Xfinity Mobile Review: From a Customer (Updated for 2024)

This Xfinity Mobile review has been updated for 2024. Long-time readers may be quite surprised to find this Xfinity Mobile Review on this site. But, I’ve tested their service and wanted to do a deep dive to share with readers, from the perspective of an actual real Xfinity Mobile user. We’ll dig in to Xfinity Mobile’s network, plans, phone selection, pros, cons, promotions, and much more in this review.

Here are a few things to note about this review:

  • I’ve previously and extensively reviewed the cheapest data plans , cheapest prepaid plans , and cheapest mobile WiFi hotspot plans on the market, and I’ve come to the conclusion that, at this moment, Xfinity Mobile is one of best value mobile plans on the market – and can potentially save readers money.
  • If you are also an Xfinity Internet and/or Cable TV customer, you can save even more money by bundling services (more on that below).
  • Despite my prior grievances with Xfinity Mobile’s parent company, Comcast, I have been an actual Xfinity Mobile user – and have used Xfinity Mobile extensively.

So let’s jump right in. Here’s what you’ll find in this Xfinity Mobile review:

What is Xfinity Mobile?

Xfinity Mobile is a relatively newer mobile cellular service from ISP/Cable TV conglomerate, Comcast Xfinity. The service somewhat quietly launched to customers in May of 2017, and went live in all Xfinity residential markets in August of that year.

In addition to 5G and nation-wide 4G LTE coverage (on Verizon’s network), Xfinity Mobile also boasts 20 million+ WiFi hotspots, and flexible low-cost plans.

Can I Get Xfinity Mobile? Xfinity Mobile Availability Map

In order to become an Xfinity Mobile customer, you must first be a residential Xfinity Internet service customer, residing within Xfinity’s market map. If you’re unsure about Xfinity availability, you can check if Xfinity internet service is available in your area . If it is, and you’re an Internet service customer, you are eligible to get Xfinity Mobile.

What Network Does Xfinity Mobile Use?

Xfinity Mobile is a “mobile virtual network operator”, or MVNO . As an MVNO, Xfinity Mobile doesn’t own its own wireless spectrum, it buys wholesale priced access from one of the 3 big wireless spectrum owners in the United States. Specifically, Xfinity Mobile runs on Verizon’s Network. Making a call? You’re calling on Verizon’s network. Texting? Verizon’s network. Using mobile data? Verizon’s network. With Xfinity Mobile, you are getting all of the touted benefits of Verizon’s network (at a fraction of Verizon’s prices).

Xfinity Mobile Coverage Map

Xfinity Mobile, by virtue of running on Verizon’s Network, has access to 5G in available locations and the largest 4G LTE network in the US. Verizon touts that it covers 327 million people (5G now covers over 230 million people), 99% of the country’s population, and more square miles than any other network. Here is an interactive Verizon coverage map so you can visualize the Xfinity Mobile coverage map. If you’d like to specifically check your zip code for Xfinity Mobile 4G/5G and Wi-Fi hotspot coverage, you can do so here .

Xfinity WiFi Hotspot Map

In addition to offering up Verizon’s Network for prices that are much cheaper than Verizon (more on that in a bit), one unique Xfinity Mobile feature that distinguishes it from its competition is that it offers users 20+ million WiFi hotspots to tap into for free. Xfinity makes this possible through using modems it leases to customers as WiFi hotspots . Clever.

Tapping into hotspots while out to a coffee shop, restaurant, bar, hotel, etc. can allow you to keep your mobile data usage to a minimum (if you’re able to find a hotspot to connect to). Here is an Xfinity WiFi hotspot map or you can use the Xfinity WiFi hotspot app ( iPhone , Android ), which can be used offline.

Xfinity Mobile Plans & Prices

Xfinity Mobile plan costs are low and flexible. Certainly lower than any of the big 3 carriers, but lower than even most of the cheapest of bare-bones MVNOs (who often have close to zero customer service and no WiFi hotspots).

For starters, all customers get:

  • Unlimited nationwide talk and text, at no added charge
  • 5G speeds (where available on Verizon’s network) and 4G LTE data elsewhere
  • Free access to millions of WiFi hotspots

Additionally, Xfinity Mobile offers international roaming coverage (detailed below).

Beyond talk, text, & WiFi – if needed, you have a choice of data plan options :

Xfinity “By the Gig” Data Plans

Features 3 data options & data can be shared on up to 10 lines, and high resolution video streaming:

  • 1GB: $15/month
  • 3GB: $30/month
  • 10GB: $60/month

Xfinity “Unlimited Intro” Data Plan

Features 20GB of high speed data per line, unlimited mobile hotspot data at 600kbps, standard 480p LTE video streaming:

  • 1 line: $45/month
  • 2-4 lines: $30/month per line
  • 5-10 lines: +$20/month per line

Speeds are reduced after 20GB of data use.

Xfinity “Unlimited Plus” Data Plan

Features 30GB of high speed data per line, 5GB of mobile hotspot data at 5G/4G high speeds, high resolution 720p LTE video streaming:

  • 1 line: $55/month
  • 2-4 lines: $40/month per line
  • 5-10 lines: +$30/month per line

Speeds are reduced after 30GB of data use.

Xfinity “Unlimited Premium” Data Plan

Features 50GB of high speed data per line, 15GB of mobile hotspot data at high priority speeds, high resolution 720p LTE video streaming:

  • 1 line: $65/month
  • 2-4 lines: $50/month per line
  • 5-10 lines: +$40/month per line

Speeds are reduced after 50GB of data use.

On the unlimited plans, after the high speed monthly data use allotment is used, speeds are reduced, determined and applied on a per line basis. There is no “rollover” data.

You can switch from “by the gig” to an “unlimited” plan within the same month or from “unlimited” to “by the gig” at the start of the next billing cycle. You can find lower price per GB data plans out there, but you typically have to pay for talk and text with those plans, which would wipe out the benefit.

How Does Xfinity Mobile’s Prices Compare to Verizon?

Compared to Xfinity Mobile, Verizon offers the following prices for the same network:

Verizon Monthly Prepaid:

  • 15 GB: $45/month to start
  • “Unlimited” data (with 5GB mobile hotspot): $60/month to start
  • “Unlimited Plus” data (with 25GB mobile hotspot): $70/month

Bundling Xfinity Mobile with Other Xfinity Services for Better Prices

Xfinity also frequently has deals that allow you to bundle Xfinity Mobile with Xfinity TV and Internet, lowering the combined total prices of those services. If you live with an Xfinity Internet/TV supported area , bundling Xfinity Mobile with those services will almost always offer you the lowest total versus buying from separate providers. You can find current  Xfinity bundle offers here if you’re interested in bundling services. Adding Xfinity Mobile to a bundle usually results in the best deals, often with some nice incentives.

Does Xfinity Mobile Have International Roaming?

Xfinity Mobile has international rate plan options for those traveling abroad.

You can add a “Global Travel Pass” to any line and pay a flat rate for calls, texts, and data for $10/day per line in 170+ covered countries, or $5/day per line in Mexico and Canada only. Global Travel Pass includes 512 MB of LTE data per pass per day, then data is available at 2G speeds. Data used while abroad will count toward your By the Gig or Unlimited data option. “Pay as you go” is also available.

Data used counts towards both By the Gig or Unlimited data options.

Does Xfinity Mobile Have Contracts or Penalties?

