When we travel abroad, one of the topics that causes the most uncertainty is how to use your mobile phone outside your home country without getting a surprise bill. This is where international roaming, also known as data roaming, comes into play. In this article, I’ll simply explain what international roaming is, how to activate it on your phone, alternatives to roaming, and what you should consider before using it.
What is international roaming?
International roamingor data roaming is a service that allows your mobile phone to connect to foreign network operators when you leave your country. Thanks to roaming, you can make calls, send messages, and use mobile data in another country as if you were at home, but using another operator’s infrastructure.
In short, it’s what allows you to stay connected to the internet or make calls when you travel outside your usual coverage area. But be aware: this service usually comes with additional costs, and it’s important to know your operator’s rates before activating it.
The cost and conditions of roaming vary depending on the country and your phone company. Some operators offer special packages or bundles for international travel; others apply standard rates per megabyte or minute consumed.
What is data roaming?
Although we sometimes use the terms interchangeably, data roaming specifically refers to the use of mobile data (internet)on foreign networks. While roaming also covers calls and SMS, data roaming focuses solely on mobile internet connection.
For example: if you have data roaming activated, you’ll be able to use WhatsApp, Google Maps, or browse the web when you’re in another country. If it’s deactivated, you’ll only have internet connection if you connect to a WiFi network.
How to activate roaming on your mobile
If you need to use your mobile phone outside your country, you’ll need to activate data roaming or roaming. Below, I’ll explain how to activate roaming depending on the type of device you use:
Activate data roaming on iPhone
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on Cellular Data.
- Then go to SIM, and choose your SIM card if you have more than one.
- Toggle on Data Roaming.
👉 Remember to check with your operator if you need to make any additional adjustments or if roaming is blocked by default.
Data roaming on Android
The steps may vary slightly depending on the model, but generally they are as follows:
- Open the Settings app.
- Select Connections or Mobile networks.
- Look for the Data roaming option.
- Toggle on the corresponding switch.
💡 On some models, the option may appear under Advanced settings or More networks.
When to activate or deactivate roaming?
It depends on your destination and your operator’s rates. Here are some recommendations:
- Activate it if you need to be constantly connected and your plan includes international roaming at a reasonable price.
- Deactivate it if you prefer to avoid extra charges and plan to rely on WiFi in hotels, cafes, or public areas. We were charged €18 for one second of roaming with our company when we arrived at Marrakech airport.
- Always check the conditions before traveling. Some operators offer international bundles or eSIM cards (you’ll find the eSIM we use further down) which can be more economical.
Roaming in the European Union: Roam Like at Home
If you’re traveling within the European Union, there’s good news: thanks to the Roam Like at Home agreement, you can use your mobile phone in any EU country without paying additional charges. This means you’ll browse, call, and send SMS at the same price as in your home country (with some exceptions or fair use limits).
This also applies to European Economic Area countries like Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. However, the United Kingdom is no longer included after Brexit, so check the specific conditions if you’re traveling there.
⚠️ Some operators may apply fair use policies: for example, if you spend more time outside than inside your country for several consecutive months, they might charge you an additional fee.
Alternatives to international roaming
If you don’t want to rely on roaming or your operator’s rates don’t convince you, you have other options:
✅ Buy a local SIM card: upon arrival at your destination, you can buy a prepaid card from a local operator. This is ideal if you’re staying for many days or want cheaper local rates.
✅ Use an international eSIM:compatible with many current smartphones, eSIM allows you to download a digital data plan without needing a physical card. We recommend Holafly; we are very happy with it. During the purchase process, you can enter the promotional code GLUTENDTROTTERS, and you’ll get an automatic 5% discount. In any case, we recommend reading our post about Holafly, as not all mobile phones support eSIM.
✅ Only use WiFi: if you don’t need to be constantly connected, you can disable data roaming and connect only to WiFi in hotels, restaurants, or public spaces. Before connecting to public WiFi, we recommend getting a VPN. We use NordVPN. We recommend reading our post on how to use a VPN.
Each alternative has its advantages and costs, so evaluate which one best suits your trip.
Tips before traveling abroad with your mobile
✅ Check your operator’s international rates.
✅ Verify if your plan includes roaming in your destination.
✅ Download offline maps and useful apps before you leave.
✅ Consider buying a local SIM card or an eSIM if you’ll be away for a long time.
✅ Turn off automatic app updates to avoid unknowingly consuming data.
✅ Limit background data usage in apps.
✅ Disable automatic photo or video syncing to the cloud to prevent unexpected data usage.
✅ Use messaging apps that work only with WiFi, such as WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal.
✅ Inform family or contacts that you might be temporarily offline.
In summary, international roaming is a very useful tool to stay connected during your travels, but it’s essential to know how to activate it, how much it costs, what alternatives you have, and in which situations it is convenient. If you’re traveling soon, check your plan and decide the best option for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your operator’s agreements. Check the list of countries included in your plan.
Yes, if you don’t activate it, you won’t be able to receive calls or SMS on foreign networks.
Yes, as your mobile constantly searches for compatible networks.
If you return to your country and roaming is still activated, it won’t affect anything or generate extra charges, but you can deactivate it to prevent it from being accidentally activated on future trips.
Check your mobile’s Settings, in the Mobile networks or Cellular Data section, where you’ll see the data roaming option.
