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How much it costs to run a cell phone around the world
- Having access to a smartphone is a reality for many people, but depending on where you're based in the world, the price of running one can vary greatly. There are many factors that play a role when it comes to pricing—namely taxes, operational costs, and competition. But which nations pay less (and more) for a monthly cell phone plan? In this gallery, you will find the answer to this question. The average price of a standard plan with calls and 10GB+ data is calculated based on data from the cost of living site Numbeo. All prices are in US dollars. Click through to get started.
© Getty Images
0 / 36 Fotos
India
- A cell phone plan in India is incredibly cheap, at $3.75 per month. Some areas struggle with broadband coverage, so mobile data is a good and affordable alternative.
© Getty Images
1 / 36 Fotos
Russia
- Russia has a fairly competitive market when it comes to cell phone plan providers. Despite the increase in prices since the conflict with Ukraine broke out, they're still among the cheapest in the world, at $4.63.
© Getty Images
2 / 36 Fotos
Indonesia
- Indonesia has a number of companies providing cell phone plans, and the competition helps keep prices down. Indonesians pay an average of $4.65 per month for a plan.
© Getty Images
3 / 36 Fotos
Ukraine
- Ukraine operators managed to keep prices affordable despite the ongoing conflict with Russia. Kyivstar even made an agreement with Elon Musk's Starlink to bring direct-to-cell satellite connectivity to the country. Prices are around $5.04 per month.
© Getty Images
4 / 36 Fotos
Poland
- High competition and low operational costs make Poland one of the cheapest countries in Europe to run a cell phone. Monthly plans come in at around $8.56.
© Getty Images
5 / 36 Fotos
Colombia
- Colombia is the cheapest country in the Americas to run a cell phone. Claro, Movistar, and Tigo are among the biggest market players. On average, Colombians pay $8.83 per month for a plan.
© Getty Images
6 / 36 Fotos
Turkey
- The prices of cell phone plans in Turkey have increased a lot over the last couple of years, but they remain fairly low overall, at $9.58 per month.
© Getty Images
7 / 36 Fotos
Malaysia
- Malaysia has pretty affordable monthly phone plans, at $10.01 per month. Some residents also benefit from government subsidizing programs to afford them.
© Shutterstock
8 / 36 Fotos
China
- China's Great Firewall may block a lot of internet content from users, but it doesn't slow down the market, which is huge in the country. The price of a monthly plan in China comes in at around $10.41.
© Getty Images
9 / 36 Fotos
Peru
- Peruvians pay an average of $11.34 per month for a plan that includes calls and 10GB+ data. Claro and Movistar are among the most popular providers.
© Shutterstock
10 / 36 Fotos
Chile
- Chile enjoys very similar prices to its neighbor Peru, with an average monthly price of $11.35 for a cell phone plan.
© Shutterstock
11 / 36 Fotos
Italy
- Italy has the most affordable cell phone plans in Western Europe. Monthly plans come in at $11.97, which is pretty cheap, considering the wages in this country.
© Getty Images
12 / 36 Fotos
Brazil
- Cell phones in Brazil can be expensive due to the import taxes imposed by the Brazilian government. Prices of monthly plans, however, are not as expensive, at $12.70 per month.
© Getty Images
13 / 36 Fotos
Thailand
- Thailand has a thriving cell phone market. The average price for a monthly plan is $13.14. AIS, True, DTAC, and Tot Mobile, are among the biggest market players.
© Getty Images
14 / 36 Fotos
United Kingdom
- The UK comes in second after Italy as the cheapest Western European nation to run a cell phone. Plan prices average $15.44 per month.
© Getty Images
15 / 36 Fotos
Singapore
- Singapore has seen prices of phone monthly plans decrease over the last decade. Nowadays, a monthly plan with Singtel, StarHub, M1, or any other provider, will set you back around $16.46.
© Getty Images
16 / 36 Fotos
Argentina
- Providers such as Claro, Movistar, and Personal dominate the market in the South American nation. Monthly plans cost around $17.86.
