T-Mobile's Wifi Calling: Free Local Calls In Belize?

T-Mobile offers a variety of plans for its customers to stay connected while travelling internationally. These plans vary in the number of countries included, data speed, and data allotment. T-Mobile's Simple Global plan includes Belize, allowing customers to travel to all 20 countries in South and Central America without worrying about data roaming or texting charges. With Simple Global, customers get unlimited data and texting and low, flat-rate calling for 20 cents a minute in over 140 countries and destinations. However, it is important to note that Wi-Fi calling actions and their resulting bill charges differ based on whether you have an unlimited plan or not. When in 215+ countries and destinations, calls are $0.25/min for roaming (same as cellular). While T-Mobile offers Wi-Fi calling, allowing customers to call or text over Wi-Fi networks, calls and messages sent over Wi-Fi are subject to that country's rates.

T-Mobile Wi-Fi Calling setup

T-Mobile's Wi-Fi Calling feature lets you make calls or send texts over a Wi-Fi network using your T-Mobile phone number, thereby extending your network coverage. This feature is particularly useful when you are travelling abroad.

To set up Wi-Fi Calling on T-Mobile, you need to ensure the following:

E911 address:

Before you can use Wi-Fi Calling, you need to set up an e911 address on your account. This is so that, in case your location doesn't show up automatically, your address can be transmitted to the 911 Communications Center to help emergency responders locate you.

Active account:

The service connects through T-Mobile service and uses your phone number, so your account must be active.

Phone that supports T-Mobile Wi-Fi Calling:

Wi-Fi Calling is included on most T-Mobile devices. You can check your phone's capabilities on the tutorials page. Some manufacturers state that their devices support T-Mobile Wi-Fi Calling, and while most of these devices work without any problems, T-Mobile cannot guarantee their service unless you bought the device from them.

Wi-Fi Internet access:

You must be able to use the internet on a Wi-Fi network. A minimum of 2 Mbps for upload and download speeds is required. Satellite Internet and cell phone hotspots are not supported.

To set up T-Mobile Wi-Fi Calling on your device, open the tutorials page, select your device, and follow the instructions there.

When you first enable Wi-Fi Calling on T-Mobile, you must provide the primary street address at which the service will be used (“Your E911 Registered Address”). If you call 911 over Wi-Fi, your E911 Registered Address may be transmitted to the 911 Communications Center, who may use it to help emergency responders locate you, but you may need to provide your contact information and current location. You can update your E911 Registered Address by accessing your MyT-Mobile.com account or by contacting T-Mobile Customer Care.

Wi-Fi Calling is not available in countries where it is prohibited by law, including North Korea, Iran, and Syria.

Wi-Fi Calling charges

Wi-Fi Calling allows you to make calls or send messages on Wi-Fi networks using your T-Mobile phone number. This feature is available on most T-Mobile devices and can be set up by providing an E911 address and ensuring your device is connected to a Wi-Fi network with a minimum of 2 Mbps upload and download speeds.

When using Wi-Fi Calling with an unlimited plan, there are generally no additional fees for receiving calls or messages, calling or messaging US phone numbers, or using data over Wi-Fi. However, when calling or messaging international phone numbers, different charges may apply depending on your location:

• In the US: Wi-Fi calls and messages to international numbers are subject to your plan's long-distance charges.
• Outside the US (international roaming): In 215+ countries and destinations, calls are charged at $0.25/minute for roaming, while messages are not charged for roaming. On cruise ships, airline networks, or in countries not included in the 215+ list, calls and messages are charged at World Class rates.

If you have a plan without unlimited calls and messages, Wi-Fi Calling will count against your plan limits. When calling or messaging international phone numbers, the following charges apply:

• In the US: Wi-Fi calls and messages to international numbers are subject to your plan's long-distance charges.
• Outside the US (international roaming): Calls to international numbers are charged at World Class Calling rates.

It's important to note that calls and messages sent over Wi-Fi are subject to the rates of the country you're in, and enabling a VPN may result in additional charges. To avoid unexpected charges when travelling internationally, it's recommended to set Wi-Fi Calling to handle all calls and ensure your device shows a Wi-Fi Calling icon before making calls or sending messages.

Wi-Fi Calling in Belize

Belize is included in T-Mobile's Simple Global plan, which offers unlimited data and texting, as well as low, flat-rate calling at $0.20 per minute. This means that when using Wi-Fi Calling in Belize, you will be charged according to your plan's rates for international calls and messages, similar to other countries.

International roaming charges

T-Mobile offers a range of international roaming services to its customers, allowing them to stay connected while travelling outside of the United States. The availability of these services and the charges incurred depend on the type of plan a customer has.

Go5G Next and Go5G Plus

These plans include:

• Up to 5GB of high-speed data in 215+ countries and destinations, then unlimited data at up to 256 Kbps.
• Calls, including over Wi-Fi, are charged at $0.25/min (no charge for Wi-Fi calls to US, Mexico, and Canada).
• Unlimited basic data, unlimited texting, and $0.25/min calling.

