Data roaming is a convenient way to get connected when you are travelling out of your network coverage area. Your device accesses different networks and connects with the one that supports it. However, the key limitation of data roaming is high bill shocks. It incurs high charges if not appropriately managed. What is it, why does it cost high and what are the alternatives you can use for international roaming?
In this article, I will go through the details of what cellular data roaming is, its pros and cons, and how you can activate it on your device.
What is international data roaming?
When you move out of your network coverage area, international roaming allows your devices to access the data connection.
For example, if you are on a trip to Turkey for 4 days, your device will connect to the Turkish provider to use the cellular data. The whole procedure is called data roaming. The estimated charges for one minute of data roaming range from $1 to $3, which may vary according to your location.
What does data roaming do?
When your device connects to a foreign network provider, it helps to get an instant cellular data connection. Users are charged for the data they use during their trip. Data roaming features are found in most latest smartphones that automatically connect the device to a network during your travel. While using data roaming, you must be conscious of the data usage to avoid exceeding the data limit.
Why does international roaming cost high?
Most users are confused about why roaming allows our devices to use cellular data even if they are not direct clients of the foreign providers, and why it costs so high. Roaming is not simple; there is a complete managed setup to give your devices an internet connection.
Your local network carriers have an agreement with the foreign providers to allow the travellers and visitors to access the internet. Based on the agreement, the foreign carrier analyses your data usage and sends it to the local carrier. Then charge for roaming according to cellular data usage.
How much does cellular data roaming cost?
The most frequently travelers question about how much roaming costs. It is not specific for each person. It varies based on the carrier and the destination you are visiting. Usually, per MB costs $0.20, but it may be different if you are travelling a long distance from your home country.
Pros and Cons of Data Roaming
International roaming is a convenient option to get connected during an international journey. But before using it, you must consider its pros and cons to make an informed decision.
Pros of Roaming
- Offer Internet Connection: During international travel, roaming allows your devices to access a flexible internet connection.
- Convenience: Roaming makes it possible for users to browse the internet, check emails, and send and receive messages.
Cons of Roaming
- High Charges: The major drawback of international roaming is high charges. You should be aware that if you exceed the data limit, you will have to face high roaming bills.
- Security Issues: Outside your network area, connection to an unknown network leads to significant security issues.
- Unwanted Usage: You should manage the data usage and monitor the roaming settings during travel. If you unconsciously exceed the data limit, roaming charges may be a burden to your travel budget.
How to turn on and off data roaming on your device?
You should keep data roaming off when you don’t require a data connection. It helps to control your data roaming charges. You can turn it on from your device settings when required connection. Go through the following steps on your devices to turn roaming off and on.
For iPhone Devices:
- Open your iPhone Settings.
- Move to Cellular or the Mobile Data option.
- Click on Cellular Data or Mobile Data.
- Data Roaming will be shown in this section, toggle to turn it on or off.
For Android Devices:
- Open the Settings of your device.
- Navigate to Network and & Internet.
- Click to Mobile Network
- Data Roaming will be shown in this section, toggle to turn it on or off.
You can follow the settings according to your device’s model.
Alternatives to Data Roaming
The major drawback of data roaming is its high cost, which prevents most travellers from using it. There are several alternatives to data roaming, like eSIM cards, pocket WiFi, and local SIM cards.
eSIM Card
An eSIM card is a revolutionary technology that is an affordable and convenient solution to cellular data connections. Compared to roaming, eSIM allows users to use multiple networks on a single device. You need to buy the eSIM plan to activate eSIM in your mobile phone. Carriers like Defy Mobile offer eSIM plans for 200+ destinations. The data plans include the limited and unlimited plans according to the travellers' requirements.
You can remotely purchase and activate an eSIM on Android and iPhone without visiting a physical SIM card store. The activation steps are straightforward; you just scan the QR code or manually enter the activation details in your device settings to activate your eSIM. The best surprise for users is that you can enjoy instant connection with zero roaming charges. You can also share the internet connection with other devices like smartphones, laptops, and iPads.
Portable WiFi
Portable WiFi is another alternative to an internet connection for international travel. It is the best solution to access the internet connections remote areas where it is hard to get connected. But, like roaming, pocket WiFi is pretty expensive. You may need to buy the WiFi device and a data plan.
Local SIM Cards
Local SIM cards offer internet connection, but the connection is not as stable as eSIM and physical SIM cards. They offer cheap internet, but the connection is not stable, and you may face weak signal issues throughout your travel.
Conclusion
International roaming is the procedure to access the data connection when you are out of your network coverage. Your local carrier agreement with the foreign networks to provide the visitors' data connection, and then users are charged according to their data usage. Roaming is the best option to access a data connection. But if you exceed your data limit, keep yourself ready to face the high bill shock. The best alternative to international roaming is an eSIM card, a local SIM, and portable WiFi. eSIM offers flexible and convenient internet to get a connection throughout your travel. But eSIM only works for you if your device supports eSIM technology.
FAQs
How do I know if my device is roaming?
Devices show a visual indication when you are using data roaming. Each device has its specifications, hence you should also keep an eye on your device roaming.
What's the difference between mobile data and data roaming?
Data roaming and mobile data are both related to an internet connection. When you use social media apps and maps, mobile data is used to operate these. While data roaming is the internet service users use when moving out of their network coverage area.
