Real stories, practical tips, and honest advice for navigating the Foreign Service journey—whether you’re posted overseas or prepping for your next move.
Oh, honey, navigating cell service abroad as a Foreign Service family can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack, right? There's just so much to consider beyond just the monthly bill. But don't you worry, myFSPal is here to help you cut through the noise and get connected, happily!
Sometimes I wish we could go back to a time before a constant 24/7 data connection, but alas that's no longer the world we're in. I understand you're probably in one of three camps:
If you're like me, you've had the same phone number for decades, and it's so connected to your identity that you can't imagine parting ways with it. Maybe you're a free spirit who's happy to reinvent yourself at every post. Either way, there are options for you.
I had been a GoogleFi customer since it was called ProjectFi and handed out so many referral links I basically ran out of referral credits! However, on our last tour, I started to think it wasn't matching the cost of local carriers or other options. We tried something new: we got a mobile hotspot and a local SIM, which amounted to $60 for a year of damn-near unlimited data (30GB per month, or so).
We invested in a Netgear Nighthawk Mobile router that we could take around with us to different countries in the region. We could drop into a new country, grab a 2-week data/text SIM, and use the mobile hotspot for our vacation while not racking up the Google Fi costs.
One of the most liberating aspects of using a local SIM is the ability to adapt to the local network environment seamlessly. It allows you to enjoy local rates and often better connectivity, which can be a game-changer when you're stationed in a new country. A dedicated mobile hotspot device, like the Netgear Nighthawk M6, is a game-changer for Foreign Service life. Instead of juggling multiple international plans, you can use one device to create a private Wi-Fi network for your entire family.
Simply buy a single, cheap local data SIM card at your post and insert it into the hotspot. Instantly, all your devices—phones, laptops, tablets—can connect to fast, affordable internet.
When it comes to staying connected overseas, your U.S. carrier isn't always a one-size-fits-all solution. Many carriers have "excessive roaming" policies that can lead to your service being throttled or even suspended if you spend too much time abroad without returning to the U.S. This is especially important for Foreign Service families who are living overseas for years at a time!
Here’s a quick overview of some popular U.S. carriers and what you need to know about using them internationally:
You've probably heard the buzz about eSIMs lately, especially if you have a newer smartphone (think iPhone 13 or newer, or many recent Android flagships). But what exactly is the difference between an eSIM and the good old physical SIM card we've all been using for ages? Let's break it down!
MyFSPal's Take: eSIMs are a game-changer for Foreign Service life! No more hunting down tiny SIM card trays or worrying about losing your primary U.S. SIM. You can keep your U.S. number active on an eSIM for 2FA and essential calls, while easily adding local data-only eSIMs for internet access at post or when traveling. It’s super convenient and truly makes managing multiple numbers a breeze. Make sure your phone is unlocked to take advantage of these capabilities!
Tick these off before you go to ensure a smooth digital transition and keep those connections strong, no matter where in the world you land!
This is probably the most important step. If your phone is "locked" to your current U.S. carrier, it means it won't work with a local SIM card abroad.
Call your carrier well in advance of your departure. Most require your account to be in good standing and the phone fully paid off. Don't wait until the last minute – sometimes this process can take a few days! Once it's unlocked, your phone is truly yours to use with any compatible network in the world.
You know those annoying (but necessary!) two-factor authentication (2FA) codes that banks and other services send to your phone via text message? Well, relying on SMS for 2FA when you're abroad can be a real headache. Delays, dropped messages, or even not receiving them at all can lock you out of critical accounts.
For every account that offers it, switch your 2FA method to an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy. These apps generate codes right on your device, even offline, making your accounts more secure and accessible, wherever you are. Your future self will thank you!
If you're planning to ditch your U.S. carrier entirely but want to keep your decades-old phone number (I feel you on this one!), moving it to a service like Google Voice is a popular option.
Do this while you are still in the U.S. Porting your number usually requires a verification text message or call, which is much easier to manage before you've crossed an ocean. Google Voice lets you keep your number for calls and texts (which come through the app via Wi-Fi or data) and is brilliant for receiving those pesky 2FA codes when you absolutely need them.
If you've got a modern phone, you're in luck! eSIMs are a game-changer for international living. They allow you to add a new phone plan digitally, without needing a physical SIM card.
If you know you'll be using a data-only eSIM (like from Airalo or a local provider that offers eSIMs), it's a fantastic idea to purchase the plan and download the eSIM profile onto your phone before you leave. Do this while you have reliable Wi-Fi. That way, when you land, you just activate it, and you're good to go!
Once you're settled at your post, activate your local data (whether it's from a physical SIM or an eSIM). Crucially, go into your phone settings and ensure data roaming is OFF for your U.S. SIM. You want to make sure your U.S. number is only being used for calls/texts, and your local plan is handling all the data. Then, make a quick test call and send a text to a friend or family member to confirm everything is working just as expected. A little test provides a lot of peace of mind.