Travel connectivity • cost control
How to avoid roaming charges while traveling
Roaming charges are rarely “one big mistake.” They’re usually death by a thousand tiny background actions: your phone updates apps, syncs photos, refreshes email, pulls map tiles, and suddenly you’re paying for international data you didn’t even use on purpose. The good news: avoiding roaming charges is mostly a settings checklist—plus a smarter way to get travel data.
What actually causes roaming charges?
Roaming charges show up when your mobile plan connects to a network outside your home coverage and your carrier bills you for it. The three usual cost drivers are:
- Data roaming: background data, app refresh, cloud sync, maps, and video.
- Calls: especially outbound calls or calls picked up while abroad (depends on carrier).
- SMS/MMS: can be charged internationally depending on your plan and destination.
The most common “surprise” is data roaming. Your phone doesn’t need you to open anything to consume data—push notifications and background sync can do the damage.
Fast checklist: do this before you leave
If you only have two minutes, do these steps and you’ll avoid most roaming charges.
- Turn off data roaming on your primary/home SIM line.
- Disable mobile data on the primary line (or set data to your travel eSIM).
- Enable Wi‑Fi Calling if you rely on your home number (carrier support varies).
- Set app updates to Wi‑Fi only (App Store / Play Store).
- Pause cloud photo backups unless you’re on Wi‑Fi.
- Download offline maps for your first day.
How to avoid roaming charges on iPhone
1) Turn off data roaming (home line)
Go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options and switch Data Roaming off for your home/primary line. If you’re using Dual SIM, confirm you’re toggling the correct line.
2) Choose the correct “Cellular Data” line
Go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data and select the line you want for data. If you’re traveling with a travel eSIM, set data to that eSIM and keep your primary line for calls/SMS only (if needed).
3) Reduce background data usage
- Set App Store downloads/updates to Wi‑Fi only.
- Consider turning off Background App Refresh for non-essential apps.
- Pause large backups (photos/videos) until Wi‑Fi.
4) Use Airplane Mode strategically
Airplane Mode is the “hard stop.” You can still turn Wi‑Fi back on while Airplane Mode is enabled. If you’re ever unsure you’re about to be charged, Airplane Mode is your safety switch.
How to avoid roaming charges on Android
Android menus vary by brand, but the logic stays the same: disable roaming on your home SIM, set the travel SIM/eSIM as your data line, and reduce background use.
1) Disable roaming on your primary SIM
Go to Settings → Network & Internet (or Connections) → Mobile network. Turn Roaming off on your home SIM line.
2) Select the data SIM/eSIM for travel
In SIMs/SIM Manager, set your travel eSIM as the preferred SIM for Mobile data.
3) Lock down background data
- Play Store: updates on Wi‑Fi only.
- Data saver: enable it if you’re on a limited plan.
- Backups: schedule them for Wi‑Fi.
Best ways to avoid international roaming charges
There are a few common paths travelers choose. The “best” one depends on how much you move, whether you need your main number, and how much setup work you tolerate.
Option 1: Keep everything on Wi‑Fi only
Cheapest, but not always practical. You’re offline between hotel/café Wi‑Fi, which is when you often need maps and messages the most.
Option 2: Use your carrier’s travel pass
Convenient, but can be expensive depending on the carrier and trip length. If you’re traveling multiple weeks, costs add up quickly.
Option 3: Use a travel eSIM for data
For most travelers, this is the cleanest balance: predictable cost, fast setup, and you can keep your home SIM active for calls/SMS if you want.
Avoid roaming charges with ZetSIM (the predictable approach)
ZetSIM is designed for travel connectivity. Instead of paying your home carrier’s roaming rates, you use a travel eSIM plan and control your spend.
Why ZetSIM fits this use case
- Global travel eSIM with no expiry (positioned for repeat travelers).
- Coverage in 180+ countries with 450+ local networks.
- LTE/5G where available.
- Install ahead of travel and connect when you land.
- Instant top-up 24/7 when your data runs low.
- Payments: major credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay.
How to set up ZetSIM to avoid roaming charges
- Buy your destination plan and receive the QR code (email or app).
- Install the eSIM on Wi‑Fi before your trip.
- On arrival, set ZetSIM as your mobile data line.
- Enable Data Roaming on the ZetSIM line (ZetSIM’s activation step).
- Keep data roaming off on your home SIM line.
ZetSIM activation steps: https://www.zetsim.com/pages/how-it-works-section
Common traps that still cause charges (even when you “turned roaming off”)
Trap 1: Roaming is off, but the wrong line is used for data
Dual SIM travelers do this a lot. Make sure your data line is set to ZetSIM (or another travel data line), not your home SIM.
Trap 2: MMS and voicemail surprises
Some carriers treat MMS and voicemail access differently than standard messaging. If you truly want a zero-risk setup, keep your home SIM on but avoid data and unnecessary carrier features while abroad.
Trap 3: Cruise and maritime networks
Cruise networks can be billed differently than “normal roaming.” If you’re at sea, use Airplane Mode and ship Wi‑Fi (or a plan designed for that environment).
Trap 4: Carrier-locked phones
ZetSIM notes that a carrier-locked device may only support eSIMs from that specific carrier. In that case, using a third-party travel eSIM may not be compatible unless the phone is unlocked.
If you want one simple rule: keep your home SIM’s data roaming off, and use a dedicated travel eSIM for mobile data.
FAQ: how to avoid roaming charges
What’s the easiest way to avoid roaming charges?
Turn off data roaming on your home SIM and use a travel data option (like a travel eSIM). For ZetSIM, install before you go and use ZetSIM as your data line when you land.
Will turning on Airplane Mode prevent roaming charges?
Yes. Airplane Mode stops cellular connections. You can then turn Wi‑Fi back on to stay connected without cellular roaming.
How do I avoid roaming charges on iPhone specifically?
Go to Settings → Cellular and ensure data roaming is OFF for your primary line, then set Cellular Data to your travel eSIM (like ZetSIM) if you’re using one.
How does a travel eSIM help avoid roaming charges?
A travel eSIM gives you a separate data plan for your destination so you aren’t billed at your home carrier’s roaming rates. You control usage by plan size and top-ups.
Can I install ZetSIM before traveling?
Yes. ZetSIM eSIMs can be installed in advance and activated once you reach your destination.
Do I need to turn on data roaming for ZetSIM?
ZetSIM’s setup includes switching on data roaming on the ZetSIM eSIM line to activate and connect on local partner networks. Keep roaming OFF on your home line to avoid charges.
What if I run out of data during the trip?
ZetSIM offers instant top-up available 24/7, so you can add more data without swapping SIMs.
What payment methods does ZetSIM accept?
Major credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
What if I lose my phone with an active eSIM?
ZetSIM advises contacting support immediately to disable your eSIM profile to help prevent unauthorized use.
Travel without the “bill shock”
Avoiding roaming charges is about control: correct settings, less background usage, and a travel data plan you can manage. Install ZetSIM before you leave, activate on arrival, and top up anytime—24/7.
