International travel just got a little cheaper for AT&T customers. The wireless carrier today announced several new calling, texting, and Wi-Fi access plans for those traveling outside the U.S.
Effective tomorrow, the trio of new international offerings is aimed at providing more choices and better value for customers traveling abroad.
Three new Travel Minutes packages can be used to reduce the cost of making and receiving calls while roaming in more than 220 countries, offering what AT&T calls "tremendous value over pay-per-use rates."
AT&T introduced a Canada and Mexico Travel Minutes package earlier this year and is now adding calling plans for Europe and the rest of the world.
Canada and Mexico Travel Minutes provide 30 minutes for $30 per month; 200 minutes for $60; or 500 minutes for $120, with a $0.50 per minute overage charge.
Europe Travel Minutes provide 30 minutes for $30 per month; 80 minutes for $60; or 200 minutes for $120, with a $1 per minute overage charge.
Rest of World Travel Minutes allow for 15 minutes for $30 per month; 40 minutes for $60; or 100 minutes for $120 month, with a $2 per minute overage charge.
On the texting front, globetrotters now have the option to send up to 600 text, picture, and video messages abroad for $60 per month in more than 140 countries. The plan replaces the existing Global Messaging 500 package and allows customers to send texts for $0.10 per message - regardless of whether they're text, picture, or video messages. If you don't need 600 messages, AT&T is also offering 200 texts for $30 or 50 for $10.
"Whether it's the standard 'I wish u were here' text message or a more personalized and animated video message in front of some spectacular international landmark, being able to send a message from around the world to loved ones back home is definitely one of the perks of mobile technology," AT&T said.
AT&T is also enhancing the global data add-on packages it started offering on June 1. Now, customers who subscribe to one of AT&T's data plans will be able to use the AT&T Wi-Fi International app to access up to 1GB of free Wi-Fi each month at selected hotspots.
AT&T's plans offer 120MB of data for $30, 300MB for $60 per month, and 800MB for $120. For every 120MB over the limit, AT&T will charge an added $30, regardless of the plan.
Verizon Wireless introduced similar international roaming plans earlier this year, which PCMag's Sascha Segan found to be quite affordable during a hands on in Canada.
Telestial and T-Mobile are also players in the international data game, the former charging about $25 for 50MB, while T-Mobile seemingly discourages users from turning on data while outside of the country with its $10-$15 per MB price tag. Sprint charges $2 per MB in Canada, but nowhere else — "also a non-starter," Segan said.
For more from Stephanie, follow her on Twitter @smlotPCMag.
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