The basic idea
Under EU rules often called roam like at home, people with a mobile contract from an EU country can use their phone in other EU countries without paying extra roaming charges for calls, texts and data, within their normal allowance. The arrangement also extends to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, which are part of the European Economic Area.
For most travellers flying between EU cities, such as from Berlin to Barcelona or from Amsterdam to Athens, this means your phone simply works as it does at home.
The fine print
Roam like at home is designed for periodic travel, not living abroad. Operators can apply a fair use policy, which may mean checking whether you spend more time at home than abroad over a few months. Some unlimited or very large data plans may have a cap on how much data can be used while roaming at no extra cost. Your provider will usually tell you about such limits in your contract or by text when you arrive.
If you have a contract from a country outside the EU, the EU rules do not apply to your plan in the same way. Check with your provider what roaming costs or packages are available.
Countries that are not covered
Switzerland and the United Kingdom are not part of the EU roaming area. Since the UK left the EU, UK operators set their own roaming terms in Europe, and EU operators may charge for roaming in the UK. Switzerland has never been covered by these rules. Some providers include these countries in their plans, while others charge extra, so check before a trip to London or Zurich.
Phones near borders can sometimes connect to a network in a neighbouring country without you noticing. If you are close to a non-EU border, it is worth choosing your network manually.
Planes and ships
Mobile connectivity on aircraft and ships often uses satellite or special networks that are not covered by EU roaming rules, and charges can be high. Keep your phone in flight mode on board unless you are using the Wi-Fi offered by the carrier and are happy with its pricing. Download films, music and maps before you leave so you have entertainment without a signal.
Good to know
- Check whether your plan has a data cap when roaming in the EU.
- Look up your provider's terms for the UK and Switzerland separately.
- Keep your phone in flight mode on planes and ferries to avoid surprise charges.