© Getty Images
17 / 36 Fotos
Spain
- Spain still has relatively affordable cell phone plans, at an average of $17.88 per month. The introduction of mobile virtual network operators (MVNO) helped to keep prices competitive.
© Getty Images
18 / 36 Fotos
Austria
- The cost of running a cell phone in Austria increased for most clients of traditional providers. Some newcomers have however kept prices relatively low. The average monthly plan costs $18.52.
© Getty Images
19 / 36 Fotos
Mexico
- Mexicans pay quite a lot for their cell phone plans, considering the national wages. The average monthly price comes in at $21.25.
© Getty Images
20 / 36 Fotos
Ireland
- Three, Vodafone and Eir dominate the Irish market, but they have plenty of MVNOS competition. A monthly plan comes in at around $21.32 per month.
© Getty Images
21 / 36 Fotos
Belgium
- Running a cell phone in Belgium doesn't come very cheap, but it's still relatively affordable, taking into account the salaries in the country. Monthly plans cost an average of $21.46.
© Shutterstock
22 / 36 Fotos
Netherlands
- Dutch customers can choose from a variety of providers, some of which offer competitive prices. When it comes to the average, a monthly plan costs $22.64.
© Shutterstock
23 / 36 Fotos
France
- French customers pay an average of $24.28 for a monthly plan including calls and 10GB+ data.
© Getty Images
24 / 36 Fotos
Japan
- The Japanese market is dominated by providers such as Docomo, AU, and Softbank. Running a cell phone in Japan will set you back around $24.87 per month.
© Getty Images
25 / 36 Fotos
Australia
- Aussie customers pay top prices when it comes to monthly cell phone plans. The cost averages at $25.70.
© Getty Images
26 / 36 Fotos
Germany
- The German market is dominated by providers such as Telekom, Vodafone, and O2. As for prices, expect to pay around $25.96 for a monthly plan.
© Getty Images
27 / 36 Fotos
South Africa
- South Africa comes next on the list with pretty hefty prices, taking into account the country's average wages. Running a cell phone in South Africa costs around $29.60 per month.
© Getty Images
28 / 36 Fotos
Philippines
- For many years, the country only had two providers: Globe and Smart. The arrival of competitors such as Dito Telecommunity spiced things up, but prices remain on the expensive side, at $29.63 per month. This is especially high considering the average monthly salary is less than $400.
© Shutterstock
29 / 36 Fotos
New Zealand
- New Zealand has fairly high prices when it comes to cell phone plans, with an average of $32.88 per month.
© Shutterstock
30 / 36 Fotos
South Korea
- KT, LG U+, and SK Telecom are the major players in the cell phone market in South Korea. As for prices, the monthly bill is around $38.01.
© Getty Images
31 / 36 Fotos
Canada
- Canada is among the most expensive countries to run a cell phone. The three big providers are Bell, Rogers, and Telus. Customers pay an average of $43.64 for a monthly plan.
© Getty Images
32 / 36 Fotos
Switzerland
- Switzerland is the most expensive country in Europe to run a cell phone. An average monthly plan costs around $48.42.
© Getty Images
33 / 36 Fotos
United States
- The US is the runner-up when it comes to the most expensive nations to run a cell phone. American customers pay around $56.69 for a monthly plan.
© Getty Images
34 / 36 Fotos
United Arab Emirates
- The top spot goes to the UAE. The country is known for being pricey, and cell phone plans are no exception at $59.88 per month. Sources: (Love Money) (Numbeo) See also: How your smartphone can lead to serious health problems
© Getty Images
35 / 36 Fotos
How much it costs to run a cell phone around the world
- Having access to a smartphone is a reality for many people, but depending on where you're based in the world, the price of running one can vary greatly. There are many factors that play a role when it comes to pricing—namely taxes, operational costs, and competition. But which nations pay less (and more) for a monthly cell phone plan? In this gallery, you will find the answer to this question. The average price of a standard plan with calls and 10GB+ data is calculated based on data from the cost of living site Numbeo. All prices are in US dollars. Click through to get started.
