Our Best Travel Phones | T-Mobile Offers

In this guide, we’ve rounded up five travel phone options, plus tips to help you figure out which device and plan setup fits your travel style, budget, and needs. We’ll also answer some common questions about using a phone abroad so you can feel confident and prepared before you go.

*Product pricing and availability are subject to change. Visit our website for the latest offers on phones, devices, and accessories.

*This comparison guide was created by T-Mobile to help you explore smartphones in our store. The opinions expressed here reflect our editorial perspective based on publicly available features, specifications, and articles.

Our top 5 picks: Best phones for international travel

1. Samsung Galaxy S25

If you want top-tier performance with no compromises, the Galaxy S25 checks all the boxes. It’s powerful, secure, supports global 5G networks, and can help translate face-to-face conversations, voice calls, text messages, even signs and images. Plus, with excellent battery life, a powerful camera, easy-to-use AI features, and a beautiful display, it’s great for long flights and heavy daily use.

4 reasons why the Galaxy S25 is a great travel phone:

Flagship phone with global 5G support
Together, the Live Translate and Interpreter features deliver real-time translation, as well as translation of text around you (e.g., signs, billboards, menus) breaking down language barriers.
Long battery life that holds up on travel days
Strong biometric security, powerful processer, and excellent camera

2. Apple iPhone 16

iPhone 16 offers everything travelers have come to love about Apple - great performance, a pro-style camera, intuitive design, AI tools, and global eSIM support. It’s also packed with privacy and security features, not to mention the Action button, which lets you add your favorite stuff all in one place, including the handy Translate tool, which delivers real-time translation during conversations, messages, and calls – and text on signs, billboards, menus - putting everything at your fingertips.

4 reasons why the iPhone 16 is a great travel phone:

Smooth iOS experience and wide eSIM compatibility
Face ID and other built-in privacy tools
Dependable performance and professional camera features
Translate feature (add it to the Action button!) for real-time translations

3. Google Pixel 9

The Pixel 9 is an excellent pick for international travel thanks to its strong performance, modern design, and a camera set-up that’s made for capturing pro-style on-the-go moments. It’s unlocked, supports eSIM and physical SIMs, and like the other two phones, it offers live translation and works across global 5G networks, so you can use it just about anywhere.

4 reasons why the Pixel 9 is a great travel phone:

Unlocked with eSIM and global compatibility
One of the best smartphone cameras out there
Frequent software updates and built-in security features
Live Translate feature to communicate in live conversations, on calls, texts, or via images.

4. Samsung Galaxy A16 5G

If you're looking for something affordable but still reliable, the Galaxy A16 5G is a smart choice. It’s a no-frills, budget-friendly phone that still feels rather premium, and it has dual SIM support - ideal for swapping between local and home networks while abroad.

4 reasons why the Galaxy A16 is a great travel phone:

Great price and solid battery life
Dual SIM support for switching plans on the fly
Works reliably in a wide range of countries and carriers
Nice camera for capturing casual travel memories

5. TCL Flip 4 5G

If you just want a simple backup phone or something that keeps digital distractions to a minimum, the TCL Flip 4 5G is a solid pick. It’s compact, easy to use, and works well as a temporary, no-nonsense phone for travel.

4 reasons why the Flip 4 is a great travel phone:

Lightweight, compact, and durable
A practical, no-nonsense backup phone
Good choice for privacy-conscious travelers
Dual displays with an intuitive interface

How to choose the best phone for international travel: 6 steps

Picking the best travel phone for you doesn’t have to be complicated. These six steps will help you narrow things down based on your needs and travel style.

Step 1: Define your travel needs

Think about the kind of trip you’re taking:

How long will you be away?
Will you be in cities, rural areas, or off-the-grid?
Do you need your phone mostly for directions and checking in, or do you need full access to work, cloud storage, and streaming?
How important is privacy, and how secure do you need your device to be?

Step 2: Figure out your SIM and eSIM needs

Your SIM setup matters more than you might think:

If you’re a frequent traveler, go for a phone with dual SIM or eSIM support. That way, you can easily switch between carriers in different countries.
If you’re only traveling occasionally, a single SIM unlocked phone may be all you need.
If privacy is a concern, consider a prepaid phone like the TCL Flip 4 5G.

Step 3: Evaluate battery and durability

Travel can be unpredictable, so your phone should be ready for anything:

Choose a device with long battery life.
Look for something sturdy and water resistant, especially if you’ll be outdoors or moving around a lot.
A compact design makes it easier to keep your phone with you and less likely to get lost or damaged.

Top picks here: Galaxy S25 (best for battery), iPhone 16 (great build), Galaxy A16 5G (good all-around option)

Step 4: Prioritize security features

Whether you're using public Wi-Fi or just want peace of mind, solid security features are important.

Look for biometric authentication like fingerprint or facial recognition.
Make sure your device supports encryption and has remote wipe options.
Choose a phone that gets frequent security updates.

