Skip to main content
Question

how reliable is using id with Add on/bolt on in USA

  • June 15, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 27 views

Hi, we are travelling to San Francisco and using a Samsung A25. I know I have to use a bolt on for USA but have seen people saying they have had problems making & receiving phone calls as well as using mobile data.  Can anyone advise please 🙏 

1 reply

Gemma M
iD Mobile Employee
Forum|alt.badge.img+15
  • iD Mobile Employee
  • June 16, 2026

Hi ​@Cathaypacific,

 

The USA is in iD Mobile's Roam Beyond zone, which means your UK allowance won't work there. It's also important to note that the available add-ons are data-only.

 

The add-ons work well for using maps, browsing the internet and apps while you're away, but they don't include calls or texts. Any standard calls or SMS will be charged separately at our out-of-plan roaming rates.

 

We've had many customers successfully use our Roam Beyond add-ons in the USA. To help ensure the best possible service, we'd recommend manually connecting to one of our roaming partners if needed:

  • AT&T
  • T-Mobile
  • Commnet Wireless
  • Verizon

 

How the Roam Beyond add-ons work:

  • You can purchase a data-only bundle via the iD Mobile app or your online account.
  • The add-on starts immediately upon purchase and lasts for a fixed duration.
  • Once it expires, you'll need to buy another add-on or you'll be charged standard roaming rates (if your bill cap allows this).
  • Your regular UK allowance (minutes and texts) isn't included while in the USA.

 

How to check if you have a bill cap in place:

  • To view or change your bill cap, log in to the iD Mobile app or your online account, go to the Bills section, and select Manage bill cap.
  • You can adjust this using the slider or by entering an amount (between £0 and up to £75.00, depending on your account type).

 

Add-on options:

Data Duration Price
2 GB 1 day £5
10 GB 5 days £20
20 GB 10 days £35

 

Standard roaming charges (without an add-on):
 
The table below displays how much you’ll be charged for any minutes, texts or data that you use.

 

Roaming Pay monthly
Calls to UK* £1.68
Calls to United States (USA)* £1.68
Calls received* £1.50
Texts to United States (USA)** £0.42
Texts to UK** £0.42
Picture message (MMS) sent** £0.60
Internet and Data (per MB)*** £0.30

 

* Price per minute.

** Price per message / text.

*** Data is charged or deducted in one kilobyte (KB) increments and any part KB used will be rounded up to the nearest KB.

 

For more information, you can visit: https://www.idmobile.co.uk/help-and-advice/international-and-roaming-charges

 

Tip:
Depending on how long you’re staying, it may be more cost-effective to get a local SIM in USA, since the bundles last a maximum of 10 days, you may need to purchase multiple add-ons, which can become expensive.

 

If you have any further questions, feel free to pop us a message on live chat - https://www.idmobile.co.uk/live-chat - we are more than happy to answer any further questions you may have.

 

Regards,

 

Gemma M

The iD Mobile Social Media Team