Oct 12, 2023
How Do I Use PureTalk International Roaming?
Reading Time: 8 minutes
With PureTalk International Roaming, your phone works in 36 countries around the world. No need to swap out your SIM or download an app. Simply arrive at your destination and enjoy up to $20/month of PureTalk international credits that let you talk, text and use your data just like you do at home!
With PureTalk International Roaming, there’s no overage charges or surprise fees. Just freedom.
Use your phone and plan outside the U.S.
Use your phone and plan in 36+ destinations outside the United States.
Get up to $20 a month in free international credits automatically applied to your account. The actual number of credits depends upon your plan.
Only pay for what you use. There's no overage charges or surprise fees and, if you need additional international credits, you can add them as needed, starting at just $10.
Use your phone like you do at home, no matter where life takes you!
Here's how:
Travel to your international destination. Because every plan includes up to $20 a month in international credits, your phone works in 36+ countries immediately upon arrival. No need to swap out your SIM or download an app.
When you arrive at your destination, you'll automatically have up to $20 in international credits. When you make a call, send texts, or use data, it will be deducted from your balance.
If you use all of your existing international credit, you will not be changed any fees. And, if you need more international credits, simply log in to your account portal and select the International Roaming add-on. (Credits do not roll over.)
Let's talk about international credits by PureTalk cell phone plans
With a $65 PureTalk cell phone plan, you automatically receive $20 in international credits each month. With a $30-$55 PureTalk plan, you automatically receive $10 in international credits each month. And with a $20-$25 PureTalk plan, you automatically receive $5 in international credits each month.
Check out the 36+ countries PureTalk keeps you effortlessly connected in!
Whether you're planning a trip to the Caribbean Isle of Anguilla for a family vacation filled with glass bottom boat rides and snorkeling, or Italy's Polignano a Mare, one of the most beautiful Apulian villages overlooking the Adriatic Sea and one of the most welcoming cities in the world, there's a destination for every international travel aficionado on this list. So, make your plans and roam where you like. With PureTalk's International Roaming!
Andorra
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Barbados
British Virgin Islands
Canada
Cayman Islands
Dominica
Dominican Republic
France
Germany
Gibraltar
Grenada
Ireland
Jamaica
Japan
Liechtenstein
Mexico
Monaco
Montserrat
Poland
Portugal
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Spain
Switzerland
Turks and Caicos Islands
United Kingdom (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)
Belgium
Greece
Italy
Netherlands
San Marino
Vatican City
International roaming in general
Typically, international roaming features offered by mobile carriers include the ability to make and receive calls, send and receive text messages, and use mobile data while traveling abroad. Unlike PureTalk's International Roaming, these services often come with additional charges, and carriers may offer different international roaming packages or plans to help users manage their costs while using their phones internationally.
If you're NOT with PureTalk...
You'll probably need to enable international roaming on your mobile phone. This typically involves a few steps, although the exact process can vary slightly based on your mobile carrier and the type of phone you have.
Here's a general guide that should work for most smartphones:
Contact Your Carrier:
Before you travel internationally, it's essential to contact your mobile carrier to ensure that international roaming is activated on your account. Some carriers might have it activated by default, but it's always best to confirm. They can also provide you with information about the rates and packages available in the country you're visiting.
Check Compatibility:
Ensure that your phone is compatible with the networks in the country you're traveling to. Different countries use different network technologies (like GSM, CDMA, LTE), so it's crucial that your phone supports the network bands used in the destination country.
Update Settings on Your Phone:
Android: Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Data roaming. Enable "Data roaming" and "International CDMA" if you are on a CDMA network.
iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Roaming. Enable "Data Roaming."
Restart Your Phone:
After you've made these changes, it's a good idea to restart your phone. This can help the new settings take effect.
Monitor Usage:
Be aware of the costs associated with international roaming. Data usage, in particular, can be expensive. Consider turning off automatic app updates and background data usage to avoid unexpected charges.