No. There are no contracts with Xfinity Mobile. You can leave at any time, if you’re not happy, without penalty or early termination fee. However, you may have to pay off the remaining balance on your phone and plans (which seems fair).

Can you Use Xfinity Mobile as a Personal Hotspot?

Yes – you can use Xfinity Mobile data to create a personal WiFi hotspot. According to Xfinity Mobile:

Your Xfinity Mobile phone is more than just a phone. It’s also a personal hotspot, which can be super convenient when you need to connect a computer to the internet and you don’t have WiFi. Your phone enables you to get online via WiFi, Bluetooth, or USB cable — on your laptop, tablet, or any other device — by using your cellular data to create an internet connection. How your data option affects personal hotspots If you have the  Unlimited Intro  data option, speeds on any connected device will not exceed 600 Kbps. With the  Unlimited Plus  data option: The first 5GB of personal hotspot usage will be at the maximum speed available (based on your device’s capabilities and network capacity). After 5GB of hotspot use, your hotspot speeds will be 600 Kbps for the rest of your billing cycle. With the  Unlimited Premium  data option, the first 15GB of personal hotspot usage will be at the maximum speed available. This is based on your device’s capabilities and network capacity. With  By the Gig  data, personal hotspot speeds aren’t automatically limited.

If you Cancel Xfinity Internet Service, Can you Keep Using Xfinity Mobile?

Yes, you can keep using Xfinity Mobile if you cancel Xfinity Internet. A $25 per line monthly charge applies if at least one of the following post-pay subscriptions are not maintained on the account: Xfinity TV, Internet, or Voice service.

Xfinity Mobile Phone Selection

Xfinity Mobile has a solid offering of mobile devices (mostly on the higher end and a few budget offerings), including both both iOS and Android OS devices. You can either buy the phone outright or spread out the cost of the phone over 24 months (at 0% APR).

Currently, Xfinity Mobile offers devices from the following manufacturers:

  • Apple: iPhone
  • Google: Nexus
  • Motorola: Moto G, Razr
  • Samsung: Galaxy

Xfinity Mobile BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

You can bring your own device (BYOD) when you switch to Xfinity Mobile (iPhone 6 and later for iPhones, Google Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy S8 or later for Android). You can check Xfinity Mobile device compatibility here .

If you bring your own device, there are no added fees, and you can get a free SIM card. And yes, you can still access the WiFi hotspots. Xfinity even offers promotions for BYOD occasionally.

Xfinity Mobile Pros:

There are a number of Xfinity Mobile pros:

  • Pricing: the pricing is fair, honest, and cheap.
  • Flexibility: there is flexibility to switch plans.
  • Network Reliability/Speed: Verizon’s network paired with millions of WiFi hotspots is as good as it gets.
  • Risk-Free: 14-day money-back guarantee and no contracts.
  • Phone Selection: a good selection of phone choices from Apple, Google, Motorola, and Samsung. You can get 0% APR financing on phones if you can’t afford to buy outright (at the same total price). Plus, you can BYOD without added fees.
  • Strong Reviews from Customers: Xfinity Mobile was recently rated #1 value/most recommended compared to all full-service MVNOs in the 2022 American Customer Satisfaction Index survey of customers rating their own wireless service provider’s performance.

Xfinity Mobile Cons:

I alluded to this earlier, but any Xfinity Mobile review on my behalf would not be complete without addressing the elephant in the room: my previous beefs with Xfinity TV and Internet pricing. I’ve written many articles over the years on topics such as how to get rid of your Xfinity modem rental fee , how to replace an Xfinity modem with your own , how to negotiate with Xfinity , how to cut your Xfinity bill , and so on, to help readers save money.

I do see the broader company making serious efforts to improve its customer service and experience with Xfinity Mobile and elsewhere. For example:

  • With Cable/Internet pricing, they have started offering existing customers extended contracts at prices previously only accessible to new customers (having to quibble over pricing and continual increases has long been a complaint of mine and others).
  • Their customer service reps do seem much more accommodating in recent years, which is a reflection of company policy.
  • Their revamped Xfinity stores are much closer to an Apple store than the DMV these days (I recently visited one and was shocked).

I looked long and hard for gotchas with Xfinity Mobile. I wouldn’t say these are “gotchas”, but are common cons for “unlimited” plans across the industry these days:

  • after monthly data use, speeds are reduced, determined and applied on a per line basis
  • Video streams up to 480p, standard-definition quality (20GB plan) (though HD streaming is available on Xfinity Wifi).
  • On any connected device, mobile hotspot speeds will not exceed 600 kbps (Unlimited Intro plan).
  • When they added 5G service, they increased their lowest price from $12 to $15, but this was likely the result of a new contract with Verizon.

Xfinity Mobile Promos and Discounts

Xfinity Mobile frequently runs promos and discounts. You can find a list of Xfinity Mobile promotions and discounts here .

They have been offering rotation promotions such as the following:

  • Up to $400 off some of the new iPhones, Google Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy phones
  • Up to $700 off with trade-in
  • $100 if you bring your own device

Additionally, I’d recommend checking for Xfinity bundle offers here for bundled plan discounts with Xfinity Mobile included. Xfinity wants to grow their mobile user base, so they often offer nice discounts when you add Xfinity Mobile to other Xfinity services.

Our Xfinity Mobile Review Summary

If you live within an Xfinity covered area, Xfinity Mobile is a high-value prepaid mobile offering, and it’s an even better deal for those who can bundle with Xfinity TV and/or Internet. I really appreciate:

  • the free unlimited nationwide talk & text on Verizon’s network
  • 5G access and strong internet performance and speed
  • the ability to share data, with up to 10 lines on “By the Gig” plans
  • the option of multiple data plans, and flexibility to switch
  • the ability to bring your own device (BYOD)
  • the extensive Wi-Fi hotspot network to help keep data costs low
  • the clear, fair, and transparent pricing
  • no contracts

As with any mobile plan, just make sure the plan option you choose aligns with your usage habits so that you can get the best value and have enough data.

You can get a discount on an Xfinity Mobile phone or bring over your own device here and existing Xfinity customers can check for Xfinity bundle offers .

49 Comments

I ‘m very happy with my unlimited plan from them and used my own phone (Moto G5 Plus) way before the new BYOD option offered. The fact that I use my hotspot for work/school to tether was the main selling point for me.

I’ve also heard Verizon would give their post paid customers priority over prepaid/MVNO. Did you notice issues when using data? I have Verizon now and use less than 2GB a month. I have Xfinity as my internet provider. Xfinity mobile seems like a no-brainer for me but the availability of reliable data is sticking is worrying me nonetheless. Maybe it’s a security blanket. I’ve also been w/Verizon for 20+ years. If Xfinity eventually let me BYOD, I’d be saving $70 a month.

I had Verizon prepaid prior to Xfinity and haven’t noticed any difference in speed or connection quality. I was worried about reliability too and haven’t had an issue with either service, even on vacations in other corners of the US. $70 a month?! Switch! Switch now!! The $70 a month will buy you a new Xfinity compatible phone fast! Plus, they have been running $200 rebates for buying a new phone. First it was on Galaxy phones, then it was on iPhones. They also had a $500 new customer rebate a couple months ago. That’s the primary reason I switched!

I’m told by a Comcast employee acquaintance that new and BYOD phones are “tweaked” to automatically login to XFinity wifi locations whenever they are present, to lower the use of Verizon’s network. Can anyone confirm they’re phone was modified ?

