Before you start
- Your network’s roaming prices for your destination
- An unlocked phone if you’ll use a local SIM or travel eSIM
Method 1 Plan before you travel
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Step 1: Check your roaming rates
Look up your destination on your network’s website or app. Note the price of calls, texts and data, and whether a daily or weekly roaming pack is offered.
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Step 2: Compare with a travel eSIM or local SIM
For data, a travel eSIM bought online or a local SIM at your destination is often much cheaper than roaming. Your phone must be unlocked to use one.
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Step 3: Set a spending cap
Many networks let you set a roaming spend limit or block roaming charges in your account. Turn it on before you leave.
Method 2 Turn data roaming on or off on iPhone
Using a travel eSIM? Set it as your Cellular Data line, turn on Data Roaming for that eSIM only, and keep your home line on for calls and texts with its roaming off.
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Step 1: Open mobile settings
Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data).
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Step 2: Choose the line
Tap Cellular Data Options. With two SIMs, tap the line first, then its data options.
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Step 3: Set Data Roaming
Turn Data Roaming off to stop paying for data abroad, or on if you have a roaming pack.
Method 3 Turn data roaming on or off on Android
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Step 1: Google Pixel and most Android phones
Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, tap your SIM and switch Roaming on or off.
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Step 2: Samsung Galaxy
Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks and switch Data roaming on or off.
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Step 3: Choose your data SIM
With a travel eSIM, choose it for mobile data in your SIM settings (Samsung: SIM manager > Mobile data).
Method 4 Save money while you’re away
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Step 1: Use Wi-Fi calling
Turn on Wi-Fi Calling (iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Wi-Fi Calling; Android: in your call or SIM settings) to make calls over hotel Wi-Fi. Check with your network, as some still charge for calls made abroad.
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Step 2: Download maps offline
Save offline maps in Google Maps or Apple Maps before you leave.
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Step 3: Stop background data and updates
Turn off automatic app updates and photo backups over mobile data, and use WhatsApp, Signal or similar apps on Wi-Fi.
Troubleshooting
No data abroad even with a roaming pack
Make sure Data Roaming is on for that SIM and mobile data is on. Restart the phone, then try choosing a partner network manually in network selection settings.
My travel eSIM won’t connect
Turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM (most travel eSIMs need it), set it as the mobile data line, and check that its APN matches the provider’s instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay to receive calls abroad?
Outside zones like the EU, often yes. Incoming calls and voicemail can be charged when roaming, so check your network’s rates.
Will I get charged if Data Roaming is off?
Not for data. Calls and texts can still be charged, unless you turn on airplane mode.
Summary
Check your network’s roaming prices before you go, buy a roaming pack or a travel eSIM, and keep Data Roaming off on any line you don’t want to pay for. Use Wi-Fi for calls and maps where you can, and watch your usage in your network’s app.
