Internet abroad: roaming, eSIM or local SIM

Reviewed regularly · 7 min read

Within the European Union the problem doesn't exist. Outside it, choosing badly can cost more than the flight. Here are the three options and when each wins.

Within the European Union

Roaming is regulated: you use your home tariff across other EU countries at no extra charge, with the same minutes and data as your plan. There's small print, such as limits on permanent use abroad, but a normal trip won't hit it. You don't need to do anything.

Outside the EU: the danger

Here roaming is charged separately and rates can be extremely high. There have been cases of bills running into hundreds of euros for usage that would be normal at home. Before leaving, check your operator's app for the rate at your destination, or simply switch off data roaming.

Option 1: your operator's bundle

Nearly all sell data bundles for abroad, by day or by gigabyte. It's the most convenient because nothing on your phone changes. It's usually also the priciest per gigabyte, but for a short trip the difference is a few euros and you skip the admin.

Option 2: eSIM

The option that has aged best. You buy the plan online before leaving, receive a code, scan it and have data on landing, while keeping your home number active for calls and messages. You need an eSIM-compatible phone, which most recent models are. It's noticeably cheaper than roaming outside Europe.

Option 3: local SIM

Buying a card in the destination country. Usually the cheapest per gigabyte and sometimes includes local calls, useful for booking restaurants or taxis. The downsides: you lose your own number while using it, and some countries require a passport and a bit of paperwork.

Which to choose

Short trip in Europe: do nothing, your tariff covers it. One or two weeks outside Europe: eSIM, the best balance of price and convenience. A month or more in one country: local SIM, where the paperwork pays off.

Tricks that still work

Download offline maps of the area before you go; that solves half of what you need. Keep screenshots of bookings and your passport on your phone. And set a data roaming limit in your phone's settings as a safety net.

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