No “tweaking” or modifications done. I set up my own phone (I purchased a new phone through Xfinity Mobile). We brought my boyfriend’s phone to the Xfinity store in our town and all they did was insert a SIM card into this phone and activate it.

I had several problems with my network. I rarely leave the house so i keep my data off and use wifi. I had my phone stolen lg charge so i bought another. I had to teset some passwords etc. In doing that i noticed my phones 4g was never lit and i barely have a bar of coverage. The mode was set to global as well as saying xfinity network. It also by default used the goohle storage of contacts to make “wifi calls” which not only do i just not like because of limited options but also caused conflicts between receiving phone calls and text. Now my phone is completely useless most of the time i have to leave wifi calling on and im still have major network issues even after resetting network to use lte etc.while i love the prices and flexability of choosing the type of plan i want, its useless if im not getting phone calls/text 90 % of time.also xfinity phone support is horrible with troubleshooting or fixing issues.while they are very polite and accomadating they are unable to help with anything beyond the skill level of typing it in google yourself. Which is pretty bad. Also since there is a severe lack of information available pertaining to mostly all of xfinity related issues. Even after all this im still impressed with this overall. Being that low cost less fuss is a prioty for me.

G.E. question: So X-M big sell is their millions hotspots… what’s your experience of switching between cellular and hotspot, seamless?

WIFI-Calling enabled? That’s the main reason am looking to replace my current MVNO.

I do believe X-M is the first MVNO with a metered plan ($15/1GB) to offer International roaming, the bunch of MVNOs either don’t offer it at all, or you have to buy their more expensive plans, what a pain-in-the-u-know-what for those of us who do occasional international travel and have to switch SIM when we get there. Same goes for International text, my current Tracfone just tells me NO. Nobody likes to hear no, am willing to pay them, but they are sooooo rigid these other MNVO. They all think we do pre-paid because we got no credit and therefore don’t know anybody overseas? What a bunch of dinosaurs.

Comcast getting nicer? well… I did notice they used to be adamant at sell bundles, I have tried to get Internet-only from them and they asked an arm-and-leg for a single service, UNTIL the beginning of this year and I jumped on it. OK keep it up Comcast, there maybe hope for you yet.

@ Jon Smith – I did BYOD with an iPhone. WiFi calling is indeed enabled. The hotspot/cellular handoffs are totally seamless. You can begin a call on WiFi and it will transfer to cellular once you move out of WiFi range or vice versa (this is only in areas with LTE service, but that’s pretty much everywhere for me). It seamlessly switches between Xfinity WiFi hotspots while out and about. It’s actually almost luxurious going to Starbucks, Panera, etc. and not having to sign in to use WiFi. It just works. Call quality, reception, and data speeds are exactly the same as they were when I was a post-paid Verizon customer.

I was never a huge fan of Comcast, but I had also never had any major problems with them, either. But I’ll say the experience I’ve had with XM has been world-class. They ported in my four lines from Verizon in just a few minutes in the Xfinity store (which, yes, looks a lot like an Apple store). The rep I dealt with was knowledgeable and efficient. I’ve had the service for a few months now and there have been no hiccups. It seemed too good to be true, but so far, so good.

I have a question about the in-call hand-off between Xfinity Wifi and and Verizon’s VoLTE / Circuit Switch networks. Are you sure that the hand-off goes both ways; Both hand-in and hand-out? Typically, carriers will do one but not both. And they usually do hand-out from the Wifi network to the cellular carrier network. Why? Because the call quality is difficult to control when you’re constantly jumping between networks. Imagine driving down a city street and at every stop light you pick up a Wifi network and your phone call transitions from cellular to wifi. Then when the light goes green and you go, it has to jump back to the macro network. Say goodbye to call continuity and quality. So are you sure that the service does both?

I was interested in finding out more about xm. After reading your article and the comments I’m still unsure. Mainly my worry is as you mentioned, dealing with Comcast/Xfinity is a royal pain. But so is Sprint and I’ve been with them for over 10 years. My question that I didn’t see anyone bring up is the fact that there is no contract. So if there is no contract, aren’t we subject to any price changes? Is there something that shows our price will not go up from the initial price we signed up with? ($12gb/$45unl) To my point with some of the comments about how they are not clear with what they have and don’t.

I’ve been using assorted prepaid services for years and they usually leave you grandfathered into your plan unless you change it yourself. For example, when I had Verizon Prepaid, they came out with new data packages every few months but it never affected my plan, until I read into one plan and realized it was a better deal so I asked them to switch my plan over to that. I’ve never had a price go up on my years of prepaid services (also had TMobile and Project Fi) but the nice thing is if it ever does, you can immediately jump ship to another company since you’re not locked into a contract.

This is all very interesting. I called Verizon today to let them know that I was considering going to Xfinity Mobile. Wow! What a difference! I have been working Verizon for years trying to get them to lower my rates. They want their $100 no matter what! I travel all over the US and abroad for work. Hands-down Verizon is the best network. I can’t afford not to have coverage. So when I saw that Comcast became an MVNO for Verizon, I was very excited. When I called Verizon and qouted the rates I got from Xfinity mobile, my plan went from $150 for my wife and I down to $96.40. Boom! DirecTV negotiates. Xfinity negotiates. XM Radio negotiates. Verizon never negotiates…until now! Thanks Xfinity Mobile!

dont hold your breath for the $200 prepaid visa card I have been waiting and waiting Get a different story everytime I call Was to have been last week Now they say another 4-6 weeks! What a joke

I got mine last week, be patient.

How long had you been waiting?

I was told 14-16 weeks and I think it fell in the range.

Thanks I’ve been told so many different things

Yeah – took about 3 months for mine to arrive too. Just be patient.

What about security if you use an Xfinity hotspot? Are they the same hotspots I can use now, since I’m already a Comcast customer for internet? One other thing. Any recommendations for a good Anti-virus on Android phones?

It’s been since February 1st

This is exactly the conversation I was hoping to find in considering switching from Verizon to xfinity. My remaining questions are: what is their int’l calling plan? I can pretty much use unlimited data/calls with Verizon for $10/day. And also, do they have an app where you can limit the data used by your kids? The incentives right now are huge – $150/line (which is $600 for us) plus $300 for buying a new iPhone with them (which we need). I’m wanting this to work but concerned about the spam issue and some of the other concerns raised here. Thanks for any replies.

I had a talk with Xfinity in regards to their Xfinity mobile. I asked them if they could match or beat the plan I currently have? I have the T-Mobile ONE Unlimited 55+ 2 lines $70/month plan, which includes all taxes and fees. Guess what? Xfinity said no. I told them to bad because you just lost a potential customer.

I’ve joined XM coming from TMo back in Sept and haven’t experienced any major issues. So far the service has been pretty good in my area (Alexandria Va). My only gripe is i could have gotten a better device but this LG Stylo 4 has been ok. Ported my number to XM so i should expect that $150 rebate deal as advertised sometime soon. They said it takes 16-18 weeks. I also have Xfinity TV Internet as well so that has been solid. I guess service experience varies by location.

To follow up on my post. Since I have an XM device, i wonder if u can transfer the simcard over to another unlock android that works with Verizon (ie OnePlus 6T) or other android devices. Has anyone done this?