Recommended options: iPhone 16 (Face ID and encrypted iOS), Pixel 9 (fast updates and built-in protection), Galaxy S25 (advanced security tools)

Step 5: Think about your camera and performance needs

If photos and video are a big part of your trip, or you’ll be running apps that demand speed and storage, keep this in mind:

Opt for a phone with strong camera quality and good image processing.
Ensure it has enough internal storage or cloud options for your files.
Fast processors and smooth performance matter when you're multitasking on the go.

Best for this: Pixel 9, iPhone 16, Galaxy S25

Step 6: Choose a compatible international plan

The best phone still needs the right plan:

Short trips: Daily or weekly travel passes from your home carrier
Longer trips: Prepaid or monthly international plans
Budget travel: SIM cards from local providers after arrival

Should you bring your main phone or use a backup?

Before your trip, you’ll want to decide whether to travel with your primary phone or a separate one. Here’s a quick comparison to help you weigh the pros and cons.

Consideration	Main Phone	Backup Phone
Convenience & Features	Full access to apps, tools, and cloud storage - no learning curve or setup needed	Simple interface - ideal for staying off-grid or focused
eSIM Flexibility	Easily switch between carriers and plans digitally - no need to swap physical SIMs	Usually limited to physical SIMs - may require more setup
Connectivity & Coverage	Works across global 5G networks - perfect for frequent flyers or remote work	Basic service only - best for calls, texts, or emergencies
Security & Privacy	Biometric security, built-in encryption, and regular updates	Keeps personal data off-device - helpful in high-risk regions
Cost & risk	More expensive to replace - roaming charges possible without the right plan	Lower replacement cost - great with local prepaid SIM cards
Best For…	Travelers who want a seamless, secure, familiar, and connected experience abroad	Budget travelers, privacy-conscious users, or those needing a backup

What is a backup phone for travel? A closer look

As mentioned previously, a backup phone is a prepaid device – often called a dumb phone - that you can use temporarily while traveling. It doesn’t link to your main accounts, making it a smart choice if privacy or low cost is your priority.

3 reasons why people use backup phones when traveling:

Keeps your personal data separate and protected
Easy to use with local SIM cards - no contracts, no roaming charges
If it’s lost or stolen, your main info stays safe

Can you get a temporary international phone plan?

Yes, and there are more options than ever. Temporary plans are perfect for short trips, remote work abroad, or just keeping in touch while you explore.

3 common types of temporary international plans:

Travel passes: Pay per day or week. Usually include unlimited texts, some minutes, and a chunk of data
Prepaid monthly plans: Better for longer stays. More data, more minutes, and often cheaper per day
eSIM plans: Downloadable and easy to activate on supported devices. Great if you're hopping between countries or need instant coverage

Why choose a prepaid phone for international travel?

A prepaid phone can save you time, money, and stress. You don’t need to worry about contracts, roaming charges, or data overages.

Top 4 reasons to go prepaid:

Set your budget ahead of time
Avoid surprise charges
No long-term commitments
Works well with backup or secondary phones

What’s the best combination of phone and plan for traveling abroad?

Here are three good combinations, depending on your travel style:

Frequent travelers: Go with a high-end device like the Galaxy S25 or Pixel 9, paired with a global eSIM or premium international plan
Budget travelers: Unlocked phones like the Galaxy A16 5G work great with low-cost prepaid plans
Privacy-first travelers: Use a simple, straightforward phone like the TCL Flip 4 5G with a local prepaid SIM card

7 essential security tips for international phone use

Make sure you enable Find My Device (Android), Find My iPhone (Apple), or other location services
Set up biometric security (face ID or fingerprint)
Turn on remote tracking and wipe tools
Use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi
Turn off Bluetooth and location sharing when not needed
Remove any sensitive data or apps you won’t use abroad
Keep your phone in airplane mode when not actively using it

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about international phones

Can I get a temporary international phone plan?
Yes. You have a few options, like downloading an eSIM before you go, buying a prepaid SIM when you land, or using a short-term travel plan from your current carrier.

Should I consider a prepaid phone for international travel?
It may be a good choice if you’re trying to keep costs low or avoid roaming charges. Prepaid phones are simple to use, don’t require contracts, and let you stay connected during your travels.

What's the best phone for international travel?
That depends on your needs. Consider how long you’ll be away, the features you need, where you're headed, your budget, and whether privacy or performance is more important to you.

Do some people choose temporary phones for international travel?
Yes. These types of phones or prepaid devices are built for short-term use and are great if you want something simple, low-risk, affordable, and easy to set up.

Can I keep my existing phone number while using a backup phone for travel?
Yes. You can forward your calls or use apps like Google Voice to stay connected without carrying your main device.

Ready to travel smart?

Now that you’ve got a clearer picture of how to pick the right phone for international travel, when to use a backup, and what kind of plans to consider, you’re in a solid spot to stay connected while you’re abroad - minus the stress.

T-Mobile offers several types of phones and international plans with coverage that spans over 215 countries, meaning you’ll be connected almost anywhere you travel. Shop our plans and check international coverage device compatibility here.

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