Go5G, MAX, Plus, Magenta, ONE, and Simple Choice Plans

These plans include:

• Up to 5GB of high-speed data in 11 European countries (Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, and Greece) at no extra charge.
• Unlimited texting and data at up to 256 Kbps in more than 215 countries and destinations at no extra charge.
• Voice calls are charged at $0.25/minute.

Essentials Plan

The Essentials Plan offers unlimited texting and calling at $0.25 per minute in 215+ countries and destinations. If data is needed, International Passes can be purchased to get high-speed data and unlimited calling for 1, 10, or 30 days.

International Passes

T-Mobile offers International Passes that can be added to qualifying plans to boost data and calling capabilities while travelling internationally. These include:

• 1-Day (512MB) International Pass: 512MB of high-speed data and unlimited calling for $5.
• 10-Day (5GB) International Pass: 5GB of high-speed data and unlimited calling for $35.
• 30-Day (15GB) International Pass: 15GB of high-speed data and unlimited calling for $50.

International Calling

T-Mobile also offers an International Calling add-on for $15/month, providing discounted calling rates to landlines in 70+ countries and unlimited calling and texting to mobile numbers in 30+ countries.

Blocking International Roaming

T-Mobile provides the option to block international roaming to prevent any unexpected charges. Blocking all international roaming will disable calling, texting, and data services while roaming outside the US. Alternatively, charged international roaming can be blocked to prevent data roaming charges in countries not included in the customer's plan.

International roaming checklist

Before travelling to another country, it's important to understand how your mobile phone plan will work abroad. Here is a checklist to help you prepare for international roaming:

• Check your plan's international roaming services: Review the calling, texting, and data rates for the country you're visiting. T-Mobile's website provides detailed information on international roaming rates and coverage.
• Confirm your device's compatibility: Ensure that your phone is compatible with the networks in your destination country. You can check this by searching for your device on T-Mobile's website.
• Understand data roaming: By default, data roaming may be disabled in certain countries to prevent unexpected charges. You can enable it by dialling #RON# and accept the data roaming charges.
• Avoid unexpected charges: To prevent unexpected charges, consider leaving your data turned off and using Wi-Fi instead. Calls and messages sent over Wi-Fi may be subject to international rates. Voicemails, even if they aren't listened to, may also incur charges.
• Block international roaming: If desired, you can block all international roaming or block charged international roaming to prevent unexpected data charges.
• Understand calling procedures: When calling a local number in the country you're visiting, dial the plus sign (+) followed by the country code, city code, and number. Remove any leading zeros before the city code.
• Contact T-Mobile while abroad: You can contact T-Mobile by dialling +1-505-998-3793 from your mobile device, free of charge.
• Review international data passes: If you require more data or calling while travelling, consider purchasing an international data pass.
• Set up Wi-Fi Calling: If you want to make calls or send messages over Wi-Fi, set up Wi-Fi Calling on your device before travelling.
• Cruise ship and ferry travel: If you're travelling by cruise ship or ferry, review the rates and compatibility of your device for these specific situations.

Wi-Fi Calling on cruise ships

Staying connected while on a cruise can be challenging, especially if you want to avoid high roaming charges. Here are some tips for using Wi-Fi calling on your next cruise:

• Check with your carrier: Before your cruise, confirm with your carrier if they offer Wi-Fi calling and if it will work on a cruise ship. Not all carriers support Wi-Fi calling, and it may not be available in certain countries or regions.
• Set up Wi-Fi Calling: Ensure that you have set up Wi-Fi calling on your device before your cruise. This usually involves enabling the feature in your phone's settings and connecting to a Wi-Fi network.
• Purchase a Wi-Fi package: Most cruise lines offer internet packages that you can purchase during your cruise. These packages can provide access to social media, email, and web browsing. However, some activities like streaming movies or music may be restricted.
• Use Wi-Fi for voice calls: Utilize Wi-Fi calling to make voice calls to friends and family back home without incurring roaming charges. Apps like Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber offer free voice calls over the internet. However, keep in mind that the quality of the call will depend on the strength of the internet signal.
• Turn on Airplane Mode: To avoid unexpected charges, enable Airplane Mode on your device and then manually turn on Wi-Fi. This will prevent your phone from connecting to the ship's cellular network, which can result in high roaming fees.
• Download necessary apps in advance: Before boarding the cruise, download any apps you might need, such as messaging apps or cruise line apps. This will save you from using your data plan or purchasing an expensive internet package on the ship.
• Be cautious with personal data: When using public Wi-Fi networks, either on the ship or in port, avoid accessing sensitive information such as bank accounts or credit card details. These networks are easily accessible to those with hacking knowledge, so it's best to be cautious.
• Expect slow internet speeds: The internet on cruise ships is often slower than what you're used to on land. Be prepared for slower upload and download speeds, and avoid activities that require high bandwidth, like streaming music or videos.
• Bring necessary accessories: Don't forget to pack all the necessary power cords, extra batteries, and charging stations for your devices. You don't want to be caught off guard with a dead device in the middle of your cruise!

By following these tips, you can stay connected and make the most of your Wi-Fi calling capabilities while on a cruise ship. Remember to always check with your carrier for specific details regarding coverage, charges, and any additional steps required to enable Wi-Fi calling.

Frequently asked questions