Roaming explained: what does it mean?
Roaming means your phone uses another carrier's network when you are abroad. It can lead to extra charges, and they are easy to avoid.
Updated 9 November 2026
What is roaming?
Roaming is a phone setting that allows a connection to networks in other countries. When it is on for your own plan's data, data can work abroad but it can also cost money.
On the same phone, the setting is chosen separately for each plan. That is why you can switch off roaming for your own plan and keep it on for the travel eSIM.
Data roaming: on or off?
Data roaming means using mobile data on a foreign network. For your own plan, keep it off outside your home region unless you have checked the price.
For a travel eSIM, data roaming is normally kept on, because the plan uses the destination country's network and has already been paid for. So the setting is chosen plan by plan on your phone.
Where roaming costs money
| Region | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| EU and EEA | If your plan is from the EU or EEA, you use it at home-country rates, but your carrier may limit the amount of data |
| United Kingdom and Switzerland | Not covered by EU rules, so it depends on your carrier |
| Turkey, Thailand, United States, United Arab Emirates and others | Separate rates or travel packs, which can get expensive |
How to avoid a surprise bill
Switch off data roaming on your own plan
Do this before you leave if you are travelling outside your home region.
Install a travel eSIM
You get data at a fixed price with no extra charges from your plan.
Keep roaming on for the eSIM
That is how the plan normally works, and the price has already been paid.
Download apps and maps on wifi
You save data, and maps keep working even if the connection drops.
Want internet at a fixed price?
Travel eSIM from 3.49 euros. Choose a destination and see the plans.
Frequently asked questions
Does roaming need to be on?
Not for your own plan if you want to avoid data charges. For a travel eSIM it usually needs to be on.
Are texts and calls charged?
Calls and messages on your own plan can cost money outside your home region. Check the prices with your carrier.
Does the internet work without roaming?
Mobile data on your own plan does not work abroad if data roaming is off. Wifi always works. With a travel eSIM, mobile data works when its roaming is on.
What does data roaming mean?
Data roaming means using mobile data on another country's network. With your own plan it can cost a lot outside your home region, but a travel eSIM needs it on, and the price is included in the plan.