© Getty Images
0 / 36 Fotos
India
- A cell phone plan in India is incredibly cheap, at $3.75 per month. Some areas struggle with broadband coverage, so mobile data is a good and affordable alternative.
© Getty Images
1 / 36 Fotos
Russia
- Russia has a fairly competitive market when it comes to cell phone plan providers. Despite the increase in prices since the conflict with Ukraine broke out, they're still among the cheapest in the world, at $4.63.
© Getty Images
2 / 36 Fotos
Indonesia
- Indonesia has a number of companies providing cell phone plans, and the competition helps keep prices down. Indonesians pay an average of $4.65 per month for a plan.
© Getty Images
3 / 36 Fotos
Ukraine
- Ukraine operators managed to keep prices affordable despite the ongoing conflict with Russia. Kyivstar even made an agreement with Elon Musk's Starlink to bring direct-to-cell satellite connectivity to the country. Prices are around $5.04 per month.
© Getty Images
4 / 36 Fotos
Poland
- High competition and low operational costs make Poland one of the cheapest countries in Europe to run a cell phone. Monthly plans come in at around $8.56.
© Getty Images
5 / 36 Fotos
Colombia
- Colombia is the cheapest country in the Americas to run a cell phone. Claro, Movistar, and Tigo are among the biggest market players. On average, Colombians pay $8.83 per month for a plan.
© Getty Images
6 / 36 Fotos
Turkey
- The prices of cell phone plans in Turkey have increased a lot over the last couple of years, but they remain fairly low overall, at $9.58 per month.
© Getty Images
7 / 36 Fotos
Malaysia
- Malaysia has pretty affordable monthly phone plans, at $10.01 per month. Some residents also benefit from government subsidizing programs to afford them.
© Shutterstock
8 / 36 Fotos
China
- China's Great Firewall may block a lot of internet content from users, but it doesn't slow down the market, which is huge in the country. The price of a monthly plan in China comes in at around $10.41.
© Getty Images
9 / 36 Fotos
Peru
- Peruvians pay an average of $11.34 per month for a plan that includes calls and 10GB+ data. Claro and Movistar are among the most popular providers.
© Shutterstock
10 / 36 Fotos
Chile
- Chile enjoys very similar prices to its neighbor Peru, with an average monthly price of $11.35 for a cell phone plan.
© Shutterstock
11 / 36 Fotos
Italy
- Italy has the most affordable cell phone plans in Western Europe. Monthly plans come in at $11.97, which is pretty cheap, considering the wages in this country.
© Getty Images
12 / 36 Fotos
Brazil
- Cell phones in Brazil can be expensive due to the import taxes imposed by the Brazilian government. Prices of monthly plans, however, are not as expensive, at $12.70 per month.
© Getty Images
13 / 36 Fotos
Thailand
- Thailand has a thriving cell phone market. The average price for a monthly plan is $13.14. AIS, True, DTAC, and Tot Mobile, are among the biggest market players.
© Getty Images
14 / 36 Fotos
United Kingdom
- The UK comes in second after Italy as the cheapest Western European nation to run a cell phone. Plan prices average $15.44 per month.
© Getty Images
15 / 36 Fotos
Singapore
- Singapore has seen prices of phone monthly plans decrease over the last decade. Nowadays, a monthly plan with Singtel, StarHub, M1, or any other provider, will set you back around $16.46.
© Getty Images
16 / 36 Fotos
Argentina
- Providers such as Claro, Movistar, and Personal dominate the market in the South American nation. Monthly plans cost around $17.86.
© Getty Images
17 / 36 Fotos
Spain
- Spain still has relatively affordable cell phone plans, at an average of $17.88 per month. The introduction of mobile virtual network operators (MVNO) helped to keep prices competitive.
