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 app supports 63 languages and 31+ currencies, and you can get a refund on an unactivated eSIM within 180 days. Google Fi, on the other hand, isn't even available to New Zealand residents without a US address.
HelloRoam Editorial Team
Google Fi
4.1/5 (2,000+ reviews)
200+ countries
HelloRoam
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 fixed data plans give you a straightforward flat rate, while Google Fi's Flexible plan charges USD 10 per GB with no cap, and NZ residents can't sign up for it in the first place.
Quick Verdict: Google Fi or HelloRoam, Which Works Better for Travellers?
HelloRoam is the better choice for most travelers. Plans start from NZ$1.77 globally with no monthly subscription and no daily roaming fee. A casual traveler visiting France for a week pays NZ$10.28 with HelloRoam versus $65/month on Google Fi's Unlimited Premium plan. That is over 90% in savings for the trip.
Google Fi works well for US residents who already use it as their primary carrier. The Unlimited Premium plan at $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 travelers.
For travelers 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 3.2/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Countries | 200+ | 185+ |
| Starting Price | $20/mo + $10/GB | NZ$1.77 one-time |
| App Rating (iOS) | 4.1/5 (2,000+ reviews) | 5.0/5 |
| App Rating (Android) | 4.1/5 (56.6K reviews) | 5.0/5 |
| Best For | US residents who want one plan for home and abroad | Any traveler 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+ (direct local networks) |
| Carrier Networks | T-Mobile + US Cellular | 212+ local carrier partnerships |
| Pricing Model | Monthly subscription ($20-$65/mo) | One-time payment, no subscription |
| Starting Price | $20/mo base + $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) |
| Fixed Data Plans | No (pay-per-GB or monthly tiers) | Yes (1GB to 20GB+) |
| City-Level Plans | No city-level granularity | Dedicated pages for popular travel cities |
| iOS App Rating | 4.4/5 (20K reviews) | 5.0/5 |
| Android App Rating | 4.1/5 (56.6K reviews) | 5.0/5 |
| Trustpilot | 1.4/5 "Bad" (149 reviews) | Growing (launched August 2025) |
| Customer Support | Phone + chat, Mon-Sat, English only | 24/7 live chat + WhatsApp (63 languages) |
| 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 native 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, ALL devices |
| Data Usage Alerts | Passive usage display only | 80% proactive push notification |
| Smart Plan Recommendation | No recommendation engine | Goldilocks algorithm picks optimal plan |
| Founded | 2015 (as Project Fi, Google) | 2025 (Future Syncs, UK, 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 $10/GB Flexible plan rate. HelloRoam offers one-time plans with local carrier rates. Average savings: 66% with HelloRoam across all 6 countries.
| Destination | Google Fi | HelloRoam | Saving with HelloRoam | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 France | $10/GB | From NZ$6.85 | 60% | HelloRoam |
 Japan | $10/GB | From NZ$5.99 | 65% | HelloRoam |
 UK | $10/GB | From NZ$4.88 | 72% | HelloRoam |
 Mexico | $10/GB | From NZ$5.99 | 65% | HelloRoam |
 Thailand | $10/GB | From NZ$5.99 | 65% | HelloRoam |
 Germany | $10/GB | From NZ$4.88 | 72% | HelloRoam |
Google Fi charges a flat 10 USD per GB on the Flexible plan regardless of destination. HelloRoam negotiates directly with local carriers, so prices vary by country. You get local network rates instead of roaming markups.
Google Fi's Flexible plan charges $10/GB for international data in 200+ destinations. The Unlimited Premium plan at $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
Mexico
5GTelcel+1+1 othersPopularUnlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Mexico.
From
Morocco5GOrange MoroccoPopularUnlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Morocco.
From
United States5GVerizon+1+1 othersPopularData eSIM Plan
Stay connected across United States.
From
NZ$4.93
Japan5GNTT docomo+3+3 othersPopularUnlimited eSIM Plan
Get connected in Japan in minutes.
From
Turkey5GVodafonePopularUnlimited eSIM Plan
Get connected in Turkey in minutes.
From
China5GChina Unicom+1+1 othersPopularUnlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across China.
From
Asia19+ countries
Popular1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Asia.
From
NZ$11.12
Africa29+ countries
Popular1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Africa.
From
NZ$27.45
Europe33+ countries
Popular1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Europe.
From
NZ$6.85
Middle East11+ countries
Popular1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Middle East.
From
NZ$21.63
West Asia6+ countries
Popular1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across West Asia.
From
NZ$12.34
South America20+ countries
Popular1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across South America.
From
NZ$17.61
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 on 4G/LTE, with 5G where the local network offers it.
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. Both providers use the same local towers, so results are comparable.
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 $20 to $65 before you can access international data.
Open to travelers worldwide.
HelloRoam works for travelers 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 limit. Use your eSIM for as long as your trip lasts.
Free hotspot on every plan and device.
HelloRoam includes free tethering on all plans and all devices. Google Fi blocks hotspot on the Essentials plan and disables international hotspot on iPhones.
180-day refund policy.
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.
80% data usage alerts.
HelloRoam sends a push notification at 80% data usage so you are never caught off guard. Google Fi shows passive usage only with no proactive threshold alert.
Smart plan recommendation.
The Goldilocks algorithm picks the optimal plan for your trip length and budget. 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.
Trip duration slider with auto-configured APN.
HelloRoam's trip duration slider lets you adjust plan length at checkout. 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. Google Fi's Flexible plan charges $10/GB, and HelloRoam saves 60% to 72% per GB in the 6 countries priced above.
- You want unlimited data without a monthly bill. Unlimited data on local 4G/LTE and 5G 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. 63 native languages. 24/7 WhatsApp and live chat. Pay in 31+ currencies.
