How to use your phone overseas without roaming charges

What is data roaming?

Data roaming is a useful feature that lets your mobile device access the internet even when you're out of your home network's reach. When you travel abroad, your phone switches from your home network to a foreign provider's network. This keeps you connected so you can enjoy activities like web browsing, just like you would at home.

Just a heads up, though — data roaming can sometimes result in extra charges, which can vary based on where you are outside of your home network’s coverage and how much data you use. To keep things smooth and avoid surprises, it's a good idea to consult with your service provider about the specific rates before heading off on your travels.

Is data roaming free?

Data roaming isn't usually free. Each carrier has different international roaming rates, but you can generally expect to pay more when you use data outside your home country. When do roaming charges apply? These charges usually come into play when you’re traveling outside your network's boundaries and decide to browse the internet, use apps, or stream music and videos.

On the bright side, some service providers offer plans that include data roaming at no extra cost, or they might have special packages or partnerships with carriers in other countries to help reduce or even waive these fees.

Should cellular data roaming be on or off while overseas?

Data roaming can be incredibly convenient for accessing mobile data services abroad, but it can also lead to high charges and unexpected fees. If you're worried about incurring high roaming charges, it might be safer to keep it turned off unless you absolutely need it. 

Below are step-by-step instructions on how to turn off data roaming on your device.

Note: The wording of buttons and menu options may differ slightly depending on your region or device settings. Don’t worry if you see variations — just look for similar options.

How to turn off data roaming on an iPhone:

1. Go to “Settings” > “Cellular data”

2. Turn on “Cellular data,” then tap “Cellular data options.”

3. Turn off “Data roaming.”

How to turn off data roaming on an Android:

1. Go to “Settings” > “Connections.”

2. Tap “Mobile networks.”

3. Turn off “Data roaming.”

How to avoid roaming charges when traveling abroad

If you’re wondering how to avoid international phone charges when you travel, you have several options to consider:

1. Get an international roaming plan or add-on

An add-on is a neat package that usually comes with a set amount of data, minutes, and texts for one flat price. You could also choose an international roaming plan, which lets you use your usual plan abroad for a small daily fee. Just make sure to check out the details of the international roaming plan. That way, you’ll know what you can use and how much it'll cost, letting you enjoy your travels with peace of mind.

✅ Pros: The great thing about add-ons is that you pay one fixed price upfront, so it's  easy to keep your budget in check. International roaming plans are also straightforward with their daily rates — you know exactly what you're paying each day.

❌ Cons: Not all international roaming plans or add-ons work everywhere. You might find yourself in a spot where your service doesn't reach, which can be a hassle if you come unprepared.

2. Use Wi-Fi

A handy tip to avoid those annoying roaming charges is to make the most of Wi-Fi hotspots. In most cities, you’ll find plenty of places like hotels, cafes, and public spots that offer free Wi-Fi. Just hop on a network and browse all you want without worrying about extra fees. 

✅ Pros: Wi-Fi hotspots are generally free and easy to find in most urban areas.

❌ Cons: You have to stay within the Wi-Fi zone to stay connected. Also, it's hard to tell if a network is secure. Don’t forget to use a VPN (virtual private network) to improve your security and privacy when using public Wi-Fi.

3. Download maps to use offline

Downloading maps for offline use is smart if you’re wondering how to use your phone overseas without being charged. Once you’ve downloaded your maps, you can pull them up anytime without using any data. This way, you can explore new streets and spots without the stress of extra costs. 

✅ Pros: You can use offline maps anytime, anywhere, even in areas with poor or no mobile reception. This is particularly useful in remote or rural areas with limited connectivity.

❌ Cons: When you use offline maps, you won't get real-time traffic updates or automatic rerouting based on current road conditions. Also, keep in mind that downloading maps to use offline can eat up your device’s storage, especially if you’re downloading maps for big areas.

4. Buy a local SIM card

Another way to avoid roaming fees is to pick up a local SIM card. With a local SIM card, you'll get a new phone number and can enjoy data, phone calls, and texts at the same rates the locals pay. If you have an unlocked phone, just pop open the SIM tray and switch out your regular SIM for the local one. 

✅ Pros: Local SIMs are generally affordable and easy to use. 

❌ Cons: You’ll have a different phone number while using the local SIM. This can make it tricky for people back home to contact you unless you update them. Moreover, not all local SIMs offer good network coverage, especially in rural or remote areas.

5. Get an eSIM

If you’re wondering what an eSIM is, it’s an embedded SIM card that works like a physical SIM but is entirely digital. Getting an eSIM might be the easiest way to avoid roaming fees and stay connected while traveling internationally. Just purchase an eSIM package for your destination, install the eSIM on your device before travel, and you should be instantly connected to a mobile network when you arrive. If you use online apps for texting and calling, Saily is a great choice because it only provides mobile data plans.

✅ Pros: You don't need to visit a store or wait for a physical SIM card. You can buy and install your eSIM online before you set foot on a plane.

❌ Cons: Not all mobile phones support eSIMs. Moreover, some eSIM plans might be more expensive than the local SIM cards you buy at your destination.

6. Turn on airplane mode

When you turn on airplane mode, your phone’s cellular services are turned off. This prevents accidental charges from calls, texts, or data usage. You can still use Wi-Fi to connect to the internet and enable Bluetooth while keeping cellular services off.

✅ Pros: You can still use free Wi-Fi networks to get online, letting you use apps for messaging and calling without roaming fees.

❌ Cons: You'll need a Wi-Fi connection to stay online. Moreover, you might miss important calls or text messages that don’t come through your online apps.

7. Stop apps from running in the background

Many apps update automatically, send notifications, or sync data even when you aren't using them, which can quickly use up your data and lead to unexpected charges. By turning off background activity, you make sure only the apps you choose will use data. This gives you control over your usage and helps you stay within your data limits. It’s a simple way to keep your data costs down and enjoy your travels without worrying about extra charges.

✅ Pros: Only the apps you actively use will access data, putting you in charge of your usage.

❌ Cons: You might miss important updates or messages from the apps you’ve disabled. Moreover, important alerts, like those from messaging or email apps, might not immediately come through.