A home for my words.

MintMobile

I love conserving funds. That’s why I’ve used MintMobile for the past few years. I pay $199.38 for a year of service all at once, which allows me to save 50% on what the overall cost would be if I paid monthly. The advertisements say this plan is $15 a month, but with taxes it’s more like $16 a month. Either way, it’s affordable. It’s their cheapest plan for people like me who mainly use Wi-Fi rather than data. Traveling with this plan allows me keep a US phone number, receive verification codes, and seamlessly use my phone upon landing back in the US…whenever that might next be lol.

MintMobile also has a quirky brand where they send you things like this message about poutine when l landed in Vancouver and they’ve also sent me a funny foldable Christmas ornament with a phone and Ryan Reynolds on it.

Why I Don’t Exclusively Use MintMobile While I Travel

MintMobile allows you to purchase international data bundles and that’s exactly what I did while I was traveling solo in Accra, Ghana. However, for long-term trips, I’d suggest using an eSIM instead. That’s because the Minternational Passes only last for a few days at a time and are far more expensive than just paying for a local monthly data plan. Some choose to buy a physical local SIM upon landing in new destinations, but I like having a phone that works as soon as I’ve touched down with no extra fuss. Long gone are the days I backpacked around Europe using a physical SIM card registered to Estonia! Thankfully, there are digital solutions these days and they allow you to avoid worrying about business hours and where you last stored a tiny piece of plastic.

MobiMatter eSIM

When you’re not on Wi-Fi, there are tons of different eSIMs you could use. I did research and wanted to find services that would allow me to choose whichever eSIM best fit my travel locations. I didn’t want to find myself paying for a “global eSIM” only to find that it didn’t work very well in certain countries. I happened to even contact service providers and was blown away by how quickly, personably, and informatively a representative from MobiMatter replied. That coupled with their easy eSIM search engine sold me.

I was also able to successfully use the data package at high speeds before I even disembarked the plane in Spain! In my previous experience with Mint Mobile’s Minternational Passes, service and speeds were not as reliable and any way you can reduce travel stress is a win. Just make sure your phone is already unlocked and that you enable data roaming in your settings for smooth sailing. I also love that every MobiMatter eSIM I’ve used has been so cheap! We’re talking a few dollars for a month of service.

The main negative I can think of for MobiMatter is that you have to scan a QR code to activate the eSim, meaning you’re best off buying the QR code from a laptop and scanning it with your cellphone. Alternatively, you can do what I do each time I forget — take a picture of the QR code on another device (I use my Kindle) and then snap a photo of it from the phone you intend to use the eSIM on. Also, take note that MobiMatter eSIMs can come with IP Routing locations different than where you are using it. I’ve had the pleasure of using data to watch YouTube videos and getting to see commercials from Poland, the UK, and so on (lol).

If you ever find yourself in need of an eSIM from MobiMatter (mobimatter.com), you can use my referral code at checkout: SHARP38632. You’ll get 50% cashback (up to $5) off.

Happy travels =)