Not everyone needs a mountain of data. Plenty of people use their phone mainly for calls, messages, maps and the occasional video, and they would rather spend less each month than pay for gigabytes they never touch. The challenge is that many low-cost plans cut corners on calling, especially calls abroad. Entry-level prepaid plans that include unlimited international calling solve both problems at once.
Here is a closer look at two budget prepaid plans that pair a modest data allowance with unlimited calls and texts to 100 countries, plus tips on deciding whether an entry tier is enough for you.
The Two Entry Plans
$19 Unlimited International Plan: 5GB
The $19 plan comes with 5GB of data at up to 5G speeds, unlimited nationwide talk and text and unlimited international talk and text to 100 countries. It lists at $19 per 30 days and is currently on a promotional price of $10 per 30 days for 12 months. That makes it one of the lowest-cost ways to call family overseas as often as you like.
$23 Unlimited International Plan: 8GB
The $23 plan raises the data to 8GB at up to 5G speeds and keeps the same unlimited nationwide and international calling. It also includes a $5 international roaming credit, which is handy for short trips abroad. It lists at $23 per 30 days and is currently shown at $15 per 30 days on the plan card.
| Plan | Data | Standard price | Current price | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $19 Unlimited International Plan | 5GB | $19 | $10 for 12 months | Unlimited calls and texts to 100 countries |
| $23 Unlimited International Plan | 8GB | $23 | $15 | Same calling plus $5 roaming credit |
Is 5GB or 8GB Enough?
For light to moderate use, yes. Messaging, email, social media browsing, navigation and music streaming use relatively little data. Video is the main thing that eats through an allowance, so if you mostly watch videos at home on Wi-Fi, an entry plan will usually last the month.
- Choose 5GB if you are mostly on Wi-Fi and use mobile data for maps, messaging and the odd social scroll.
- Choose 8GB if you stream music on the commute, share photos regularly or travel occasionally and want the roaming credit.
- Step up to a higher tier if you watch video away from Wi-Fi most days or use your phone as a hotspot.
Why Unlimited International Calling Matters
Calling abroad from a standard plan can quickly become expensive, and internet calling apps are only as good as the connection at both ends. With unlimited international talk and text to 100 countries included, you can call parents, siblings or friends overseas over a normal phone line whenever you like. For many households, that alone makes these prepaid plans with international calling better value than larger plans without it.
Getting Started
- Check that your phone is unlocked and compatible with the network.
- Pick the 5GB or 8GB tier based on your usual data use.
- Order a SIM or activate an eSIM if your phone supports it.
- Transfer your existing number during activation if you want to keep it.
Because these are prepaid plans with no contract, you can move up to a bigger tier later if your needs change, without penalties or a credit check.
Who These Plans Suit Best
Entry plans are a natural fit for parents and grandparents who mainly call and text, students on a tight budget, and anyone who wants a second line for work or travel. They are also popular with people who moved to the US and still call family back home every week. Because the international calling is unlimited, a long chat with relatives costs the same as a quick one, and the monthly price stays predictable. For many households, putting one or two family members on an entry plan while others choose more data is the easiest way to keep the overall bill down.
Small Plan, Big Reach
An entry plan does not have to mean fewer features. With 5GB for $10 a month for a year, or 8GB for $15 with a roaming credit, both plans include unlimited calls and texts at home and to 100 countries. If you want a low cost prepaid phone plan that keeps you close to people abroad, these two are hard to beat.
Both plans are available from Lyca Mobile. Discover more practical guides and lifestyle stories on DressGlamour.