What Is Data Roaming? A Guide to Managing Cellular Data Usage

Data roaming can be a convenient way to stay connected when traveling abroad or outside of your network's coverage area. However, it can also result in unexpected charges if not managed properly.

In this article, we’ll answer what is data roaming, provide an overview of the pros and cons of data roaming, and discuss tips on how to manage data usage on your mobile device. By understanding the potential costs and benefits of data roaming, you can make informed decisions about when and how to use cellular data services while on the go.

What is Data Roaming?

Data roaming is the use of cellular data services on a mobile device outside of the coverage area of the home network. Data roaming matters because when enabled, it can result in additional charges from your mobile service provider, which can vary depending on the destination and the type of data usage. It is important to understand data roaming settings on your device and to manage usage to avoid unexpected charges.

We tend to think of our cell phones as seamlessly connected devices. However, depending on where you are in the world, your service provider might not have access to base stations, or hubs that connect your phone to the internet and data services. That’s where data roaming comes in.

How does data roaming work?

To provide uninterrupted coverage, most service providers partner with other networks to “share” a signal when necessary. Data roaming on a phone allows you temporary access to another network to use data services even when you are outside of your mobile network's coverage area.

That means even if you are outside your normal coverage area, you will still be able to access mobile data services such as email, web browsing, talk, text, and other applications.

International vs. domestic data roaming

Data roaming can happen both at home and abroad. But what exactly sets international and domestic roaming apart? Here are the two main differences and why it matters:

1. Domestic roaming occurs when you're still within your provider’s home country, but your phone connects to a different partner network due to limited coverage in your area. 
   • Why it matters: Domestic roaming typically doesn’t come with extra charges, so it's usually seamless and worry-free. 

2. International roaming kicks in when you leave your home country and your carrier relies on agreements with foreign networks to keep you connected. 
   • Why it matters: International roaming can rack up significant fees for data, calls, and texts, often at much higher rates than you’d pay at home. 

Should data roaming be on or off?

Data roaming is typically needed when you are traveling outside of your mobile network's coverage area and want to use cellular data services on your mobile device. For example, imagine you’re on a vacation overseas and need to check your hotel reservation or call a Lyft. Without data roaming, you may only be able to connect to Wi-Fi networks, which may not be available in all locations. Data roaming makes it possible to use your phone as easily as if you were at home, which is definitely a comfort while traveling.

When you use roaming, your mobile device connects to a foreign network, and your mobile network provider charges you for any foreign data your device uses, including data used to send text messages, access the internet, or make a call. It's important to note that the data roaming charges can be significantly higher than usual, which may result in additional charges, and vary based on your selected mobile network provider and the country you are visiting.

How to turn on data roaming on an iPhone in 4 easy steps

If you're heading out of your network's coverage area and want to stay connected, you may need to enable data roaming on your iPhone. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone. 
2. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data, depending on your region). 
3. Select Cellular Data Options. 
4. Toggle Data Roaming to the ON position.

Your iPhone should now be ready to connect to available roaming networks. Just remember to turn it off again when you no longer need it to avoid surprise charges.

How to turn on data roaming on an Android in 4 easy steps

Android devices might vary slightly depending on the brand, but the basic steps are generally the same. Here’s how to enable data roaming: 

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device. 
2. Tap Wireless Networks or Connections. 
3. Find the Data Roaming option and toggle it to the ON position. 

Once enabled, your phone should automatically connect to partner networks when you're outside your carrier’s coverage area. Again, don’t forget to turn it off when you're done roaming to avoid unwanted charges. 

The pros and cons of data roaming

If you're planning to travel abroad or outside of your mobile network's coverage area, data roaming may be an option to stay connected on the go. However, before you enable data roaming on your device, it's important to weigh the pros and cons to make an informed decision.

Let’s explore the benefits and drawbacks of data roaming, as well as tips for managing data usage and avoiding unexpected charges.

4 pros of data roaming:

1. Access. Data roaming offers uninterrupted access to data services outside your home network area and even outside the country. 
2. Convenience. Data roaming means you can easily use apps, email, and messaging no matter where you are without having to worry about finding Wi-Fi hotspots or other internet connections. 
3. No SIM swapping or plan juggling. If your carrier offers international roaming, you don’t have to worry about buying a local SIM card, unlocking your phone, or managing a separate travel plan. 
4. Ideal for short trips. For quick travel or layovers, data roaming is often the simplest and most efficient way to stay connected without the hassle of switching networks. 

