HelloRoam vs Google Fi: which eSIM works for travellers in 2026?
HelloRoam is the practical pick for travellers. Plans start at NZ$1.77, with unlimited options from NZ$2.97/day. There are no monthly fees, so you only pay for the trip you're taking. The website comes in 63 languages and takes 31+ currencies, and you can get a refund on an unactivated eSIM within 180 days. For example, a 7-day France trip costs NZ$10.28 with HelloRoam, compared with Google Fi's US$65/month Premium plan or US$10/GB Flexible plan. And Google Fi isn't even open to New Zealand residents without a US address.
HelloRoam Editorial Team
Google Fi
4.1/5 (2,000+ reviews)
200+ countries
HelloRoam
4.7/5 App Store
185+ countries
Google Fi Wireless is a US-only carrier. You need a US billing address and a US Google account just to sign up, which rules out every New Zealand resident. HelloRoam has no such restriction. It's open to travellers from any country, including New Zealand.
Destination tip: Heading to Japan? HelloRoam's 1GB plans start at NZ$5.99, while Google Fi's Flexible plan charges US$10 per GB, and NZ residents can't sign up for Google Fi in the first place. In Japan, you need data for transit apps and maps.
Quick Verdict: Google Fi or HelloRoam, Which Works Better for Travellers?
HelloRoam is the better choice for most travellers. Plans start from NZ$1.77 globally with no monthly subscription and no daily roaming fee. A casual traveller visiting France for a week pays NZ$10.28 with HelloRoam versus US$65/month on Google Fi's Unlimited Premium plan.
Google Fi works well for US residents who already use it as their primary carrier. The Unlimited Premium plan at US$65/month includes 50GB of high-speed international data across 200+ destinations. If you already pay for the plan, you get international coverage at no extra cost. The 90-day international limit and the US residency requirement make it unsuitable for non-US residents or long-stay travellers.
For travellers searching for the best eSIM for international data, HelloRoam covers more use cases at lower cost. Google Fi serves a niche: US residents who want one bill for home and abroad.
Google Fi | HelloRoam | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 1.4/5 (Trustpilot, 149 reviews) | 4.7/5 (iOS App Store) |
| Countries | 200+ | 185+ |
| Starting Price | US$20/mo + US$10/GB | NZ$1.77 one-time |
| App Rating (iOS) | 4.1/5 (2,000+ reviews) | 4.7/5 |
| App Rating (Android) | 4.1/5 (56.6K reviews) | No public rating yet |
| Best For | US residents who want one plan for home and abroad | Any traveller who needs affordable data |
HelloRoam vs Google Fi eSIM: Full Feature ComparisonHelloRoam vs Google Fi eSIM: Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | Google Fi | HelloRoam |
|---|---|---|
| Countries Covered | 200+ | 185+ (local carrier networks) |
| Carrier Networks | T-Mobile + US Cellular | 212+ local carrier partnerships |
| Pricing Model | Monthly subscription (US$20-US$65/mo) | One-time payment, no subscription |
| Starting Price | US$20/mo base + US$10/GB international | NZ$1.77 (fixed) / NZ$2.97/day (unlimited) |
| Data Speeds | 4G LTE + 5G (T-Mobile roaming) | 4G LTE + 5G (local carriers, varies by country) |
| Fixed Data Plans | No (pay-per-GB or monthly tiers) | Yes (sizes vary by country) |
| City-Level Plans | No city-level granularity | Dedicated pages for popular travel cities |
| iOS App Rating | 4.1/5 (2,000+ reviews) | 4.7/5 |
| Android App Rating | 4.1/5 (56.6K reviews) | No public rating yet |
| Trustpilot | 1.4/5 "Bad" (149 reviews) | Growing (launched August 2025) |
| Customer Support | Phone + chat, Mon-Sat, English only | 24/7 live chat + WhatsApp, in your own language |
| Delivery | eSIM instant / SIM ships | Instant QR code via email |
| Refund Policy | No guarantee (prorated Flexible refund only) | 180-day refund (unactivated eSIMs) |
| Languages | English only | 63 website languages |
| Currencies | USD only (US credit card required) | 31+ with auto-detection |
| Hotspot | No hotspot on Essentials; blocked on iPhone internationally | Free on all plans, where the phone allows it |
| Data Usage Alerts | Data usage alert you set in the Fi app | Low-data email on fixed plans |
| Recommended Plan | No recommendation engine | Goldilocks pick highlights one recommended plan |
| Founded | 2015 (as Project Fi, Google) | Launched 2025 (Future Syncs, founded 2024) |
Google Fi leads on US domestic coverage, a built-in VPN, and Alphabet backing. HelloRoam leads on no-residency signup, no 90-day cutoff, and clear fixed-price travel plans.
