Talk Abroad Cell Phone Rentals

Rent an International cell phone and make and receive calls, access the web and use apps such as Google Maps, WhatsApp and Skype virtually worldwide. Our easy to use phones feature excellent coverage in over 200 countries and low calling, text and data rates across the globe. Renting a phone from Cellular Abroad is a great way to save money by avoiding the high international roaming rates that carriers such as Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T charge. The rentals come with a UK phone number and with the option of adding a US number.

How Much Does it Cost to Rent?

We try to keep things simple. We charge you to rent the phone, whichever fits your needs, plus the usage, plus shipping charges. Shipping charges also cover shipping back to Cellular Abroad. In addition, you may opt for rental insurance just in case you lose or break your rental phone. As the service is pay as you go, you will always be in control of what you are spending. A $29 block of initial call credit is required with your rental which may be enough for your entire trip, particularly if you are traveling to Europe or need your phone primarily for emergencies. If you plan on using data, we also offer Data Bundles which offer lower rates than our default data rates. You can purchase more call or data credit toll free from your handset during the trip.

What are the Rates?

Call, text and data rates vary from country to country. You should refer to the Rates tab for incoming and outgoing rates and data rates. Please note that all incoming texts message are always free. Most users also add a data bundle to their plan.

US Add-on

In addition to your UK number, you have the option of adding a US number. A US number makes it affordable and convenient for callers from the US/Canada to reach you. In addition, you can also retain your usual number simply by forwarding your number to the new US number. The US add-on is available in the cart. Each $19 will get you 6 hours of calling forwarding to your UK number.

Data Bundles

Data bundles are a great way to save money on data. Unlike providers (such as T-Mobile) that advertise free data for international travelers, our data speeds are high speed and not 2G like theirs. Other providers, like Verizon, offer daily plans that bill you $10 even if you receive one text or call. Our philosophy is that you pay for what you use. Data bundles are valid until they are used up, or up to 30 days - whichever comes first. We offer 500mb and 1GB data bundles. Rates vary depending on the destination. Please click on the Data Bundles tab for a list of destination and the cost of the bundle. Data bundles are available upon checkout (once you add your date to the calendar tool and add to cart).

Which Cell Phone Should You Rent?

We currently offer five cell phones available for rent; Standard, Deluxe and the iPhone 5, 6 and the X. If you only need to make and receive phone calls and/or need an easy phone to operate, we recommend our Standard Rental Phone (with the exception of Australia where, due to their technology, you will need a smartphone). There is something to be said for a no nonsense, easy to use cell phone. First, less bells and whistles means there is a short learning curve to get acquainted with this phone. Also, the battery life for this phone is twice as good as most smart phones and the reception is better than most smartphones. On the flip side the Standard phone will not allow you to get emails, use popular apps such as Google Maps or WhatsApp or browse the web nor check emails. If you do need data, please consider one of our smartphone rentals. Which one? Our recommendation is simple; If you are used to using Android phones, we recommend that you rent the Deluxe Phone. If you are used to iPhones, rent an iPhone. If you can afford to rent the iPhone 6 or even the X, we recommend renting one (faster operating system, better camera and updated operating systems) and if you plan on using maps, we definitely recommend at least the iPhone 6 due to the larger and easier to see display.

Rates

Included in your Talk Abroad Cell Phone Rental:

• A rental handset, with a battery, fully charged and ready to go
• Initial call credit
• International plug adapter and charger for Talk Abroad
• International 110-220 variable-voltage charger
• Return ship label (from within US, Canadian customers please click here. We encourage you to return in the original box

If you receive your cellular rental missing any of the listed items, please contact us immediately.

Order

Ordering a Rental Phone is easy. There are no forms to fill out or sign. All we need is your name, shipping address, contact information, the dates of travel and of course, you credit card information. You can order online or speak to one of our expert advisors at 1-800-287-5072 and they can place the order for you. Time permitting, we deliver the Phone Rental 2 business days prior to you departure using UPS or FedEx. We can deliver the following day (except Sunday) for those with immediate departures.

