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How to avoid roaming charges when traveling abroad
We’ve collected our top travel tips to help avoid roaming charges when abroad. They include deactivating mobile data, turning on airplane mode, getting an eSIM, and more.
We have all had unforgettable vacations, for both the right and wrong reasons. Whether you’re going abroad for business, pleasure, or pure adventure, you’ll want to remember your experiences, not the eye-watering bill of data roaming charges.
We’ve put together all of our tips and tricks to help you avoid roaming charges and save that cash for making more travel memories.
From understanding how data roaming works to equipping your phone with optimal travel settings, here’s how you can avoid roaming charges abroad.
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When do roaming charges apply?
Roaming charges occur when you use your phone outside of your regular carrier’s coverage area. If you use cellular data while abroad without preparing your phone for international travel, your device tries to acquire service by linking to a local network. This is when data roaming kicks in.
Here’s more on when roaming charges apply:
- Data usage: Using mobile data occurs when browsing websites, streaming videos, or even when apps are running in the background. Charges while roaming range from $2 to $5 USD per MB for simple browsing, depending on your plan.
- Phone calls: Any calls you make while roaming, whether local or international, will cost extra. For example, if a domestic call normally costs $0.10 per minute, that same call may cost $1 per minute when roaming.
- Text messages: Charges apply for both sending and receiving texts while roaming. For instance, sending a text could cost $0.50, while receiving one could be $0.25. This applies even if you’re texting someone in the same country. Exact prices depend on location and carrier.
These actions are usually covered in domestic unlimited plans. Depending on the country and carrier, using your phone in the following ways can cost you much more when roaming.
Here’s how using your phone at home and when roaming compare:
| Action | Cost with home network | Cost when roaming |
| Data use | $10 USD per GB | $2- 25 per MB |
| Phone calls | $0.10 – 0.25 per minute | $0.25 – $3.00 per minute |
| Text messages | $0.10-$0.25 per text | $0.05-$0.50 per text |
Travel wise and be aware of how your phone is operating as you jetset. Instead of paying a huge phone bill when you get back, save that cash to plan your next trip!
How much does international roaming cost?
International roaming costs vary depending on your mobile carrier, travel destination, and of course your data usage.
It’s not uncommon to hear of travelers racking up bills of hundreds of dollars in unexpected roaming fees when receiving their bill back at home.
Yet, these fees are avoidable. Carriers offer international roaming plans for customers traveling abroad. For example, T-Mobile offers packages like the Go5G Next, Plus, and Essentials.
These plans begin at $90 per month and go up to $180 per month, as part of an annual contract.
By choosing a plan in advance, you can avoid unexpected fees. Check with your carrier for plans and pricing.
6 Ways to avoid international roaming charges
Taking the big leap for a trip overseas? Here are six ways you can avoid roaming charges when traveling abroad.
1. Turn off mobile data
One way to avoid roaming charges while traveling is to turn off mobile data. When you turn off mobile data, you cut your cellular connection to the internet.
This is great for avoiding international phone charges, but not so much for those wanting to use their phones.
With mobile data off, you won’t be able to use apps like Instagram, Google Maps, and WhatsApp, unless you connect to free WiFi.
Though you limit connectivity and convenience, turning off mobile data will help you avoid roaming charges and prevent unexpected data use.
- Avoid roaming charges: When you use mobile data abroad, your phone can connect to foreign networks to obtain service. This is what creates expensive roaming charges, and your headache when you get home.
- Prevent unexpected data use: Sometimes apps and services run in the background consuming data. If your mobile data is on, these apps can automatically update, download content, and build up to high unexpected costs.
If you do want to be able to access FaceTime whenever you want, or even just get directions from one spot to the next, remember that roaming charges can accumulate quickly.
As you prepare for your trip, consider how much data you’ll need for travel and plan accordingly.
Otherwise, to keep mobile data off while you’re traveling, go to:
Settings > Cellular Data > Turn off Mobile Data
And be sure to respond “No” when your phone offers to activate roaming. It’s simply your phone noticing that you’re out of usual coverage, and detecting a foreign signal available to provide service. Refusing this will help prevent unwanted roaming fees.
