What can we tell about Google? We all know that this renowned company has been trying to take over the tech world through different avenues. Now, they are also working as a cellular operator. As a matter of fact, this is one of the best recent news. But, how does Google Fi work? It’s time to find out.
Google Fi is relatively new as it was founded less than 7 years ago. By saying this we are not trying to say that the service is bad, coming from Google it should be excellent, but seeing it among important companies is a huge step, so let’s see what they offer!
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How does Google Fi roaming work?
Google Fi service works just like any other service out there. People can sign up for it, and they will get access to all the services offered by them in a matter of seconds. But, just like it happens with other companies, Google Fi also has its cellular plans.
It is fair to say that the roaming works in the same way, but all their plans work differently. So, in case that you want to know exactly which one you need to pay for, here’s what you need to know.
Google Fi offers three different plans: Flexible, Simply Unlimited, and Unlimited Plus. Nowadays, the most important plans are the Simply Unlimited and the Unlimited Plus, but surprisingly, there’s a surprise hidden there.
The thing is that the Simply Unlimited Google Fi plan does not offer the possibility to get roaming services. Yet, Flexible and Unlimited Plus do offer roaming services.
Google Fi roaming rates
Now that we have talked a bit about how the service works, it’s time to know more about the roaming rates offered by Google Fi.
As we mentioned before, there are only two plans that can be useful for roaming purposes. These two are the Flexible and Unlimited plans which cost $30 and $70 respectively. It might sound like a high price, but that’s the common price to receive all the benefits from each plan.
But, there’s another question. What about the cellular data rates? Or the text messages rates? Let’s see what we can find there.
Google Fi cellular data rates
When talking about the cellular data rates we need to talk about the two plans offered by the company. Each one of them offers different benefits when it comes to roaming, so let’s dive deeper into this.
In case that you want to use the Flexible plan, you will have to pay $10/GB consumed while traveling around the world. It is not a lot, and the price is quite cheap, as a matter of fact.
But, if you have the Unlimited Plan, you will have unlimited access to all the cellular data that you want to consume, there’s no limit.
Google Fi local and international phone calls rates
Nowadays maybe international phone calls are not so popular because there are other ways to communicate with people. Yet, sometimes they are truly useful for some people out there.
On both plans offered by Google Fi, the service is available. The price is $0.20 per minute, which is a pretty low price compared to other services.
Google Fi text messages rates
Text messages are similar to phone calls nowadays. As it happens with phone calls, text messages aren’t really popular nowadays given that there are other messaging saps available – however, it’s still worth mentioning here.
Yet, it is worth mentioning that the service is completely free on both Google Fi plans. So, if you are roaming with Google Fi and want to send a text message, there won’t be any extra charge.
Countries in which people can use the Google Fi roaming
Google Fi is a service that has been trying to expand throughout the world. Just like it has happened with Google in the past, this cellular service wants to break all the possible barriers out there to staying connected.
That’s why we can basically use the Google Fi roaming service in over 200 different countries. Basically, wherever you go, you will be able to use your Google Fi service without much trouble.
Sounds like something amazing, and it actually is. Also, something that is worth mentioning is that the prices won’t change depending on where you go to, they will stay the same.
Alternatives for the Google Fi roaming service
We have talked about the Google Fi roaming service. We have noticed that it basically reaches every single country in the world, but what if the price is not good for you?
Well, we have good news for you. If you think that the price is a bit high, there are other alternatives available for travelers. They can be easily compared to the roaming service due to how good they are, so let’s see what they offer.
International SIM Card
We have used travel SIM cards in the past. No one can actually deny that, unless they have never used a phone in their lives before. But for most people out there, that’s not the case nowadays.
Thankfully, we can now use SIM cards while traveling as a solution in case that the roaming service is not what you need or want. And, in case that you do want to use an international SIM card, we recommend people to use the Holafly SIM card.
Internatinal eSIM Card
Similar to what we just read about the SIM card, we have the eSIM card. These cards are completely digital and work in the same way as a traditional SIM card, we can even say that they are more reliable than a normal SIM card.
People have different ways of getting an eSIM, it can be from their cellular operator, or they can buy from another provider. For us, we recommend using the Holafly eSIM card due to its benefits and price.
Free WiFi
We all love to have free things, especially if it’s a WiFi connection. But is it truly useful when it comes to international traveling? The answer is yes, but at the same time, we have to say that it might not be the best idea.
Don’t get us wrong, Free WiFi can be excellent for everyone, but what will happen once you leave the WiFi hotspot coverage area? You need to have a plan b in case of an emergency or something you need a solution to right away.
Pocket WiFi
If you have ever traveled around the world, chances are that you have heard about these devices in the past. They can be used in almost every country in the world, and the service is pretty good, yet is a bit expensive in some cases.
The good thing about this service is that it comes with unlimited cellular data, so there’s no need to worry about ending up without a data connection. But, remember, you won’t be able to send to text messages or make phone calls with the eSIM.
How to activate the Google Fi roaming?
Google Fi is a bit different from any other cellular providers around. They have their own app and everything is managed directly through that app, there’s no need to worry about anything else.
People will only need to go to their Fi app and make sure that the international coverage is turned on. Additionally, they will also have to pay attention to turn it off once that they have reached their home country again.
Reviews about the Google Fi Roaming
- “Fi has a simple service plan, a good app, and great support. Its coverage is better than either Sprint or T-Mobile, especially because of its combination with U.S. Cellular in rural areas.”
- “I love Google Fi. I signed up and have had service for about 3 years. It provides great local coverage thanks to the fact that it combines 3 service providers into one service. Plus we travel a lot and it works in a ton of countries at no extra cost. I have convinced a ton of people to switch.”
- “Absolutely the best phone service in every way that I have ever had, also a shout out to Karen who was a great help on the chat at their site. Thanks, Google Fi, I’ll be a customer for life”
- “Worst product experience!!!! Lost my time, energy, and money!!! Never managed to get the data plan going!!! Completely useless!!!!”
- “I canceled 2 days after getting it and NEVER USED cause of bad reception. I canceled from the app, opened tickets about the cancelation, and still got charged. I requested a refund and was told to “check later for a follow-up” just to be billed another month.”
- “Great app. A good solution for people who travel a lot and do not want to change SIM cards often.”
