Does Google Fi Work In Puerto Rico? – (Quick Facts)

You might be curious, does Google Fi work in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico is a beautiful island in the Caribbean. Whether you’re planning for its stunning beaches or its vibrant culture, staying connected to those back home is important.

Google Fi absolutely works in Puerto Rico, but you need to activate it while you’re still in the US. As long as you have it set up before you leave, you should be able to use it without any problems.

Now, it’s time to dive into this!

Does Google Fi Work in Puerto Rico – Using It Outside the US

Now that you know that Google Fi Puerto Rico is possible, you’ll have to ensure that it works properly.

If you don’t have it yet, it’s vital that you sign up for Google Fi before you leave since it will require you to have a US address and credit card.

Confirming Google Fi’s Coverage in Puerto Rico

The next thing you need to know about using Google Fi in Puerto Rico is how good is the coverage.

Google Fi generally connects to two main networks in Puerto Rico: T-Mobile and US Cellular. Combined, they cover around 99% of the population.

The way it works is Google Fi automatically switches between these networks based on signal quality and speed. However, there are instances when it doesn’t do it at all.

If this happens, you need to do this:

iPhone

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Cellular.
3. Select Cellular Data Options.
4. Tap Network Selection.
5. Turn off Automatic.
6. Select the other network.

Android

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to Network and Internet.
3. Tap Mobile network.
4. Tap Network operators.
5. Select the other network.

Pro Tip: Connect to T-Mobile first, and if it’s not giving you the performance you’re looking for, connect to US Cellular. 

Alternatives and Local Carriers You Can Use in Puerto Rico

Google Fi is not the only option you can get if you want to stay connected while you’re in Puerto Rico. You can use other alternatives and even connect to local carriers whenever you’re having a hard time using Google Fi.

Here are some of the carriers to connect to in Puerto Rico:

Carrier	Network Type	Plans for Travelers
AT&T	4G LTE and 5G	Starts from $35 per month for 2GB of data and unlimited talk and text
Claro	4G LTE and 5G	Starts from $25 per month for 2GB of data and unlimited talk and text
Open Mobile	4G LTE	Starts from $25 per month for 3GB of data and unlimited talk and text
T-Mobile	4G LTE and 5G	Starts from $40 per month for 10GB of data and unlimited talk and text

Service Availability and Features Available in Puerto Rico

When it comes to Google Fi’s services and features, the good news is that most of them are available in Puerto Rico. If you’re a Google Fi user in the US, you won’t be missing much of them.

However, there are some limitations and slight differences that you might not even notice.

Let’s compare the features that are different between the US and Puerto Rico:

Feature	Availability	Limitations
Data	Unlimited	It might slow down after 22GB per month on the Flexible plan or 15GB per month on the Simply Unlimited plan.
Calls	Unlimited to US numbers	Extra fees for calls to other countries. Can also use Wi-Fi calling, but it might not work on some networks or devices.
Texts	Unlimited to US numbers	Extra fees for texts to other countries. Can also use apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal to send messages over the internet for free.
VPN	Yes, but it might not work on some networks or devices	Encrypts your data and hides your IP address, but it might also slow down your connection or block some websites or apps.
Spam Blocking	Yes, but it might not work on some networks or devices	Filters out unwanted calls and texts from telemarketers, scammers, or robocalls.

Google Fi Data Speeds and Performance in Puerto Rico

Even though Google Fi uses the network of other carriers in Puerto Rico, they’re still capable of offering decent data speeds and performance.

However, just like everywhere else, it varies depending on the network, location, and device.

Here are some factors that affect your data speeds and performance:

Factor	Data speeds and network performance
Network	T-Mobile usually has the fastest and most consistent speeds, followed by U.S. Cellular. However, this might change depending on the area and the traffic.
Location	Google Fi has good coverage in most urban areas and tourist spots in Puerto Rico, but it might have weak or no signal in some rural areas or remote islands.
Device	Pixel and Samsung phones that support 5G have the best compatibility and performance, followed by other Android phones that support DSDS. iPhone users might experience switching networks, Wi-Fi calling, or VPN issues.

Data Usage and Roaming with Google Fi in Puerto Rico

One of the best things when it comes to using Google Fi in Puerto Rico is that it does not charge any extra fees for using your data or roaming.

Even though your usage won’t show up on your bill, there are limitations you must consider. 

Here’s how you can save data using Google Fi in Puerto Rico:

1. Connect to WiFi whenever possible, especially for streaming videos.
2. Use Data Saver mode on your phone to reduce data usage.
3. Switch off roaming on your phone before you travel.
4. Use WiFi calling to make calls over the internet instead of cellular networks.

Note: Google Fi does not charge extra for roaming in Puerto Rico but will charge you if you explore other countries in the area.

Tips for Using Google Fi in Puerto Rico

Now that you have a good idea of using your Google Fi in Puerto Rico, you want to use it effectively throughout your trip.

We have compiled a few tips that you can use so you’re better equipped to take advantage of your Google Fi account.

Here are some of the best tips to follow when it comes to using Google Fi in Puerto Rico:

1. Use WiFi and WiFi calling whenever possible
2. Check Google Fi’s coverage map to know if you have coverage where you’re staying.
3. Consider using a local carrier for better coverage and speeds.
4. Use a VPN to protect your privacy and security when using public WiFi.

Using it in Puerto Rico also allows you to bypass any regional content blocks so that you can watch your favorite shows and movies.

Travel Considerations

Using Google Fi in Puerto Rico will make your travel experience more convenient and enjoyable.

Since they offer flexible plans, unlimited data, and international roaming at no additional costs, you’ll be able to use Google Fi in Puerto Rico as if you’re in the US.

Here are the top advantages of using Google Fi for travelers:

1. Access to secure WiFi hotspots in Puerto Rico and around the world for free.
2. Enjoy unlimited calls and texts within the US and 50+ countries, including Puerto Rico.
3. Seamlessly switch between international and domestic usage with Google Fi

If you’re looking to use Google Fi in Puerto Rico extensively, it’s important that you weigh the pros and cons before deciding if it’s worth it.

User Experiences with Google Fi in Puerto Rico

To give you a better idea of what it’s like to use Google Fi in Puerto Rico, here are some actual user experiences from people who have experienced using it.

• A Reddit user named Mdayofearth said: “I was there last summer. It worked great except out on some parts of the beaches that were pretty far out from anything.”
• Another Reddit user named clvfan said: “I go to Puerto Rico often (4-6 times a year) and it works great all throughout the island, even in rural areas.”
• DaddyBrown from Reddit also said: “I used Fi in Puerto Rico in 2019 and none of my calls were billed as international. Coverage was excellent in San Juan and Humacao and everywhere in between.”
• Lastly, polkadanceparty from Reddit said: “T-Mobile is local on the island, so Fi works the same as stateside. Zero issues 5G.”

Quick Recap

If you’re wondering does Google Fi works in Puerto Rico, the answer is yes, but with some limitations and conditions. You need to activate your Google Fi account and use it in the US first, then check if your destination has good signal strength.

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