Education Abroad

Cell Phones Abroad

Cell Phone Options Abroad

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

1. 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.

2. Use your U.S. phone with a local eSim card activation. An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a global, regional, or local cellular plan from a carrier through your phone. This is the most common option for a semester and longer summer programs. All 3 major U.S. carriers support eSIMs and they are available on most newer iPhone, Android, and Google models. Work with your U.S. phone provider to ensure your phone is unlocked prior to departure and purchase a local eSIM activation upon arrival (within the first 1-2 days of the program). Note that some will include data, calling, and messaging while others may only provide cellular data. 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.

There are many eSIM providers to choose from, but here are a few recommendations.

Airalo, Flexiroam, Orange, Nomad

3. Purchase a local phone upon arrival.

For options 2 and 3, 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/number while you are abroad

Once you know your phone number, share it with your on-site staff and Education Abroad (in your MyCUAbroad checklist). 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.

Duo Multi-Factor Authentication

CU uses Duo Multi-Factor Authentication when logging in to MyCUInfo or Buff Portal. You'll need to update Duo with your international phone number to login to your CU accounts while abroad. Follow OIT's Manage devices tutorial to set up Duo while abroad.

Last Updated January 2025