Use Your Phone Overseas Without Roaming Charges: Here’s How

Travelling abroad opens up a world of adventure, and knowing how to use your phone overseas without roaming charges is essential for a smooth, budget-friendly trip. The thrill of discovering new destinations can quickly fade when unexpected international fees start piling up.

The good news? You don’t have to choose between staying connected and saving money. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find proven strategies and practical solutions to keep your phone working seamlessly while avoiding costly roaming bills. Whether you’re backpacking through Europe, exploring Southeast Asia, or heading to Tokyo for business, these tips will help you stay connected affordably and confidently every step of the way.

How to Avoid International Roaming Charges Abroad

When you’re getting ready to travel, a common issue will be avoiding roaming charges.

Roaming fees are cellular data fees incurred when you use your mobile phone internationally. This typically means using your phone or device outside of your mobile network’s standard coverage area. International roaming charges apply to the following:

• Phone calls
• Text messages
• Cellular data usage

You can minimise your mobile data roaming expenses with any one of the following options:

• eSIMs
• Wi-Fi solutions
• Cost-saving strategies
• Pocket WiFi with a possibility to add an eSIM or SIM inside

What are Data Roaming Costs?

To elaborate, roaming happens because your phone or device has to connect to a local mobile network in the area. This happens when the phone can’t connect to your regular network. The phone will then connect to a new mobile carrier, usually one with the strongest signal.

Mobile data roaming costs can be costly because you are simply a guest on the new network. Your home mobile provider is charged with the cost, which is then passed on to you at a higher rate.

Mobile Data Roaming Costs Comparison

*Price is calculated in MB regarding price per 1 GB ($4.86/GB for USA; $4.49/GB for India; $3.50/GB for Europe; $10.88/Gb for Africa; $13.57/GB for Balkans) and depends on the amount of days, chosen plan, and duration.

Some countries, such as the UK, used to offer surcharge-free roaming across the European Economic Area (EEA) based on EU regulations. Users should be aware that this UK allowance (excluding Northern Ireland) ended after Brexit, meaning that travellers will now have to invest in eSIMs if they want to avoid daily add-on data roaming fees.

How to Avoid Data Roaming Charges on a Cruise

Data roaming fees don’t only apply when you’re using your phone overseas or travelling abroad. It can also apply to a stay on a cruise ship. This generally happens because cruise ships use satellite communication and mobile networks to enable guests to send text messages, receive calls, and access the internet. Fortunately, there are a few solutions that will make it easier for you to stay connected and avoid roaming expenses while visiting many popular destinations. One of them is simply purchasing an eSIM with a suitable data plan for your cruise route.

How eSIMs Avoid Roaming Charges

One of the more effective ways to use your tablet or phone and save data charges when you’re travelling abroad is to use an eSIM. Using an eSIM in your mobile phone enables you to access local data rates without needing to swap a physical SIM. There are also no high international roaming rates. Benefits of opting for an eSIM include:

1. Easily switch between mobile plans.
2. No need for a physical SIM, which can be stolen, lost, or damaged.
3. Instant activation.

To purchase an eSIM, simply order one from your current network. You will then be sent a QR code or activation link. Access your Android or iPhone settings app and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the activation.

Popular eSIM providers include some options, but Esimatic stands out as the top choice for international travellers. With Esimatic, users benefit from a wide range of flexible eSIM plans covering more than 200 countries, offering reliable service and competitive pricing, ready to meet different travel needs.

Other providers like Verizon, T-Mobile, Cricket, and Xfinity offer roaming options too, but with higher costs or limited coverage. Overall, Esimatic’s combination of wide range coverage, affordability, and user-friendly plans makes it the top choice eSIM provider for travellers worldwide.

Using Free Wi-Fi Abroad

Using free Wi-Fi abroad is one of the simplest ways to make calls, use your phone, and avoid data charges. First-time travellers should look for free and secure Wi-Fi in the following places:

• Libraries
• Airports
• Hotels
• Schools
• Restaurants

There are several pros and cons associated with relying on public Wi-Fi networks. These include the following:

Using Wi-Fi abroad also involves using a VPN for secure phone usage. Here’s what you should do:

1. Always subscribe to a reputable VPN.
2. Download and install the VPN app on your device.
3. Connect to the internet and choose the relevant server.

Local SIM Cards vs. eSIMs for Travel to Avoid Roaming Fees

Not sure whether to choose a local SIM card or an eSIM for your next trip? Our comparison table breaks down the key differences to help you decide which option best suits your travel needs, based on cost, convenience, and availability.

*Price depends on location, data plan, chosen amount of GB, and duration.

Using Messaging Apps Instead of Cellular Calls to Avoid Data Charges

Another effective way to stay connected is to use messaging apps instead of cellular calls. While these still incur costs, they are considerably more affordable than regular calls. Common messaging apps travellers use most frequently include:

• WhatsApp
• Telegram
• Facebook Messenger and other social media apps

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) allows you to make voice calls using a mobile broadband internet connection, analogous to a regular phone line. For the most part, VoIP is cheaper than roaming costs.

Best Data-Saving Tips for International Travel

There are a few data-saving tips that you can implement to make using your phone abroad more affordable. These typically include the following:

1. Reduce data usage with offline maps. Google Maps can easily be used offline by downloading maps of specific areas before entering a roaming space.
2. Pre-download any content you may need, such as hotel information.
3. Use Wi-Fi calling and smart mobile strategies.
4. Pause automatic downloads and don’t auto-update apps to avoid using unnecessary data.
5. Adjust mobile settings to minimise background data consumption.

Stay Connected Abroad Without Breaking the Bank

Avoiding roaming fees while travelling is easier than you think. From free Wi-Fi to local SIM cards, there are smart ways to stay online. For the most convenient option, try an eSIM from Esimatic. With affordable plans in over 200 countries, Esimatic lets you access local data without swapping SIMs or facing hidden charges. Stay connected, navigate easily, and share your journey—without the high costs.