I have been to Hawaii many times. My first visit was at 13 with my Mum a billion years ago and I fell in love with the relaxed vibe, beautiful weather, friendly locals, stunning scenery and more recently the shopping. Over the years, I have dropped some serious cash on this tiny island. One visit I’m pretty sure I single-handedly made the Dior assistant’s commission for a month in one short shop. In my defense, we were getting $1.10USD for every Aussie dollar then. This trip we got a lousy 75c which changed the shopping landscape for me dramatically. Of all my purchases, the T-Mobile Tourist plan was by far the most sensible and practical item I have ever purchased in Hawaii. Read on for all the details …
Why Choose A T-Mobile Tourist Plan
Staying connected in a foreign land can be expensive. Depending on your local plan, roaming can be exorbitant and I have heard horror stories of naïve travellers returning home to $1000+ bills. I’m not going to lie to you, the primary reason for wanting data was not a noble cause such as keeping in touch family and friends. No, I wanted to play Pokemon Go. My addiction has ebbed recently but when I was in Hawaii I was absolutely caught in the hype. The Hubs feared my addiction could prove expensive so he found an alternative to roaming; the T-Mobile Tourist Plan.
What You Get With T-Mobile Tourist Plan
We were only in town for a week but knew we would suck a fair amount of data. The T-Mobile Tourist Plan has a generous 2GB and was more than we needed. Unlimited domestic and international texts to 140+ countries are thrown in and you even get 1,000 minutes of US talk time. We didn’t use these much but they were handy to have. The best bit? You only need one plan as you can tether other phones to the ‘host’ saving even more. If you are visiting Hawaii for the first time have a read of my know before you go post.
How To?
For starters you need an unlocked phone to take advantage of the T-Mobile Tourist Plan. You can purchase the plan online if you have a US address to ship the SIM to. I had many things shipped to the Sheraton Waikiki where we stayed but it is just as simple to pick it up in store. We visited the Ala Moana store (read more about shopping in Waikiki here). The staff were exceptionally helpful and even installed it for us. Simples! If you don’t have an unlocked phone check out Tep Wireless Wifi.
How do you keep in touch when you travel? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Until Next Time …
Disclaimer: This post is NOT SPONSORED. I paid for my T-Mobile Tourist Plan in full and it really was the best $30 I spent in Hawaii 🙂
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Heidi says
I have T-Mobile as my regular service provider but never realized they offered a tourist plan. I’ll have to refer that to my friends who visit the US from now on because they are my favorite mobile company. We’ve traveled the world with them because they make it so easy 🙂
Gina says
I would have gotten one of those cards because I also want to play Pokemon Go. Did you know it’s banned in Korea? 🙁 It makes me so sad. Anyway one of the things I love about America are all the talk minutes that you get. In Korea and Japan, they charge you an arm and a leg to talk on the phone!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
My addiction was gone off the boil a bit now Gina and it’s been weeks since I logged on. Crazy that it is banned in Korea. The minutes are good but the data was a lifesaver ?
Nya says
This was really helpful as I have never tried T mobile before but their tourist plan looks really good. I’m one of those who can’t live without mobile data so unlimited data abroad yes please 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Hi Nya, unlimited data would have been great but as we were only there a week the 2G was more than enough for us. They did have larger plans for those who need so you should check that out ?
Yan says
I didn’t know about this tourist plan, but during my stay in the US I bought a $30 T-mobile sim card at Walmart, and man was it so worth it: 1 month, 5gb data, unlimited text, and 100 mins call. I really just needed it for the data allowance and it was more than enough for the occasional chats and frequent Waze-ing hehe. You can’t tether it though.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Sounds like a you got a great deal Yan but for us, we needed one that tethered as we had two phones. This was one of the major considerations as many of the other plans didn’t offer this.
Stargazerwrites says
When I travel, I just use the good ol’ messenger and also skype!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
They are great options when you can get free wi-fi ?
Veronica says
Touristic plans are amazing! They really help a lot. I am an Instagram addict so I need connection to internet 24/7 lol. Thank you for a great advice on choosing the plan.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Hahaha Veronica. Can’t believe I only just found out about this!