Pricing by Country: Google Fi vs HelloRoam
Google Fi prices show the flat US$10/GB Flexible plan rate. HelloRoam offers one-time plans on local carrier networks. Average savings: 66% with HelloRoam across all 6 countries.
| Destination | Google Fi | HelloRoam | Saving with HelloRoam | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
France | US$10/GB | From NZ$6.85 | 60% | HelloRoam |
Japan | US$10/GB | From NZ$5.99 | 65% | HelloRoam |
UK | US$10/GB | From NZ$4.88 | 72% | HelloRoam |
Mexico | US$10/GB | From NZ$5.99 | 65% | HelloRoam |
Thailand | US$10/GB | From NZ$5.99 | 65% | HelloRoam |
Germany | US$10/GB | From NZ$4.88 | 72% | HelloRoam |
Google Fi charges a flat US$10 per GB on the Flexible plan, wherever you go. HelloRoam prices vary by country, and each plan runs on local carrier networks.
Google Fi's Flexible plan charges US$10/GB for international data in 200+ destinations. The Unlimited Premium plan at US$65/month includes 50GB of high-speed international data. All Google Fi plans require an active US account. HelloRoam charges a one-time fee per trip with no monthly commitment. Prices verified June 2026 from fi.google.com and helloroam.com.
Find Your eSIM Plan
Browse affordable plans for your next overseas trip
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Mexico.
From
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Morocco.
From
Data eSIM Plan
Stay connected across United States.
From
NZ$4.93
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Japan.
From
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Turkey.
From
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across China.
From
Asia
19 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Asia.
From
NZ$11.12
Africa
29 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Africa.
From
NZ$27.45
Europe
33 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Europe.
From
NZ$6.85
Middle East
11 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Middle East.
From
NZ$21.63
West Asia
6 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across West Asia.
From
NZ$12.34
South America
20 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across South America.
From
NZ$17.61
Global
127 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Global.
From
NZ$23.48
How the Speeds Stack Up
Android Authority tested Google Fi against a travel eSIM across 5 locations in Italy in 2026. Worth noting: that test compared Google Fi against a generic travel eSIM, not HelloRoam specifically.
Where
Milan
Venice
Florence
Rome (Test 1)
Rome (Test 2)
Google Fi
61.8 Mbps
42.3 Mbps
40.6 Mbps
306 Mbps
300 Mbps
Travel eSIM
89.5 Mbps
5.98 Mbps
50.5 Mbps
64.3 Mbps
135 Mbps
Faster
Travel eSIM
Google Fi
Travel eSIM
Google Fi
Google Fi
Local carrier networks: HelloRoam connects to local carrier networks in each country. Many destinations include 5G, and the network type varies by plan.
Plan types: Choose a fixed data plan or a day-based unlimited plan.
Independent benchmarks: Independent speed benchmarks for HelloRoam are pending as the service launched in August 2025. Speed varies by destination and carrier.
Where HelloRoam Comes Out Ahead for Travellers
No subscription required.
HelloRoam is pay-as-you-go. Buy a plan when you travel, starting at NZ$1.77. Google Fi requires a monthly subscription of US$20 to US$65 before you can access international data.
Open to travellers worldwide.
HelloRoam works for travellers from every country. Google Fi requires a US billing address. Non-US residents cannot sign up.
No 90-day cutoff.
Google Fi suspends international data access after 90 consecutive days abroad. HelloRoam has no such rule. Your data works for the full plan validity, however long you have been abroad.
Free hotspot on every plan.
HelloRoam includes free tethering on all plans, on phones that allow hotspot. Google Fi blocks hotspot on the Essentials plan and disables international hotspot on iPhones.
180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs.
HelloRoam offers a 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs. Google Fi offers no equivalent guarantee. The Flexible plan only provides a prorated refund.
63 languages and 31+ currencies.
HelloRoam auto-detects your locale and shows prices in your local currency. Google Fi is English-only and USD-only, with a US credit card required at checkout.
Low-data email alerts.
On a fixed plan, HelloRoam emails you as your data runs low. You can then top up in time on plans that offer top-ups, or buy a new plan.
One recommended plan per destination.
