Coming back from holiday to an unexpectedly high mobile phone bill is a common problem for travellers. However, a few simple steps can significantly cut the cost of calls and data abroad.
Mobile communications expert Lee Dobson advises checking your roaming terms in advance, setting spending limits and, if necessary, using an eSIM so you don’t overpay your operator.
1. Check your operator’s roaming terms
Before your trip, open your operator’s app or online account and find the section on roaming. It’s important to find out whether roaming is included in your tariff, what the daily charge is if it’s not, and what data usage limit is set.
2. Set a spending limit
Mobile operators allow you to cap the amount you can spend on data abroad during a billing period. You can set this limit in the app or via the operator’s website – from a “zero” cap to a small amount kept for emergencies.
3. Compare roaming tariffs with travel eSIM offers
Before relying on standard roaming packages, compare their cost with travel eSIM offers. These are digital SIM cards that are downloaded directly to your phone or tablet before you leave. Once you arrive, your device will automatically connect to a local network, and you’ll use data at local rates while keeping your primary number for calls and SMS.
4. Choose your eSIM provider carefully
Different eSIM providers offer different terms, so don’t be guided solely by the headline price. Pay attention to the cost per 1 GB of data, the validity period of the package and the local network your phone will connect to. Many travellers overestimate how much data they need, so it’s sensible to start with a smaller package and top it up online if required.
5. Download everything you need before you leave
To avoid using mobile data on the road, prepare your smartphone in advance: download offline maps, translation apps, boarding passes, playlists, podcasts, films or series. This will substantially reduce the amount of data you’ll need in the first days of your trip.
6. Turn off background updates and auto-downloads
A large portion of data is often used invisibly – on app updates, photo back‑ups and background synchronisation. Before travelling, go into your phone settings and switch off automatic updates, cloud photo sync and background data refresh. If necessary, you can disable roaming altogether and only switch it on when you genuinely need internet access.
7. Use Wi‑Fi and Wi‑Fi calling
Hotels, cafés and airports usually offer free Wi‑Fi networks. Enable Wi‑Fi calling so you can make calls and send SMS to Ukrainian or other numbers without using mobile data. You can also use messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Viber, FaceTime or Microsoft Teams to stay in touch.
When connecting to public networks, take care of your security: use a VPN, which encrypts your traffic and protects your personal data.
8. Watch out for “border” roaming
In border regions, your phone may automatically connect to an operator in a neighbouring country where tariffs are very different. This often happens at resorts located near borders. To avoid unnecessary charges, periodically check which network your smartphone is connected to, and find out in advance whether your destination falls within the usual roaming area covered by your plan.
By following these tips, travellers can significantly reduce their mobile costs abroad and avoid unpleasant surprises when they return home.