After having Verizon as my provider since my first cell phone many years ago I changed to Xfinity mobile. I pay for 3 phones my phone, my wife’s phone and my 93 year old mothers phone. I have seen no difference in service, I have been on the plan for 7 months now and every bill has been $19 and a few cents for all three phones. We use data a lot but since we are all retired and have internet service at home and most people we visit have internet service, we use very little data because even if away from home and we are in range of an Xfinity hot spot it automatically connects. We had one bill that was $23.86 for all three phones because we were in Cancun at a resort for 2 weeks and it costs .10 cents per call and .10 cents per text. We don’t call a lot when on vacation. We vacation from cell phones also.

Quick question for the savvy: contemplating the switch from AT&T with my only concern being anticipated complaints from my 18 year old. He’s a college freshman living in Coral Gables and into instagram with viewing multiple video feeds from friends, Barstool Sports, etc. what concerns if any should I have?

Does anyone have experience in using the the Comcast Mobile services while traveling abroad?

I wondered that too. Turns out that it was because I bought a new device at the same time on a monthly, interest-free plan. The credit check was for that purchase.

I’m thinking about switching. I travel aboard frequently. Has anyone experienced any difficulties using data overseas? And is pricing reasonable?

Using eBay, I have been able to get cheap, used, iPhone SE phones ($65-$80 each) to Port numbers and get sim cards activated on Xfinity mobile. Once activated, the Sim cards seem to work fine in any unlocked, CDMA capable phone. My current phone is a Pixel 2XL.

Does Xfinity offer a mifi type device with an unlimited plan? I’m looking for internet for a tablet that doesn’t use a SIM. Right now I’m using Cricket from a cell phone for wifi/hotspot but at $70 a month I get only 30 GB of data. Help!!

Does anyone have experience with leaving wifi calling on while driving around areas that have lots of xfinity hotspots? Do you constantly experience dropped calls or disconnects for streaming music/podcasts?

Just trying to figure what happens if it is always trying to log into various hotspots while driving and you are constantly going in an out of range of various hotspots. Seems like it would be a frustrating data experience.

I switched from Verizon to Xfinity mobile on 10/26/2019 with an iPhone SE today it was allowed to carry over. The SE is basically the same thing as an iPhone 6.

I have been an Xfinity TV,voice,internet customer for years and also a Verizon wireless customer for years. At one point I switched to Tracphone for my cell service and found that too often I would not receive calls and texts until much later than they were sent because my routing was prioritized after the major carriers. So thank you for talking about that. I am moving to a place where there is NO cable service, so will need to use my phones for everything, including internet, and was concerned about lags in service. I checked into XFinity Moblie and found that even though I will have to buy 2 new phones (husband has a burner, I have a Galaxy 5, and they require a Galaxy 8 or above), AND if I am not a Cable customer I have to pay $20 per line fee, XF will still be cheaper than VZ. BUT I run a business in the new place so can’t have lags. I will definitely be looking into trying to get Verizon to cough up a better or comparable deal.

If you are already an Xfinity customer, it’s one of the cheapest ways to get a $45 access to the Verizon Network without having the 4 devices (which lowers Verizon to $45/per person at 4-5+ people). Having said that, I have an actual native Verizon iPhone (from work), and my wife has the same iPhone (personal) to Xfinity on the Verizon Network. I have the impression that the actual Verizon service tends to connect and relay data when you are on the fringe of a service area. (IE: Inside a building with a metal roof, a steel frame building with a low signal, or both phones have 1 bar). I doubt myself, because it should be the same network and the same packet prioritization. Both Verizon and Xfinity are far superior to t-mobile connectivity (bandwidth and building-penetration wise). I just sense that Xfinity data seems on the Verizon network is a hair weaker and less reliable in low-signal situations on two of the same device. However, for the price difference between Verizon and Xfinity for a single phone owner, I’ll take Xfinity all day long.

My question is …. how is XM’s service? So I’ve been a Verizon customer for years now. Currently I pay a little over $300 a month for 4 lines. And lately, I haven’t been happy with their service. Where I used to have full bars in areas I frequent esp work, I now only have 2 to 3 bars and sometimes will lose the network. I’ve called Verizon when this happens and twice I’ve had to have my phone signal reset. And it’s still doing the same thing. I’ve looked into T Mobile and for 4 lines, I would be paying $186 a month (two of those phones are 55+). They are also offering for BYOD $200 for each phone you bring. I’m still researching to see if their service is any better. I think this XM deal is great and will save me a whole lot of money since I’m already an xFinity customer. BUT how is their service on calls? Texts? Data? …. etc …..

I haven’t had any issues with the service. It runs on Verizon’s network, so if you are having issues w/ Verizon in your area, you may also have issues with Xfinity. It could be a phone (antennae) issue?

Thank you, G. E. Miller! It may be my phone because I asked my husband and kids if they were having any issues and they said no. So it maybe my phone. I just wanted to see if anyone else was having the same issues.

You could try resetting your network settings. Sometimes popping your SIM card out and back in can help.

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Stay Connected Abroad with Xfinity Mobile: A Guide to International Travel

If you’re planning an international trip and want to stay connected while you’re abroad, Xfinity Mobile can be a great option. With Xfinity Mobile, you can enjoy reliable, high-speed internet access and phone service in over 200 countries around the world. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your Xfinity Mobile service while traveling internationally.

First and foremost, it’s important to know that Xfinity Mobile offers a range of international travel options to suit your needs and budget. One option is the International Travel Pass, which allows you to use your regular Xfinity Mobile service in over 200 countries for a daily fee of $10. This is a convenient option if you’re planning to be abroad for a short period of time and want to use your phone as you normally would.

Cheap flights with cashback

Another option is the International Day Pass, which allows you to use your Xfinity Mobile service in over 35 countries for a daily fee of $5. This is a more affordable option if you’re planning to be abroad for an extended period of time and want to keep your phone usage to a minimum.

If you’re planning a longer trip and want to stay connected without incurring any additional fees, Xfinity Mobile also offers a variety of international data plans. These plans allow you to use your phone as you normally would, without worrying about running out of data or incurring overage charges.

Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and challenges of using your phone abroad. For example, you may be charged for incoming calls and texts, and you may also be subject to data roaming charges if you use your phone outside of the covered countries. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of your Xfinity Mobile service and to be mindful of your phone usage while abroad.

In conclusion, Xfinity Mobile can be a great option for staying connected while traveling internationally. With a range of international travel options and affordable data plans, you can stay in touch with family and friends and stay connected to the internet without breaking the bank. So why wait? Start planning your international trip with Xfinity Mobile today!

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How to Prep Your Phone for International Travel

January 06, 2020

International travel is exciting, but it can also cause a lot of anxiety, especially if it’s your first time abroad. One of the things people often worry about is whether or not they’ll be able to use their Android phone or iPhone internationally , and, if so, how much it will cost. A little planning can ease these concerns so you can focus on the fun.

Will your phone work?

The first step in your journey is to make sure your Android or iPhone settings for international travel will work in the country you’re visiting. While cell phone technology is rapidly changing, there are still two competing standards (CDMA and GMA) that may impact your phone’s compatibility during your travels. The good news is that you don’t need to understand the technology to figure it out. Check your provider's website or contact them, tell them where you’re traveling, and ask them:

  • If your phone is compatible.
  • If they have any special packages for international use.
  • To activate your mobile roaming plan for the countries you plan to visit.
  • To email you the rates you can expect while away.

Bring a compatible plug

Electrical outlets around the world aren’t a standard shape or the same voltage. While your phone charger is likely capable of handling the change in voltage, you may need an adapter to plug your phone charger in. Travel adapters are inexpensive and sometimes include several attachments so they can work across the globe. Bring multiple adapters if you tend to use several items at a time, such as your phone, laptop, and hairdryer.

