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What is data roaming?

Avoid Roaming Charges with a Roamify eSIM

Michael Peftiev avatar
Written by Michael Peftiev
Updated over 8 months ago

📌 Tired of roaming fees? Try an eSIM for travel!

With Roamify eSIM, you can:
✅ Instantly activate a local data plan in 200+ countries.
Avoid expensive roaming fees by using local rates.
Stay connected without swapping SIM cards.

🔗 Explore Roamify eSIM plans at [www.getroamify.com]

📌 Why is this important?
Roaming charges can be extremely expensive, with some travelers unknowingly receiving bills of thousands of euros. Understanding how roaming works and how to control data usage can help you avoid unexpected costs while traveling.


What is Data Roaming?

📌 Definition:
Data roaming occurs when your phone connects to a foreign network outside your provider’s coverage area. This happens when traveling abroad, and your mobile provider charges extra fees for using another network’s data services.

🔹 Why is it expensive?
Your provider pays the foreign carrier for the data you use, and these costs are passed on to you as roaming fees.


How Much Do Data Roaming Charges Cost?

📌 Roaming costs vary by country and provider, but they can be extremely high.

  • Typical charges range from €5 to €15 per MB.

  • Example: Watching a single TikTok video (~4MB) could cost €20 to €60.

  • 5 minutes of TikTok = €300+ in roaming fees!

📌 Tip: Always check your provider’s roaming rates before traveling to avoid surprises.


Pros & Cons of Data Roaming

Advantages of Data Roaming

  • Stay connected while traveling.

  • Use navigation apps, check emails, and browse the internet.

  • No need to buy a local SIM card or switch networks manually.

Disadvantages of Data Roaming

  • Extremely high costs if not monitored.

  • Charges vary by country, making it difficult to predict expenses.

  • Limited coverage in some remote areas.


How to Manage Data Roaming on Your Device

📌 Follow these tips to avoid high roaming charges:

1. Turn Off Data Roaming

  • iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Data Roaming → Turn Off

  • Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → Turn Off Roaming

2. Set Data Limits

  • Go to SettingsMobile DataSet Data Limit (available on most smartphones).

  • Get alerts when reaching a certain data usage to prevent overages.

3. Use Data-Saving Features

  • Disable background data usage for apps.

  • Enable low data mode in settings.

4. Monitor Data Usage

  • Track data usage in Settings or through your provider’s app.

  • Check how much mobile data each app is using to identify data-heavy apps.

5. Use Wi-Fi Whenever Possible

  • Connect to Wi-Fi at hotels, cafes, and public places to avoid using cellular data.

  • Enable Wi-Fi Calling if supported by your carrier.


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