- You prefer smart app features. Data calculator, trip duration slider, plan recommendation, preflight reminders, and 80% usage alerts.
- You want flexible checkout. Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Alipay, 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 $65/month, the international data comes at no extra cost.
- Use a Pixel phone. Google Fi is optimized 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 algorithm picks the best plan for your trip length and budget automatically.
Preflight notifications remind you to activate your eSIM before you board.
80% data usage alerts warn you before your cap hits.
The real-time data dashboard tracks usage as it happens.
The device compatibility checker appears on every country page, not buried on a separate page.
Express checkout supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Alipay, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, and UnionPay.
The buy-for-someone-else feature sends a QR code to another person's email. All of this works across 63 languages and 31+ currencies.
Real-time data dashboard. Live circular progress tracker with one-tap top-up.
Buy for someone else. Send a QR code directly to another traveler'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.
Coverage and Network Comparison
Global coverage
185+ countries with 212+ verified carrier networks. Coverage built around the destinations travelers actually visit, not just contractual partner counts.
Carrier branding
Your phone shows "HelloRoam" in the status bar. You know exactly which service is active. Google Fi shows no branded carrier name.
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, with no separate hotspot cap.
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
Google Fi is operated by Alphabet Inc., one of the largest technology companies in the world. This brings robust infrastructure and long-term stability.
Wi-Fi calling and texts
Google Fi supports Wi-Fi calling and texting from any connection, so you can make US calls from abroad without paying roaming fees when on Wi-Fi.
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 travelers 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 travelers 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
All Samsung Galaxy S20+, Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series
Google Pixel 3 and newer
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
- 4
Connect and go
Frequently Asked Questions
Google Fi is not available to New Zealand residents. It requires a US mailing address and a US Google account to sign up. Google fi is not available outside us, which rules it out entirely. HelloRoam is the practical option for travellers heading overseas, whether you're flying out of Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch. Buy a plan online, complete eSIM activation in under 5 minutes, and have it installed before you board.
HelloRoam covers Australia with direct connections to the Telstra and Optus networks. Travellers on a cross-Tasman trip can activate a plan before leaving Auckland and be online the moment they land in Sydney or Melbourne. Australia plans start at NZ$5.99 with no monthly subscription. Google Fi requires a US address, which rules it out as a google fi alternative here.
HelloRoam covers Fiji and a range of Pacific destinations popular with New Zealand travellers. Activate a plan before leaving Auckland and have reliable data at your resort from day one. There's no US account or special setup needed. Scan the QR code and you're connected.
Spark's international roaming packs charge a daily rate plus data limits, and speeds often drop after your daily allowance runs out. HelloRoam connects you to local 4G/5G networks abroad for a single flat payment. For a week in Thailand or a UK trip, HelloRoam gives you better value and no bill shock when you get home.
2degrees offers international roaming on a day pass model, charged per day on top of your regular plan, and that adds up fast on a 10-day trip to London. HelloRoam charges a flat one-time prepaid fee for its UK plans instead, with no daily charges. For longer trips, the difference in cost is significant.
One NZ charges daily roaming rates with capped data speeds on international packs. HelloRoam puts you on local 4G/5G networks for a single payment. Travellers on longer trips, like an OE or a working holiday, find pay-per-trip eSIM plans far more cost-effective than daily carrier charges that pile up over weeks or months.
HelloRoam covers the UK with connections to EE, O2, and Three. Travellers heading to London for an OE, work, or to visit family can set up the e-sim at home before departure from Auckland and be online immediately at Heathrow or Gatwick. Plans are prepaid with no contracts. Google Fi covers the UK but is not available to NZ residents, making HelloRoam the only practical google fi alternative here.
Japan is one of the fastest-growing destinations for travellers, and staying connected there is important for navigation and booking transport. HelloRoam connects to the NTT docomo and KDDI (au) networks. A HelloRoam Japan plan costs a fraction of what Spark, 2degrees, or One NZ charge for daily international roaming.
HelloRoam covers Indonesia including Bali with connections to Telkomsel and XL Axiata networks. Travellers heading to Bali for a holiday can activate a plan before leaving Auckland and have data ready at Ngurah Rai International Airport. Plans are prepaid and affordable, well suited for the budget-conscious traveller.
Google Fi's Unlimited Plus plan includes google fi international data but caps full-speed access at 50GB per month. After that, speeds drop sharply. The Flexible plan charges 10 USD per GB used google fi overseas. HelloRoam runs on local 4G/5G networks, with fixed and unlimited plans to pick from. When comparing eSIM versus SIM options for international travel, a dedicated travel eSIM like HelloRoam gives you predictable costs that carrier plans like Google Fi cannot match.
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. Any person with an eSIM-compatible phone, an email address, and an international payment card can buy a plan from anywhere in New Zealand. This is the main practical difference from Google Fi, which requires a US presence to sign up at all. HelloRoam is the only realistic google fi alternative here.
Your 2degrees plan stays active in the physical SIM slot. HelloRoam runs on the eSIM slot. 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. Your 2degrees plan is not charged international roaming fees while HelloRoam is handling data abroad.
iPhones sold in New Zealand from the iPhone XS and later support eSIM. Most NZ models are sold unlocked, so they work with HelloRoam immediately. If your iPhone is locked to Spark, 2degrees, or One NZ, contact your carrier to request an unlock before adding a HelloRoam e-sim. The unlock process is free after your minimum term.
HelloRoam covers the United States with local carrier connections. Travellers on a J-1 visa, au pair placement, or working holiday can activate a HelloRoam plan before leaving Auckland for short-term data on arrival. When you settle in, you can switch to a US-based monthly plan. HelloRoam keeps you connected while you sort things out. An eSIM profile is not transferable 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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