Comparison
ConnectSIM eSIM vs T-Mobile international
T-Mobile's 'free' international data is real — and it's throttled to 256 kbps. Here's how an eSIM gives you full LTE/5G abroad without ditching your Magenta line.
The short version
Magenta and Go5G plans include free international data at 2G speeds (~256 kbps). Magenta MAX adds 5 GB at 4G then throttles. An International Pass for 5 GB / 10 days is $35. A ConnectSIM Europe eSIM is $20 for 10 GB / 15 days at full local speeds.
What you actually get abroad
| Your plan | Free international data | Cost for fast data |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials / Magenta base | Unlimited 2G (~256 kbps) | $5/day Intl Pass or $35/10d |
| Magenta MAX / Go5G Plus | 5 GB at 4G then 256 kbps | $35/10d or $50/30d Intl Pass |
| + ConnectSIM eSIM | Full local 4G/5G — your choice of network | ~$20 for 10 GB / 15d |
T-Mobile rates from t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/international-roaming.
How to set it up
- Buy a ConnectSIM eSIM for your destination. The QR code arrives by email instantly.
- On Wi-Fi: open Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan and scan the QR.
- Label it 'Travel' and set it as your Cellular Data line. Keep T-Mobile as the primary voice line.
- On the eSIM line: turn ON Data Roaming. (Yes — local networks treat the foreign-issued eSIM as roaming.)
- On the T-Mobile line: turn OFF Cellular Data. You'll still get T-Mobile's free Wi-Fi Calling for SMS, iMessage, and incoming calls.
- Land. The eSIM registers on a local 4G/5G network within 30 seconds. Maps, streaming, and tethering all run at full speed — and your T-Mobile number is still reachable.
Common questions
Doesn't T-Mobile include free international data?
Yes — but at 2G speeds (about 256 kbps) on Magenta and Go5G base plans. That's enough for messaging and email; Google Maps stutters and video is unusable. Magenta MAX and Go5G Plus include 5 GB of 4G data per month, then throttle.
What is T-Mobile's International Pass and is it worth it?
International Pass adds full-speed 4G/5G data: $5 for 512 MB / 1 day, $35 for 5 GB / 10 days, $50 for 15 GB / 30 days. For a 2-week trip, ConnectSIM gives you 10–20 GB for half that price.
Will an eSIM work on my T-Mobile iPhone?
Yes. Every iPhone XS+ supports eSIM, and US iPhones 14/15/16 are eSIM-only. T-Mobile actually pioneered carrier-side eSIM support — you already have one. A travel eSIM just installs alongside it.
Will my T-Mobile number stop working if I add a travel eSIM?
No. The eSIM goes in as a secondary data line. Your T-Mobile number stays active for calls, SMS, iMessage, and 2FA codes. You just choose the eSIM as the data line so cellular data routes through it.
What if I want to keep using T-Mobile's free international data and add the eSIM for speed?
You can — set the eSIM as primary data when you want speed, and switch back to T-Mobile for free (slow) data when conserving the eSIM data. It's a Settings toggle, takes 2 seconds.
Does T-Mobile coverage abroad use the same network speeds the eSIM does?
Not necessarily. T-Mobile partners with specific local carriers, and the throttle is enforced on T-Mobile's side regardless of which local network you're on. A local eSIM lets you pick the best network in-country (Vodafone, Orange, etc.) and run at its native speed.