Picture this: You’re on the trip of your dreams halfway around the globe, enjoying the sun, sea, and sand. We’re talking bucket list adventures.
Then your phone vibrates.
It’s an email notification from your mobile provider, and your heart sinks as you open it. You've racked up a phone bill in the thousands. Yes, you read that right!
This is the terrifying reality for some travellers who forget to switch data roaming off.
But what is data roaming? And when is it okay to turn on?
What is data roaming?
Your phone relies on local cell towers to connect you to your home network. Your home provider owns the cellular towers and network infrastructure. They also set the pricing for data usage in your country.
However, when you travel outside your provider's coverage area, your device will automatically seek to connect to another network (if data roaming is turned on.) This usually happens when you travel abroad.
Your mobile provider will have roaming agreements with network providers in other countries to keep you connected outside your coverage area. It allows your phone to connect to data services including Google, social media, email, and more.
Sounds great!
But there's a catch.
The cost. Roaming charges can skyrocket quickly.
Why is data roaming so expensive?
When you’re in your home country, your phone connects to your home network, which is covered by your regular phone plan. But when you travel abroad, you step outside this coverage area. To keep you connected, your mobile provider partners with a foreign provider. So when you switch data roaming on, you'll automatically connect to their network. The costs you incur depend on the agreements between your home provider and that foreign provider.
Providers charge roaming fees based on these agreements, often attributing the high costs to their investment in roaming technology, security, and infrastructure. However, other factors also play a role.
The limited competition in the roaming market can lead to higher prices since your home provider can only choose between a few leading providers in any given country or coverage area. Once they choose a partner and negotiate a roaming agreement, you're stuck with that provider and subjected to their fees. Your home provider pays these fees on your behalf and passes the costs onto you, often with an added markup to cover their expenses and profit.
Fortunately, there are other ways to stay connected while avoiding roaming fees.
Is data roaming slower than local data?
Data roaming is usually slower than your home connection because mobile networks prioritise local users over roaming customers. But other factors come into play, too. Network compatibility, congestion, and local signal strength all affect roaming data speed.
But not all provider partnerships are created equal. Some providers have better agreements with foreign networks, ensuring their customers get priority or access to faster services. If your provider has a strong partnership with the local network, you may enjoy faster speeds.
Some mobile providers even implement throttling policies where they reduce your data speed after a certain usage limit. This can happen both domestically and internationally. If you’re on a plan that includes such a policy, your speed might be reduced after you hit the threshold.
How does data roaming work in Europe?
Data roaming in Europe is now more straightforward and affordable thanks to the EU's "Roam Like at Home" initiative, in effect since June 2017. This means you can use your mobile phone for calls, texts, and data across the EU without any extra charges, just as you would at home. However, there is a fair use policy to prevent abuse, so if you spend more time abroad than at home and use your phone excessively, your provider may impose charges.
This regulation only applies to EU countries, so non-EU countries like Switzerland or the United Kingdom may have different roaming charges (always verify with your provider). Data speed and quality depend on local networks, which are generally reliable but can vary. Your phone will automatically connect to a preferred local network partner, so you can enjoy continuous connectivity during your travels.
5 ways to avoid roaming charges
Let's dive into five savvy tips to avoid those pesky roaming charges
1. Buy a local SIM card or eSIM
When you arrive at your destination, consider buying a local SIM card or eSIM. This gives you access to local rates for data, calls, and texts. It's an affordable way to stay connected without worrying about roaming charges. Just make sure your phone is unlocked before you travel.
2. Get an international roaming plan
Before you jet off, check with your home provider about international plans. Many providers offer packages with data, calls, and texts at a fixed rate. Ask your provider or check their website for details.
3. Use Wi-Fi whenever possible
Wi-Fi is your best friend when travelling. Connect to Wi-Fi at your hotel, in cafes, and other public spots to use data-heavy apps and make calls via services like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. Just make sure the network is secure to protect your personal information.
4. Download offline content
Download maps, travel guides, and entertainment before you leave. Apps like Google Maps allow you to download areas for offline use, so you won’t need data to find your way around. Also, download your favorite shows and music for offline enjoyment.
5. Turn off data roaming
If you don't have a travel SIM card (or eSIM) or international roaming plan in place, keep data roaming turned off to prevent your phone from using data automatically and incurring unexpected charges.
When should I turn data roaming on or off?
When you’re at home, your local data plan will cover all your needs, so your data roaming should be switched off or it might inadvertently connect you to other networks, resulting in unexpected costs. When data roaming is off, your phone will connect only to authorised cell towers per your plan. As a rule of thumb, your data roaming should be switched off when travelling, unless:
1.) You have a roaming plan that includes your destination.
If your home provider offers an international data roaming package that includes the country you’re visiting, you may be able to switch data roaming on. These roaming perks may be included in your plan already. Always check the details of your plan before you travel anywhere.
2.) You plan to use a travel SIM card or eSIM.
Alternatively, if your phone is unlocked, you can land in almost any country and buy a local SIM card in minutes. You can also purchase an eSIM for the region you’re visiting and switch data roaming on. Both travel SIM cards and eSIMs will let you access local networks at local rates, so you can avoid coming home to a nightmare bill.
How do you turn data roaming on and off?
To turn data roaming on or off, the steps are slightly different for iOS (iPhone) and Android devices.
For iOS (iPhone):
- Open the Settings app on your home screen.
- Tap on Cellular or Mobile Data.
- Select Cellular Data Options.
- Toggle the Data Roaming switch to turn it on or off.
For Android:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on Network & Internet or Connections (depending on your device).
- Select Mobile Network or Mobile Networks.
- Find and toggle the Data Roaming option to turn it on or off.
