HelloRoam vs Mint Mobile: which eSIM works for NZ travellers in 2026?
Publisher disclosure: HelloRoam publishes this comparison. We've included the areas where Mint Mobile comes out ahead, and we'd still recommend checking the details yourself.
HelloRoam Editorial Team
Mint Mobile
4.7/5 (242K ratings)
180+ countries
HelloRoam
185+ countries
Destination tip: Heading to Japan? Mint Mobile's 10-day pass costs 20 USD for 10GB, on top of your monthly US plan (15 USD-40 USD), so you're looking at 35 USD-60 USD total, and that's assuming you even qualify to sign up. HelloRoam offers 10GB in Japan for NZ$27.45 as a one-time payment, connecting straight to KDDI (au). No US plan required.
Quick Verdict: Mint Mobile or HelloRoam, Which Suits NZ Travellers?
HelloRoam is a dedicated travel eSIM provider with plans from NZ$1.77 across 185+ countries. There is no subscription, no monthly bill, and no daily roaming fee. You pay once and travel.
Mint Mobile is a solid budget US carrier. Its $15/month introductory price on T-Mobile's 5G network works well for domestic calls and texts. T-Mobile acquired the brand for $1.35 billion in May 2024. But Mint Mobile is not a travel eSIM provider. International data comes via an add-on pass that costs $5-$20 on top of your existing monthly subscription.
Mint Mobile | HelloRoam | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 3.1/5 (Trustpilot, 15,000+ reviews) | 5.0/5 (iOS App Store) |
| Countries | 1 domestic + 180+ roaming add-on | 185+ (native local coverage) |
| Starting Price | $15/mo domestic + $5/day roaming | Plans start from NZ$1.77 globally; 1GB plans on popular routes like the UK, Japan, and France cost NZ$4.88 to NZ$6.85 |
| iOS App | 4.7/5 (242K ratings) | 5.0/5 |
| Android App | 4.7/5 (66K+ ratings) | 5.0/5 |
| Best For | Budget US domestic plans | International travel data |
Mint Mobile eSIM vs HelloRoam: Feature-by-Feature ComparisonMint Mobile eSIM vs HelloRoam: Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Mint Mobile | HelloRoam |
|---|---|---|
| Countries Covered | 1 domestic + 180+ via Minternational Pass | 185+ (direct local networks) |
| Networks | T-Mobile US + roaming partners abroad | 212+ local carrier partnerships |
| Pricing Model | Monthly subscription + daily roaming add-on | One-time payment, no subscription |
| Starting Price | $15/mo domestic + $5/day international | Plans start from NZ$1.77 globally; 1GB plans on popular routes like the UK, Japan, and France cost NZ$4.88 to NZ$6.85 |
| Data Speeds | 4G LTE / 5G domestic; throttled to 128 Kbps abroad after cap | 4G LTE / 5G local networks |
| Unlimited Data | No unlimited international data | Unlimited daily plans available from NZ$2.97/day |
| Fixed Data Plans | 1GB/3GB/10GB pass tiers (international only) | 1GB to 20GB fixed plans |
| Hotspot/Tethering | 10-20GB cap on unlimited plan; counts against data | Free on ALL plans, no separate hotspot cap |
| Data Usage Alerts | Basic tracking only | 80% usage push notification + preflight reminder |
| Plan Recommendation | None | Smart Goldilocks algorithm + trip duration slider |
| iOS App Rating | 4.7/5 (242K ratings) | 5.0/5 |
| Android App Rating | 4.7/5 (66K+ ratings) | 5.0/5 |
| Trust Rating | 3.1/5 Trustpilot (15,000+ reviews), 7-day refund | 180-day refund (unactivated eSIMs) |
| Customer Support | Phone + chat, 5am-7pm Pacific, English only | 24/7 live chat + WhatsApp, 63 languages |
| Delivery Method | eSIM or physical SIM (US only) | Instant QR code via email |
| Refund Policy | 7-day money-back guarantee | 180-day refund (unactivated eSIMs) |
| Languages | English only | 63 native languages |
| Currencies | USD only | 31+ with auto-detection |
| Founded | 2015 (T-Mobile subsidiary since May 2024) | 2025 (Future Syncs Ltd, UK) |
HelloRoam wins on 16 out of 19 features. Mint Mobile leads only on domestic US app install base, years in market, and US network coverage.
