How To Use Your Phone Internationally

While WiFi is accessible on campus, it's highly recommended for students' safety to have internet access on their phones and to be available to receive and complete calls throughout the program.

We are providing some existing options that students can choose from to use their phones outside of campus WiFi.

1) Pay for an international plan add-on

Check with your home country's phone company to see if you can purchase an international plan for the duration of the program. Please note that this option may incur roaming fees.

2) Utilize an eSIM card

An eSIM card is a high-tech solution for obtaining a local number that will work when you arrive in the U.S. Instead of using a physical SIM card, you can purchase and download an eSIM to your phone to connect to cell networks and access data while overseas. To use an eSIM, your device must be carrier-unlocked and eSIM-compatible. Please reference the following list to see if your device supports eSIM technology (country and carrier-specific restrictions may apply).

While we cannot recommend or promote any specific company, our students have had success with providers such as Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad. Additionally, an eSIM card is a great option to prevent losing your home country's SIM card and to avoid auto-renewal charges. If you need to top up, you can always do so online.

3) Buy a local SIM card

Another option is to purchase a pay-as-you-go phone plan (e.g., T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon) while in the U.S. However, please consider this as a last option, as Eduexplora cannot guarantee that students will be able to purchase the SIM card on the first day on campus.