Save money along the way

International phone use is notoriously pricey, but there is no reason it should break the bank. A little knowledge and smart planning can go a long way. These four tips will help you save:

  • Turn off mobile data. The best money-saving tactic is to turn off your mobile data. Most newer phones have an easily accessible button in settings that toggles data use on and off. If not, look under Network & Internet settings for the option. Turning off your mobile data prevents your phone from updating apps, downloading email, and sending messages beyond basic SMS texts. You can also turn off roaming data access , which specifically blocks access to data on networks other than your home network. Don’t worry about being completely off the grid — WiFi will keep you connected.
  • Airplane mode. Airplane mode is not just for airplanes. On most phones, it quickly disables WiFi, data, and incoming/outgoing calls and texts. You can typically turn WiFi on while leaving the rest of your device in airplane mode. Before you leave home, check that your airplane mode is behaving as intended by enabling it and calling your phone from another line.
  • Make use of free WiFi. From cafes, to hotels, to museums, WiFi is readily available almost everywhere. Take advantage of free WiFi to make WiFi calls , send emails, browse the web, and send messages via WiFi-based apps like iMessage and Google Hangouts. Keep in mind that public WiFi is not secure , so don't handle your banking or other sensitive matters. It may also be slow, so plan ahead if you’d like to upload photos or video.
  • Look for other available discounts. For example, Xfinity Mobile offers a Mexico & Canada Call Pass . It’s just $10 a month per line for unlimited calls from the U.S. to Canada or Mexico. Your family can call you all they like for one low price if you provide a local number. Additionally, stay connected while traveling abroad with Xfinity Mobile and Global Travel Pass . Get over 500 MB of LTE data each day, so you can browse online and access your apps with no added fees.

These cell phone international tips can help ensure you can stay connected while keeping costs down, but none of them will matter unless you do your homework in advance. Reach out to your provider, double check your power adapter, and get to know the settings on your phone.

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Xfinity Mobile is the Best Kept Secret in Wireless – But the Secret’s Out

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Xfinity Mobile is the best kept secret in wireless. But with almost six million lines added in only five years, it’s fair to say that the secret’s out. While switching mobile services can come with questions, it doesn’t need to be stressful. Let’s take a look at some of the questions that come to mind when people consider ditching their current carrier.

The biggest question is: why should I switch?

Three words: savings, speed and service. Bundling your Internet and mobile services saves you money on your wireless bill. Xfinity Internet customers who add Xfinity Mobile only pay for what they need, choosing either by the gig or an unlimited data plan option. Xfinity Mobile also has some of the most competitive pricing in the market, and families can mix-and-match depending on each person’s needs, with the flexibility to switch plans at any time during a billing cycle. You can check out all of Xfinity Mobile’s plans here .

Xfinity Mobile also consistently delivers on speed and service. It was rated the fastest mobile service with 5G and millions of WiFi hotspots in Comcast service areas by Ookla* and is one of the top-rated providers for customer satisfaction and value according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI).

A wireless service is only as good as the network that powers it. So, is the network reliable?

Reliability is a key pillar of the entire Xfinity experience, and that extends to mobile service. Xfinity Mobile operates on the most reliable 5G network in America as a “mobile virtual network operator” (MVNO). This means customers get all the standard features they expect from the Big Three mobile providers – like 5G speeds, mobile hotspots, and never having to worry about dropped calls – but at Xfinity Mobile’s affordable price.

In addition to 5G, one of the most convenient features of Xfinity Mobile is the ability to connect to more than 22 million Xfinity hotspots across the country. Approximately 90 percent of Xfinity Mobile data traffic happens over WiFi, which means Xfinity Mobile customers use less data and save money by not eating into their data plan. By combining Xfinity WiFi with 5G from a leading network, Xfinity Mobile delivers an exceptional wireless experience.

Xfinity hotspots across the country

Are the plan options complicated?

Some mobile providers have complicated plans, offering half a dozen options that customers are locked into. Xfinity Mobile was built with simplicity in mind, offering either by the gig or unlimited options. For customers who use WiFi most of the time, Xfinity Mobile’s by the gig options are among the most competitive on the market, with plans starting at only $15. For those who need unlimited data, Xfinity Mobile offers three tiers: Unlimited Intro, Unlimited Plus, and Unlimited Premium.

Both by the gig and unlimited options offer unlimited talk and text. Families will enjoy multi-line pricing, meaning each person can choose the option that best suits their needs. And if customers find themselves streaming more than usual, it’s easy to switch between plans, even during a billing cycle.

Is it easy to make the switch?

It is. In fact, part of what makes Xfinity Mobile’s customer satisfaction so high is how easy it is to switch. Do you prefer the convenience of switching in your own home? Xfinity Mobile will ship your new SIM and walk you through how to set up an account. If you would rather have someone walk you through the process in person, a member of the Xfinity Mobile Switch Squad can handle every step for you at one of Xfinity’s stores, from swapping your SIM, porting your number, even breaking up with your previous carrier for you. And you can bring your own phone and phone number too.

And can you get the latest phones?

Absolutely. Xfinity Mobile offers the latest phones from all the major mobile device manufacturers. If you’re looking to upgrade Xfinity Mobile offers great deals on the latest devices, from iPhone to Samsung and Pixel. You can find the latest phone offers here .

Can you add your tablets or smartwatches to your plan?

Yes, and you have just as much freedom with your tablet as you do with your cell phone plan. Customers can sign up for either an unlimited or by the gig tablet plan, and can switch at any time during their billing cycle. Customers can also add wearable technology, like smartwatches, to an Xfinity Mobile plan for just $10 a month per device.

Does Xfinity Mobile offer any protection plans?

Smartphones have become essential to our daily lives. Keeping them connected and protected is a priority for most of us. And if something were to happen to them, we’d want fast, convenient options to repair or replace them, and at a low cost. Xfinity Mobile offers the Xfinity Mobile Protection Plan which provides unlimited same-day screen repairs, next business day replacement, the ability to upgrade a phone early with no upgrade fees, and unlimited live technical support for nearly any smart device in the home. This not only provides customers savings from having to pay full price to repair or replace a device but also the ability to make the most of all their smart devices.

Can you use your phone while you travel?

Customers can expect the same great Xfinity Mobile experience they get at home when they’re traveling abroad. If you plan to call or text home often and want to post pictures to social media, Xfinity Mobile’s Global Travel Pass is your best bet. For $10 a day per line, or $5 a day per line in Mexico and Canada, customers can get talk, text, and data in more than 170 countries. Xfinity Mobile also offers a pay as you go option, paying only for the calls, texts, and data customers use abroad. Just make sure your device is enabled for international data roaming and you’re good to go. More on our international plans here .

Xfinity Mobile has built a different kind of mobile network – one that’s built for the way people want to use mobile today. With a reliable network, competitive pricing, and flexibility that puts Xfinity Mobile customers in control, it’s clear to see why millions have made the switch. Visit Xfinity Mobile to learn more about the best kept secret in wireless.

*Based on consumer testing of mobile WiFi and cellular data performance from Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data in Q4 '22 for Comcast service areas, verified by Ookla for Comcast’s analysis.

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Here's how to avoid a big cell phone bill when traveling abroad

by Dani Dredger, Checkbook.org

FILE -  A photo of a cell phone. (SBG file photo)

Passport? Check. Flights, accommodations, and tours booked? Check. Bags packed? Checkity-check. Made sure your phone will still work when abroad? Well, it probably will, but without doing some advance planning you might get hit with a huge bill.