Pricing by Country: Mint Mobile vs HelloRoam
Mint Mobile requires an active subscription and charges $5–$20 for international passes on top of your monthly plan. HelloRoam offers a simple one-time payment with no subscription, monthly bill, or daily surcharge.
| Destination | Mint Mobile | HelloRoam | Saving with HelloRoam | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 France | $20 | 10GB: NZ$24.02 | $6.01 (30%) | HelloRoam |
 Japan | $20 | 10GB: NZ$27.45 | $4.01 (20%) | HelloRoam |
 UK | $20 | 10GB: NZ$27.35 | $4.07 (20%) | HelloRoam |
 Mexico | $20 | 10GB: NZ$42.21 | None on the pass price alone (Mint's monthly plan is extra) | Mint Mobile |
 Thailand | $20 | 10GB: NZ$17.11 | $10.03 (50%) | HelloRoam |
 Germany | $20 | 10GB: NZ$21.87 | $7.26 (36%) | HelloRoam |
Mint Mobile's 10-day pass includes 10GB data, 500 minutes, and 500 texts. That 20 USD pass requires an active monthly plan (15–40 USD/mo). HelloRoam prices are for data-only eSIM plans. Keep your existing carrier for calls and texts while HelloRoam handles travel data. The table sets each destination's HelloRoam 10GB plan against the 20 USD pass.
Mint Mobile's 10-Day Minternational Pass covers 180+ countries at $20 for 10GB, 500 minutes, and 500 texts. This pass requires an active Mint Mobile monthly plan ($15–$30/month on 12-month intro pricing). Prices verified June 2026 from mintmobile.com and helloroam.com.
Find a Plan for Where You're Headed
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
Real-world eSIM speed comes down to country, time of day, and carrier network. Here's what independent reviewers found.
HelloRoam speed data:
Local carrier speeds: HelloRoam connects directly to local carriers on local 4G/LTE and 5G networks.
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.
Image source: https://fi.google.com/
Mint Mobile speed data
US domestic (Ookla Speedtest): 411 Mbps in Irvine CA, 58 Mbps in Boise ID. Typical range 79-357 Mbps on T-Mobile's 5G.
International: Mint Mobile throttles to 128 Kbps after your Minternational Pass data cap is reached. At 128 Kbps, video calls and streaming are not usable.
Abroad network: International data routes through T-Mobile partner networks, not direct local carrier agreements. This adds latency compared to a native local eSIM.
Where HelloRoam Comes Out Ahead for NZ Travellers
No subscription required.
HelloRoam is pay-as-you-go. Buy a plan when you travel, starting at NZ$1.77. Mint Mobile forces a 3-12 month prepaid commitment ($15-$40/month) before you can access international roaming.
180-day refund policy.
HelloRoam gives you 180 days to request a refund on unactivated eSIMs. Mint Mobile gives you 7 days. That's a 25x difference in buyer protection.
63 native languages and 31+ currencies.
HelloRoam auto-detects your locale and shows prices in your currency. Mint Mobile is English-only, USD-only, and requires a US address to sign up.
Free hotspot on every plan.
HelloRoam includes free tethering with no separate hotspot cap. Mint Mobile caps hotspot at 10-20GB on its unlimited plan. The Minternational Pass restricts tethered traffic further.
80% data alerts and preflight reminders.
HelloRoam sends a push notification at 80% data usage. It also reminds you to activate your eSIM before your flight. Mint Mobile offers basic tracking only.
Smart plan recommendation.
HelloRoam offers a Goldilocks algorithm to recommend the best plan based on trip length and budget, plus a data calculator and price-updating trip slider. Mint Mobile lacks these features.
24/7 live support with WhatsApp.
HelloRoam offers round-the-clock human support in 63 languages. Mint Mobile runs 5am-7pm Pacific, English only. According to user reports, wait times reach 5-30+ minutes.
City pages for popular destinations.
HelloRoam runs dedicated pages for popular travel cities. Visiting Tokyo, Barcelona, or Dubai? The city page shows the plans that work there.
$5.00 referral credits.
Refer a friend and both of you earn $5.00 in credits toward your next plan. Credits stack and can cover an entire checkout at $0 out of pocket.
Branded carrier identity.