The Goldilocks pick highlights one recommended plan on each destination page. A data calculator helps you estimate how many GB you need. Google Fi has no recommendation engine.
City pages for popular destinations.
HelloRoam runs dedicated pages for popular travel cities, each showing the plans that work there. Google Fi has no city-specific coverage options.
Unlimited day slider with auto-configured APN.
On unlimited plans, HelloRoam's day slider lets you pick how many days you buy. The APN configures automatically on activation. No manual network settings needed.
Pros and Cons
Google Fi vs HelloRoam
Choose HelloRoam if:
- You want lower prices. Plans start at NZ$1.77. Unlimited from NZ$2.97/day. Compared with Google Fi's Flexible plan, HelloRoam saves 60% to 72% per GB in the 6 countries priced above.
- You want unlimited data without a monthly bill. Unlimited daily plans in most destinations, on local carrier networks. No monthly bill, no contract.
- You want refund protection. HelloRoam gives you a 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs. Google Fi offers no equivalent guarantee.
- You need support in your language. Support in your own language, 24/7 on WhatsApp and live chat. A website in 63 languages. Pay in 31+ currencies.
- You prefer smart app features. Data calculator, unlimited day slider, plan recommendation, preflight reminders, and low-data emails on fixed plans.
- You want flexible checkout. Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, UnionPay. Zero-dollar checkout with referral credits.
Choose Google Fi if you:
- Live in the US and want one plan for home and travel. Google Fi replaces your domestic carrier with unlimited calls, texts, and international data under one bill.
- Need a permanent US phone number. Many US services require a US number for two-factor authentication and banking. Google Fi provides one that works abroad.
- Travel less than 90 days at a time and already pay for it. If you already subscribe to Unlimited Premium at US$65/month, the international data comes at no extra cost.
- Use a Pixel phone. Google Fi is optimised for Pixel devices with a built-in VPN, encrypted calls, and automatic premium Wi-Fi connections.
The App Experience
What the HelloRoam App Offers
The interactive data usage calculator estimates how many GB you need based on your activities. You stop guessing about plan sizes.
The Goldilocks pick highlights one recommended plan on each destination page.
Preflight notifications remind you to activate your eSIM before you board.
Low-data emails warn you before a fixed plan runs out.
The data dashboard shows how much data you've used and how much is left.
The device compatibility checker appears on every country page, not buried on a separate page.
Express checkout supports Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal. You can also pay by Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB or UnionPay card.
The buy-for-someone-else feature sends a QR code to another person's email.
Data usage dashboard. A circular progress tracker, with a Top up button on eligible plans.
Buy for someone else. Send a QR code directly to another traveller's email.
Auto-configured APN. Your eSIM activates with network settings pre-loaded. No manual configuration needed.
Google Fi
What the Google Fi App Offers
Manage your domestic and international plan from one screen.
Built-in VPN for Pixel phones with automatic secure connections.
Wi-Fi calling and text over any connection.
Usage tracking for calls, texts, and data in a single dashboard.
International data through T-Mobile partner networks in 200+ countries.
Key insight: Google Fi's app is built for US subscribers managing a combined domestic and international carrier plan. HelloRoam's app is built for international travellers instead: one recommended plan for each destination, picked by data size and price, a data calculator and preflight reminders before you fly. For travel outside the US, HelloRoam covers more of what travellers actually need.
Coverage and Network Comparison
Global coverage
185+ countries with 212+ verified carrier networks. Coverage built around the destinations travellers actually visit, not just contractual partner counts.
Carrier branding
Your phone shows "HelloRoam" in the status bar. You know exactly which service is active.
Instant connectivity
No manual network settings needed. Your eSIM connects to a local carrier the moment you land.
Free hotspot
Share your connection with a laptop or travel companion at no extra cost. Hotspot works on every plan, on phones that allow it, and uses your plan data.
City pages
Dedicated pages for popular travel cities, not just countries, each showing the plans that work there.
200+ country coverage
Google Fi provides international data in 200+ destinations on the Flexible and Unlimited plans. Coverage uses T-Mobile and US Cellular partner networks abroad.
Built-in VPN for Pixel
Google Fi includes a built-in VPN on Pixel phones with automatic secure connections on open Wi-Fi networks. This is unique to the Fi platform.
One bill for home and travel
Google Fi bundles US domestic calls, texts, and international data under one monthly subscription. US residents avoid separate charges for domestic and international service.
