Day 6: Mobile phone abroad – roaming, Turkey and on-board networks without a bill shock

Vanessa is a fictional character created by Reiseblase. Her stories are made up – we check facts, rules and advice against official sources.

A customer popped into my travel agency this week and told me that his mobile had been ‘acting strangely’ on the way back from a short trip. Suddenly, he’d received a message from his provider, and he didn’t know which network he’d actually been on.

I don’t travel much myself, but every day I hear about things that go wrong while travelling. When it comes to mobile phones abroad, it’s often the same little things that cause annoyance: the wrong network, forgetting to switch to flight mode, or a country that isn’t actually part of the EU after all.

So today, instead of a story about a dream beach, we’ve got something quite practical: where your mobile will work abroad at the usual price – and where you should take a closer look.

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A couple in their early 30s wanted to go to Turkey again in November. Back home, they had an unlimited data plan, so they naturally assumed it would apply there as well. When I explained to them that EU rules don’t apply there, they were quite surprised.

Another customer told me about a ferry crossing in the Mediterranean. Her mobile phone had connected to the ferry’s network while out at sea, and she hadn’t even realised. Fortunately, she noticed in time.

The mobile phone checklist before you travel

I’ve put together for you what the official bodies have to say on the subject of roaming. Here are the key points:

  • The EU and neighbouring countries: Within the EU, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, you generally pay the same for calls, text messages and mobile data as you do at home (1) (3). Since 1 January 2026, this has also applied in Ukraine and Moldova (2).
  • Fair use of data: If you have a large or unlimited data allowance at home, your provider may restrict your data usage while abroad. They must inform you of this in advance and warn you when you reach the limit (1) (2).
  • Countries outside the EU: In countries such as Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Thailand or the USA, the low EU rates do not apply. Mobile data, in particular, is usually significantly more expensive there. Your provider must inform you of the applicable rates when you enter the country (3). The UK is not automatically covered either; in this case, it is worth checking your tariff (2).
  • Ships and aeroplanes: On-board networks operate via satellite. EU price caps do not apply there, so it can get expensive. When at a port or airport, it’s worth checking which network your mobile is connected to (1) (2) (3). On a ship or in an aeroplane, it’s best to switch off roaming or use flight mode.
  • Near borders: At Lake Constance, in northern Italy or on the Greek islands, your mobile phone may connect to a Swiss or Turkish network without you realising. It is best to select the desired network manually in these areas, rather than relying on automatic network selection (3).
  • Special numbers: For hotlines and service numbers, domestic rates from other EU countries often do not apply. Your provider must inform you of this when you enter the country (3).

My tip: Before you fly, check your mobile phone settings to see whether data roaming is on or off, and make sure you know in advance how to switch it off quickly if you’re in any doubt. It takes two minutes and will save you a lot of hassle.

Conclusion: When on holiday within the EU, for example in Croatia, using your mobile phone is usually straightforward. If you’re travelling to a country outside the EU, you should check your mobile plan beforehand. An eSIM could be an alternative; find out more in our guide: eSIM on holiday (Advertisement).

See you tomorrow,
Vanessa

Please note: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Rules can change – please check the latest official information before you travel.

Sources

  1. European Union: Roaming: was Sie für die Nutzung Ihres Smartphones in einem anderen EU-Land bezahlen – Your Europe (last reviewed on 7 January 2026; accessed on 16 October 2026)
  2. European Commission: Roaming: Questions & Answers (last updated on 28 July 2026; accessed on 16 October 2026)
  3. Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur): Sorgenfreies Roaming in den Sommerferien (press release of 20 June 2023; accessed on 16 October 2026)

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