Travel guides / Money, phone and insurance

Using your phone abroad: roaming, eSIM and local SIM cards

You have three main choices abroad: your home plan's roaming, a travel eSIM, or a local SIM card. The right one depends on your phone and how long you stay.

1. Roaming on your home plan

Easiest: your number keeps working. It can be expensive, so check your carrier's international rates or day pass before you leave. If you don't want to roam, turn off data roaming in your phone settings.

2. A travel eSIM

An eSIM is a digital SIM you download by scanning a QR code or through an app. Many newer phones support it. You can buy a data plan for your destination before you fly and switch it on when you land, while keeping your home number active for calls and texts. Your phone must be unlocked (not tied to one carrier).

3. A local SIM card

Usually the cheapest for longer stays, and gives you a local number. Buy at the airport or a carrier's shop. In many countries, including Bangladesh and India, you need your passport to register a SIM. Again, your phone must be unlocked.

How to choose

• Short trip, light use: roaming day pass or an eSIM.
• Longer stay or lots of data: local SIM or a larger eSIM plan.
• Need your home number for bank codes? Keep your home SIM or eSIM active for texts, with data roaming off.

Before you go

• Ask your carrier whether your phone is unlocked.
• Download offline maps and translation packs.
• Calling apps over Wi-Fi are usually free.

Handy tools

• Best time to call home
• Emergency numbers

Keep reading

• Plug adapters and voltage: US, India and Bangladesh
• Travel insurance: what it covers and do you need it?
• Money abroad: cards, ATMs and avoiding extra fees

Sources

• FCC: International roaming tips

Rules, fees and processing times change. Check the official sources above before you travel. Last checked October 2026.