Education Abroad

Cell Phones Abroad

It's important you have a working cell phone while you are abroad. There are a few different cell phone options typically considered:

Use your U.S. phone with an international calling plan. These plans often vary by country and provider, so make sure to do your research and be wary of overage rates. You should also note that you would still have a U.S. number, which means calling locals in the host country will likely be charged as an international call.
Use an eSIM card. An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a global, regional, or local cellular plan from a carrier through your phone. All 3 major US carriers support eSIMs and they are available on most iPhone, Android, and Google models. Data plans will vary greatly by location and options. Note that some will include data, calling, and messaging while others may only provide cellular data. Download the eSIM prior to departure through the provider apps to activate it on your mobile device. There are many eSIM providers to choose from, but here are a few recommendations.
- Airalo, Flexiroam, Orange, Nomad
Use your U.S. phone with a local SIM card. This is the most common option for a semester and longer summer programs. Work with your phone provider to ensure your phone is unlocked prior to departure, and purchase a local SIM card upon arrival (within the first 1-2 days of the program). You can add credit to these SIM cards online, and use your phone/data as you would normally, but you’ll have a new number.
Purchase a local phone upon arrival.

For options 3 and 4, you can usually choose either a monthly or a pay-as-you-go plan. These are generally inexpensive to purchase, but they can be expensive to use for international calls and you may want to consider using an app to communicate with home. Note that if you go one of these two routes, you may want to have your U.S. carrier put a hold on your U.S. phone while you are abroad

Once you know your phone number, share it with your on-site staff and Education Abroad (in your MyCUAbroad application). Should an emergency occur, it is critical that you can be reached during your program. Keep your phone charged, turned on, and with you at all times.

Review the Apps & Communicating with Home webpage for communication apps you may want to download on whichever phone option you choose.

Last Updated May 2022