Receive

You will receive a fully charged Rental Phone, complete with a convenient travel pouch and international chargers and plug adapters and simple instructions. Your rental also includes a prepaid return label. If you have any questions, please call us or email us.

Read Instructions

Your phone is activated and ready to go. We include brief instructions for the use of the cell phone.

Returning your Rental Phone

We will send you a prepaid return label with your package. Please retain it and, upon return from your trip, drop off the package (as per instructions) within 2 business days from the last day of your rental period. Cellular Abroad will charge late fees if the return shipping date is later than 2 business days from the last day of your rental period. For more information, see Cellular Abroad's full Terms & Conditions. For more information, see Cellular Abroad's full Terms & Conditions.

Data Bundles

Data bundles are the perfect solution for travelers needing to use Google Maps, Skype, WhatsApp, check emails, browse the web, and anything else you would do online. Free Wi Fi is not always easy to find and is rarely convenient and never secure. Choose either 500mb of data or 1GB of data. Bundles are good for up to 30 days. Please note that if you order a data bundle for zone 2, it is also compatible for zone 1. If you order a data bundle for zone 3 , it will also work in zones 2 and 3. Please note that if you do not select a bundle, you will be charged the default per mb data rates as per the rate calculator.

Testimonials

Here are just a few of the many unsolicited emails we receive from our customers:

Hi, My wife and I used the Cellular Abroad services in 2008-2009 when we backpacked around the world for a year. We were very pleased with your services after getting a new 2009 SIM card mailed to us as our phone did not initially work in South America (Peru, Chile, and Argentina) with the 2008 SIM card that was provided with our phone. Upon receiving the new 2009 SIM card, the phone was a very nice resource moving forward on our travel around the world. It was amazing how we were able to have economical cell phone calls with our family back in the USA while we were in very rural areas, major tourist destinations, hostels, and just amazing places all around the world. Thanks for helping make our trip a success.

-Brian & Rebecca W

Just wanted to comment on the great service you provide. You folks are an A+ outfit. I ordered your sim and voucher card for the Bahamas and received them the very next day. Everything worked as promised and without a hitch. Unfortunately for my traveling companions, they had Cingular World roaming and could only receive calls. They ended up borrowing my phone! Once again, thanks for the great product.

-DM

Thank you for your excellent service. I will refer you to two other people who will be traveling to Europe.

-Jack M

I just wanted to say thank you so much. My son would have had no cell phone (he's a minor) to call home with, if it weren't for your going the extra mile. This is such a comfort to us. I will always use your company in the future & will recommend it to everyone I know. Again, thank you for your patience and your help.

-Deborah L

Loved having this service available. I will tell all my travelling pals about you. Thanks for the excellent product and service.

-K.H.

Thank you. Excellent service you provide. I will recommend your service to my friends...

-RR, Mill Valley CA

I found the phone to be of great use on my trip to Finland. The reception was incredible! I will certainly consider using Cellular Abroad if I travel overseas again. Thanks again.

-VR

The phone was a life saver. will suggest your service to everyone i know. Thanks again

-DG

My daughter decided to travel with a friend to Europe after their high school graduation. We thought it would be a good idea for them to have cell phones to contact each other in the event they became separated, and to make local calls.

We did research whether to rent or purchase phones. We decided to rent phones from Cellular Abroad, using your convenient and well-priced companion plan. The phones arrived right on time for their trip. When they arrived in Europe, they had no problems whatsoever with the phones or making and receiving calls, even from us at home in the U.S.

When it came time to purchase additional minutes of calling time, I sent an e-mail to customer service telling them I'd like to purchase $25.00 in additional calling time for each cell phone, and asking for instructions how to purchase the time. In reply, customer service advised me that they had placed the order for me and the additional minutes were immediately available.