When you travel outside the U.S. you leave behind the cellular networks maintained by AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Because the major American mobile companies have agreements with foreign networks, your phone will automatically switch to them when you arrive. But with most U.S. mobile companies you’ll pay extra to “roam” on non-U.S. networks, and some companies—especially Verizon and Xfinity Mobile—charge big fees for talking, texting, and data while abroad. Customers of some resellers can’t connect to foreign cellular networks at all.

International travelers have several options for staying connected, including ditching your U.S. carrier in favor of local ones. Unfortunately, most options incur extra costs, and the least expensive methods are a bit of a hassle to set up. Here’s a rundown of what’s available.

Option 1: Stick with Your U.S. Mobile Company

This is the easiest route, but potentially pricy.

The advantage is that you’ll be able to use your phone just like you do at home after your plane lands, but this convenience often comes with an expensive catch in the form of international roaming fees, and while some cellular companies have reasonable rates, others charge for every little thing. And some resellers, including Cricket, Straight Talk, Tracfone, and Visible, don’t offer international roaming outside of Canada and Mexico.

The first step is to turn on international roaming capabilities for your phone. Do this in the “Cellular” or “Mobile Network” menu under “Settings.” Also contact your cellular provider to make sure international connections are authorized for your account. Note: If your phone is more than 10 years old, or if you’re on a prepaid calling plan, you might have to make different arrangements.

RELATED: How to spot the red flags in scam text messages

Below are summaries of costs for international cell service for AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, plus some popular resellers. Because some companies’ offerings vary by location—for example, Xfinity’s Global Travel Pass works in Norway, but in Sweden you’ll get charged its pay-as-you-go rates—do your own checks for your destination(s).

  • AT&T — Customers enrolled in its “unlimited” plans get free calling, texting, and data within Canada and Mexico; elsewhere, they automatically get charged for AT&T’s International Day Pass when roaming abroad, which costs $10/day ($5/day for each additional phone on account). AT&T charges its Day Pass fee for only up to 10 days per billing cycle. AT&T customers not enrolled in “unlimited” plans can sign up for the Day Pass; if they don’t, they are charged pay-as-you-go rates of $1–$3/minute to talk, $.50–$1.30 to text, and $2.05–$10.24/MB for data.
  • T-Mobile —For travel in Canada and Mexico, all customers get free calling and texting, plus generous data allowances. In other foreign countries, fees depend on which monthly plan you have. Customers with T-Mobile’s Go5G, MAX, and Plus plans get up to 5GB of high-speed data at no extra charge. Those with Go5G Plus, Go5G, MAX, Plus, Magenta, ONE, and Simple Choice plans get unlimited texting and data at no extra charge, but unless they sign up for a separate calling plan for $5/day, they’ll pay $.25/minute for phone calls.
  • Verizon —By default, customers roaming abroad are charged pay-as-you-go fees, which are astonishingly expensive: Depending on the country, Verizon charges $.99–$2.99/minute for calls; up to $.50 per text message; and $2.05/MB for data. For most, a better choice is to sign up for Verizon’s optional TravelPass, which costs $10/day per line ($5/day in Canada and Mexico) and provides free calling, texting, and data allowances. If your trip is longer than 10 days, sign up for Verizon’s optional International Monthly Plan, which costs $100/month per line.
  • Google Fi —All customers get free calling and texting in Canada and Mexico. Fi’s Unlimited Plus customers get free texting and data abroad, but pay $.20/minute for calls. Fi’s Flexible plan members get free texting and pay $10/GB for data, and $.20/minute for calls. Customers enrolled in Fi’s Simply Unlimited plan can’t make cellular calls, text, or use data while outside the U.S., Canada, or Mexico.
  • Xfinity —Costs are similar to those for Verizon, for which Xfinity is a major reseller. By default, customers roaming abroad are charged expensive pay-as-you-go rates: Depending on the country, it costs $.10–$2/minute for calls; $.05–$1 per text; and $.10–$2/MB for data. For most, a better choice is to sign up for Xfinity’s Global Travel Pass, which costs $10/day per line ($5/day in Canada and Mexico) and provides free calling, texting, and data allowances. Unlike Verizon, Xfinity doesn’t offer a monthly plan for long trips—go on a three-week trip and you’ll pay $210 to use your phone.
  • Boost Mobile —Customers must have phones equipped with eSIM technology (see next section) and purchase credits to offset international roaming fees and usage charges that vary by country. For Europe, a $20 eSIM provides 5GB of data over 15 days.
  • Consumer Cellular —Pay-as-you-go fees for each call, text, and MB of data, with rates varying by region. Advertised rates for France, for example, are $.06–$.29/minute for calling, $.06 per text, and $.06–$.23/MB for data.
  • Mint Mobile —Customers can purchase credits to offset its pay-as-you-go fees for each call, text, and MB of data, with rates varying by region. Advertised rates for most of Western Europe, China, Japan, and Australia are $.25/minute for calling, $.02 per text, and $.02/MB for data.
  • Cricket, Straight Talk, Tracfone, and Visible —No international cellular roaming arrangements outside Canada and Mexico.

Among the largest U.S. cellular services, T-Mobile and Google Fi stand out as the best options for international travelers. Outside North America, most of T-Mobile’s customers get free data—although you’ll want to avoid long phone conversations to duck its $.25/minute charge. And most Google Fi customers can continue to use their phones as they do at home and pay no extra international roaming fees; Fi’s top-tier Unlimited Plus plan costs only $65/month ($110/month for two phone lines).

But unless you plan to rely on public Wi-Fi (see below) or use very little data, pay-as-you-go options for AT&T, Verizon, and Xfinity are astonishingly expensive. Definitely sign up for day passes—although you’ll still get hit with a big bill: For a one-week trip, a family of two would pay $105 in fees with AT&T and $140 with Verizon or Xfinity.

Unfortunately, while many resellers offer great savings for domestic use compared to AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon , charging rates as low as $25/month for domestic calling and data, these lesser-known companies are mostly inadequate for most international travelers who need more than just Wi-Fi access. Mint does charge reasonable pay-as-you-go prices, but having to purchase credits periodically to buy more data allowances can make it a pain to use.

RELATED: This Consumer Reports app helps you tell companies to respect your digital privacy

Many of the companies we shopped provide confusing and vague explanations of how they calculate international roaming charges. The lack of details offered by Consumer Cellular, which markets to older adults, is particularly worrisome: Its website states that while in France, it charges $.06 to $.29 per minute for calls and provides the same range per MB of data. What will we be charged while in Paris? In Marseille? While touring Versailles? The company’s website provides no answers.

Finally, check on data caps; especially when abroad, “unlimited” data usually doesn’t mean what it says. If you go over a company’s cap, you’ll usually see reduced speeds.

Option 2: Use Your Phone, but Swap in a Foreign SIM or Activate an eSIM

One way to avoid the expensive international roaming fees charged by some U.S. cellular companies is to switch your business to a foreign provider when you arrive. You can do this by buying and installing onto your phone a different SIM [Subscriber Identity Module], which is the device that authorizes access to cellular networks.

For most phones, swapping out SIM cards involves using a small tool that pops open a drawer that houses a tiny chip; take out the one that lets your phone connect to your domestic cellular carrier and put in one you can purchase to use on an international mobile network. Many new cell phones do away with physical SIM cards, instead using electronic SIM, or “eSIM,” which allows their owners to more easily switch their phones to different networks. Simply purchase an eSIM before your trip and scan the QR code on your phone to set it up.

