How to purchase International Roaming | Helium Mobile Help Center

Get International Roaming talk, text, and data in the Helium Mobile app.

How does International Roaming work?

International Roaming can be purchased on a per gigabyte (GB) basis. Each GB of data is $15.00 and includes 100 text messages and 60 minutes of calling!

All purchased data will expire 30 days after purchase or when you run out of data.

How do I purchase data?

Download the Helium Mobile app. Already have the app? Make sure your app is updated to at least version 2.3.0.
Locate the “International Roaming” icon on the home screen.
Select the amount of data you’d like to purchase. You may purchase up to a maximum of 20 GB of data at one time.
1. Don’t know how much data you need? For normal usage, we recommend 1 GB of data per week. You can check your data usage in the app on the “Plans” page to understand how you use your data.
Purchase your data. Review your order and purchase International Roaming with your on-file payment method. You can edit this payment method prior to purchasing. Once your payment is successful, you will immediately receive your International Roaming talk, text, and data!
Configure your device. To ensure your International Roaming functions smoothly, you will need to make sure your device’s Access Point Name (APN) is correct.
1. On Android, go to Settings > Network and Internet > SIMs > Select your SIMs > Access Point Names. Then, tap the “+” button in the top right corner. Create a new APN called “Helium-Mobile”. Save your new APN. Once saved, select “Helium-Mobile” as your new APN.
2. On iOS,
  1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Select your SIM > Cellular Data Network. In both the Cellular Data and LTE Setup (Optional) sections, change your Access Point Name from “wholesale” to “Helium-Mobile” (this can also be done for the Personal Hotspot section in the same menu).
    We recommend setting this for the LTE Setup (Optional) as well as some areas do not have 5G service available
Restart your phone to help these settings take effect.
You’re good to go! Enjoy using Helium Mobile abroad. Make sure to monitor your data usage in the app or on your device.

**Note that the H and M in "Helium-Mobile" do need to be capitalized**

What happens when I run out of data?

If you’re running low or have run out of International Roaming data, you can purchase more in the Helium Mobile app.

Important - Purchased Helium Mobile data will replace your current positive data balance. It is crucial that you do not purchase more International Roaming data until you are out or nearly out. Your newly purchased data will not be summed with your existing data and you will lose your existing data.

International Roaming FAQ

How much does International Roaming cost?

International Roaming data can be purchased on a per gigabyte (GB) basis. Each gigabyte of International roaming data costs $15.00.

What is included in my $15.00 of International Roaming?

Per $15.00, you will receive 1 gigabyte (GB) of International Roaming data, 60 minutes of calling and 100 text messages to use abroad.

Does my International Roaming data expire?

Yes. International Roaming data expires 30 days from your date of purchase or when you've run out of data.

Can I purchase more data?

Yes. You can purchase more data from the Helium Mobile app at any time. However, it is important to note that all purchased data will replace any currently active International Roaming data. Therefore, it is crucial that you do not purchase more data until you have run out or are about to run out.

If I purchase more data, does it add to the data I have left?

No. If you purchase more data you will have existing International Roaming data, it will be replaced and you will lose your existing International Roaming Data. For example, if you have a balance of 1GB of International Roaming data remaining, and you purchase 2 more GB of data, you will have 2 GB of International Roaming data total.

In what countries can I use International Roaming?

You can view the list of countries that are eligible to use International Roaming here.

Where do I view my International Roaming usage?

You can view your usage in the “International Roaming” tab under “Add-ons”, as well as on your “Plans” page in the Helium Mobile app. Roaming data can be delayed, if you have usage and you do not see it, please wait or check your device for real-time usage.

You will also receive notifications from the Helium Mobile App as data depletes. Ensure to enable notifications in your device settings so you do not miss any important updates.

I didn’t use all of my data and it expired. Can I get a refund on unused data?

Unused data, texts, or call minutes will not be carried forward or refunded after 30 day expiration. For more information, please review the International Services Terms and Conditions.

How much data do I need?

Data usage can different from person to person, but average domestic usage tends to hover around 1GB for every 2 days.

Based on internal testing, international usage tends to be lower than domestic and 1GB can be sufficient for as long as a week's worth of travel. We suggest starting with 1GB and adding more if you run out.

What happens if I don't use all of my data?

You have 30 days to use the International Roaming data that you've purchased. If you take 2 trips within a 30 day period, any data you have remaining from your first trip will still be available.

Do I need to purchase International Roaming before my trip?

You can purchase International Roaming at any time - before or during your travels. Please note that you have 30 days from the date of purchase to use your data, text, and minutes. If you decide to purchase data during your trip, you will need Wi-Fi to do so.

Will account credits be used towards international roaming charges?

No. At this time, account credits are applied only to monthly plan charges. Any add-ons will be billed to the card on file.

I'm in a group plan, can I add international roaming?

Yes! A Group Admin of any group can purchase International Roaming on the behalf of any Group Member. In app version 2.5.0 and above, Group Admin's can open the "Group Plans" icon in their Helium Mobile app, select a group member, and tap "Purchase" under "International Roaming". The Group member will have 30 days to use the purchased data.