How to Avoid Roaming Charges While Traveling
International roaming charges can turn a $50 phone bill into a $500 nightmare. This guide covers everything you need to know to avoid roaming fees: carrier settings, WiFi calling, local SIMs, and the best alternatives for staying connected abroad without bill shock.
What Are International Roaming Charges?
Roaming charges are fees your mobile carrier charges when you use your phone outside your home network, typically while traveling internationally. Your carrier pays the foreign network for access, then passes those costs to you at a significant markup.
Typical US Carrier Roaming Rates
$2.50
per minute (calls)
$0.50
per text sent
$10-20
per MB of data
Rates vary by carrier and destination. These are averages for major US carriers in popular destinations.
Important: You can be charged for roaming even if you don't actively use your phone. Background app refresh, automatic email sync, and cloud backups can consume data without your knowledge, resulting in surprise charges.
7 Steps to Avoid Roaming Charges
Follow this checklist before and during your international trip to stay connected without excessive fees.
Turn Off Cellular Data and Data Roaming (Before You Leave)
This is the most important step. Disable data roaming to prevent background apps from consuming expensive roaming data.
iPhone:
Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → Turn OFF "Data Roaming"
Android:
Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → Turn OFF "Roaming"
Enable Airplane Mode + WiFi
For maximum protection, use airplane mode with WiFi enabled. This prevents all carrier connections while allowing internet access.
Turn on Airplane Mode, then manually enable WiFi. Your phone won't connect to any cellular network but can still use WiFi for internet, messaging, and VoIP calls.
Use WiFi for All Internet Activity
Connect to WiFi at hotels, airports, cafes, and restaurants. Most accommodations offer free WiFi, and many cities have public hotspots.
Security tip: Use a VPN on public WiFi networks to protect your data. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts (banking, etc.) on unsecured networks.
Use a VoIP App for Phone Calls
Instead of using your carrier for international calls, use a WiFi calling app. VoIP services work over any internet connection and bypass carrier charges entirely.
With InternationalCall, you can call any phone number worldwide at rates starting at $0.01/minute, compared to $2-5/minute for carrier roaming.
Get a Local SIM or eSIM for Mobile Data
If you need data on-the-go (maps, rideshare apps), get a local SIM card or use an eSIM. This gives you affordable local data without roaming.
Local SIM Card
- • Buy at airport or local shop
- • Requires unlocked phone
- • Get a local phone number
- • $10-30 for 1-4 weeks of data
eSIM (Digital SIM)
- • Download before you travel
- • No physical card swap
- • Keep your home SIM active
- • Works on newer iPhones/Androids
Get a Virtual US Number (For Receiving Calls)
If people need to reach you at your US number while abroad, get a virtual US phone number. Calls forward to any device over the internet.
This lets you receive US calls without roaming. The caller dials your US number, and it rings on your phone via WiFi wherever you are in the world.
Download Offline Maps and Content Before Leaving
Reduce your data needs by downloading maps, music, shows, and travel guides while on home WiFi.
- Google Maps: Download offline maps for your destination
- Spotify/Music: Download playlists for offline listening
- Netflix: Download shows for the flight
- Translation apps: Download language packs
Roaming vs. Alternatives: Real Cost Comparison
See how much you can save by avoiding carrier roaming and using alternatives instead.
| Scenario | Carrier Roaming | VoIP + WiFi | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-minute call to family | $75.00 | $0.60 | 99% |
| 10 texts sent/received | $5.00 | Free* | 100% |
| 100 MB data (email, maps) | $200.00 | Free** | 100% |
| 1-week trip total | $300+ | $5-20 | 95%+ |
*Using iMessage/WhatsApp over WiFi. **Using hotel/cafe WiFi. VoIP rates based on InternationalCall average ($0.02/min). Roaming rates based on major US carrier international rates.
What About Carrier International Plans?
Most US carriers offer international day passes or travel plans. These reduce costs compared to pay-per-use roaming, but they're still more expensive than alternatives.
AT&T International Day Pass
$12/day
- • Uses your home plan data
- • Unlimited talk & text
- • Only charged on days you use
1 week = $84 (if used daily)
Verizon TravelPass
$10-14/day
- • Uses your home plan
- • 185+ countries covered
- • Auto-charged when you use phone
1 week = $70-98 (if used daily)
WiFi + VoIP (Best Value)
$0-5/week
- • Free hotel/cafe WiFi
- • Pay-as-you-go calls
- • No daily fees
Save $70-90+ per week
Carrier day passes make sense if you need constant cellular connectivity. For most travelers who have WiFi access at their hotel, the VoIP approach is significantly cheaper.
Roaming Charges FAQ
Common questions about international roaming and how to avoid fees.
What are roaming charges?
Roaming charges are fees your mobile carrier charges when you use your phone outside your home network, typically while traveling internationally. These include charges for calls, texts, and data usage at rates significantly higher than domestic rates. Expect $1-5 per minute for calls and $10-20 per megabyte for data.
How do I turn off roaming on my phone?
iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → turn off "Data Roaming"
Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → turn off "Roaming"
This prevents data charges but you can still receive calls (which may incur charges). For complete protection, use airplane mode with WiFi enabled.
Can I use WiFi calling to avoid roaming charges?
Yes. WiFi calling through VoIP apps like InternationalCall works anywhere you have internet access. You can call any phone number worldwide at low rates ($0.01-0.10/min) without using your carrier or incurring roaming fees. Learn more about how to call internationally.
What is the cheapest way to use your phone abroad?
The cheapest approach combines:
- Turn off data roaming on your phone
- Use hotel/cafe WiFi for internet access
- Use a VoIP app like InternationalCall for phone calls over WiFi
- If you need mobile data, get a local SIM or eSIM
This can reduce costs by 95%+ compared to carrier roaming.
Should I get a local SIM card when traveling?
A local SIM is useful if you need mobile data on-the-go (maps, rideshare apps, etc.). For calls back home, a VoIP app is usually cheaper than the local SIM's international rates.
The best combo: local SIM for data + VoIP app for international calls. eSIMs are even more convenient as you don't need to swap physical cards.
Do I get charged for receiving calls while roaming?
Yes, in most cases. When roaming internationally, you typically pay to receive calls, often at the same rate as making calls ($1-5/minute). This is one of the biggest surprises for travelers.
This is why using airplane mode + WiFi is recommended. If you need to receive calls, consider a virtual US number that forwards over WiFi.
Pre-Travel Checklist
Traveling Soon? Get Set Up Now
Don't wait until you're abroad. Create a free InternationalCall account and add $5-10 in credits before your trip. Then you're ready for pay-as-you-go international calling anywhere in the world.