Consider Special Roaming Plans or SIM Cards:
Some carriers offer special international roaming plans or SIM cards designed for travelers. These plans might offer more affordable rates for calls, texts, and data usage while abroad. Check with your carrier to see if they offer any such options.
Remember, if you're not with PureTalk...
If you're not with PureTalk, it's crucial to understand the costs associated with international roaming to avoid any unexpected charges. You'll also need to understand why:
SIM cards important to International Roaming
A SIM card, or Subscriber Identity Module card, is a small electronic chip that identifies and authenticates your phone on a mobile network. When you travel internationally and want to use your phone, your home SIM card allows you to connect to a foreign mobile network.
Here's how SIM cards are important to international roaming:
Access to a Foreign Network: Your home SIM card needs to connect to a local network in the country you're visiting. Without a SIM card or with an incompatible SIM card, your phone won't be able to connect to a mobile network abroad.
Phone Number and Identity: The SIM card contains information about your phone number, allowing you to make and receive calls and texts. It also authenticates your identity on the network, ensuring that your usage is associated with your account.
Data Usage: For smartphones, the SIM card is essential for accessing mobile data services. It allows you to use the internet, check emails, use apps, and browse the web using mobile data. Without a compatible SIM card, your cell phone also won't be able to access mobile data services abroad.
Carrier Information: The SIM card contains information about your carrier, such as your account details and the network's configuration settings. This information is necessary for your phone to work properly on a foreign network.
Roaming Plans and Rates: If you're using international roaming services provided by your home carrier, your home SIM card is required to access these international calling services and incur the associated charges or use any specific roaming plans or packages.
In summary, a SIM card is essential for your phone to function on a mobile network, both domestically and internationally. When traveling abroad, ensure that your phone is compatible with the network technology used in the country you're visiting, and if you plan to use your phone while abroad, you'll either need to use your home SIM card with international roaming services or obtain a local SIM card from a carrier in the country you're visiting.
If you're not with PureTalk, you'll need to know how to use eSIM for international texting and roaming
Using an eSIM for international roaming is a way to stay connected while traveling abroad without the need for a physical SIM card. Here's how you can use an eSIM for international roaming:
1. Check Device Compatibility:
First, ensure your device supports eSIM functionality. Most modern smartphones and some tablets support eSIM, but it's best to check your device's specifications to confirm.
2. Check Carrier Support:
Check with your mobile carrier to see if they support eSIM and offer international roaming plans for eSIM users. Not all carriers support eSIM for international roaming, so it's crucial to verify this with your carrier.
3. Get an eSIM Profile:
Contact your carrier to obtain an eSIM profile for international roaming. This profile will include the necessary information to configure your device for the carrier's network in the country you're visiting. Carriers typically provide a QR code that you can scan to install the eSIM profile on your device.
4. Install the eSIM Profile:
Once you have the eSIM profile (usually in the form of a QR code), go to your device's settings:
On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. Scan the QR code provided by your carrier.
On Android: The process can vary depending on the manufacturer and software version, but generally, you'll find the option in Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile network > Advanced > Carrier > Add Carrier. Then, follow the prompts to scan the QR code.
5. Configure Roaming Settings:
After installing the eSIM profile, check your roaming settings to ensure they are configured correctly. You can usually find these settings in your device's network or cellular settings menu.
6. Monitor Data Usage:
Be mindful of your data usage while roaming, as international data can be expensive. Turn off background app refresh, automatic updates, and other data-intensive features to conserve data. Check with your carrier to understand the data charges and consider purchasing a specific unlimited data only package if you plan to use a lot of data.
7. Consider Dual SIM Phones:
Some smartphones come with dual SIM functionality, allowing you to use both an eSIM and a physical SIM card simultaneously. This can be especially useful if you want to keep your home number active while using an eSIM for international roaming.
Always consult with your carrier and follow their specific instructions for setting up and using eSIM for international roaming, as the process and details can vary based on the carrier's policies and the type of device you're using.
