If you’ve ever traveled abroad, you’ve probably had that moment of panic: “Am I roaming right now, or is this an international call? And how much is this going to cost me?” You’re not alone. A few weeks ago, a tweet from Luis Garicano, responsible for the economic program of Citizens, showed an image of his latest telephone bill, from Movistar, which showed the amount of six phone calls, with a total duration of 107 minutes with 56 seconds, and whose amount amounted to 434.51 euros.

The calls, as indicated in his tweet, had been made with his Spanish line (Movistar Spain) from the Netherlands and to the United States. A quick account shows us that if there is no cost per call establishment or if it is minimal, we are talking about around four euros per minute.

Discussion that raised the tweet, there seem to be different interpretations of what is (or what should be) roaming.

First Things First: What is Roaming?

Roaming is when you use your mobile phone outside your home country but still within the coverage of your network provider (or one of its partners). In the EU, this has become so much simpler, thanks to a brilliant rule known as “Roam Like at Home.”

This EU regulation, which came into effect in 2017, means you can use your phone in any EU country as if you were still in your home country. Your calls, texts, and data usage will come out of your regular plan allowance without any extra charges. It’s a game-changer for travelers. No more scary bills for checking Google Maps in Paris or making a quick call back home while you’re in Rome.

But there are limits. Most mobile providers have a fair usage policy. If you’re permanently living in another EU country but still using a plan from back home, your provider might start charging you extra. So, “Roam Like at Home” is amazing for short trips, but it’s not a license to dodge local contracts forever.

What Are International Calls?

International calls are a whole different beast. These happen when you’re in your home country and calling someone who’s abroad. Let’s say you’re in Spain and need to call a friend in Germany. That’s an international call—even though you’re both in the EU.

Unfortunately, international calls don’t fall under the same “Roam Like at Home” rules. That means you could still face extra charges depending on your plan. However, the EU has regulated these costs to some extent. As of 2019, there’s a price cap on international calls within the EU: a maximum of €0.19 per minute and €0.06 per SMS (excluding VAT). While it’s better than the sky-high prices of the past, it’s still not free.

Why the Confusion: Roaming vs. International Calls?

The confusion often arises because we assume “EU = no extra charges,” but that’s only true for roaming. The key difference is your location:

• Roaming: You’re abroad, but your phone behaves as if you’re at home.
• International calls: You’re at home, calling someone abroad.

The trouble is, that these situations often overlap. For example, if you’re in Italy (roaming from your home country of Germany) and call someone in France, what kind of call is that? In this case, it’s a roaming call—not an international one. Your provider will treat it as if you’re still in Germany and calling France. But if you call back to Germany while roaming, it’s the same as a domestic call.

Confused yet?

It is important, very important that, therefore, we start by making a clear distinction between roaming and international calls.

Unless the operator explicitly indicates otherwise. If I have an Italian line, I am in Berlin, and make a phone call to Paris, I will have to assume the cost of an international call, just as if I made it from Spain. And, beware, of the addition that if we have contracted a special price plan for calls abroad (from Italy), it may not apply when we are roaming and, therefore, we would have to pay according to the general rate of the operator.

Such is the case, for example, of what seems to have happened to Garicano: in general there are many doubts about what is and what is not included in their rates when roaming; many think that it translates into local calls within the European space (erroneous) and that 100% of what we have contracted with our operator, in terms of costs, is maintained when we are roaming in the European Union (also wrong).

The Future of Mobile Connectivity in the EU

The EU has made remarkable progress in making communication more affordable and accessible. The “Roam Like at Home” policy has been extended until at least 2032, so travelers can breathe easy for the next decade.

There’s also ongoing discussion about harmonizing international call rates within the EU. While the current caps are helpful, they’re still a barrier for frequent callers. The hope is that one day, international calls within the EU will be as seamless as roaming.

Final Thoughts about Roaming vs. International Calls

Navigating roaming and international call charges in the EU doesn’t have to be a headache. With a little knowledge and some smart planning, you can stay connected without breaking the bank. Remember:

• Roaming in the EU? Use your phone like you’re at home.
• Making an international call? Check your plan or use a free app instead.
• Traveling outside the EU? Brace yourself for higher charges and explore alternatives.

By following these tips, you can focus on enjoying your travels or staying in touch with loved ones—without worrying about your phone bill. Safe travels, and happy calling!

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