Using the internet on your phone at home and in other countries can differ significantly in cost if you use a regular SIM card from your carrier – whether it's T-Mobile, Orange, or Elisa. This is because, once you're outside your provider's coverage area, your phone will automatically switch to roaming, and your carrier will charge you at much higher rates. To avoid these high costs, many travelers buy local SIM cards in the country they're visiting. However, there's a more convenient and often cheaper alternative – the eSIM.
So, What is Data Roaming?
Let's break down the terminology: it's important to understand what mobile data while roaming is and how to check your usage and costs. This info applies to any mobile operator or device – we've included step-by-step instructions for both iOS and Android.
Data Roaming Meaning
Mobile data while roaming is a service from your carrier (T-mobile, Elisa, Orange, etc) that allows you to use the internet when you're outside your home network's coverage area.
How it works: your operator can't directly provide service in another country, so it connects you to partner networks abroad that have roaming agreements with your carrier. For example, Orange France may have a partnership with Turkcell or Türk Telekom, and if you travel to Turkey, your phone will connect to one of them.
Your operator will usually charge additional fees for this, and your standard domestic data rates won't apply while roaming. What can you do with data roaming:
- - Search for info online
- - Use online maps and GPS navigation
- - Send and receive messages via Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and other messaging apps
- - Stream or download videos, photos, audio files, and more.
Calls and SMS will also incur higher roaming charges, but this is outside the scope of the concept of data roaming. However, you can also save on these costs with the help of eSIM. Read our guide: "How to Call Local Numbers with Data Only eSIM" to learn more.
The difference between your home tariff and roaming tariff is usually significant – often 3 to 10+ times or more. Check the table for examples.
| Mobile operator | Overseas roaming outside the EU |
| Vodafone UK | £2.57 per day in Zone B countries and £7.86 per day in Zones C and D (e.g. Australia or Japan) |
| Elisa | €0.20 per 1 MB without special tariff plans + on average around €10-€20 per 1GB in different roaming packages (varies also by country) |
| Orange | Without plans – up to €13-€15 per 1 MB in some countries. With data plans - on average €8-€15 per 1 GB |
Disclaimer: Prices for third-party providers (e.g. Elisa) are subject to change. We do not guarantee their accuracy. Please, always verify current pricing on the official providers website.