Outbound roaming refers to the ability of a mobile subscriber to use their home network’s SIM card while traveling outside their home country. It allows travelers to make calls, send texts, and use mobile data on foreign networks through agreements between their home network provider and international operators. As international travel rebounds post-pandemic, outbound roaming is set to experience significant growth. With millions of travelers seeking seamless connectivity abroad, mobile operators must adapt to evolving consumer preferences and competitive disruptions from travel eSIMs.

When a traveler leaves their home country, their phone automatically connects to a partner network in the destination country. The home operator then charges the user for using these services abroad, typically at higher rates than domestic usage.

According to Juniper Research, the top five outbound roaming markets in 2025, based on the average monthly number of outbound roamers, are:

1. China – 12.4 million
2. United States – 11 million
3. United Kingdom – 8.4 million
4. France – 7.8 million
5. Germanyhttps://alertify.eu/telecom-services/roaming-as-a-service-alertify/travel-to-europe/travel-to-germany/ – 7.1 million

These markets are witnessing a surge in demand for cost-effective roaming solutions, particularly eSIM technology, which offers greater flexibility and affordability compared to traditional roaming plans.

Outbound Roaming Market Breakdown

United States: Roaming Growth Driven by North America Travel

The US remains a major outbound roaming hub, largely due to strong travel links with Canada and Mexico. Many US carriers, including T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Ultra Mobile, offer free or low-cost roaming within North America, reducing concerns over high roaming fees.

However, the increasing adoption of eSIM-only devices, such as the iPhone 14 and 15, is shifting consumer behavior. More travelers are turning to third-party eSIM providers, challenging traditional operator revenues. To remain competitive, Verizon and AT&T must expand their travel eSIM services, integrating them into existing mobile apps for a seamless user experience.

United Kingdom: Brexit-Driven Roaming Shifts

The UK’s outbound roaming market has grown significantly, with 8.5 million outbound roamers expected in 2025, up from 2 million in 2020. However, Brexit has reshaped the roaming landscape, with UK carriers reintroducing charges for EU travel:

• O2 still offers free roaming in Europe (up to 25GB).
• Vodafone, EE, and Three now charge £2–£2.47 per day for EU roaming.

This shift has led to a surge in travel eSIM adoption, projected to grow from 5.4 million in 2025 to 26.3 million in 2028. UK operators must now focus on offering competitive eSIM plans for key destinations like France and Spain, where most outbound roamers travel.

China: Post-Pandemic Recovery Fuels Roaming Growth

China’s outbound roaming market is recovering after prolonged COVID-19 travel restrictions, with outbound travel expected to surpass pre-2019 levels by 2026. Key travel corridors include Hong Kong, Japan, and Southeast Asia, though economic challenges such as slower GDP growth and a property crisis may impact overall travel demand.

With high roaming fees discouraging traditional roaming use, Chinese travelers are increasingly turning to affordable eSIM solutions. Travel eSIM adoption is forecasted to rise from 4.7 million users in 2025 to 9.9 million in 2028. To compete, Chinese operators must develop localized travel eSIM offerings targeting key outbound destinations.

France and Germany: European Connectivity and Roaming Strategies

France and Germany rank among the top intra-European roaming markets, with many travelers benefiting from EU-wide roaming agreements. However, demand for travel eSIMs is increasing due to flexible pricing and better data packages compared to standard roaming rates.

Both French and German operators need to optimize their international roaming plans, especially for business travelers who frequently move across European borders.

The Future of Outbound Roaming: Key Takeaways

• China, the US, and the UK will dominate outbound roaming in 2025.
• Brexit-driven changes are increasing roaming costs for UK travelers, boosting eSIM demand.
• eSIM adoption is growing rapidly as consumers seek cost-effective, flexible connectivity options.
• Mobile operators must expand travel eSIM offerings to compete with third-party providers.

With traditional roaming revenues at risk, operators must adapt their strategies by integrating intelligent roaming solutions and travel eSIMs, ensuring they remain competitive in an evolving connectivity landscape.