If you travel internationally, you need Google Fi
As soon as I landed in Kingston and turned on my phone, I had a message waiting from Google Fi that said: Welcome to Jamaica. We've got you covered here. It might take a few minutes to connect upon arrival.
As I exited the airport and waited for a friend that had arrived a few days earlier to pick me up, I realized that I had no way of contacting him. While I had Google Fi and didn't face any roaming charges for data or calls, he didnt. So I waited old school style just hoping he'd show up eventually. As I sat and waited, I realized how much easier his travel life could be with Google Fi.
After he arrived, it was then time to go to to our Airbnb. I was able to pull up Google maps without fear of some astronomical bill at the end of this trip. And again, I remembered why every traveler needs this.
By now you're probably wondering what the hell is Google Fi. It's a fair question because ever time I bring it up, no one has ever heard of it. It's Google's cell phone service. Yes, Google has a cell phone service. It's technically an MVO meaning that it runs on other phone networks like Sprint and T-Mobile.
What I love about Google Fi is that you pay the same price you do at home and abroad. I pay $10 for each gig of data and I only pay for what I use. So if I use 2.5 gigs one month, I pay $25 for the data and $20 for unlimited calling. Also, you'll never pay for more than 6 gigs. The best part about all of this is that it doesn't matter if you're in Atlanta or Istanbul, the pricing is the same.
In the past, I've been very frustrated while traveling and wanting to use modern day conveniences like Google Maps or Uber without being worried that it would end up being the cost of a plane ticket. With Google Fi, my bill averages $50/month. I've tested it in Ghana, Jamaica, Barcelona, Italy, Turkey and Portugal and it's great everywhere. International calls are $.20/minute. Even with the occasional call or three abroad, I still stay at around $50.
If you're a traveler, you can't find a better phone plan. Just go ahead and do it get it. Your friends standing at the airport will thank you.
For a $20 credit, you can use my Google Fi code: 8MTHX0. No, this was definitely not sponsored in any way. Everyone that uses Google Fi has a code to share. It's just honestly one of the best decisions that I made last year.