If you’re concerned about data roaming costs in international countries, this guide is gonna help you save on that with tips and tricks. Usually, data roaming costs from $1 to $5 per mb which means even if you check your email, it’ll cost you $5 and watching a video might cost you $100 and more. That’s when it can eat up all of your budget and to protect you from it, you must keep reading.
What Is Data Roaming And Why Is It So Expensive?
Data roaming is the internet you use in a foreign country through your home network. Your home network lets you use the internet from towers in foreign countries. It is expensive due to your home network paying those foreign carrier services to let you use the internet and also cover their own profits through the fees.
What If You Don’t Turn Off Data Roaming?
Data Roaming is a function in your phone that if you turn on and are in a foreign country then your phone will start to automatically connect to foreign networks and your phone’s background apps will start to update along with the MBs spent in notification which will result in $2000 to $5000 bill when you return home. Many travellers suffer from this shock every year.
How To Avoid Serious Data Roaming Costs?
Before traveling, you must turn off any background app updates in your phones. They are starving to eat up your data of up to 500 mb each and can be seriously costly when you’re on a limited data package or don’t have a package at all. Turn off automatic photo backup in cloud storage apps and also turn off automatic email sync.
Affordable Alternatives To Data Roaming
eSim:
eSim or embedded sim is the virtual sim network that you use on your phone without inserting the traditional physical sim, it works through a chip embedded in the motherboard of a phone and gives you the freedom to change mobile networks and packages.
Networks like Breeze eSim let you enable their network on your mobile phone and then you can buy their extremely affordable packages to use the internet in any country with freedom. They have Unlimited packages and limited data packages so you pay only for how much you’ll use with no extra charge. The latest 10% Breeze Esim discount code will let you cut 10% on any package so you can save a lot.
International SIM Cards and Local Carrier Options:
International SIM cards are small chips that give your phone local phone numbers and data plans in foreign countries which makes it an affordable alternative to data roaming. They replace your home SIM card and connect you to local networks at local prices.
How much can you save with local SIM cards versus roaming?
Local SIM cards can save 80-95% compared to roaming. A plan that costs $200 with roaming might cost $10-20 with a local SIM. Savings are biggest for heavy data users. However, eSims packages like Breeze eSim are still an easy and more affordable alternative option then local sim cards and data roaming and you can use their coupon code to save 10% on Breeze eSim packages.
Where can you buy international SIM cards before traveling?
You can buy local sim through online stores like Amazon, eBay, and specialized travel SIM retailers that usually come with a free 30 day package. Some electronics stores also carry international SIMs that you can buy after reaching your destination. Airport shops sell SIM cards but at higher prices, you should buy online for better deals.
What are the best international SIM card providers?
OneSimCard, WorldSIM, and KnowRoaming offer multi-country coverage and three HI offers good European coverage. Orange Holiday gives excellent European Union coverage.
What documents do you need to buy a SIM card abroad?
Most countries require a passport for SIM card registration. Some countries also require a local address or hotel booking. Although EU countries have easier requirements.
Free Alternative To Data Roaming:
If you are on a budget and cannot afford data roaming or on a limited plan on eSim, public and FREE Wifi is another great and completely free way to save your data and use as much as the internet you want for free.
Where can you find FREE wifi?
Many cities offer free WiFi in parks, squares, and tourist areas. Libraries almost always have free WiFi. Government buildings, museums, and cultural centers often provide free access. Alternatively, you can use WiFi Map to show premium network passwords shared by users. Some apps offer free trials of premium networks.
Free Wifi offered by fast food chains:
If you find a McDonald’s restaurant in your destination then it gives free WiFi worldwide and it’s usually unlimited. Starbucks also offers free Wifi. KFC gives free WiFi as well in most locations. Subway’s free WiFi on the other hand varies by location. Is public Wifi safe or risky?
Is FREE wifi safe or risky?
Many free WIFI use encryption but it can be very risky because hackers can easily intercept your data so it’s recommended you do not use any financial apps and use a reliable and premium VPN to protect your phone and privacy.
How do you verify if a WiFi network is legitimate?
Ask staff for the exact network name and password and be suspicious of networks with generic names like “Free WiFi” or “Public WiFi.” Check that the network name matches the business name.
Wrap Up:
Data roaming is always expensive and isn’t even a wise option for travelling. You can consider either eSim especially if you’re going on short trips but for longer trips, you can also consider local sim cards of the country you’re travelling to. But be sure to turn off background app updates, data roaming and research for best phone settings before travelling so you won’t face any surprise phone bills.
