What is Roaming?
Roaming refers to the ability to use your mobile on a different network than your usual operator when you travel abroad. This implies that your operator has agreements with networks in other countries to provide you telephone and internet services while you are outside your home country.
Countries with free roaming
Some countries and regions have established agreements free roaming, meaning you can use your mobile phone plan at no additional costs while traveling within these areas. Among them are:
-
- The 27 member countries of the European Union
- Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, which are part of the European Economic Area (EEA)
- United Kingdom, despite Brexit, has maintained free roaming agreements with EEA countries
- Switzerland, thanks to bilateral agreements with the European Union
Roaming prices in different countries
Outside of areas with free roaming agreements, prices can vary significantly by country and carrier. Some examples of international roaming rates are:
| Country | Price per MB of data | Price per call minute |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $ 5 - $ 20 | $ 1 - $ 3 |
| Canada | $ 5 - $ 15 | $ 1 - $ 2 |
| Australia | $ 10 - $ 25 | $ 2 - $ 4 |
| Japan | $ 10 - $ 30 | $ 2 - $ 5 |
It is essential to check with your operator for specific rates before traveling and consider hiring roaming packages that can offer more competitive prices.
How to activate Roaming
Activating roaming may vary depending on your device and operator, but in general, you can follow these steps:
Roaming on Android
- Swipe down from the top edge of the screen.
- Accesses Settings icon.
- Sign in Connections.
- Go to Mobile networks.
- Activate or deactivate the option data roaming as you need.
Roaming on iPhone
-
- Go to “Settings” > “Mobile data”
- Activate the “Data roaming” option
- Confirm charges and conditions with your operator
Alternatives to International Roaming
If international roaming is too expensive, there are alternatives to stay connected during your travels:
Use public WiFi
Take advantage of Free WiFi Available in hotels, cafes, airports and other public places. Be sure to take security precautions when connecting to public networks.
Purchase a local SIM card
Buy one SIM card local in your destination to access cheaper rates. This requires unlocking your device and having a phone compatible with the networks of the visited country.
International roaming can be a convenient solution, but it is crucial to be informed about the costs and available alternatives. Whether you choose to roam, take advantage of public WiFi, or purchase a local SIM card, planning ahead will allow you to stay connected without any unpleasant surprises on your bill.
I am Sebastián Vidal, a computer engineer passionate about technology and DIY. Furthermore, I am the creator of tecnobits.com, where I share tutorials to make technology more accessible and understandable for everyone.