Roaming Abroad: What Applies in the EU and What to Watch Out for Outside Europe

What Is Roaming?

Roaming, known in Greek as περιαγωγή, is a service that allows your mobile phone to connect to another provider’s network when you are outside your home country.

This means you can continue making and receiving calls, sending SMS messages and using mobile data, even when travelling abroad.

For example, if you have a Greek mobile number and travel to Italy, your phone can connect to a partner Italian network, allowing you to continue using mobile services.

Roaming is particularly useful for holidays, business trips and travel, but it requires some attention because charges can vary significantly depending on your destination.

What Are the Roaming Rules Within the European Union?

The European Union applies the “Roam Like at Home” regulation.

This generally means that you can use your mobile phone in another EU country at rates equivalent to those included in your domestic mobile plan.

In particular, you can:

• Make calls to numbers in your home country and other EU countries, subject to your plan’s terms and conditions.
• Receive calls without additional roaming charges.
• Send SMS messages using your domestic plan allowances.
• Use mobile data from the roaming allowance available under your plan.

For example, if you have a Greek mobile contract and travel to Germany, you can generally use your mobile services without additional roaming charges.

However, this does not mean that every plan offers unlimited data abroad. Plans with unlimited GB in Greece may have a separate fair-use data limit for roaming.

Which Countries Are Covered by European Roaming?

The “Roam Like at Home” rules apply across all 27 European Union member states, as well as certain countries in the European Economic Area.

The EU countries are:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

The rules also apply in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Coverage does not automatically extend to every European country. For example, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Serbia, Albania, Turkey and North Macedonia are not generally covered by the mandatory EU roaming rules. However, some providers may offer special allowances or preferential rates for specific destinations.

What Applies to Roaming Outside the European Union?

When travelling to countries outside the European roaming framework, charges can be significantly higher.

Rates depend on the country, the local network operator and the roaming agreement with your Greek provider.

The following services may be charged separately:

• Outgoing calls.
• Incoming calls.
• SMS messages.
• Mobile data usage.
• Connection to specific mobile networks.

Mobile data requires particular attention. Even a few minutes of browsing, using map applications or allowing apps to update automatically can result in high costs.

Before travelling, ask your provider for the detailed roaming price list for your destination.

What Is the Fair Use Policy?

The Fair Use Policy is a mechanism applied to European roaming to prevent users from permanently using a mobile connection in a country other than the one where it was issued.

For example, if you have a Greek mobile plan and occasionally travel to other EU countries, you can use your services under the European roaming rules.

However, if you use your connection primarily abroad for an extended period, your provider may check whether your usage complies with the fair-use rules.

Some plans, particularly those offering unlimited data or very low monthly prices, may have a specific GB allowance for roaming.

If you exceed the permitted allowance, additional charges may apply in accordance with the applicable European rules and your provider’s terms and conditions.

How to Avoid High Roaming Charges

There are several practical steps you can take to control your mobile phone costs while travelling.

1. Check the charges before you depart

Find out the rates for calls, SMS messages and mobile data in your destination country. Do not assume that the same prices apply everywhere.

2. Turn off mobile data roaming if you do not need it

If you are travelling to a country with high roaming charges, you can disable data roaming in your phone’s settings.

3. Use Wi-Fi whenever available

You can use available Wi-Fi networks in hotels, accommodation, airports and other public places, reducing your need for mobile data.

4. Disable automatic updates

Apps, backups and operating system updates can consume significant amounts of data without you realising it.

5. Monitor your usage

Use your provider’s app or your phone’s settings to keep track of your mobile data consumption.

6. Consider a dedicated travel package

If you are travelling outside the EU, a special roaming package may be more affordable than paying per MB or per minute.

What Is a Travel eSIM and When Is It Worth It?

An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a mobile plan without inserting a physical SIM card into your device.

When travelling outside the EU, you can consider purchasing a travel eSIM that provides mobile data in a specific country or region.

Its main advantages include:

• You do not need to replace your physical SIM card.
• You can purchase a data package before departure.
• In many cases, it offers lower data costs than conventional roaming.
• You can keep your Greek number active, provided your device and settings support this.

Before purchasing a travel eSIM, check whether your phone is compatible, which countries are covered and whether the package includes internet only or also calls and SMS services.

What Should You Watch Out for on Ships and Aeroplanes?

One issue that is often overlooked is connection to satellite or maritime mobile networks.

Some ships and aircraft operate special networks that are not covered by the usual European roaming rules.

Connecting to these networks can result in particularly high charges, even when travelling between two EU countries.

To avoid unwanted charges:

• Activate aeroplane mode when necessary.
• Avoid automatically connecting to unfamiliar networks.
• Use the ship’s or aircraft’s Wi-Fi, if available.
• Check whether your phone has connected to a satellite or maritime network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the unlimited GB included in my Greek mobile contract throughout Europe?

Not necessarily. Your provider may apply a fair-use limit to roaming data, even if your domestic plan offers unlimited internet.

Will I be charged for receiving calls within the European Union?

Under “Roam Like at Home”, receiving calls in a country covered by the scheme does not incur additional roaming charges.

If I am outside the EU and someone calls me, will I be charged?

You may be charged for incoming calls, depending on the country and your roaming package.

Do I need to activate roaming before travelling?

This depends on your provider and plan. Check whether the service is already activated and whether any additional action is required.

Can I use my Greek SIM and a travel eSIM at the same time?

On compatible devices with Dual SIM functionality, you can keep two mobile lines active. For example, you can use your Greek SIM for calls and SMS and your travel eSIM for mobile data, provided your device settings allow it.

Conclusion

Roaming makes travelling easier by allowing you to stay connected without changing your phone number or necessarily purchasing a new SIM card.

However, charges vary significantly between countries. While the “Roam Like at Home” scheme applies within the European Union under specific rules, travelling outside this framework can result in high costs.

Before every trip, check your plan’s allowances, roaming data limits and the charges applicable in your destination. With the right preparation, you can avoid unpleasant surprises on your mobile bill.

Globy+ can help you explore available mobile phone plans and communication options, so you can choose services that meet your needs, both in Greece and while travelling abroad.