There are several ways to get mobile phone service while traveling internationally, depending on where you're going, how long you're planning on staying, and what type of phone you have. Each option has its benefits, and it's best to review them all to select the best option for you.
International roaming with Ting
Ting offers international roaming on our GSM, V1, and CDMA networks. Phones on our GSM and CDMA networks can use service anywhere that we have coverage, while phones using our V1 network will have coverage internationally in Canada and Mexico.
There will be additional charges for your usage with the Ting plans in another country. If you're using our Legacy rates, your usage while internationally roaming will be pay-per-use for minutes, messages, and data in addition to the international roaming charges.
International roaming is available on Ting Legacy PPU accounts (pre-November 17, 2020) after two months of active service. It's not possible to enable international roaming before 60 days of activation have passed.
If you're using one of our Ting NG Plans, you may search for rates by Country using our International Calling and Roaming Rates. It's not possible to enable international roaming before 90 days of activation have passed. Please refer to our Terms of Service for a detailed list of requirements to enable international roaming.
Enabling international roaming
V1 SIM international roaming is limited: If you are using Ting Mobile's V1 network, then your international roaming coverage is limited to Canada and Mexico. If you are unsure which network you are on, check your SIM card. The ICCID (SIM card number) should start with 8914 if you have a V1 network SIM. You can also contact us for help.
You can turn on international roaming through the Device Settings section of your Ting account online. Make sure you have this feature enabled before traveling outside of the country.
- Log into your Ting account online.
- Click on Device settings.
- Select the device(s) where you want to enable international roaming.
- Scroll to the International Roaming option, and click the blue edit pencil.
- In the pop-up window, toggle the Can use international roaming slider to enable it.
- Toggle on Can use international data roaming if you want to enable data roaming services. Once all the options you would like are enabled, select Save.
Note: International data roaming can accumulate quickly, and it is generally the more expensive option. If you would like only to have text and talk, you can leave this option off.
If you want to use data, make sure you've enabled data roaming in the settings on your device. Voice roaming will be enabled automatically. For CDMA phones looking to roam, the network mode may also need to be updated once you arrive at your destination.
Update network mode
Changing your network mode will vary slightly from phone to phone, but we've listed the most common Android pathway below.
- Tap Apps and select Settings.
- Select More Networks and choose Mobile Networks.
- Tap Network Mode.
- Select an applicable network mode. We suggest Global.
- Your phone will reboot and should connect automatically. If not, manually search for a network via the Network operators option typically under Mobile Networks.
Switching to a local carrier SIM card
Purchasing a local international SIM is ideal for long-term trips or trips where you plan on using your phone a lot. It can take the guesswork out of the rates to avoid a bill with unexpected charges at the end of your trip.
Your coverage and rates will be based on the provider of the foreign SIM card that you're using since you'll be getting a new local number with them. If you're checking ahead of time or doing so upon arrival, you'll want to find out:
- Which areas do they cover
- How they handle domestic or international roaming (i.e., If you're traveling to several countries in Europe or Asia in one trip, make sure they're all covered)
- The domestic and international rates
Once you have a SIM card for use with an international carrier, you can remove the Ting SIM from your unlocked phone and install the new SIM card to use the other carrier's services.
Prepaid phones
A prepaid phone is an alternative if you're going to a country that doesn't have a GSM network provider. With a local carrier, these are usually relatively inexpensive phones that you can load and reload as needed. If you need to be reachable while traveling or you're traveling for a more extended time, this can be a reliable alternative. You know what you're getting in terms of rates, and it's easy to get up and running.
Your coverage will be based on the prepaid phone provider you're using since you'll be getting a new local number. If you're checking ahead of time or doing so upon arrival, you'll want to find out:
- Which areas do they cover
- How they handle domestic or international roaming (i.e., you're traveling to several countries in Europe in one trip)
- The domestic and international rates
Before you travel
You don't have to do anything with your Ting device if you're going to use a foreign prepaid phone while traveling, except perhaps turn it off, so the battery still has a charge when you return.
If you're traveling for an extended time and will not use your Ting service, we can suspend your service while you travel to prevent additional usage. While service is stopped, your Unlimited Plan or device charge will be billed as usual.
VoIP calling services
VoIP calling services such as Skype, Viber, Hangout, or Facetime are all great ways to keep in touch while traveling. Apps like Facebook Messenger also have VoIP calling built into them, which, for many people, will eliminate the need to set up another service. These options require access to Wi-Fi or data to work, but if your hotel offers free Wi-Fi, you can use these options while connected.
These apps usually require both parties to have them and are typically free. Some of them have options for additional services, like the ability to call phone numbers directly, as paid extras if you want them.