Update 9/4/2024 - No more Google Fi

This post started as an endorsement for Google Fi. I've been a user for years and love it. Data coverage has worked flawlessly in 20-30 countries. What I didn't know is that if you're out of the country for 90 consecutive days, they cut you off!!!

What now!?!

Found an eSim provider, https://saily.com/ (there are many that are probably equally as good). They're fairly cheap and the speed has been decent. So now, I use my Google Fi sim for calls and SMS, and have a second sim installed for data. It works fairly well, and is actually cheaper than Google Fi's unlimited plan.

Original Article

TL;DR:

My wife and I are both in tech and will both be working on this adventure which raises some challenges. What if we get an Airbnb and the wifi is terrible, or what if we need to take a call on the road? Will all this cost us a fortune in roaming fees, or worse yet, just not being able to connect?

Google FI enters the chat.

FI is Google's phone carrier service that leases their network from local and international carriers all across the world. So, if Verizon has crappy service where you're at, no problem... Google FI seamlessly switches to AT&T or whoever has the best signal where you are.

For our two-year adventure, this works great for us because Google FI offers service in over 200 countries. We use Pixel devices that offer a great Wifi hotspot tethering option allowing us to get work done on the move. As soon as we arrive in a new country, service kicks in and we're good to go. No roaming fee for internet - that means free, unlimited WhatsApp calls with our families. No extra device required. No stopping in the airport to get a SIM card.

They have a variety of plans to suit your needs, check out Google FI here: https://g.co/fi/r/YP5099