As travel season is in full swing and you’ve also started wondering how traveling with Tello works, we’ve put together some great stuff that you should know. We’ve got two features that joined forces so you can have the best travel combo, all while using your Tello number. Who are they? The brand new Tello International Roaming and its well-known buddy, Wi-Fi Calling.

These options work together to ensure you’re always in touch, no matter where you are!

Let’s dive in and see how you can have the best travel experience with Tello. 

Activation 🚀

Whichever option you choose, please be aware that both International Roaming and Wi-Fi Calling need activation. They both have to be enabled on your device, but you’ll also have to follow some steps in your Tello account. 

🌍 Roaming:

Tello International roaming goes hand in hand with your Pay As You Go (PAYG) balance. So, keep in mind that you need to have a minimum of $5 in your balance at the time you wish to activate roaming. 

Then, you’ll need to enable two things in your Tello account: International Roaming (for roaming minutes and texts) and Pay As You Go Data (for roaming data). Just toggle them ON and you’re good to go. However, you can toggle them OFF whenever they’re not needed.

🛜 Wi-Fi Calling:

Start by making sure you have a good, reliable, and secure Wi-Fi network available. 

Then, check if your device supports this feature and enable it.

If everything is good to go, fill in your E911 emergency address in your Tello account: My Tello » My Settings. You’ll need to do this in order to ensure that emergency services have access to your address, so it is advised to always keep it updated.

Coverage 🌐

🌍 Roaming:

Tello International Roaming is available in 250+ countries and territories. This is possible through agreements with local carriers, ensuring you have phone service worldwide. 

🛜 Wi-Fi Calling: 

Wi-Fi Calling allows you to make and receive calls and texts through an available Wi-Fi network. Think of it as a replacement for your phone service. Wherever you’ll have a reliable Wi-Fi connection, your Wi-Fi Calling feature will work great. 

Think hotels, airports, cafes, and everything in between. Just make sure the Wi-Fi network is reliable and the connection is steady. It’s a great backup when cellular signals are weak or unavailable or you just want to save some bucks. 

Also, Wi-Fi Calling can have your back when you have poor coverage or you’re in a dead cellular network zone. 

One thing to keep in mind is that some countries don’t allow using this feature. Obviously, this is not within Tello’s control or responsibility.

Costs 💰

🌍 Roaming:

While you travel internationally, there are certain roaming rates for texts, calls, and data. You can easily check those rates here, depending on where you want to travel.

🛜 Wi-Fi Calling: 

Good news – whenever you choose to call and text via Wi-Fi Calling, there will be no extra charge! It is simply taken from your existing plan balance or your Pay As You Go balance, whichever applies to the activity.

Usage 📊

🌍 Roaming:

With Tello International Roaming, you only pay for what you use. It is not a daily roaming plan, as you’re charged based on your usage. You just have to make sure you have enough credit in your PAYG balance for what you need. Also, we recommend you keep an eye on your data usage in order to know when you need to top up your balance because Auto-Recharge will not be triggered by Roaming usage, to ensure that you have full control over your expenses.

Another great thing about your PAYG balance is that it never expires, as long as you have an active plan.

🛜 Wi-Fi Calling: 

Wi-Fi Calling does not use any additional resources. All you need is a good Wi-Fi connection, that will ensure your calls have a great quality and your texts will be delivered well. Any minutes or text that you’ll use through Wi-Fi Calling is taken from your account balance. 

Convenience ✅

🌍 Roaming:

Tello International Roaming is super convenient wherever you’re on the go. You can easily activate it and use it worldwide.

🛜 Wi-Fi Calling: 

This feature is perfect for whenever you have reliable and strong Wi-Fi signals over trusted networks. It easily saves you money and helps you make calls effortlessly.

Battery life 🔋

🌍 Roaming:

As you know by now, roaming is possible thanks to giving you access to local networks. Hence, it can drain your battery faster due to constant network searching. Here comes to the rescue another great travel accessory: a portable charger. Make sure you carry one whenever you’re planning to take longer trips, it’s a life-saver! 

🛜 Wi-F Calling:

Wi-Fi Calling usually tends to be easier on your battery. It is a great option for conserving power during longer calls.

Tello International Roaming +  Wi-Fi Calling = 💙

While they’re different, they work great together! They’ll be your favorite travel combo and you’ll also be able to use your Tello number anywhere. You can easily combine these two travel buddies and they’ll complement each other great, helping you save time, money and also have peace of mind wherever you travel.

Tello International Roaming keeps you covered with calls, texts, and data at different rates. 

Wi-Fi Calling has your back with calls and texts that are deducted from your plan balance. Also, whenever you need to go online, just simply use the available Wi-Fi network.

Also, here are some other things you might wonder: 

• Which option will provide me with better call quality? 

Here, it all comes down to signal strength, whether from the cellular network or the Wi-Fi network.

When you use roaming, it depends on the local carrier you will be connected to.

When you use Wi-Fi Calling, it depends on the strength and reliability of the Wi-Fi network you’ll connect to. 

• What’s the difference between Tello International Roaming and Tello International Calling?

Tello International Roaming is what keeps you connected worldwide, by accessing the cellular network of local carriers. There are different rates for calls, texts, and data based on every country and you need to make sure you have enough credit in your PAYG balance.

Tello International Calling is the feature that helps you call internationally from the United States. There are 60+ countries where you can call and text for free, meaning that it will be deducted from your plan balance. 

Also, another great Tello-perk is that you can use the International Calling feature, together with Wi-Fi Calling. 

For example, if you receive any calls (no matter where from) or if you call any of the 60+ included international destinations, then the minutes of those calls will be deducted from your minutes’ plan balance.

If, on the other hand, you call an international destination that is not included in our plans (for example: Cuba), then it will be charged from your Pay As You Go balance, if you have one.

The same logic applies to Wi-Fi Text.

So, don’t hesitate to ask us more on the subject – drop us a line below or on our social media. Oh, and don’t forget our Customer Support team is available 24/7. You might be Out Of Office while traveling, but we’re here to have you covered, no matter where you’ll be.