4 cons of data roaming:

1. Cost. As we mentioned, data roaming can result in significantly higher charges for mobile data usage, which can be a major disadvantage if you are not aware of the charges or if you exceed your data usage limit. Those charges can add up pretty quickly.. 
2. Unwanted usage. If you have a plan that puts automatic caps on data usage, data roaming might also mean additional fees for exceeding your data limits. These charges can come as a surprise if you’ve enabled automatic updates or have apps running in the background on your mobile device while you’re traveling.  
3. Security issues. Using unknown networks outside your usual coverage area can sometimes open your device up to malware or phishing attacks. 
4. Battery drain. Roaming can cause your phone to work harder to maintain a signal, which may lead to faster battery drain while you're traveling. 

How to avoid data roaming charges

If you're traveling outside of your network's coverage area, roaming charges can add up quickly. While most major service providers no longer have roaming charges for travel within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, roaming fees still apply when traveling abroad. 

To avoid roaming fees, check with your service provider before you travel to see what options are available. Many providers offer plans that cover international roaming for a flat daily fee or as an additional monthly charge.

For frequent travelers, there are also international plans that offer talk, text, and data coverage for an additional monthly fee. By planning ahead and selecting the right plan, you can stay connected without breaking the bank.

6 tips for using data while traveling

No one wants to return home from a trip to a huge bill for unexpected roaming charges. Here are some precautions you can take to avoid excess fees when traveling. 

1. Plan ahead. Research the options your service provider offers to extend plans for international travel. Choose a weekly or monthly international travel plan to make sure you can stay connected for less or consider purchasing a SIM card for your device. 
2. Turn data roaming on/off. Devices allow you to switch roaming off and on. Keep roaming off when you don’t need access to maps, email, apps, or messages so you won’t be charged. You can switch roaming back on when you need these services.  
3. Turn off auto updates. Make sure your apps are only updating while connected to Wi-Fi in order to avoid roaming charges for services that aren’t critical. Disable push notifications for apps that are not essential. 
4. Download and use offline maps. Many map apps or online map services allow you to download maps ahead of time and save them on your device. This is a smart move for travelers because, in addition to avoiding using roaming data, you’ll also have a map available should you become lost in a remote area without service.  
5. Be careful streaming music or videos. Be mindful of data usage when streaming music or videos, which can quickly use up data. 
6. Monitor your data usage regularly. Monitor your data usage often to avoid exceeding your plan's limit and incurring additional charges.

4 data roaming alternatives

Here are four data roaming alternatives that savvy travelers can use to avoid data roaming charges when traveling internationally.

1. Wi-Fi hotspots. Many hotels, airports, cafes, and public spaces offer free or paid Wi-Fi hotspots. You can use Wi-Fi to connect to the internet and use data services on your mobile device without incurring data roaming charges. However, public Wi-Fi can also come with security risks, so make sure to check your phone regularly for malware and avoid phishing scams.  
2. Local SIM cards. You can buy a local SIM card in the country you are visiting and use it in your mobile device for talk, text, and internet. Many international airports have kiosks where you can purchase a local SIM, or you can get one in advance from places like Amazon. However, to purchase a local SIM you’ll need an unlocked phone, a passport, and, occasionally, a local address. 
3. International SIM cards. Some mobile network providers offer international SIM cards that allow you to access data services in multiple countries. These can be an especially convenient option if you’re traveling to different countries. If your device has an eSIM (a digital version of a SIM card), there’s no need to buy a physical card. eSIMs let you easily add an international roaming plan to your device that starts working the moment you arrive in another country, giving you hassle-free flexibility.
4. Portable hotspots. Mobile hotspot devices allow you to create a Wi-Fi hotspot that will connect devices including laptops, mobile phones, and gaming devices to Wi-Fi. These are a great option for travelers who need access to multiple internet devices.

Explore T-Mobile’s international roaming plans and experience travel the way it should be - connected, simple, and stress-free. Our coverage spans over 215 countries and destinations, meaning you’ll be connected almost anywhere you travel.

You might also be interested in: 

• Stay Calm, Cool, and Connected with the 7 Best Travel Gadgets 
• What is an eSIM? 
• Unlimited Roaming & SMS Data when you travel 
• Buy a SIM card 

Sources

• https://esimcard.com/blog/info/what-is-data-roaming
• https://news.travel.orange.com/en/what-is-data-roaming
• https://breezesim.com/pages/what-is-data-roaming
• https://www.smartvel.com/resources/blog/esim-or-roaming-which-option-is-better-when-traveling-abroad
• https://support.apple.com/en-sg/guide/iphone/iph3dd5f213/ios
• https://esimcard.com/blog/how-to/enable-data-roaming-on-ios-android