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Coming home to a giant phone bill is one of the most common travel surprises. Roaming charges can apply to data, calls and texts, and background apps can burn through data without you noticing. Here's how to avoid surprises, step by step, before you leave and while you're away.
Key takeaways
- Check your plan before you go. Some plans include international use; others charge daily fees, like AT&T's International Day Pass or Verizon's TravelPass at $12 per day in most countries.
- Turn off data roaming on your home line if you're not paying for an international pass.
- Use a travel eSIM or local SIM for data and keep your home line for texts and calls if needed.
- Limit background data and use Wi-Fi calling where your carrier supports it.
Step 1: Know what your plan includes
Call your carrier or check its app for international options before you travel. Plans vary widely: - Some plans include data in many countries, sometimes at reduced speeds. - Day passes charge a flat fee for each day you use your phone abroad. AT&T's International Day Pass and Verizon's TravelPass each cost $12 per line per day in most destinations, according to the carriers, with Verizon charging $6 per day in Canada and Mexico. - Without a plan or pass, pay-per-use rates can be very high. - Within the EU, "roam like at home" rules let EU customers use their plan in other EU countries at no extra cost, and the rules have been extended to 2032. UK carriers aren't covered and many now charge for EU roaming.
Step 2: Turn off data roaming
Switch off roaming on your home line if you don't want to pay for international data. - iPhone: Settings, then Cellular (or Mobile Data), then choose your home line, then Cellular Data Options, and turn Data Roaming off. - Android: Settings, then Network & internet (or Connections), then SIMs or Mobile network, and turn Roaming off.
With roaming off, your phone won't use data abroad on that line, though you may still receive calls and texts, which can be charged.
Step 3: Get cheaper data
A travel eSIM is usually the easiest way to get affordable data. You buy a data plan online, install it before you leave, and switch to it when you land, while your home line stays on your phone for texts. See eSIM vs roaming vs local SIM and how to set up a travel eSIM.
Step 4: Watch background data
Turn off auto-updates and photo backup on cellular. - iPhone: in Settings, Cellular, scroll down and switch off cellular data for apps you don't need. Turn on Low Data Mode for the travel line. In Photos settings, turn off cellular uploads for iCloud Photos. - Android: turn on Data Saver, restrict background data for heavy apps, and set app updates to Wi-Fi only in the Play Store. - Download maps, playlists and shows on Wi-Fi before you go out.
Step 5: Use Wi-Fi calling
Calls over Wi-Fi may avoid roaming fees, depending on your carrier. Many US carriers let you call home-country numbers over Wi-Fi from abroad, often at no extra charge, but rules differ for calls to other countries. Turn on Wi-Fi calling in your phone's settings before you leave, and check your carrier's international Wi-Fi calling rates. Apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime and Signal also make calls over any internet connection. See can I keep my number and WhatsApp with a travel eSIM?
Roaming options compared
| Option | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier day pass | Flat daily fee, such as $12 a day | Short trips, heavy calling, simplicity |
| Plan with included international data | Included, sometimes slower speeds | Light users on eligible plans |
| Travel eSIM | Prepaid data packs | Most trips; keeps home number on |
| Local SIM | Often cheapest per GB | Longer stays with an unlocked phone |
| Wi-Fi only | Free | Very light users |
Before you leave: checklist
- Check your plan's international options and rates.
- Decide on a day pass, travel eSIM or local SIM.
- Turn off data roaming on your home line if you're not using a pass.
- Turn on Wi-Fi calling.
- Download offline maps and entertainment.
- Turn off automatic app updates and cloud photo uploads on cellular.
- Note your carrier's international support number.
Safe Wi-Fi habits abroad
Hotel, café and airport Wi-Fi can save data, but open networks carry risks. Stick to sites using HTTPS, avoid logging into banking on public Wi-Fi, and consider using mobile data from a travel eSIM for sensitive tasks.
Frequently asked questions
How do I avoid international roaming charges?
Check your plan, turn off data roaming on your home line if you're not buying a pass, use a travel eSIM or local SIM for data, and limit background data.
Does airplane mode stop roaming charges?
Yes, airplane mode turns off cellular connections, so no roaming charges apply. You can still turn Wi-Fi back on while in airplane mode.
Will I be charged for receiving texts abroad?
It depends on your carrier. Many plans include incoming texts, but some charge. Check your carrier's international rates before you travel.
How much is AT&T's International Day Pass?
According to AT&T, it costs $12 per day per line in more than 200 destinations, with additional lines at a lower daily rate. Check AT&T's site for current pricing.
Sources
Official sources this article relies on, checked October 15, 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm details at the source.
See the main guide and the optional bonus
Relying on hotel or café Wi-Fi instead? Our sister site covers staying safer on public Wi-Fi.
eSIM providers worth comparing
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. These are sponsored links. We haven't tested every network in every country, so check coverage and current prices for your destination before you buy.
- Jetpac: travel eSIM data packs for 200+ destinations, bought on its website or app. You install the eSIM once and top it up for later trips, and a pack starts when you connect to a network abroad. Hotspot sharing is allowed, and its free SmartDelay perk gives a lounge pass if a registered flight is delayed an hour or more (register at least 24 hours before departure). Data only, no regular SMS.
- eSimania: prepaid, data-only eSIM plans for single countries, regions (such as a 41-country Europe plan) and a global plan, with different data amounts and validity periods. You install by QR code or with the activation details from your order. Note: eSimania isn't available to readers in Australia through our link.
See Jetpac's eSIM plansSee eSimania's eSIM plans
Both are data-only. eSimania isn't available to readers in Australia through our link. Check your phone supports eSIM and the coverage for your destination first.
Before buying any eSIM: make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible, compare GB, validity days and price per GB, and read the provider's refund policy.