16 June 2025
What is data roaming?
Chloé Wadycki•
9 May 2025
•
4 min.
Data roaming, often referred to as “international roaming,” is an essential service for travelers who want to stay connected while abroad. But what exactly is data roaming, and how does it work? This article explores all aspects of data roaming, including its costs, risks, and how to manage it effectively.
What is data roaming and how does it work?
Data roaming allows your mobile device to connect to a foreign network when you travel outside your home country. This service is based on agreements between local and foreign mobile operators, known as “partner networks.”
When a user activates roaming, their phone uses the infrastructure of a foreign operator to ensure continuity of services such as calls, text messages, and Internet access. Internet roaming allows you to stay connected even in areas where your main operator is not available.
How it works:
- Search for a foreign network: Your phone automatically connects to the available partner network.
- Data transmission: Mobile data is transmitted via the foreign network, but billing is handled by your home operator.
- Billing: Roaming charges are calculated based on the rates agreed between the operators.
Roaming includes different types of services:
- Call roaming: for making or receiving calls.
- SMS roaming: for sending and receiving text messages.
- Data roaming: for browsing the internet, sending emails, and using apps such as social media.
With the evolution of technology, many international plans include special offers to reduce the cost of Internet roaming and roaming consumption.
Enable or disable data roaming on iPhone and Android
It is crucial to know how to enable or disable data roaming to avoid unexpected charges when traveling. Here’s how to manage settings on different platforms.
Settings to manage roaming on iPhone
- Enable or disable roaming:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Cellular > Options > Data Roaming.
- Enable or disable the option as needed.
- Usage alerts:
- Enable the “Usage alerts” option to avoid surprises on your bill.
- International plans:
- Check the available options directly from your carrier’s app.
- Smart connection:
- Some options allow you to switch automatically between free Wi-Fi networks and roaming to minimize costs.
Settings to manage roaming on Android
- Access settings:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile networks.
- Turn roaming on or off.
- Use less data:
- Enable data saver to reduce your mobile data usage.
- Check costs:
- Some phones provide an estimate of roaming charges directly in the settings.
- Mobile hotspots:
- Only use your phone as a mobile hotspot when necessary to avoid excessive consumption.
What are the costs of data roaming?
Data roaming costs can vary significantly depending on your carrier, destination, and the type of network abroad. Here are some things to consider:
- Roaming charges: Roaming rates often include additional costs for each month of data used. Charges may be higher in destinations outside your international plan’s coverage area.
- International plans:
- Opt for a travel plan that includes unlimited data or reduced rates.
- Check the conditions for specific destinations.
- Surprise charges:
- Charges can add up quickly if you use data-intensive apps, such as streaming.
- Partner network:
- Connecting to non-partner networks may incur additional charges.
- Free Wi-Fi:
- Use Wi-Fi hotspots to avoid roaming charges. Make sure the network is secure to protect your data.
- Adjust settings:
- Adjust your roaming settings to minimize costs, such as disabling automatic app updates.
What are the risks of using roaming abroad?
Data roaming comes with certain risks that are important to be aware of before traveling abroad.
- Excessive consumption:
- Without monitoring, mobile data usage can result in high charges.
- Enable usage alerts to monitor your usage.
- Surprise billing:
- Streaming, automatic updates, or backups can consume a lot of data.
- Security:
- Foreign networks are not always secure. Use a VPN to protect your personal data.
- Calls from abroad:
- Roaming calls may be charged at higher rates.
- No suitable plan:
- If you don’t plan your data needs in advance, you may end up paying high fees for Internet access abroad.
- Slow Internet connection:
- Some foreign networks may offer slower connections, limiting your online activities.
Conclusion
Data roaming is a valuable feature that allows you to stay connected when traveling abroad. However, it is essential to understand how it works and evaluate the options available to reduce costs and avoid risks.
To learn more about mobile connectivity solutions, check out our eSIM comparison tool. There you’ll find options to adjust your settings, choose an international plan, or explore local alternatives to use less data while roaming.