First, contact your U.S. carrier to check that your phone is “unlocked;” if it’s not, request it do so. You can’t use a different SIM card or install an eSIM if your phone is locked to your carrier’s network.

Next, consider whether to buy a local SIM or a multi-national one. If you’re planning to spend all your time in one country, you’ll save some money by purchasing a SIM from a local carrier when you arrive at your destination. You can buy them at airport kiosks, but the best prices are available at carriers’ stores or authorized retailers. Note that unless you have a dual-SIM phone, installing a foreign SIM means you’ll get a new, local phone number, and temporarily lose your original one. So make sure to share your new digits with friends, family, and travel contacts.

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Popular foreign SIM and eSIM providers include Orange Travel , Airalo , aloSIM , and SimOptions . Costs with each vary depending on where you’re traveling, but are far less than the $10/day fees you’d pay with AT&T or Verizon. For example, for Argentina, all these SIM sellers offer eSIM packages that include 5MB of data for less than $35 that are good for 30 days. Need more data? Just go to the company’s website and add it. The blog Too Many Adapters provides great how-to advice and pricing info for SIM options in most foreign countries.

Another option is to buy a multi-national/international SIM. This is a better choice if you’ll be visiting multiple countries, or you want to avoid the hassle of purchasing a SIM card after you arrive at your destination. Orange Travel offers a prepaid 14-day, 10GB data-only global SIM for about $55. If you’re traveling in Europe, it offers a 14-day prepaid SIM with unlimited talk and text within Europe, 200 texts and 30 minutes of calls to other countries, and 8GB of data for about $22. Both of these packages are available for phones that use SIM cards and eSIMs.

Note that available multi-national packages are mostly data-only; that means you won’t get a local phone number, and you’ll have to use Wi-Fi-friendly apps such as WhatsApp for calls and messaging with friends and family. If this is a deal-breaker, consider a physical, local SIM card instead.

TIP: Outside the U.S., WhatsApp, a free messaging app owned by Facebook’s parent company, is ubiquitous for calling and texting. Install it on your phone to easily connect with drivers, vacation home managers, and tour guides. In some countries you’ll have to show your passport to authorize SIM purchases. Adding more data to your SIM card, or “topping up,” usually requires just logging on to the provider’s app or website and purchasing from there, but in some places, you may have to visit a store to buy additional credit.

Also note that in some countries, including Japan, it’s illegal to have a local phone number if you don’t have a residence there. That means you’re limited to data-only SIM cards.

Some other tips for using SIMs and eSIMs:

  • If your phone uses a physical SIM card, make sure to bring along a SIM needle. It resembles the end of a paperclip and is used to pop open your phone’s card tray. We’ve heard from subscribers who broke their phones using wooden toothpicks and other apparatuses trying to pry this open.
  • If you swap out physical SIM cards, make sure to stash your original one in a safe place after you remove it.
  • Consider keeping in touch using WhatsApp or one of the other apps we list below under the Wi-Fi section of this article so your contacts back home don’t rack up a bill texting with a foreign phone number.
  • If you’re going away for a month or longer, consider freezing your account with your U.S. carrier to avoid paying double for coverage. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon allow this for up to 90 days.

Option 3: Rely on Wi-Fi Only

You can avoid paying all international roaming fees by keeping your phone in airplane mode and sticking with whatever free Wi-Fi you can find, or by renting a Wi-Fi pod.

Availability of free Wi-Fi varies tremendously depending on where you travel, and even in countries with extensive high-speed free wireless internet you’ll encounter fewer options the farther you travel from city centers.

Wi-Fi pods, on the other hand, connect to cellular networks, which you in turn access using your phone’s Wi-Fi signal. These devices are pocket-sized and available from car rental agencies and internet service providers.

For families who mostly stick together, a Wi-Fi pod is a potentially big money-saver; for example, instead of paying Verizon’s $10/day fee per person, they’d pay $8 to $15 total per day to connect to a shared Wi-Fi pod.

TIP: Download offline maps. Whether you’re setting off for a U.S. or foreign destination, before you leave download an offline map of the area. This will allow you to navigate while traveling through areas with spotty cellphone coverage—and often when there’s no coverage at all—because your phone and navigation apps can still ping satellites to obtain GPS info. To download an offline map in Google Maps’ or Apple Maps’ mobile apps, look for it as an option after tapping on your pic or initials.

It’s also important to search for destinations and “Wi-Fi rental” to compare prices online, find discount coupons, and choose the pick-up and drop-off methods most convenient for you. Here’s a sample of what Checkbook staff paid for unlimited portable Wi-Fi during recent trips:

  • $6.50/day in Japan. Picked up at airport and mailed back in a local post box using the included prepaid envelope.
  • $8.30/day in the U.K. Shipped to hotel and mailed back in a local post box using the included prepaid envelope.
  • $9.50/day in Italy. Shipped to hotel and mailed back in a local post box using the included prepaid envelope.
  • $13/day in Iceland. Reserved through a car-rental agency and picked up and dropped off at the same time as the car.

As with most other options, although Wi-Fi pod services often advertise “unlimited data,” most will throttle your speed if you go over 5GB per day several days in a row. And because devices typically have only six to eight hours of continuous battery life, consider getting a portable battery to keep it charged.

If you go the Wi-Fi-only route, you’ll likely need to set up a few new ways to stay in touch with important contacts:

  • As we’ve already noted, in most foreign countries WhatsApp is used for calling and texting. It makes staying connected to your friends back home a breeze so long as they know that’s how to find you.
  • If you use an iPhone, you can use Wi-Fi to send and receive iMessages (texts) and conduct voice calls via FaceTime. But texts you send to Android users—and those they send you—won’t go through unless you have a cellular connection.
  • Social media and meeting apps such as Discord, Facebook Messenger, Google Hangouts, Signal, Skype, Teams, Viber, and Zoom all allow messaging and calls via Wi-Fi.

LISTEN: To the Consumerpedia podcast: Avoid a Big Cell Phone Bill When Traveling Abroad

Consumers’ Checkbook magazine and Checkbook.org is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help consumers get good service and low prices. It does this by providing unbiased ratings, advice, and price information. Checkbook is supported by consumers and takes no money from the service providers it evaluates. You can reach Herb at his website ConsumerMan.com .

travel pass xfinity mobile

Getting Started

Xfinity Community Forum

user_phuvmt

1st Topic

Monday, April 29th, 2024 2:59 PM

Xfinity messed up the Global Travel Pass

Prior to vacationing out of country I contacted Xfinity mobile to add the Global Travel Pass to my phone. They confirmed they had added it and it would cost me $X amount of money per day of use. I confirmed and thought everything was okay however while vacationing I started getting messages about my bill and my phone usage. I didn't worry because I had the Travel Pass. Upon return to the US I found out that Xfinity added the wrong feature to my account. They had instead added the Calling Pass even though they confirmed they were adding the Global Travel Pass. I have spoke with about 20 different agents, each of which have elevated the issue and then promised me a refund of my money that they automatically pulled out of my bank account. It has been 10 months now and I have yet to see a refund. Agents have confirmed to me that they see the reps notes where he states he is adding travel pass and then accidentally added the wrong one. I am extremely upset and dissatisfied with this level of customer service and scam type behavior. Has anyone else had a similar issue and had it resolved?

