T-Mobile
T-Mobile brings a big ally to the world phone table. As a division of Germany's powerful Deutsche Telekom, T-Mobile offers a solid international network with generally the cheapest roaming rates. And since versions of the carrier operate in seven other nations, including Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, you'll not only be using a bona fide T-Mobile network, but you'll also have the convenience of seeing the company's familiar pinkish-gray logo.

In addition to almost all of Europe, the carrier offers international service in Canada, Mexico, the Middle East, Australia, much of South America, a handful of countries in Africa, and virtually all of Asia. T-Mobile also provides coverage on a variety of cruise ships. As with AT&T, however, service in Japan and South Korea requires a special phone. You're liable for roaming but not long-distance costs when abroad, and you'll need to activate international service. Again, if you manage to unlock your mobile, you can use a prepaid SIM card. T-Mobile has no frequent international calling plans, but you can access a variety of international data plans and T-Mobile Wi-Fi hot spots around the world.


* Varies by country.

** Only received messages are covered under a messaging bundle. You will be charged separately for sent messages.



Green areas indicate where you can use a T-Mobile world phone abroad. For a complete list of rates and coverage, visit T-Mobile's Web site.