What is Data Roaming?
When you are abroad and using the internet, your operator relies on the local mobile networks to provide you with the service. This operation can lead to quite high costs, with each megabyte of connection potentially costing you more than €1!
In this article, we will explain how to manage or avoid the cost of data roaming and, if you’re a European citizen, we’ll explain the advantages and disadvantages of using your current data plan in European Union countries.
How Does Roaming Work?
This service allows you to connect to a foreign network with which your operator has established collaboration agreements when you leave your country. While this agreement allows you to continue browsing, roaming costs are often very high. Some operators include a small amount of GB to use abroad without additional charges, but it’s usually just a few GB, which rarely cover today’s connection needs.
How Much Do Roaming Rates Cost?
Rates vary depending on the destination country and the operator. They apply to both phone calls and mobile data usage. In the case of data, the costs can be very high. Simple activities like watching videos on social media or using WhatsApp can quickly consume a lot of GB, leaving you without connection or consuming all of your credit.
What Happens When I Activate Data Roaming?
We recommend manually activating data roaming so you can always keep track of your usage. Simply crossing a border between two countries can result in much higher roaming charges.
As long as you don’t disable international data roaming, you will continue consuming mobile data. Also, if you haven’t followed our tips for saving data while traveling, you could end up with an unexpectedly high bill!
Is Data Roaming Slower Than Local Data?
In general, data roaming tends to be slower than local data because your data must pass through your national operator’s infrastructure before going through the foreign operator’s network. Obviously, by using an eSIM, you avoid this extra step, and the connection speed won’t be affected.
Throttling Policies and Browsing Speed
Most operators apply throttling policies that intentionally reduce data speeds after a certain usage limit is reached. This applies to both local data and roaming, but it’s more common for international roaming. If you exceed a certain data threshold, the network operator may reduce your browsing speed. Speed reduction may also apply in some geographic areas or during traffic peaks.
Data Roaming Inside and Outside the EU
There are differences between roaming rates inside and outside the European Union.
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Outside the EU: As we’ve seen, roaming can become quite expensive depending on your operator’s rates and the destination country.
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Inside the EU: The “Roam Like at Home” initiative allows you to use your national plan without additional charges for calls, SMS, and data. However, limitations apply to the amount of data you can use without additional charges. Once this is exhausted, extra roaming costs will apply.
So, the “roaming-free in Europe” myth is not entirely true. Check how many GB your operator offers once you arrive abroad (they usually notify you via SMS), monitor your consumption, and consider activating an eSIM to avoid running out of data… and money!
Some non-EU countries also participate in the initiative, such as Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, but watch out for various restrictions!
It’s not just about a maximum limit of GB included in the offer, but also a fair usage policy to prevent abuse.
How Can I Avoid Roaming Costs?
You have several options to avoid high roaming costs abroad:
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Disable Data Roaming: If you disable roaming before you leave, you’ll avoid connecting unintentionally. However, if you choose to activate it later, you’ll have to bear the high rates set by your operator.
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Consult Your Operator: Many operators offer roaming packages for your trips, with fixed rates. Check for any offers before you depart.
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Local SIM: You can choose to purchase a local SIM card when you arrive at your destination. Many airports have dedicated stands, or you can look for local phone stores. The downsides? You may end up paying for more data than you need, and you’ll have to wait in long lines. Also, with a local SIM, you’ll have to change your phone number.
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Use Wi-Fi: You can take advantage of free Wi-Fi networks at restaurants, hotels, and public places to reduce your data usage. However, be careful: using public networks can be risky, and you shouldn’t share sensitive data when connected to an unfamiliar Wi-Fi network.
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International eSIM: With virtual SIMs, you can connect directly to local networks without using your operator as an intermediary and buy the data package that best suits your needs, choosing the amount of GB and duration. Check all destinations on our website.
Avoid Roaming Costs with an eSIM
eSIMs, or electronic/virtual SIMs, are the most cost-effective alternative to traditional data roaming.
This modern technology allows you to avoid the high costs of data roaming. You no longer need to buy a physical SIM for each country you visit, but can simply activate a local data plan on your smartphone without replacing your physical SIM and keep your phone number with the eSIMs from www.esim.sm.
How Do eSIMs Work?
These virtual SIMs are integrated into your smartphone and allow you to download and activate data plans from local operators worldwide.
To install an eSIM from www.esim.sm on your smartphone, simply scan the QR code you receive via email after purchase or follow the manual procedure you also receive via email. Once the eSIM is installed on your phone, you can activate it upon arrival at your destination to immediately access the internet.
Advantages of an eSIM
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No roaming costs: You no longer have to rely on your traditional operator’s network, so you won’t have to pay the high roaming rates.
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Flexibility: At www.esim.sm, there are numerous plans to choose from, so you can select only the amount of GB that best suits your needs without paying more than necessary!
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Keep your number: You won’t have to change your SIM card, so you can keep your number active and use it for calls and WhatsApp video calls.
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Wide coverage: eSIM.sm offers data plans for over 190 countries and a Global Plan that covers 150 countries with a single eSIM.
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Ease of use: Activating an eSIM takes less than a minute. The process is completely online, avoiding long lines and guaranteeing you immediate internet access as soon as you arrive at your destination!
In summary, with an eSIM, you avoid roaming costs, enjoy the best rates on the market, and have access to fast and reliable connections almost anywhere in the world!
