June 23, 2025, 1:01 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Vacation and High Phone Bills? A Combination Many Fear–and Easily Avoidable While consumer-friendly regulations now apply within the EU, there are still tricky cost traps, especially outside Europe. Being prepared can save you real money.
The EU roaming regulation protects consumers in many countries from extra costs when using mobile phones and the internet. However, risks still exist, especially when traveling outside the EU or in border regions. It’s advisable to check your tariff in advance to avoid high mobile costs abroad.
Overview
Where Roaming in the EU Is Truly Free
Since the EU roaming regulation came into effect, mobile users in the 27 EU countries, as well as in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and some overseas territories like Martinique or La Réunion, no longer pay extra for calls, SMS, or mobile internet. The UK also remains free of additional charges for now, despite Brexit—at least with major providers like 1&1, Vodafone, O2, and Telekom.
However, countries and regions like Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, the Isle of Man, or Gibraltar are not officially covered by the regulation. Some providers still include these in their EU list. Checking the tariff details before traveling provides clarity. Switzerland and Turkey are also not covered by the EU roaming rules—an exception is Telekom postpaid customers, who can currently make calls in Switzerland under EU conditions.
Expensive Surprises Outside Europe
In non-EU countries, even short phone calls or data usage can significantly impact your bill. For example, a minute of conversation in Cuba or the Maldives can cost up to four euros, and a megabyte of data can be as much as 17 euros.
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It’s more sensible to disable data roaming and instead use Wi-Fi hotspots. However, these are not suitable for security-sensitive applications like online banking. Airplanes and ships pose another risk, as their mobile networks are also not covered by EU rules—even when traveling within Europe.
At least providers must inform travelers via SMS about the costs incurred after crossing a border or landing. It’s crucial to read this message carefully if you want to keep mobile costs low abroad.
Also interesting: What to consider when using your phone abroad – TECHBOOK.de
Voicemail and Network Switching as Invisible Cost Risks
Outside the EU, even voicemail can become expensive. The cause is often a conditional call forwarding, which is charged three times: for forwarding abroad, returning to the German voicemail, and listening. The solution: turn off voicemail before traveling—using the GSM code ##002#, which you can simply dial on your phone’s keypad.
In border regions—such as near Switzerland—the mobile phone can also unknowingly connect to a more expensive network. To be safe, disable mobile data in these zones.
Savings Potential Through Alternative SIMs and Messengers
Many providers offer so-called travel packages—bookable options specifically tailored for use outside the EU. However, local SIM cards or modern eSIM tariffs in the travel country are often significantly cheaper and easy to use.
Also interesting: What to consider when using an eSIM abroad
If you have a stable internet connection, you can also forgo traditional telephony: Messengers like Signal, WhatsApp, iMessage, or Threema allow calls and messages over Wi-Fi or mobile data—without roaming costs.
A special feature is so-called Wi-Fi calls (WiFi-Calling), which newer smartphones can use for stable calls with high sound quality in Wi-Fi networks. Caution: Even when traveling to EU countries, they sometimes count as expensive international calls. Therefore, it’s best to always disable Wi-Fi calls before traveling abroad.
Cost Airbag: Protection Mechanism with Limits
To prevent extreme costs, the so-called cost airbag applies in the EU. When 80 percent of the preset limit—usually 50 euros net—is reached, a warning is sent. If the limit is exceeded, the data connection is significantly slowed or stopped. This protection only works if consumption is recorded in real time. If not, users receive a corresponding notice via SMS upon entry.
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Conclusion on Mobile Costs Abroad
Those traveling abroad should familiarize themselves with their mobile tariff and local conditions in advance. Especially outside the EU, unexpected costs can arise if measures are not taken in time. Local SIM cards, Wi-Fi use, and disabling certain services help keep costs low.
(With material from dpa)