What does roaming do?

What is data roaming?

Data roaming is when your phone uses mobile internet outside your local network. Instead of connecting to Simyo’s network in the Netherlands, your mobile device connects to one of our partner networks abroad. This allows you to stay online and reachable.

In the EU, you can use your data as you do at home, thanks to the “Roam like at home” rule. Outside the EU, data roaming charges may apply, depending on the country you visit.

Why data roaming matters

Without data roaming, your mobile device won’t be able to access the internet through mobile networks when you’re abroad. You would need Wi-Fi for any online services. By turning it on, you can continue to use data for services such as messaging apps, navigation maps, and email on the go.

Data roaming charges in the EU

At Simyo, you can use your mobile data in EU countries as you do at home, with no additional fees, up to your bundle limit. If you exceed your data limits, our standard out-of-bundle rates apply, just like in the Netherlands. This helps you avoid unexpected charges and gives you full control over your spending.

Data roaming charges outside the EU

When you travel abroad to non-EU destinations like the USA or Turkey, roaming charges for mobile internet will apply. These rates can be higher than at home, so it’s worth checking our roaming zone overview before you go. That way, you know exactly what you’ll pay and can decide whether to use your mobile data, buy a local SIM card, or rely on Wi-Fi. See our full zone index on our roaming page .

How to avoid unexpected roaming charges

If you want to avoid unexpected charges outside the EU, you can:

• Use Wi-Fi instead of mobile data whenever possible.
• Download offline maps before your trip.
• Switch off data roaming in your device’s settings when you don’t need it.
• Monitor your data usage in the My Simyo app .
• Check out our Buitenlandbundels (bundles for abroad) for 10 popular destinations.

How to turn data roaming on or off on iPhone

1. Go to your device’s settings.
2. Tap Mobile Data or Cellular.
3. Tap Mobile Data Options or Cellular Data Options.
4. Switch Data Roaming on or off.

When traveling in the EU, keep it on to use your data bundle as at home. Outside the EU, you can turn it off to avoid extra costs unless you need mobile internet.

How to turn data roaming on or off on Android

1. Open your device’s settings.
2. Tap Connections or Network & Internet.
3. Tap Mobile Networks.
4. Switch Data Roaming on or off.

As with iPhone, we recommend keeping it on in the EU and switching it off outside the EU unless you want to use your roaming data.

Benefits of keeping data roaming on in the EU

• Stay connected anywhere in EU countries.
• Use your apps, maps, and messaging without thinking about extra costs.
• Keep the same experience you have at home, even when you travel abroad.

When to turn data roaming off

• When you are in a non-EU country with higher roaming charges.
• If you want to avoid data usage while traveling.
• When you only plan to use Wi-Fi during your trip.

Using Wi-Fi instead of data roaming

Wi-Fi is available in hotels, restaurants, and public areas in many countries. Connecting to Wi-Fi can help you save your data and avoid roaming charges. Just make sure the network is secure before entering personal information.

Local SIM cards as an alternative

If you travel abroad outside the EU for a longer period, buying a local SIM card can be a cost-effective alternative. This gives you access to local rates for calls, messages, and data. Keep in mind that if you do not have an eSIM, you will need to insert the local SIM into your mobile phone, and your Simyo SIM can be stored for when you return.

How roaming data affects your bundle

In the EU, roaming data counts towards your existing data usage. If you have unused data left in your bundle, you can use it while traveling in EU countries at no extra cost. Outside the EU, data roaming will be billed according to the rates for your destination’s zone.

Monitoring your data usage abroad

You can monitor your data usage in the My Simyo app . This way, you can track how much of your bundle you’ve used in EU countries or how much roaming data you’ve consumed outside the EU. This helps you control your spending and avoid unexpected charges.

Tips for using less data abroad

• Turn off automatic app updates.
• Download music, movies, or maps before you travel.
• Limit background data in your device’s settings.
• Use messaging apps for calls when on Wi-Fi.

FAQ – We’ve got answers

What is data roaming?

Data roaming is when your phone uses mobile internet outside your home network by connecting to partner networks abroad. At Simyo, this means you can keep using your data in the EU as at home, and in other countries in zone 1 of our roaming zone rates.

Should I turn data roaming on or off?

In EU countries, we recommend keeping it on so you can use your bundle normally. Outside the EU, you might want to turn it off to avoid roaming charges, unless you need mobile internet.

How do I turn data roaming on or off?

On iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options and switch Data Roaming on or off. On Android, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks and use the Data Roaming switch.