Roaming and mobile use abroad

In short: In the EU there have been no roaming surcharges since 2017: within the EU you use phone and data at the domestic rate. Outside the EU it can become very expensive.

In more detail: The principle is called “Roam like at home”. There are fair-use limits for longer stays abroad.

In detail

• EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein: Roaming at the domestic price. Switzerland, the UK and Turkey often do not count.
• Outside the EU: Check roaming charges, book a travel package or buy a local SIM or eSIM.
• Switch off data roaming: If no package is booked, deactivate data roaming to avoid cost traps.
• Use Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi is handy but insecure; protect important data with a VPN.
• Cost limit: EU rules provide a warning at 50 euros of data charges.
• Ship and plane: On-board networks are expensive and not covered by EU roaming; use flight mode.