2. Turn on airplane mode
Turning on airplane mode is an easy and free way to avoid roaming costs when traveling abroad.
Putting your phone on airplane mode disables your phone’s ability to connect to cellular networks. So there’s no worry of apps working in the background, unknowingly connecting to foreign providers, and incurring international tariffs.
All you have to do is go to Airplane Mode under Settings and switch “On.”
Settings > Airplane Mode > On
The catch? Well, you’re totally unconnected to cellular networks. So that means no apps, no calls, no messages.
You can still use your phone’s camera, notes, and access documents you’ve downloaded in advance.
WiFi and Bluetooth are usually deactivated by default on flight mode on your cell phone. Though, you can connect to WiFi networks and operate Bluetooth devices while using airplane mode.
You can also manage this via Settings.
3. Get an international eSIM
An international eSIM is the most effective way to avoid roaming charges and stay connected while traveling. But what is an eSIM, exactly? It’s a digital SIM card that allows you to use your phone across the globe.
Unlike traditional SIM cards, which you physically insert into your device, an eSIM is built into the hardware. It can be programmed with different carrier information, which is what allows access to local networks as you travel.
Once you’ve chosen your plan, you simply scan the QR code, activate the digital SIM, and you’ve got access to local data networks at your destination!
No more pesky physical SIM cards, random notification of a connection fee, or data roaming charges.
Here are a few highlights of the eSIM:
- Cost-effective: No international roaming fees! You can choose your plan.
- User-friendly: Easy activation, wireless connection, and ready when you land!
- Global compatibility: Works with local carriers and plans for optimal coverage.
- Reduced risk: Less susceptible to loss or theft compared to a physical SIM card.
- Eco-friendly: It’s entirely electronic, no plastic SIM card needed or fuel wasted on a physical delivery.
It’s the best option if you’re wondering how to avoid international phone charges and stay connected while abroad. For easier international travel, check out Holafly for an eSIM to keep you covered.
4. Use WiFi
One of the quickest, easiest, and most cost-effective ways to use your phone internationally without charges is: WiFi. It’s free, it’s available, it gets you connected. Though, it’s quite limited.
Connecting to WiFi hotspots while traveling makes you entirely dependent on finding places with free WiFi and staying there as long as you want to be connected. A cup of coffee only lasts so long, really.
Also, public WiFi services are not entirely secure networks. If you do choose this option for using your phone internationally, we recommend the following best practices:
- Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection, protecting your data on public networks. VPN services generally require a subscription, but there are also some free options available with limited features or data allowances.
- Only visit HTTPS sites: Make sure that the websites you visit use HTTPS. This encrypts data between your browser and the website, providing an additional layer of security.
- Disable file sharing: Turn off file sharing and AirDrop on your device to prevent unauthorized access to your files by others on the same network.
5. Turn off automatic app updates
Automatic updates can drain data, particularly with large apps and frequent updates. By turning off automatic updates, you can regulate when and how your apps are updated.
For example, you can turn off automatic app updates and wait to download content or process updates manually when you have WiFi, or once you’re back from your travels.
Though you may want that new Spotify playlist as soon as possible, this is particularly helpful if you’re on a limited data plan or traveling abroad when data costs can get high.
To turn off automatic app updates on an iPhone go to:
Settings > App Store > Automatic Downloads > Switch “Off” App Updates
For an Android:
Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps > Do Not Auto-Update
Most smartphones will have similar navigation. Adapting automatic download settings will help you cut international roaming fees.
You then reactivate automatic updates after your travels and are connected to your domestic plan.
6. Download maps and offline content
If you haven’t secured an international plan for your travels, you can avoid roaming charges by making files available via offline access.
You can download maps, series from Netflix, and playlists from Spotify in advance and conserve your mobile data.
Using these apps without offline mode can use a lot of data, even when running in the background.
By downloading maps and other content ahead of time, you can use these essential travel tools without a data connection.
This will guarantee that you won’t incur roaming charges for using these apps while abroad.
