A Eurobarometer survey found that while six out of ten respondents were aware roaming charges ended on 15 June 2017, 53% continued to limit their phone use by switching off data roaming, for example. Awareness of the changes has also declined 9 percentage points across the EU since 2017, the report said. Find out more about phone use abroad and some solutions below.

“Respondents in each country except Luxembourg are now less likely to be aware than they were in 2017 that roaming changes have ceased, with the largest declines seen amongst those in Romania (-15 pp), Denmark (-14 pp) and Croatia, Lithuania and Italy (all -12 pp),” the report read.

READ MORE: What is roaming and what isn’t?

Survey respondents in Luxembourg showed the greatest awareness of the change, with almost nine out of ten aware they would pay the same fees for mobile phone use in another EU country as they would at home. This is perhaps more related to the fact that Luxembourg residents travel abroad frequently, because of the country’s size, international demography and cross-border workforce. Indeed the report found that awareness was highest among those who travelled within the EU over the past 12 months.

READ MORE: Roaming without pressure. Worldwide.

Luxembourg respondents were also among those countries whose residents would buy a sim card for the EU country they visited with one in ten respondents saying they did this. The groups of people most likely to be aware of the end of roaming charges were men, respondents with high levels of education, employees and the self-employed.

The survey was conducted by phone in May 2018 with over 26,000 people, of which 503 were in Luxembourg.

Using your phone abroad can offer seamless connectivity but requires attention to avoid high roaming charges or connectivity issues. Here are the main options for staying connected:

1. International Roaming Plans

• Many carriers offer international roaming packages that provide calls, texts, and data abroad for a fixed fee. Some are daily, while others cover multiple countries in one package.
• Check if your carrier offers data-only roaming, often cheaper and suitable for messaging apps.
• Roaming restrictions vary by country, so verify the specific coverage to avoid unexpected charges.

2. eSIM and International SIM Cards

• eSIMs offer a great solution for travelers, letting you buy data plans for your destination online without changing physical SIM cards. eSIMs are compatible with many modern smartphones and allow multi-country coverage.
• If your phone supports dual-SIM functionality, you can keep your home SIM active for emergency calls while using the eSIM for data.
• International SIM cards, like the Digicel Cuba Roaming SIM card, are tailored for specific destinations but can have usage limits and might need activation before travel.

3. Local SIM Cards

• Buying a local SIM card upon arrival is another cost-effective option. Local carriers often have affordable plans with extensive data allowances, especially in popular tourist regions.
• Make sure your phone is unlocked for international SIMs, or it may not be compatible with local networks.

4. Wi-Fi and VoIP Services

• For lower data needs, using Wi-Fi hotspots in hotels, cafes, and airports is a simple way to stay connected.
• VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Viber, or Skype are helpful for calls and messages over Wi-Fi, bypassing cellular networks.

5. Avoiding Data Overages

• Use tools like data-tracking apps to monitor usage, especially if roaming charges apply. Some eSIM providers also offer data usage alerts.
• Adjust phone settings, like turning off background app refresh and disabling auto-updates.

Planning with the right roaming option, especially through solutions like eSIM, can keep you connected smoothly and affordably during your travels.