Permanent US phone number
Google Fi subscribers get a US phone number that works abroad, which is useful for two-factor authentication and US-based banking apps.
Alphabet / Google backing
Alphabet Inc., one of the largest technology companies in the world, runs Google Fi. That backing brings strong infrastructure and long-term stability.
Wi-Fi calling and texts
Google Fi supports Wi-Fi calling and texting from any connection. On Wi-Fi abroad, you can make US calls without paying roaming fees.
Is Google Fi Legit?
Yes, Google Fi Wireless is a legitimate US wireless carrier owned by Alphabet Inc. Google launched it as Project Fi back on 22 April 2015, and rebranded it to Google Fi Wireless in April 2023. Legitimacy was never really in question, the real issue is that New Zealand residents can't sign up at all.
Trustpilot:
According to Trustpilot (June 2026), Google Fi has a 1.4 out of 5 rating based on 149 reviews. That is a "Bad" rating. Common complaints include billing disputes, customer service delays, and the 90-day international data cutoff catching travellers off guard. Trustpilot ratings for telecom companies often skew negative because satisfied customers rarely leave reviews.
Expert reviews:
WhistleOut gives Google Fi 4.0/5. Reviews.org rates it 4.8/5. Tom's Guide recommends it for travellers who already use Android and want domestic plus international under one bill.
HelloRoam trust signals
180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs. PCI DSS Level 1 payment security via Stripe. $0 activation fees. No hidden charges.
BBB complaints:
Google Fi falls under Google LLC's unaccredited BBB profile, which lists consumer complaints across Google's services. These cover billing disputes and activation failures.
Will Your Phone Work?
HelloRoam Advantage: Built-In Device Checker
HelloRoam has an interactive device compatibility checker built into every country page. Search by brand, Apple, Samsung, Google, Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Huawei, and find your exact model in seconds. No separate page to dig through, no guesswork.
All iPhones from iPhone XS (2018) and newer
Most Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer (not the S20 FE or S21 FE), Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series
Google Pixel 4 and newer, plus some Pixel 3 and 3a models
Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Huawei, and other brands with eSIM support
iPads and tablets with eSIM capability
No country restriction: travellers from New Zealand or anywhere else can buy and activate an eSIM plan. Every eSIM activates with an auto-configured APN, so you connect without any manual network setup.
Google Fi Compatible Devices
Best experience: Pixel phones get automatic network switching, VPN, and encrypted calls
iPhones: XS and newer support eSIM. International hotspot does not work on iPhones.
Samsung: Galaxy S23 through S26 (unlocked North American versions)
Requirement: US billing address required. Non-US residents cannot sign up.
Key difference: HelloRoam takes the guesswork out. Search your exact phone model, get instant confirmation, and buy your plan. No band compatibility checks needed, auto-APN means zero manual setup.
Other eSIM Comparisons Worth Reading
See how HelloRoam compares with other top eSIM and carrier options for international travel.
HelloRoam vs Airalo
Airalo is the largest eSIM marketplace with 200+ destinations. Compare pricing, plan variety, and app experience.
HelloRoam vs Holafly
Holafly focuses on unlimited data with strong Europe and Latin America coverage. See how the unlimited plans stack up.
HelloRoam vs Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is a budget US carrier with limited international options. See why a dedicated travel eSIM often wins abroad.
Get connected in 4 easy steps
How to Get Your eSIM
- 1
Choose your destination
- 2
Scan the QR code
- 3
Install your eSIM
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Frequently Asked Questions
No, not if you live in New Zealand. Google Fi needs a US mailing address and a US Google account to sign up, so it's out of reach without both. HelloRoam is the practical option for travellers heading overseas, whether you're flying out of Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch. Buy a plan online, install the eSIM in about five minutes and you're set before you board.
HelloRoam covers Australia on the Telstra and Optus networks. On a cross-Tasman trip, install your plan before leaving Auckland and you're online the moment you land in Sydney or Melbourne. Australia plans start at NZ$5.99 with no monthly subscription. Google Fi needs a US address to sign up, so it's not an option without one.
HelloRoam covers Fiji and a range of other Pacific destinations. Install a plan before leaving Auckland and you'll have data at your resort from day one, on Fiji's Vodafone network. There's no US account or special setup needed. Scan the QR code and you're connected.
Spark charges for roaming on top of your NZ plan, and the cost depends on the country and how long you're away. HelloRoam works differently: you pay once for a travel plan and use local 4G/5G networks at your destination. For a week in Thailand or a UK trip, compare Spark's current roaming price with a HelloRoam plan for the same trip, so there's no bill shock when you get home.
