Gone are the days when accessing mobile internet abroad was a high-tech luxury. Today, it’s a travel necessity, used for navigating, keeping in touch, and even handling emergencies. Understanding how data roaming works will ensure that you're never without internet when you need it most. In this guide, we demystify data roaming and offer practical and affordable options for getting online during your travels.
What is Data Roaming?
Data roaming is the process of accessing the internet and online apps outside your domestic mobile network, usually while travelling abroad. Roaming enables you to stay connected by utilising a local network that partners with your mobile carrier.
For example, if you're a US resident travelling in Spain, your phone may connect to a Spanish network like Movistar or Orange to get online, make calls and send text messages.
This ensures you remain connected, but it often comes at a sizable expense in the form of roaming charges. Roaming charges can be exorbitant, unpredictable, and often unnoticed until it’s time to pay the phone bill. Fortunately, in the new age of eSIMs, they can also be avoided.
How Does Data Roaming Work?
Data roaming is based on partnerships between mobile network suppliers. When customers leave their network's coverage area, data roaming enables their phones to connect to a different network to continue making calls and using mobile internet. There are three stages involved when a phone connects to a mobile network in another country:
Automatic Network Switch
The phone identifies and connects to a local network which is partnered with the user’s home carrier network.Data use
Online activities like checking email, streaming videos and using navigation apps consume data on this foreign network.Billing
The home carrier network receives the customers data usage information from the partner network and charges them for these roaming services, often at an inflated rate.
While this might sound straightforward, pricing can vary wildly depending on the destination and carrier, which can lead to unexpected bills for the unprepared.
What are the Downsides to Data Roaming?
Let’s break down the most common issues associated with data roaming:
1. Expensive roaming fees
Roaming fees can be notoriously high. Depending on the country, a single megabyte of data (enough to stream about 1-2 minutes of music) can cost dozens of dollars. Streaming videos, uploading photos or using live navigation apps can quickly incur a hefty bill. However, many providers will cap both data use and the costs incurred at a certain point.
2. Data limitations
Even if you pay for a roaming plan, some carriers impose strict limits on how much data you can use abroad (often far less than what you're used to at home). This is partly to avoid bill shock, and partly to prevent customers from occupying excessive bandwidth on other carriers’ networks.
3. Unreliable coverage
Roaming relies on local networks, which may not have the same level of coverage as your home carrier. In rural or remote locations, connectivity issues can leave you stranded without internet access. It can also leave travellers caught out with no signal if their domestic provider has no partner networks in the destination region.
4. Hidden costs
The default settings on your smartphone can lead to unintentional data usage while roaming. Background app updates and notifications, for instance, can consume significant data unnoticed.
How to Get Online Without Paying Roaming Fees
Fortunately, several steps can be taken to reduce data usage, avoid unexpected charges and eliminate roaming fees altogether.
1. Turn off data roaming
One of the simplest ways to avoid roaming charges is to disable data roaming entirely. This ensures your phone won’t automatically connect to other networks, with the obvious downside that it limits any mobile internet use to Wi-Fi.
iOS: Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Data Roaming and toggle it off.
Android: Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming and switch it off.
2. Switch on Low Data mode
Many popular apps and services feature low-data modes, where certain functions are restricted or removed to minimise data consumption. The effect varies from app to app. On Netflix, this setting is called Save Data, while Spotify calls it Data Saver Mode. Many apps also feature Wi-Fi-only modes, where they will only function when connected to a Wi-Fi network.
Related: How Much Data Does Spotify Use?
3. Stick to Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is a cost-effective solution while travelling. Many hotels, cafes, and public spaces offer free Wi-Fi access. The downside here, other than finding a Wi-Fi spot in the first place, is that shared Wi-Fi networks are unsecured and therefore more susceptible to attacks than a private cellular internet connection. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an effective way of adding a layer of security to your device while on a public Wi-Fi network. However, many VPNs only offer monthly or annual subscription plans which may be longer than you need.
4. Purchase a roaming add-on plan
Some carriers offer discounted roaming packages for specific regions. Before you travel, check with your provider to see if they have any offers for your destination.
5. Use a local SIM card
A travel SIM card is a prepaid card designed specifically for international use. It provides local data rates for the country or region you're visiting. Many travel SIM cards can be purchased online or at airports.
Benefits:
Allows for data roaming without fees
Prepaid SIMs avoid any unpredictable bills
Downsides:
Requires swapping out your existing SIM card, which can be inconvenient
SIM cards will either need to be ordered online beforehand or purchased in-person on arrival
Prevents access to your regular SIM
6. Download a travel eSIM
An eSIM is a digital SIM card that can be downloaded directly onto your phone. They offer all the benefits of a local SIM card, with added flexibility. Providers like BetterRoaming offer travel eSIMs that allow you to enjoy local data rates in over 160 countries without the need for a physical SIM.
Why use an eSIM?
Can be instantly downloaded before travelling, providing immediate mobile data from the moment of arrival
No need to remove your current SIM
Easy switching between countries and plans
Once installed, can be kept on the phone and used for any future travels
Travel eSIM Plans
How to Monitor and Reduce Mobile Data Usage
iPhone and iPad:
Disable automatic downloads and app updates by opening the Settings app and selecting App Store > Automatic Updates > Off
Track your data usage by opening the Settings app and selecting Mobile Data/Cellular to see an overview of mobile data usage for specific apps and the device as a whole.
Android devices:
Turn off background data usage for individual apps by opening the Settings app and selecting Apps & Notifications > See all apps. Select the app or apps you want to reduce data usage for, then select Mobile data and set the Allow background data usage switch to Off (grey).
Activate Data Saver mode by opening the Settings app and selecting Connections > Data usage > Data saver. This will reduce background data usage across all apps and services.
Data Roaming FAQs
1. What happens if I don’t turn off data roaming while abroad?
When data roaming is left on, your phone will automatically connect to a local cellular network. Any online activity, texts and phone calls made on your device will go through this network, potentially incurring high costs, or roaming charges. Avoid these by downloading a travel eSIM before you go.
2. Is data roaming always expensive?
No, not always. Costs depend on your carrier and destination. European Union (EU) countries typically have lower roaming fees compared to regions like the USA or Asia-Pacific. EU residents can also roam for free in other EU countries – learn more about data roaming in the EU here.
3. Can I use mobile internet abroad without turning on data roaming?
Yes. One method to avoid roaming fees is turning off data roaming and relying solely on Wi-Fi for internet access while travelling. Alternatively, using a local SIM card or travel eSIM will also negate roaming charges while allowing you to continue to use mobile internet. A prepaid eSIM from BetterRoaming will automatically activate the moment you arrive at your destination, allowing you to get online and use your phone just like you would at home.
By planning ahead, disabling unnecessary settings, and exploring alternatives like eSIMs and travel SIM cards, you can enjoy international connectivity without the stress.
