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Community Member
June 28, 2026
Question

using ohone while in the USA

  • June 28, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 12 views

I will be in America for three weeks what is my cheapest deal to use my phone while there please 

    1 reply

    Gemma M
    iD Mobile Employee
    iD Mobile Employee
    June 29, 2026

    Hi ​@TJ26,

     

    Kindly note that 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.

     

    While these are suitable for things like maps or browsing, they don’t include calls or texts. Any standard calls or SMS will be charged separately at out-of-plan rates.

     

    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) is not 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):

    See how much it’ll cost to use minutes, texts or data when you’re in United States (USA), below:

     

    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 the 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

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