2degrees charges for roaming by the day, on top of your regular plan, and that adds up over a long trip to London. HelloRoam charges one prepaid price for its UK plans instead, with no daily charges. The longer your trip, the bigger the difference.
One NZ charges daily roaming rates on top of your plan. HelloRoam puts you on local 4G/5G networks for a single payment. On longer trips, like an OE or a working holiday, a pay-per-trip eSIM plan often costs much less than daily carrier charges that pile up over weeks or months.
HelloRoam covers the UK on the EE, O2 and Three networks. If you're heading to London for an OE, work or to visit family, you can set up the eSIM at home before you leave Auckland and be online straight away at Heathrow or Gatwick. Plans are prepaid with no contracts. Google Fi covers the UK, but it isn't open to NZ residents.
Yes. Japan is a popular destination, and staying connected there helps with maps and booking transport. HelloRoam connects to the NTT docomo and KDDI (au) networks. A HelloRoam Japan plan is a one-off payment, so you skip the daily international roaming charges from Spark, 2degrees or One NZ.
HelloRoam covers Indonesia, including Bali, on the Telkomsel and XL networks. If you're heading to Bali for a holiday, install a plan before leaving Auckland and have data ready at Ngurah Rai International Airport. Plans are prepaid and affordable, which suits budget-conscious travellers.
Yes, on its top plan. Google Fi's Unlimited Premium plan includes 50GB of high-speed data abroad each month, and speeds drop after that. The Flexible plan charges for every gigabyte you use overseas. HelloRoam uses local partner networks, with 4G or 5G in most countries, and speeds depend on the local network. Its unlimited plans have a daily fair-use allowance, and speeds slow once you pass it. You pick a fixed or unlimited plan and know the price before you go.
On a dual SIM phone, keep your Spark SIM for NZ calls and texts while using HelloRoam for data abroad. Set HelloRoam as the data line in your phone settings when you land overseas. Your NZ number stays active for incoming calls and texts. You don't miss anything from home while you're travelling.
HelloRoam's pay-per-trip model is ideal for OE travellers who move between countries and don't want a long-term plan. Buy a plan for each country or region as you go. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries, so you're sorted for the UK, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the US without switching providers. Plans start at NZ$1.77. Note that eSIM profiles are not transferable between devices once installed.
Buy your HelloRoam plan online at home or at Auckland International Airport using the terminal Wi-Fi. Open your confirmation email, scan the QR code, and follow the prompts in your phone's eSIM settings. The whole process takes about five minutes. The eSIM activates when you land at your destination, so nothing extra is needed on arrival.
HelloRoam covers Thailand with connections to AIS and DTAC. It's a popular destination for budget-conscious travellers, and HelloRoam gives you local 4G/5G data from the moment you land in Bangkok or Phuket. Plans are prepaid at a flat rate. Compare this to One NZ or Spark daily roaming charges that add up quickly over a two-week holiday.
HelloRoam has no US address or account requirements. Anyone with an eSIM-compatible phone, an email address and a payment card can buy a plan from anywhere in New Zealand. That's the main practical difference from Google Fi, which needs a US address to sign up at all.
Your 2degrees plan stays active in the physical SIM slot, and HelloRoam runs on the eSIM. You keep your NZ number for incoming calls and texts while HelloRoam handles your data on local networks. Set HelloRoam as the data line in Settings when you land, and turn off data roaming on your 2degrees line. Calls and texts on your NZ number may still be charged at 2degrees' roaming rates.
iPhones sold in New Zealand from the iPhone XS and XR onwards support eSIM. Most NZ models are sold unlocked, so they work with HelloRoam straight away. If your iPhone is locked to Spark, 2degrees or One NZ, ask your carrier to unlock it before adding a HelloRoam eSIM.
HelloRoam covers the United States on the AT&T and Verizon networks. If you're on a J-1 visa, an au pair placement or a working holiday, install a HelloRoam plan before leaving Auckland so you have data on arrival. Once you settle in, you can switch to a US monthly plan. HelloRoam keeps you connected while you sort things out. An eSIM profile can't be moved between devices once installed.
It's worth it even for a short trip to Sydney or Melbourne. A HelloRoam eSIM saves money compared to Spark, 2degrees, or One NZ daily roaming charges. Australia plans are a single prepaid payment with no daily fees. You're sorted for the whole trip without worrying about bill shock when you return home.
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