I was very impressed an apprciated cellular abroad's prompt and reliable service. I will use Cellular Abroad for all of our future trips and recommend you to all of our friends.

M. McCormick, Chicago

My trip was fantastic (I went to Sicily), and the phone worked perfectly. Your service was excellent and I will definitely use Cellular Abroad for my next European holiday.

-MH

I just wanted to send a quick e-mail and say THANK YOU for a great service. The international cell phone worked out great, and the service you guys gave me was top shelf. I will definitely be contacting you in the future for this service again.

-SM

I was the envy of everyone on our cruise with my cell phone. It was very expensive to use the phone in our stateroom. If I travel out of the country again, I will be sure to use your service.

-DC

The cell phone worked great while in Paris and Germany. When I travel abroad again, Cellular Abroad will be my first choice!

-CM

I have been reading Talk Abroad International SIM Card, I travel in Europe Zone 1 all the time and according to your site I can receive calls for free. Please relay my surprise at such a good service.

-SD

Having a cell phone was great. And, true to your word, it worked way down in the Aoelian Islands of Italy. Thanks

-CF

Thank you for your fine service. All went as planned. I'm greatly impressed by Cellular Abroad's efficiency and organization.

-CG

Important FAQs for Rentals

When do I order?

You can order as far in advance as you like - even months prior to your departure. We will ship your rental at the appropriate date in order for you to receive it prior to your departure. Rentals are shipped ground or express service and will arrive at least 2 business days prior to your set departure date whenever possible.

How many minutes do I start off with?

Use the rate calculator on the Rates and Features page in order to determine the call, data and text costs. You can order an initial Dollar amount of credit (available in $29 denominations), add call credit as needed during your trip by sending a "short code" or calling Cellular Abroad toll free from the handset.

Where does this work?

The service works in over 200 countries for voice and about 70 countries for data. Please check the Rate Tab for rates and destinations where the service works.

How many minutes do I have left?

You can check your call credit at any time for free from the handset as per our instructions.

What will this cost me?

• The applicable rental period fee for the duration of your rental period
• At least 1 $29 top up per phone.
• Round-trip shipping and handling fee (see below).

How much is shipping?

If you order at least 2 weeks in advance, round-trip Ground shipping is only $12.88. If you are leaving soon, we offer round-trip 2-day Express for $29.96, or Overnight Express for $39.96. Rentals will arrive 2 business days prior to your set departure date.

What is the latest I can order a rental phone?

You can order up to one business day prior to your departure as long as you call in before to 1:30pm Pacific Time. Exceptions can be made on a limited basis, even if you are leaving early in the morning - we can usually get your phone to you. Please call our 800 number (rather than order via the web) in order to confirm that we can get you a phone rental on time.

When do I get the phone?

You will receive your cell phone rental two days prior to your departure, unless you require next day delivery.

Does the cell phone come charged?

Yes it does, but it's always best to test the battery and charge phone before your departure.

Can I charge this phone on my trip?

Yes, you will receive an international charger and relevant plug adapters, so you can charge the phone in the U.S. or at your destination.

How do I return the phone?

Round trip shipping is included in your shipping fee. You will be provided with a return sticker label, which you can put on the box the phone arrived in, or your own box. If using your own box please do not use an extremely oversized box. (Canadian rental customers click here)

What happens if I cancel?

If your rental has not shipped, you will only be charged a 5% reserve fee. If your rental has been sent out, you are responsible for the one week rental fee plus the shipping fee.

Are there any surcharges or hidden fees?

Unless you are roaming outside of the country or countries for which your service is offered, the rates are fixed according to our posted rate chart and coverage areas. All rental customers are subject to our Terms & Conditions.

What will the rates be for people calling me from the US?

That depends on the international long distance rates charged by their Long Distance Company or international calling card.

Does Cellular Abroad offer insurance against loss or damage?

Yes, rental insurance is available for $19.50 and covers any loss theft or damage and will available as an add-on once you add your item to the cart.