Your phone displays "HelloRoam" as the carrier name (SPN), so you always know your travel eSIM is active and connected.
Pros and Cons
Who Should You Pick?
Choose HelloRoam if:
- Travel internationally more than once a year. One-time plans from NZ$1.77 save hundreds compared to daily roaming fees. No monthly bill between trips.
- Need coverage in 185+ countries. HelloRoam reaches Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Pacific destinations that Mint Mobile doesn't cover.
- Want unlimited data abroad. HelloRoam offers unlimited daily data plans from NZ$2.97/day. Mint Mobile caps international data at 1GB, 3GB, or 10GB per pass with 128 Kbps throttling after.
- Don't have a US address. HelloRoam works for travelers from any country. Mint Mobile requires a US address and US phone number to sign up.
- Need multilingual support. HelloRoam supports 63 languages around the clock via WhatsApp and live chat. Mint Mobile is English-only during limited US hours.
- Want real buyer protection. HelloRoam's 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs is 25x longer than Mint Mobile's 7-day window.
- Want to buy a plan for someone else. HelloRoam lets you send an eSIM as a gift to a fellow traveler. Mint Mobile has no equivalent feature.
Choose Mint Mobile if:
- Need a cheap US domestic plan. Mint Mobile's unlimited plan starts at $15/month when you prepay. For US calls, texts, and data, that's strong value.
- Rarely leave the United States. Mint's free Canada roaming and affordable passes cover short trips to neighboring countries.
- Want the T-Mobile 5G network. Mint Mobile gives full access to T-Mobile's nationwide 5G and LTE coverage for domestic US use.
- Need a full phone service. Mint Mobile bundles voice, SMS, and data as a complete carrier. HelloRoam is data-only for travel.
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.
Image source: mintmobile.com
Mint Mobile App (iOS 4.7/5, Android 4.7/5):
Clean interface for managing your US domestic plan (calls, texts, data).
Minternational Pass purchase for international add-on data.
Hotspot management (subject to plan caps).
Account management: plan renewal, auto-pay, upgrade options.
Wi-Fi calling and text support for low-signal areas.
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. Mint Mobile 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 plans
Dedicated pages for popular travel cities, not just countries, each showing the plans that work there.
T-Mobile US 5G network
Mint Mobile runs on T-Mobile's nationwide 5G and LTE network, delivering strong domestic US coverage with typical speeds of 79-357 Mbps.
Minternational Pass in 180+ countries
The 10-Day Minternational Pass adds 10GB of international data across 180+ countries for $20 on top of your active monthly plan.
Budget domestic plans from $15/month
Mint Mobile's unlimited plan starts at $15/month on T-Mobile's network for new customers who prepay 3, 6, or 12 months.
Wi-Fi calling and texting
Mint Mobile supports Wi-Fi calling and text, so you can make US calls from abroad over Wi-Fi without paying roaming fees.
Physical SIM option
For US customers who prefer a physical card, Mint Mobile ships a physical SIM to a US address. HelloRoam is eSIM-only.
T-Mobile subsidiary backing
T-Mobile acquired Mint Mobile in May 2024 for $1.35 billion. For US customers, this means Mint Mobile is backed by a major US carrier's infrastructure.
Is Mint Mobile Legit?
Mint Mobile is a US carrier backed by T-Mobile US, so it's a solid choice if you live there. For international travel, though, its options are a lot more limited, and NZ residents can't sign up at all.
Trust Factor | HelloRoam | |
|---|---|---|
| Refund Policy | 180 days on unactivated eSIMs | 7-day money-back guarantee |
| How You Pay | One-off payment, no subscription | Monthly US plan plus a daily roaming add-on |
| Payment Security | PCI DSS Level 1 via Stripe | Standard carrier-grade (no published certification) |
| Languages | 63 languages | English only |
| Support Availability | 24/7 WhatsApp + live chat | 5am-7pm Pacific, phone + chat |
| Review Score | 5.0/5 iOS App Store | According to Trustpilot (June 2026): 3.1/5 (15,000+ reviews) |
Publisher Disclosure
This comparison is published by HelloRoam. We compete with Mint Mobile's international roaming product. All Mint Mobile data comes from mintmobile.com, WhistleOut, BestMVNO, Reviews.org, Android Authority, and the App Store/Play Store as of June 2026. We've presented verified data and honest analysis. Double-check pricing directly at mintmobile.com.
