Best international cell coverage for USA while in UK/Scotland?

I've used the Verizon internalal plan in Scotland multiple times in the last few years with no problems. Sure, at $100 for a month, it is not cheap, but I like that my phone works exactly as it does at home.

OP, you either need to provide more information, or do some research before asking a
high-level question.

The answers depend on things like 1) your current carrier/plan 2) model of phone 3) types
of usage you expect to want/need to have (to be able to translate into amount of
data consumption) 4) length of stay 5) level of tech savvy.

Without more input, you will get little more than general conceptual responses.

For those with Xfinity as their mobile service provider, the rules/fees recently changed. I used to pay $10 for a 24-hour period of time ($5 in Mexico or Canada) if I took my phone off air mode while in Europe. So I used to keep my phone in air mode for my entire vacation when out of the US to avoid getting charged $10 for a 24-hour period of data use.
I read the emailed notice from Xfinity about the changes earlier this summer but was sceptical.
Last month (July) from France I had to make 2 voice calls from France to the US. I did not get charged. My new bill posted yesterday is the same $23 including taxes and fees as it has always been.
Xfnity's site has a tool to enter the countries you will be visiting to see if they are included in its international data usage that has no charges.

Ditto Carrie. Verizon.

T-Mobile includes a good amount of international high speed coverage in some plans, notably those for those 55+. Or you can buy 15GB/month for $75.

I use a combination of the following:

Google Fi flexible plan:

• $20 for one line (I get to keep my original phone number)

• $10 per GB, both US & international (Bill Protection curbs maximum at $60; after 6 GB it's free)

• Free texts; both in The US and International

• Free calls in US/Canda/Mexico, $0.20 per minute for international calls

• Must activate and use it in the US for at least one day before departing abroad; can't do it abroad.

• Can't use it continuously abroad for 90 days or face data suspension.

Roamless flex plan:

• Pay as you go for data
• Generally around $2.45 per GB for Europe and the US
• Flex credit never expires and rolls over to future trips

Airalo eSIM fixed data packages:

• They have local, regional and global eSIM.
• Various GB and days combinations

I use very little data in the US as I use mostly home wifi, so I use Roamless when I'm outside my home. If I have a long trip abroad and plan to use a lot of data, then use Airalo eSIM fixed data package. Otherwise Roamless pay-as-you-go data will be my go-to choice.

I rely on Google Fi for domestic and international texts and calls.

P.S. I didn't take any trips last month, and my total phone bill was only about $25 :)

I second it! Verizon was easy peasy. Great coverage all the way.

Who is your current carrier in the US?

Who is your current carrier in the US?

This +1

Personally I'm on Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan that includes international travel.

For those with Xfinity as service provider... I need to CORRECT my earlier post. In June I changed from a 1-gig monthly allowance plan at $20/month to an unlimited plan at $30. I have been told that the Xfinity "no fee" international plan applies only to its new unlimited plans. An Xfinity legacy by-the-gig plan would still have the daily and monthly international options to purchase but not the new Xfinity "no international fee" for new unlimited Xfinity plans.

Ditto Carrie’s post. Verizon international monthly plan. I need to keep my US phone number so this plan works best for me. I’ve used it on four out of five trips, no problems.

First trip was Verizon’s Travel Pass with per day charge. Not the best because of timing for what they use as “day”. You think you won’t be charged for the day only to find out you are.

I am with Spectrum and have had my complaints which I still do.

But they have a great international plan.

I do not have to inform them that I am traveling. I just go and when I access my phone, it says Hello, Welcome to and then informs me that texts are free and phone calls are so much a minute. But you can also buy a day plan I think before you go and I think that it is only something like $`10 a day.

Data also costs but I have no interest in purchasing data because I will have my iPad with me. No memory of what data might cost. it might even be included in the day rate.

Data also costs but I have no interest in purchasing data because I will have my iPad with me.

Please think this through carefully, especially in terms of navigating out on the street. While you can download off-line Google Maps to your phone, which can be used with GPS to show you where you are or where you need to go to, you will need data if you want real-time transit info, get info on restaurants, tourist sites etc.

The iPad will only be of use while you're on wifi at your hotel, or in places offering free wifi.

markcw

Thank you but I know from previous trips that I never use paid data when traveling. Of course never say never.

I think that If I had any real need for it, I could use it on. my phone and pay something but I do not know how it would work.

When I go out to sightsee, I will check my iPad and write down whatever I need to write down while still at my hotel.

I might even print out information or write down information while still at home.

when I write my TR, will try to mention this or just feel free to ask.

bostonphil7, it's not quite clear from your note whether you've ever had to add data coverage
at some point on the spur of the moment.

If you have, then ignore the rest of this.

If you haven't, then the issue may be that you can't add data coverage in real time with your
US carrier, since you have no access. You could potentially purchase a SIM or eSIM card
from a store on the street, but otherwise, you have to get back to the hotel or access a
free wi-fi network provided by the city, which has its own risks.

Of course, you know your own habits while traveling; this is just a note to consider having
a backup strategy.