© Getty Images
18 / 36 Fotos
Austria
- The cost of running a cell phone in Austria increased for most clients of traditional providers. Some newcomers have however kept prices relatively low. The average monthly plan costs $18.52.
© Getty Images
19 / 36 Fotos
Mexico
- Mexicans pay quite a lot for their cell phone plans, considering the national wages. The average monthly price comes in at $21.25.
© Getty Images
20 / 36 Fotos
Ireland
- Three, Vodafone and Eir dominate the Irish market, but they have plenty of MVNOS competition. A monthly plan comes in at around $21.32 per month.
© Getty Images
21 / 36 Fotos
Belgium
- Running a cell phone in Belgium doesn't come very cheap, but it's still relatively affordable, taking into account the salaries in the country. Monthly plans cost an average of $21.46.
© Shutterstock
22 / 36 Fotos
Netherlands
- Dutch customers can choose from a variety of providers, some of which offer competitive prices. When it comes to the average, a monthly plan costs $22.64.
© Shutterstock
23 / 36 Fotos
France
- French customers pay an average of $24.28 for a monthly plan including calls and 10GB+ data.
© Getty Images
24 / 36 Fotos
Japan
- The Japanese market is dominated by providers such as Docomo, AU, and Softbank. Running a cell phone in Japan will set you back around $24.87 per month.
© Getty Images
25 / 36 Fotos
Australia
- Aussie customers pay top prices when it comes to monthly cell phone plans. The cost averages at $25.70.
© Getty Images
26 / 36 Fotos
Germany
- The German market is dominated by providers such as Telekom, Vodafone, and O2. As for prices, expect to pay around $25.96 for a monthly plan.
© Getty Images
27 / 36 Fotos
South Africa
- South Africa comes next on the list with pretty hefty prices, taking into account the country's average wages. Running a cell phone in South Africa costs around $29.60 per month.
© Getty Images
28 / 36 Fotos
Philippines
- For many years, the country only had two providers: Globe and Smart. The arrival of competitors such as Dito Telecommunity spiced things up, but prices remain on the expensive side, at $29.63 per month. This is especially high considering the average monthly salary is less than $400.
© Shutterstock
29 / 36 Fotos
New Zealand
- New Zealand has fairly high prices when it comes to cell phone plans, with an average of $32.88 per month.
© Shutterstock
30 / 36 Fotos
South Korea
- KT, LG U+, and SK Telecom are the major players in the cell phone market in South Korea. As for prices, the monthly bill is around $38.01.
© Getty Images
31 / 36 Fotos
Canada
- Canada is among the most expensive countries to run a cell phone. The three big providers are Bell, Rogers, and Telus. Customers pay an average of $43.64 for a monthly plan.
© Getty Images
32 / 36 Fotos
Switzerland
- Switzerland is the most expensive country in Europe to run a cell phone. An average monthly plan costs around $48.42.
© Getty Images
33 / 36 Fotos
United States
- The US is the runner-up when it comes to the most expensive nations to run a cell phone. American customers pay around $56.69 for a monthly plan.
© Getty Images
34 / 36 Fotos
United Arab Emirates
- The top spot goes to the UAE. The country is known for being pricey, and cell phone plans are no exception at $59.88 per month. Sources: (Love Money) (Numbeo) See also: How your smartphone can lead to serious health problems
© Getty Images
35 / 36 Fotos
How much it costs to run a cell phone around the world
The most and least expensive countries
© Getty Images
Access to a smartphone is a necessity for most people, but depending on where you're based in the world, the price of running one can vary greatly. There are many factors that play a role when it comes to pricing—namely taxes, operational costs, and competition. But which nations pay the least (and the most) for a monthly cell phone plan?
In this gallery, you'll find the answer to this question. The average price of a standard plan with calls and 10GB+ data is calculated based on data from the cost of living site Numbeo. All prices are in US dollars. Click through to get started.
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