eSIM on holiday: mobile internet in Turkey, Egypt and beyond

eSIM & Roaming

Within the EU, you can usually surf at domestic rates – but not in Turkey, Egypt and many other countries. How a travel eSIM works and how to avoid cost traps.

Reading time: approx. 4 minutesAs at 11 October 2026No advice

This page has been automatically translated from German. The German version is the authoritative one: Deutsch

In short

  • Roaming at domestic rates (‘Roam like at home’) applies within the EU as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway – but not in many other countries (1).
  • Data roaming outside the EU can be expensive. Check with your provider about the charges before you travel (1, 2).
  • For mobile internet, there is a worldwide cost cap of 59.50 euros by default. However, it does not work on every network (2).
  • A travel eSIM is a digital data package. Your phone must support eSIM and must not be locked to a provider (3).

Where roaming can be expensive

Mallorca, Crete, Tenerife and Croatia are in the EU – your domestic rates usually apply there (1). Turkey and Egypt are not part of the EU. This rule does not apply there, and data roaming can be quite expensive (1).

How a travel eSIM works

  • You buy the data package before your trip and set it up using a QR code or an app. You’ll need Wi-Fi to set it up (3).
  • Your phone must support eSIM (for iPhones, from the iPhone XS or XR onwards) and must not be SIM-locked (3).
  • Your usual number can remain active. If you use both lines, you may still incur roaming charges on your home SIM – switch off data roaming on that SIM (3).

Compare eSIM providers

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Avoiding cost traps

  • Turn off data roaming while abroad, or use aeroplane mode if you’re not expecting any important calls (2).
  • Stop automatic app updates and email syncing while you’re out and about (2).
  • Deactivate your voicemail – it is considered the biggest cost trap outside the EU (2).
  • Switch off mobile data on ships and in aeroplanes, otherwise your phone may connect to an expensive on-board network (2).
  • Near borders, it may help to switch off automatic network selection (2).

Please note: This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for advice. We do not recommend any specific provider. Check the terms of your mobile contract before travelling.

Sources

  1. European Union – Your Europe: Roaming charges (last reviewed by the EU on 7 January 2026; accessed on 11 October 2026)
  2. Verbraucherzentrale: Internationales Roaming: Bei WLAN und Mobilfunk Kostenfallen vermeiden (as at 23 February 2026; accessed on 11 October 2026)
  3. Apple Support: Eine eSIM mit deinem iPhone bei Auslandsreisen nutzen (accessed on 11 October 2026)