Using cellular data in U.S. when there is no wi-fi

[sm1mex]

With a Telcel plan with free phone calling to U.S. and Canada, when in the U.s. and there is not wi-fi, to connect to cellular data through a T-Mobile tower, do you need to turn on roaming to connect to a tower and is there is a roaming charge.  

I have tried to use cellular data in U.S. without wi-fi (with roaming off) but it says you are not connected to the internet.

Bottom line question: if using roaming in the U.S. to connect to T-Mobie, is it free or is there a roaming charge?

 

[conejorapido]

You have to turn roaming on to use data and there is no additional charge unless, of course, you use up all of your data as a I have on occasion. You don't want to do that!

[sm1mex]

I would only use the cellular data to order an uber or look up something on Google maps.  I just want to make sure that when I turn on roaming connected to a T-Mobile tower, I won't get a big surprise when I get back to Mexico.

[johanson]

Depending upon your plan it could be quite expensive. That is why I always have roaming off up north and connected via Wi-Fi whenever possible. 

[barcelonaman]

Theres a telcel plan for data when travelling abroad.

[sm1mex]

Telcel has a relationship with T mobile for free calling. 

[RickS]

16 minutes ago, sm1mex said:

Telcel has a relationship with T mobile for free calling. 

Yes they do. I cannot attest to how it works from Telcel to T-Mobile (I do the reverse) but one does have to turn on roaming (or it does it automatically and informs you) but calls/data is not at roaming prices.