What Is Data Roaming? (2024)

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By Tyler Abbott

Apr 16, 2024

What Is Data Roaming? (7)3 min read

Data roaming charges can add up fast, especially while traveling internationally. But what is data roaming, and can it be avoided? Roaming allows you to make calls, send texts, and use wireless data even when you're outside of your network's boundaries. The downside, of course, is that roaming data usually comes with extra charges to your account.

We'll get into how data roaming works, how it can be avoided, and how to find the best mobile traveling perks to save on your monthly phone bill.

  • How to avoid paying for data roaming
  • How to turn off data roaming

What is data roaming?

Data roaming occurs when your phone disconnects from your carrier's network and hops on another network.

For example, let's say you take a trip across the pond to London. You get off the plane, and like magic, you have signal bars to call a Lyft driver to pick you up from old Heathrow Airport. This happens because your wireless carrier has an agreement in place with a network in England to provide you with roaming service. If you have the roaming feature turned on, all of this will happen automatically.

How much does roaming cost?

What you pay for roaming charges will depend on your carrier, but plan for roaming charges to breakdown somewhat like this:

  • $0.25 per minute while talking on the phone.
  • $0.10 cents per text message.
  • $2-$5 per MB of data.

Needless to say, it is way too expensive to rely on roaming data during your, well, roaming. Seriously, no matter what carrier you use, those roaming rates will quickly add up and you might just rack up $13,000 in roaming fees without even knowing it.

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Wi-Fi is always your friend

No matter where you go, free Wi-Fi is always a thing you should use. You won't need to use any roaming data whatsoever while connected to Wi-Fi.

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How to avoid paying for roaming

Before you venture out into an area outside your coverage boundaries, make sure you know what your carrier offers for travel. You don't want to accidentally exceed your allowed data usage, especially with international roaming.

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Mexico and Canada usually don't incur roaming charges

Most cell phone providers have agreements in place to make sure you don't have to pay extra while you're still in North America.

Here's what you need to know about traveling with the four major wireless carriers.

Avoid data roaming charges with Verizon's TravelPass

Verizon's TravelPass works in more than 210 countries. It costs $5 a line for TravelPass access in Mexico and Canada and $10 for access in the other 210 countries. And good news for any customers with Verizon's unlimited phone plans, roaming in Canada and Mexica is included in your plan. The TravelPass allows you to use your normal Verizon cell phone plan abroad without incurring any extra fees.

It's just like your normal phone plan came with you on your trip. So, if you have unlimited data at home, you'll continue to have unlimited data on your trip, and man, that will come in handy.

T-Mobile's free international coverage

T-Mobile is the best wireless carrier for traveling perks. In fact, you might not need to buy a data pass at all. If you have T-Mobile's Magenta plan or above, you get 5GB of premium unlimited data and unlimited standard data and texting in over 210 countries automatically included with your plan. You'll still have to pay $0.25 per minute for making calls while roaming.

Each T-Mobile plan also comes with T-Mobile TRAVEL, which gets T-Mobile users savings on select services like hotels and car rentals when you book on T-MobileTravel.com.

T-Mobile TravelPass plans

How much is T-Mobile International Pass?

For those of you who don't have an unlimited plan with T-Mobile, you can opt for an International Pass. Here's how the pricing breaks down for the T-Mobile data passes.

  • $5 International 1 Day Pass
    • 512MB of high-speed data
    • Unlimited calling in 210+ locations
    • Smartphone mobile hotspot
  • $35 International 10-Day Pass
    • 5GB of high-speed data
    • Unlimited calling in 210+ locations
    • Smartphone Mobile Hotspot
  • $50 International 30-Day Pass
    • 15GB of data
    • Unlimited calling in 210+ locations
    • Smartphone Mobile Hotspot

AT&T International Day Pass℠

Similar to Verizon, doesn't have any built-in perks for roaming, so you'll need to buy a travel pass to avoid heavy roaming fees. The AT&T International Day Pass℠ costs you $10 per day, $5 per additional line, and comes with these perks:

  • Access to your data
  • Unlimited texts to the world
  • Unlimited calls to the U.S.
  • Unlimited calls to 210+ destinations

I actually used the AT&T day pass while traveling to Europe and it worked beautifully. I was able to use my maps app everywhere and rely on Yelp for everything I ate.

How to make sure that your roaming is turned off

You can always turn off the roaming feature on your phone to make sure your phone doesn't use any roaming data without you knowing about it.

How to turn off roaming data on your iPhone

1. Go to your Settings.

2. Tap the Cellular option.

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3. Tap Cellular Data Options.

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4. Toggle the Data Roaming option off.

