline data plans).
If you use a lot of data or have multiple lines, your Google Fi bill could increase quickly, however. Other MVNOs like Mint Mobile and Visible Wireless have unlimited data options that outperform Fi in terms of price.
FAQs What networks does Google Fi use?Google Fi uses a combination of T-Mobile's base network as well as an extended network of hotspots and US Cellular towers to provide its coverage.
If your phone is compatible, it will switch between network providers automatically depending on which service will provide the best coverage in your area. This is only available for phones "Designed for Fi," however, which includes Google Pixel phones as well as many Android models.
Does Google Fi work with an iPhone?While you can use just about any phone with Google Fi, iPhones are tricky. Google Fi is optimized for Google Pixel phones and select other Android models certified as "Designed for Fi," meaning that they'll have certain benefits that non-"Designed for Fi" phones will not.
This is significant in terms of coverage, as "Designed for Fi" phones will have access to the full range of Google Fi's network sources, including T-Mobile cell towers, US Cellular towers, and a range of hotspots, but iPhones and non-"Designed for Fi" phones will be restricted to just T-Mobile coverage.
Does Google Fi work internationally?Yes, each of Google Fi's three plans have international stipulations: The Flexible plan includes unchanged data rates between domestic and international use in over 200 countries; the Unlimited Plus plan includes data in over 200 countries at no additional monthly cost; and the Simply Unlimited plan includes calls to Mexico and Canada at no additional cost.
Is Google Fi actually unlimited?"Unlimited" data is mostly just a reference to a fixed price per month for access to a certain amount of high-speed data. With each of the two unlimited data plans offered by Google Fi, you can use high-speed data up to a certain data cap before your data speeds will slow down due to deprioritization.
This doesn't affect how much data you can use, it just affects the speed. With the Simply Unlimited plan, your data speeds will be capped after you use 35GB of high-speed data, and with the Unlimited Plus plan your data speeds will be capped after 50GB.
Eve Montie
Insider Reviews Tech Fellow
At Insider, Eve reviews consumer technology as a Tech Fellow with the Reviews team. She comes with background at a connected fitness tech startup, where she worked directly with consumers translating complex technological information into accessible, user-friendly material. She has also worked in public radio at WBUR Boston, where she produced segments on broadband internet access and smart-home technology. Prior to working at Insider, Eve has also worked in documentary film production for episodes of PBS' American Experience, museum operations in Prague, Czech Republic, and at a Persian/French bakery in Cambridge, MA. She double-majored in Art History and Peace and Justice Studies at Wellesley College, concentrating on visual media as it relates to representation and social activism. She was an editor for the Wellesley Review and is an Anchor Point Fellow. Reach out to her on Twitter @eve_montie.
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