Does Roaming Cost Money? Save Big with This Simple Travel Hack

Handy Guide

International travel is exciting—until your phone bill arrives. If you’ve ever opened your mobile statement post-trip and felt your stomach drop, you’re not alone. So, let’s answer the question once and for all: Does roaming cost money? Yes, and often a lot. But there’s good news: with a bit of planning, you can skip roaming fees entirely.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Roaming and Why Does It Cost Money?

Roaming happens when your phone connects to a mobile network outside your home country. To keep your device working abroad, your carrier partners with foreign providers—and those partnerships cost money. As a result, your home carrier passes those charges directly to you.

These fees usually fall into three categories:

Data roaming: Using mobile internet abroad
Voice roaming: Making or receiving calls
SMS roaming: Sending or receiving text messages

Most travelers don’t realize they’re being charged until it’s too late. Opening Google Maps, scrolling social media, or sending a few quick messages can quickly add up. Roaming charges vary by carrier and destination, but a single megabyte of data can cost several dollars. That’s right—just loading one webpage might cost more than your morning coffee.

How to Avoid Roaming Fees Entirely

If you want to dodge roaming charges while staying connected, the best solution is to use an eSIM. Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs are digital and can be activated instantly—no swapping or store visits required.

With a ZIM eSIM, you can:

Get affordable data in over 200 destinations
Stay connected the moment your plane lands
Skip the risk of surprise charges
Use your usual number for iMessage, WhatsApp, and more

Other Common (But Risky) Alternatives

While eSIMs are the most reliable fix, some travelers still rely on outdated methods:

1. Turning Off Data Roaming

Yes, this will stop the fees—but it also disconnects you. No maps, no messages, no search results when you need them most.

2. Hunting for Public Wi-Fi

It’s free, but rarely safe. Public Wi-Fi is notorious for security risks, and not every cafe or train station has it available.

3. Buying a Local SIM

This works—but you’ll need an unlocked phone and time to find a vendor. Plus, juggling SIM cards means losing access to your home number.

If you want a smooth, secure, and instant option, an eSIM is your best bet.

Why Travelers Are Switching to eSIMs

Whether you’re traveling for a weekend or a semester abroad, staying connected shouldn’t come with hidden fees. eSIMs provide:

Transparency: You choose your data plan and price upfront
Convenience: No need to swap SIM cards or visit a kiosk
Flexibility: Add or switch plans as you move between countries
Peace of Mind: No surprise roaming charges to ruin your trip

The Bottom Line

So, does roaming cost money? Absolutely—and sometimes more than you expect. But with smart travel tech like a ZIM eSIM, you can stay online without breaking the bank. Download the ZIM App to get started.

Skip the fees. Stay connected.
Purchase a ZIM eSIM today.