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How to turn off data roaming on an Android phone

1. Tap Settings.

2. Tap Connections.

3. Tap Mobile Networks.

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4. Toggle the switch to turn Data Roaming Access off.

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Written by

Tyler Abbott

Tyler has been obsessed with watching sports as efficiently as possible since the creation of the DVR. He is always on the lookout for the best tech in TV and wireless so he can watch all the sports and still have enough time to hang out with his baby. He has written about streaming, wireless, and TV for over three years. He hopes the Lakers will eventually get better.

Read More

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What Is Data Roaming? (27)

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What Is Data Roaming? (2024)

FAQs

What exactly is data roaming? ›

Data roaming is the use of cellular data services on a mobile device outside of the coverage area of the home network. This can result in additional charges from your mobile service provider, which can vary depending on the destination and the type of data usage.

What is data roaming simple? ›

“Data roaming” is when you use data while you're located outside of the network coverage area of your carrier. With it, you can connect to another carrier's network and still access the internet, send messages, and make calls.

Can I use data roaming if I have unlimited data? ›

Is Data Roaming Free With Unlimited Data? Data roaming isn't usually free (even with the best unlimited data plans). However, certain carriers include specific roaming features in their unlimited plans. For example, some carriers may offer free data roaming when traveling to Mexico or Canada.

Should I have data roaming on or off? ›

If you're not planning to travel outside of the borders of your country, you should keep roaming data off so that you don't accidentally connect to foreign networks and incur unexpected costs. If you're traveling and you want to make sure you stay connected abroad, then you should probably turn data roaming on.

What happens if I leave data roaming on? ›

Turning data roaming on can give you access to the internet while on the move, making it easier to navigate your way around and stay in touch with loved ones. However, leaving data roaming on without caution can result in high data charges with an unexpectedly large bill when you return home.

Is data roaming free? ›

Any time you use your iPhone or Android device in an area where your carrier's network isn't available, you'll likely see additional charges on your monthly bill. While many carriers allow you to use other voice networks without penalty, that's not always the case with data roaming.

What is roaming in simple terms? ›

Roaming is a wireless telecommunication term typically used with mobile devices, such as mobile phones. It refers to a mobile phone being used outside the range of its native network and connecting to another available cell network.

Why does my data say roaming? ›

Data Roaming permits internet access over a cellular data network if you're in a region not covered by your carrier's network. Carriers might include international roaming on select data plans without additional fees.

Is data roaming the same as Wi-Fi? ›

Roaming refers to mobile usage outside one's service area, often incurring extra costs. WiFi bypasses the mobile network, offering an often cheaper, faster connection. Confusion arises due to WiFi-assisted calls & carrier hotspots. Travel tip: turn off data roaming & utilize local WiFi to avoid charges.

Is data usage and roaming the same thing? ›

This consists of data usage when you're in your carrier's network range and while you're using International Services (Domestic+International). Data roaming refers to the data you use outside your carrier's home network on another carrier's network.

Can I use data without data roaming? ›

Turning off data roaming on your phone prevents it from connecting to other cellular networks. You won't be able to browse the Internet unless you connect to a Wi-Fi network, but you'll still be able to call and text. However, extra charges will apply if your plan does not include calling and texting while travelling.

How much data can I use when roaming? ›

You can use up to 25GB of your monthly data allowance abroad. For example, if your plan includes 100GB data a month, you can use up to 25GB when you're abroad, without additional costs. If you go over this, it'll cost extra, but we'll warn you in advance.

Can you still receive calls if data roaming is off? ›

Turn off roaming.

This stops cellular data use so you won't be paying extra for a plan you don't have. You can still get calls and text with Wi-Fi, but your phone won't send or receive data on networks. iPhone: Settings > General > Cellular > Data Roaming > toggle off/white.

Will I be charged for roaming if I use Wi-Fi? ›

One way to avoid roaming charges is to rely on Wi-Fi hotspots when you travel. Most urban areas have hotels, restaurants, and public spaces that offer free Wi-Fi. You can connect to their network and call, text, and use data without incurring roaming charges.

Is data roaming a good idea? ›

In conclusion, data roaming is a useful feature for staying connected with your mobile device when you're outside your usual network area, especially while traveling. It allows you to access the internet, send texts, and make calls, even when you're in a different country or region.

What is data roaming and do I need it? ›

Data Roaming permits internet access over a mobile data network if you're in a region not covered by your service provider's network. Service providers may include international roaming on selected data plans without additional fees. Contact your carrier for details.

Is it good to allow data roaming? ›

In conclusion, data roaming is a useful feature for staying connected with your mobile device when you're outside your usual network area, especially while traveling. It allows you to access the internet, send texts, and make calls, even when you're in a different country or region.

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