Sam Coronado (@followyouroad) says
I have only heard of T-mobile, but it’s not very popular locally. It has great plans for frequent flyers. It’s also more economical and functional wherever you go. Will explore this once I travel the world!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Good to know Sam. We don’t have it in Australia so was the first time I had heard of it and used it. It was perfect for us!
berlin domingo says
Getting connected to loved ones while on travel is one of my many concerns. I used to communicate with them via Viber but then there were times the line was not that reliable. Good to have read this. Gives me more options.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
This work really well for me as we were out and about a lot and couldn’t be sure where we could get wi-fi.
Nina Sogue says
Oh, this is actually a helpful post. I’ve never been outside our own country, so I lack the experience to comment, but it’s good to know T-mobile has reasonable plans. Though, I get you about Pokemon Go. It’s really addicting, isn’t it?
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Yes it is Nina! You gotta catch em all ?
MIchi says
Nice to know that you learned about the mobile tourist plan, $30 dollar is a good deal. Getting connected is one of my dilemmas whenever we travel. I usually use roaming surf that has a fixed fee per day so I can be online. So I really appreciate hotels that offer complimentary use of mobile.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I do take advantage of free wi-fi where I can but some hotels charge for this and of course you can’t be roaming. This plan delivered everything I needed and I was thrilled with the price!
Thelittlelai: Beyond limits says
This was such a good read. I learned from my friends that they have been paying huge bills of their local mobile number whenever they go to other countries and I think it’s really sick if you they keep doing that. Good thing you share about this one, at least we have now an idea what to do and what to buy next time when we travel overseas. Hawaii has long been penned on my bucket list and I hope to visit it the soonest. Enjoy your stay there in Hawaii!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I’m all about saving money while travelling (so I can do it more often!) and this was a great find! Hope you get to Hawaii soon ?
Smidge says
Pretty sensible. I’m the person the has run the bills. I am dreading mine from my recent trip to the states – I really am!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I hate the feeling Smidge when you know you have over done it! I hope it is not as bad as you are dreading!
Vicki Louise says
Hawaii is on my list and its great to know there is a tourist option for roaming, and that it is such an awesome deal. I wish all countries had this – roaming charges from Australia are just extortionate these days! I would hate to imagine the cost of playing Pokemon Go on roaming!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Can you imagine? I would have been up for hundreds I’m sure! This was a great option. Looking for something similar in NZ right now ?
Rashmi & Chalukya says
Hey Allison, Thanks for the info. We did not know that there are plans for tourists as well. We have experienced spending higher on roaming charges. Mobile data is much needed when we are travelling.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Absolutely Rashmi! I would be lost without it! This was such a great buy!
Maja | Mexatia says
OMG Allison, Pokemons, really? 😀
I had no idea there are now tourist plans. Back in the days when I lived in the USA, I also used T-mobile, but they had some plan with 1g and unlimited calls and messages to any country – which I used like a crazy of course.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Hahahah I know Maja! Pokemon was crazy in Waikiki. The beach walk has so many pokestops which was always busy so clearly I am not the only one lol. We need a lot of research before leaving home before deciding on T-Mobile and it really was the best plan for us. Just a bargain!
Maggie says
We have T Mobile and our plan allows us to use our phone overseas without the massive charges. They are definitely the best choice for travelers!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Great to know Maggie! I only have a work issues phone and is blocked for overseas (understandably lol) and The Hubs’ budget plan slugs him so this was a great option for is. Currently looking for something similar for New Zealand in November.
Kris says
I can totally relate with the Pokemon go addiction. Haha! I’m still at level 22 though and I’m getting overages because of this game. Glad to know T.mobile is offering great deals!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Great to find another Pokemon Goer lol. I’m also at 22 ?
Christina says
Hey Allison, what sort of mobile phone is the SIM card compatible with? Does it work with any smartphone? I’m always looking for ways to keep my roaming bill down! My first trip overseas was to Hawaii (I was one!).
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Yes any phone will work. It has both the big and small SIM sizes. As long as it is unlocked it is good to go! I bet that was a lasting memory Christina lol
Soraya says
Yes! My hubby and I got onto the T-Mobile tourist plan when we were traveling through California. It was great because it provided us with enough data to stay in touch with the world…and navigate our way while driving.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Awesome Soraya. Wondering why I have never thought of this before lol
Leslie says
Wow. This is a really awesome deal! Staying connected is getting easier and more affordable – North America has always lagged behind. Happy to see we have some new options.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
As a veteran visitor to the US I haven’t noticed tourist plans before. Not to say they weren’t there though. This plan made my life sooooo much easier!