Will Your Phone Work?
Mint Mobile eSIM Compatibility
Mint Mobile supports eSIM on unlocked phones compatible with T-Mobile's bands. That includes iPhone XR and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, Google Pixel 2 and later, and select Motorola and OnePlus devices. The first 5 eSIM activations within 12 months are free. Each one after that costs 3 USD.
HelloRoam Advantage
HelloRoam supports all standard eSIM-capable smartphones, including iPhones (XS and later), Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3+, and most modern Android flagships. Every country page has a device compatibility checker built in, so you can confirm your phone works before you buy. Every plan includes free hotspot too, so your laptop, tablet, or a mate's phone can share your data connection with no restrictions. HelloRoam auto-configures APN settings during installation, so there's no manual network setup.
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 Google Fi
Google Fi bundles US phone service with international data. Compare an all-in-one carrier against a dedicated travel eSIM.
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
Common Questions
Mint Mobile is a US-only carrier. New Zealand residents cannot sign up because it requires a US mailing address, a US payment method, and a US phone number. HelloRoam has no such requirements. Travellers can buy a plan from anywhere in New Zealand, scan a QR code, and be connected in 185+ countries with no US account needed.
HelloRoam is a strong mint mobile alternative for NZ travellers who want affordable international data without a carrier contract. Plans start at NZ$1.77 with no monthly fees. Coverage includes Australia, the UK, Japan, Bali, Thailand, Fiji, and 185+ countries in total. There's no US account requirement, which is the main reason Mint Mobile isn't an option for most New Zealand residents.
Spark charges a daily rate for international roaming in Australia, with data capped at a daily limit, and that adds up fast over a 10-day Sydney trip. HelloRoam charges one flat prepaid price instead, with Australia plans on the Telstra or Optus network. The savings are clear, even for short cross-Tasman trips.
One NZ charges daily rates for international access with data speeds that are often throttled after a daily cap. HelloRoam connects you to local 4G/5G networks for one flat payment. For a two-week OE across Europe or a month in Southeast Asia, daily One NZ charges cost far more than a HelloRoam plan covering the same period.
It's worth it even for a short trip to Melbourne or Sydney. HelloRoam plans for Australia are a one-off payment, with no daily roaming charge adding up. You connect straight to Telstra or Optus as a local user instead of roaming through your NZ carrier.
Your Spark SIM stays in the physical SIM slot for NZ calls and texts. HelloRoam runs on the eSIM slot for data in Indonesia. Your NZ contacts can still reach you on your regular number, and incoming calls through WhatsApp and other apps work over HelloRoam's data connection. Set HelloRoam as the data line in your settings when you land at Ngurah Rai.
Buy your HelloRoam plan online at home or at Auckland Airport using the terminal Wi-Fi. Open your confirmation email, scan the QR code, and follow the steps in your phone's eSIM settings. Setup takes about five minutes. The eSIM activates when you land at your destination, so nothing extra is needed on arrival.
HelloRoam covers the UK with connections to EE, O2, and Three. NZ travellers starting an OE in London can activate a plan before departing from Auckland and be connected at Heathrow the moment they land. Plans are prepaid with no contracts, which suits travellers who need short-term data while settling into a new country and looking for a local plan.
HelloRoam covers Fiji, one of the most popular Pacific destinations for NZ travellers. Activate a plan before leaving Auckland and have data ready at Nadi International Airport on arrival. Plans are prepaid at a flat rate with no daily charges. Staying connected at your resort or in Suva is sorted without worrying about expensive daily fees from your NZ carrier.
Install your HelloRoam eSIM using Auckland Airport terminal Wi-Fi before your flight. Open your HelloRoam confirmation email, scan the QR code, and the eSIM installs in under five minutes. The data plan activates when you arrive at your destination, so there's no charge until you land and connect to a local network abroad.
HelloRoam covers the USA with connections to the AT&T and Verizon 4G and 5G networks. NZ travellers visiting New York, Los Angeles, or Hawaii can buy a plan before leaving Auckland and be connected straight away on arrival. US plans are prepaid, with no monthly subscription. Note that an eSIM profile is not transferable between devices once installed.
