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When it comes to making calls abroad, the term roaming often comes up. But what exactly does it mean?
What is roaming?
Anyone who uses their smartphone to make calls, surf the internet, or send text messages while abroad is using roaming—i.e., connecting to a foreign mobile network. This allows you to remain reachable even when traveling. However, depending on the country and provider, roaming can be expensive.
- The English term “roaming” means “wandering around” and refers to mobile phone use abroad.
- When you cross the German border, you can no longer use your cell phone as usual on the German network because your mobile phone provider is not responsible for this area.
- Outside your home network, your smartphone automatically connects to a foreign network. Mobile phone providers cooperate with each other worldwide for this purpose. The costs incurred are settled between the providers and passed on to you if you do not have a flat rate or special arrangement.
- Since 2017, you have benefited from the “roam like at home” regulation within the EU. This means that you can use your domestic tariff without additional roaming charges when traveling in other EU countries. You can make calls, surf the Internet, and send text messages at the same rates as at home.
Fair use policy: What you should bear in mind when roaming
“Roam like at home” applies in all EU member states as well as Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. However, the offer is not intended for permanent use abroad.
- To prevent abuse, a fair use policy applies. This allows providers to check your usage if you are abroad for an extended period of time.
- If roaming is used almost exclusively abroad for several months, the provider may charge additional fees or take measures such as blocking the service.
- However, vacation or business trips are no problem at all.
- Sometimes data volume is throttled abroad. However, your provider must inform you of this.
Exceptions: Switzerland, Great Britain, and other countries
Not all countries in Europe are covered by the EU Roaming Regulation:
- Switzerland: Not part of the EU or the EEA. Many US providers charge high roaming fees here – check your tariff before you travel.
- United Kingdom: Since Brexit, EU roaming rules no longer apply there. Some providers continue to offer free roaming, others do not. Please check individually.
- Turkey, Balkan states, Ukraine, etc.: These countries are also not part of the EU roaming zone. Individual international rates often apply here.
- Tip: Many providers offer optional international packages for these countries, often with daily, weekly, or monthly rates for data, minutes, and text messages.
- Outside the EU, roaming costs can quickly become very high, especially for mobile data. Even a few megabytes can cost several euros.
- There are special situations in which roaming can be particularly expensive: You should find out in advance about cruises, ferries, airplanes, and border regions.
Roaming: Practical tips for controlling costs
To avoid unpleasant surprises when abroad, you can prevent high roaming costs.
- Activate tariff option: Many providers offer inexpensive roaming packages for certain countries. Activate these in good time before your trip.
- Set a data limit on your mobile phone: Set a daily or monthly limit to restrict your data usage.
- Deactivate roaming: If you want to be on the safe side, switch off mobile roaming completely in your settings and only use Wi-Fi.
- Roaming block with your provider: Some providers offer a free roaming block. This is ideal for children’s cell phones or second devices.
- Use Wi-Fi calling: Use Wi-Fi to make calls abroad. However, be aware of your provider’s charges.
- Use prepaid data cards: In many countries, you can buy inexpensive local SIM cards with data allowances.