Problem Solver

747 Messages

[Edited: "Solicitation"]

I always tell folks to use online methods to add, change, delete, or whatever options. Do these yourself on your devices as it is less likely that mistakes will be made. 

XfinityPaula

Official Employee

848 Messages

@user_phuvmt Hi there! Thank you so much for sharing the trouble you have had with charges while traveling. Traveling should be enjoyable, and you took the right steps prior to ensure you had the correct services on your mobile account. I'm sorry that we made an error with the order and added the wrong coverage. My team is limited to accessing mobile accounts and details, however we can put you in contact with a team and should be able to help out. I understand you have been dealing with this for some time, I want to make sure that it doesn't have to continue. Please send us a direct message with your name, service address and mobile number so that we can work with our peers to correct the charges. 

To send a direct message, please click on the chat icon in the top-right corner of the screen, and select "Xfinity Support" to initiate a live chat.  Click "Sign In" if necessary Click the "direct messaging" icon or https://comca.st/3J0ir1l Click the "New message" (pencil and paper) icon Type "Xfinity Support" in the "To:" line and select "Xfinity Support" from the drop-down list which appears. The "Xfinity Support" graphic replaces the "To:" line Type your message in the text area near the bottom of the window Press Enter to send it

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COMMENTS

  1. Global Travel Pass FAQs

    Global Travel Pass FAQs. April 10, 2024. Global Travel Pass allows you to pay a flat rate for unlimited calls and text messages while abroad in over 170 covered countries. Global Travel Pass includes 512 MB of LTE data per pass per day — then data is available at 2G speeds until a new pass is started. The data you use while abroad will count ...

  2. Can I use Xfinity Mobile when I travel internationally?

    There are two ways you can pay for calls, text messages, and data when you're traveling abroad with Xfinity Mobile. Global Travel Pass. Effective March 22, 2024, new Xfinity Mobile customers with unlimited data (either Unlimited or Unlimited Plus) have calls, text, and data to and from Mexico and Canada included with their service.

  3. Global Travel Pass FAQs

    To add Global Travel Pass to any phone line on your account through the Xfinity app: Sign in to the Xfinity app using the Primary user's Xfinity ID and password. Select the Services tab. Select the Mobile lines and data usage located within the Mobile services card. Select the phone line you'd like to add the Global Travel Pass to.

  4. Xfinity Mobile Review: From a Customer (Updated for 2024)

    Xfinity Mobile has international rate plan options for those traveling abroad. You can add a "Global Travel Pass" to any line and pay a flat rate for calls, texts, and data for $10/day per line in 170+ covered countries, or $5/day per line in Mexico and Canada only.

  5. What is the best way to use your Xfinity mobile phone internationally

    1.) Set up Global Travel Pass now, even though you might not use it. You can always turn it off, and use pay as you go, or turn off data roaming to not use either of them. 2.) If your phone is unlocked and you have a SIM or eSIM available, check out Truphone which is a vey inexpensive data only cellular service, and then use WhatsApp, or other ...

  6. Stay Connected Abroad with Xfinity Mobile: A Guide to International Travel

    First and foremost, it's important to know that Xfinity Mobile offers a range of international travel options to suit your needs and budget. One option is the International Travel Pass, which allows you to use your regular Xfinity Mobile service in over 200 countries for a daily fee of $10. This is a convenient option if you're planning to ...

  7. How to Make Your Phone Work Internationally

    For example, Xfinity Mobile offers a Mexico & Canada Call Pass. It's just $10 a month per line for unlimited calls from the U.S. to Canada or Mexico. Your family can call you all they like for one low price if you provide a local number. Additionally, stay connected while traveling abroad with Xfinity Mobile and Global Travel Pass. Get over ...

  8. Xfinity Mobile is the Best Kept Secret in Wireless

    If you plan to call or text home often and want to post pictures to social media, Xfinity Mobile's Global Travel Pass is your best bet. For $10 a day per line, or $5 a day per line in Mexico and Canada, customers can get talk, text, and data in more than 170 countries. Xfinity Mobile also offers a pay as you go option, paying only for the ...

  9. Xfinity mobile- International Global Travel Pass

    Greetings, @user_5c1c36! I appreciate you taking time out of your day to leave a post on our community forum, and I want to ensure you're able to get in touch with an awesome Xfinity Mobile expert to help get this resolved. Due to account security, our options with Xfinity Mobile accounts are very limited.

  10. Can I Use Xfinity Mobile When I Travel Internationally? Xfinity Coverage

    Yes, Xfinity Mobile is an international service, but you must be aware of some concerns. You can access over 200 countries with Xfinity Mobile, but the data speed will probably be lower than in the US. Before traveling, check the rates in the destination country and add an international package to your plan to prevent new charges.

  11. ‎Global Travel Pass- when you get charged

    Global Travel Pass- when you get charged. I went to Japan and rented a portable Wi-Fi router to use with my daughter's and my Xfinity Mobile Phone because it is cheaper than the $10/day Global Travel Pass (GTP) or just using pay-as-you go data. I was kind of surprised when I got charged for a Global Travel Pass.

  12. ‎Unable to add Global travel pass

    They all did the same thing by canceling the "pending" order and said a global travel pass has been added to my number. However, I see the global travel pass option is still turned off on my account but decided to trust what the agent said about the travel pass had been added. While I was traveling, I was able to make calls and use my mobile data.

  13. Article

    Plans and Pricing. Check out great deals on Internet bundles. VIEW ALL OFFERS

  14. Here's how to avoid a big cell phone bill when traveling abroad

    For most, a better choice is to sign up for Xfinity's Global Travel Pass, which costs $10/day per line ($5/day in Canada and Mexico) and provides free calling, texting, and data allowances.

  15. Xfinity Mobile Review 2024

    Xfinity Mobile is an MVNO that piggybacks off of Verizon's towers. With affordable pricing and excellent 4G LTE coverage, Xfinity Mobile is a compelling carrier. ... Global Travel Pass sports 512MB of 4G LTE data each day, after which you'll get 2G speeds; and data does count towards your monthly total on Unlimited or By the Gig tiers. Sure ...

  16. Xfinity messed up the Global Travel Pass

    They had instead added the Calling Pass even though they confirmed they were adding the Global Travel Pass. I have spoke with about 20 different agents, each of which have elevated the issue and then promised me a refund of my money that they automatically pulled out of my bank account.

  17. Xfinity Mobile (Global Travel Pass) : r/NoContract

    Xfinity Mobile (Global Travel Pass) I didn't see a discussion, but I just noticed Xfinity Mobile is offering a Global Travel Pass. The plan is exactly the same as the one on Verizon post-paid. It's $5/day in Mexico & Canada, $10/day in 170 other countries. Unlimited talk, text, and 512mb high-speed data and then unlimited 2G.

  18. Xfinity Global Travel Pass : r/digitalnomad

    Total cost excluding the number to port : $49 for phone + $20 x 2 + $70 for 1 month unlimited service : around $159 for the entire period. And you'd have an unlocked phone available to use for any other travel. Alternatively : look for any unlocked phone from eBay / Swappa / other places; then pick up a local euro sim card.

  19. Bally Sports North inaccessible for Comcast/Xfinity cable consumers

    CHICAGO -- The ability for Twins fans to watch games on television took a hit late Tuesday night, when an inability by Comcast and Diamond Sports Group to reach an extension regarding broadcast rights led to Bally Sports North being inaccessible for Comcast/Xfinity cable consumers. "The Twins are disappointed by