If you're not with PureTalk, you'll need to know about local SIM cards
Swapping out physical SIM cards for global travel is a common practice among travelers. By using local SIM cards from the country you're visiting, you can sometimes get more affordable call, text, and data rates. If you opt to go this route, here's how it's done:
1. Check Your Phone's Compatibility:
Ensure that your phone is unlocked and compatible with the network technologies used in the country you're traveling to. Different countries use different network standards (GSM, CDMA, etc.), so your phone needs to support the local networks to function properly.
2. Unlock Your Phone (If Necessary):
If your phone is locked to a specific carrier, you will need to unlock it to use a different carrier's SIM card. You can contact your carrier to request an unlock, or you can use third-party services to unlock your phone. Be aware of the legal and warranty implications of unlocking your phone.
3. Purchase a Local SIM Card:
Upon arrival in the destination country, you can purchase a local prepaid SIM card from a local carrier. These are readily available at airports, convenience stores, and carrier stores. They come in various data, call, and text packages. Make sure to choose a package that suits your needs.
4. Insert the New SIM Card:
Power off your phone and remove your home country's SIM card. Insert the local SIM card into the SIM card slot. Power on your phone.
5. Configure APN Settings (If Necessary):
In some cases, especially for data services, you might need to configure the Access Point Name (APN) settings on your phone. These settings vary from carrier to carrier. You can usually find them on the carrier's website or by calling their customer support.
6. Top Up and Manage Your Balance:
Prepaid SIM cards typically come with a balance for calls, texts, and data. Be aware of your usage and top up your balance as needed. Many carriers offer mobile apps or online portals where you can manage your account and top up your balance.
7. Use Your Phone Normally:
Once the local SIM card is inserted and configured, your cell phone plans should work as if you were a local resident. You can make calls, send texts, and use mobile data within the limits of your prepaid plan.
8. Keep Your Home SIM Card Safe:
While you're using a local SIM card, keep your home country's SIM card in a safe place. You'll need it when you return home or if you travel to another country where you want to use your home number.
Remember that swapping SIM cards gives you a local number, which works for making local calls and receiving calls from local contacts without international charges. However, it means you'll have a different phone number for the duration of your stay.
Switch to PureTalk and travel internationally with ease!
With PureTalk International Roaming, you don't need to do anything other than pack your phone and go. It works in 30+ countries around the world -- you simply arrive at your destination and start exploring! Enjoy up to $20/month of PureTalk international credits that let you talk, text and use your phone just like you do at home!
Stay connected while you're abroad with PureTalk cell phone service and International Roaming!
To make international calls to the U.S. from any of our 36 countries: Press 1, then enter the area code and local number. Ex. 1-201-585-3600.
To make a local call within one of our 36 countries: Dial 011 + country code + city code + phone number.
Questions regarding service? Our USA based customer service department is ready to help. You can contact customer support at (877) 820-7873 or dial 611 from your PureTalk phone.
Beyond International Roaming
Did you know that PureTalk offers unlimited talk, text, data, and mobile hotspot on the nations largest GSM network for half of the cost of the larger cell phone providers? We also offer a 30-day, money back risk free guarantee. With PureTalk, there's no contracts and no surprises ever on your cell phone bill.
About PureTalk
Pure Talk is a prepaid cell phone carrier known as a mobile virtual network operator or MVNO. MVNOs use existing cellular networks to provide coverage.
Pure Talk International Calling
With our international calling service, you can enjoy free unlimited calling to over 70+ countries. No hidden fees, no complicated plans, just clear and uninterrupted calls to your friends and family across the globe. Our network ensures high-quality voice clarity that makes every conversation feel like you’re in the same room. And, as a special bonus, enjoy unlimited international texting with every plan! This means you can send messages to friends, family, and colleagues around the world without any extra charges. It's our way of enhancing your global communication experience.
Posted 6 months ago