Samsung Galaxy S21 and newer flagship models sold in New Zealand support eSIM. The Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold series also support eSIM. Go to Settings, then Connections, then SIM Manager to check. Budget Samsung A-series models generally don't include eSIM. If your Samsung supports eSIM and is unlocked, it works with HelloRoam straight away.
HelloRoam supports hotspot sharing on all plans. Turn on Personal Hotspot on your phone and connect your travel companion's device through it. This works well for couples or small groups where one person has a HelloRoam e-sim and others connect through them. For trips where everyone needs their own fast connection, individual plans per device are the better pick.
Open the HelloRoam app, select your current destination, and choose a new data package. Scan the QR code to activate it. This is useful for longer trips to Bangkok or Phuket where you end up using more data than expected. Mint Mobile's international pass doesn't support top-ups for non-US subscribers.
Your phone needs eSIM support, most unlocked phones from 2019 onwards qualify. You need Wi-Fi to install the eSIM before your trip, and the profile can't be moved to another device after installation. These are minor trade-offs. The upside is paying a flat prepaid rate instead of daily roaming charges from Spark, 2degrees, or One NZ that pile up over any trip longer than a few days. Note that non-transferability is a standard feature of all travel eSIM plans.
HelloRoam covers South Korea with connections to the SK Telecom and LG Uplus networks. Korea has grown as a destination for NZ travellers in recent years. Activate a plan before leaving Auckland and arrive at Incheon Airport with your data ready to go. Plans are prepaid with no ongoing commitment.
iPhones sold in New Zealand from the iPhone XS (2018) and later support eSIM. Most NZ models are sold unlocked, so HelloRoam works straight away. If your iPhone is locked to Spark, 2degrees, or One NZ, ask your carrier to unlock it before adding an eSIM. The unlock is usually free once your minimum term is up and takes about 24 hours.
HelloRoam covers Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and most of Southeast Asia. NZ travellers backpacking through the region can use regional plans covering multiple countries under one purchase. This is more convenient than hunting for a local SIM card in each country. Plans are prepaid, with no contract.
HelloRoam offers European regional plans covering the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and many other countries under one purchase. NZ travellers on a European holiday avoid buying separate SIM cards in each country. Europe regional plans are a one-off prepaid purchase. Spark, 2degrees, and One NZ daily roaming charges for two weeks in Europe cost much more.
HelloRoam covers Fiji, Samoa, French Polynesia, and other Pacific destinations that New Zealand travellers visit regularly. These islands are underserved by carrier roaming plans from Spark, 2degrees, and One NZ, which either charge high daily rates or don't cover them at all. HelloRoam gives you affordable prepaid data on these islands without daily charges.
Keep your 2degrees SIM in the physical SIM slot for NZ calls and texts. HelloRoam goes in the eSIM slot for data abroad. Your 2degrees number stays active so people can reach you on your usual number. Set HelloRoam as the data line in your phone settings when you land at your destination.
Most flagship Android phones sold in New Zealand from 2019 onwards support eSIM, including Samsung Galaxy S21 and newer, Google Pixel 6 and newer, and recent OnePlus flagships. Go to Settings, then Network and Internet, then SIM Manager to check. If you see an option to add a SIM digitally, your phone supports eSIM and works with HelloRoam.
Buying a local SIM abroad means queuing at airport counters and spending 20 to 45 minutes on paperwork and activation. HelloRoam activates in five minutes before you leave home, and your NZ number stays active on your physical SIM. For most NZ travellers heading to popular destinations, the convenience is well worth it over the hassle of a local SIM queue.
HelloRoam is a reliable pick for NZ travellers heading to Australia, the UK, Japan, Bali, Thailand, Fiji, or any of 185+ countries. Plans start at NZ$1.77 with no monthly fees or daily charges. Setup takes five minutes at home or at Auckland Airport. 24/7 support via WhatsApp is there if anything goes wrong on your trip.
Mint Mobile's main limitations for international use include a 5 USD per day roaming fee on top of your monthly US plan, no unlimited mint mobile international data option, and no availability to non-US residents. Mint mobile roaming adds up fast on longer trips. NZ residents cannot sign up without a US address. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries from NZ$1.77 with no US account needed and support in 63 languages.
Where NZ Travellers Travel Most
Get the app. Travel smarter.
Buy, activate, and track your eSIMs from anywhere, on any trip.
