The EU’s ‘Roam Like at Home’ rules ensure that you don’t have to pay high roaming prices while travelling in the EU. phone bill abroad

However, a survey by iReach Insights found that four out of 10 people incorrectly believed that the EU regulations applied to phone use all over Europe or anywhere overseas.

EU roaming rules state that phone users will be charged for calls, texts and data use while travelling to other countries in the EU as they are in their home countries.

However, these rules do not apply to countries outside of the EU, which also includes countries in Europe.

A majority of people surveyed said that they had had to pay €200 for their phone bills after a holiday.

One in seven had to pay between €200 and €500, and a minority had to pay between €550 and €700.

Most of the respondents said that they did not know about EU roaming rules. phone bill abroad

Eoin Clarke, managing director of Switcher.ie, said: “A quick call to your network can help you to make informed choices about your mobile use while you’re away and avoid a nasty post-holiday bill.

“However, if you’re a heavy data user, you’ll need to be careful about how you use your data in the EU to avoid excess charges – try downloading content over wifi, rather than streaming, and turn off automatic updates for apps.” 

Roaming costs phone bill abroad

Roaming costs can add up quickly, especially if you use your phone regularly for data usage, calls, or text messages. Some mobile service providers offer international roaming plans that can save you money, but it’s important to compare these plans with the cost of buying a local sim card or using Wi-Fi when available.

It’s also advisable to check with your mobile service provider to understand their roaming policies and fees before traveling abroad, as different providers have different charges and policies. Additionally, be mindful of the data usage while roaming, as accessing the internet, streaming videos, and downloading large files can rapidly consume data and lead to high charges.

In summary, to avoid unexpected phone bill charges while traveling abroad, it’s recommended to either buy a local sim card, use Wi-Fi when available, or opt for a cost-effective international roaming plan from your mobile service provider. Or get BNESIM, the best international SIM card which can be daily, monthly or even with no expiration and be roaming worry free!