Phone settings to avoid roaming charges
Even if you’re planning on some solo travel, it’s likely you won’t go without the company of your phone.
Here are some tips to keep you connected, avoid unexpected charges, and keep you close to your favorite apps.
iPhone settings for international travel
This one’s for you on team Apple. When preparing your iPhone for big travel, there are certain settings you can adjust to help you manage connectivity, avoid unexpected charges, and use your phone optimally.
iPhone settings when traveling internationally:
- Data roaming: To turn off data roaming go to
Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > turn off Data Roaming
- Airplane Mode: To activate Airplane Mode go to
Settings > Airplane Mode and switch “On.” The tab will turn green when active.
- WiFi settings: To turn on WiFi go to
Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi
- App updates and downloads: To turn off Automatic Updates go to
Settings > App Store > Automatic Downloads > switch App Updates off
You can also toggle Music off under Automatic Downloads if you want to make sure you’re not paying for an album download you didn’t know about while roaming abroad.
With these pro iPhone settings and international travel tweaks, you can minimize roaming costs, conserve battery life, and optimize your iPhone for your trip abroad!
Android phone settings for international travel
Set up your Android phone for international travel with these key steps to ensure you stay connected and avoid unnecessary charges.
Android settings when traveling internationally:
- Data roaming: To turn off data roaming go to
Settings > Network > Select your carrier > turn off Roaming
- Airplane Mode: To activate Airplane Mode go to
Settings > Network > Airplane mode
- WiFi settings: To turn on WiFi go to
Settings > WiFi or Wireless & Networks
- App updates and downloads: To turn off Automatic Updates go to
Open the Google Play Store App > Tap your profile icon, found in the top right corner > Settings > Network Preferences > Edit Options
Here you can choose to update apps using either only WiFi or mobile data.
By following these trade tricks and tips, you’ll have your Android ready to rock and roll for whatever your travels! Our aim is to help you keep costs low and connection high.
Google Pixel settings for international travel
Traveling with your Google Pixel? Here are some tips to prepare your phone for your trip.
Google Pixel settings when traveling internationally:
- Data roaming: To turn off data roaming go to
Settings > Network and Internet > Internet > Toggle Roaming “off”
- Airplane Mode: To activate Airplane Mode go to
Settings > Network and Internet > Toggle Airplane mode “on”
- WiFi settings: To turn on WiFi go to
Settings > Network & Internet > Toggle WiFi “on”
- App updates and downloads: To turn off Automatic Updates go to
Google Play Store > Go to the profile icon at the top right > Network Preferences
This is where you can choose if you want the apps to download or update over any network to update apps using only WiFi or mobile data. To avoid charges, you will want to choose only when using WiFi.
With these tips, your device is Pixel-perfect for your travels!
Consider Holafly as your worry-free option to roam
There’s no need for costly roaming fees. Stay connected through local networks while traveling internationally with an eSIM with Holafly.
With affordable data plans tailored to your adventure, Holafly sends you off with peace of mind, and unlimited data in your pocket.
Frequently asked questions
1. Will I be charged for roaming if I use WiFi?
You won’t be charged for roaming if you use WiFi while traveling. When you connect to a WiFi network your internet connection comes from a local network, not your mobile carrier’s cellular network. So you’re not using your mobile data, and most importantly, you’re not incurring excessive roaming charges.
Still, be cautious if you have roaming turned on. If your phone disconnects from WiFi it can easily switch to roaming without noticing. That’s not a fun one to find on the bill at home.
2. Is airplane mode the same as turning off data roaming?
No, they are not the same thing. Airplane mode completely disables all wireless communications, which prevents connection to any cellular networks.
While turning off mobile data stops data usage on foreign networks, but still allows calls and texts.
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Detroit native, foothills and lakes of North Carolina raised, Barcelona-based writer and creator. Sam lives and loves by the phrase: words create worlds. An international lifestyle matched with a background in psychology, business, and creative writing has allowed Sam to create content for a range of artists, entrepreneurs, and fashion and lifestyle brands across the globe. Sam's an avid water sports athlete with a passion for fashion, well-being, and adventure.
