Data roaming: what it is, how it works, and where it applies

What does data roaming mean?

Data roaming means your phone uses mobile networks outside your home country to connect to the internet, make calls or send texts. Simyo has agreements with foreign networks to give you access while you are travelling abroad.

With roaming, you can stay connected just like you would at home: using mobile data for web browsing, social media, navigation, and other applications. However, roaming charges can vary depending on where you travel and what your provider includes in your plan.

How does data roaming work?

When you leave your country, your phone automatically searches for available mobile networks. If you activated international roaming, your device will connect to a local network that has a partnership with Simyo. This allows you to keep using mobile data, calls, and text messages without changing your SIM card.

Behind the scenes, your mobile operator and the local provider share information so your device can access data services. This can include mobile data, calls, and even features like Wi-Fi calling in some cases.

Roaming and mobile data usage

Roaming data still counts towards your mobile data usage. At Simyo, this depends on your roaming allowance. In the European Union, you can use your existing data plan abroad without extra costs, up to our fair use limit.

Keep in mind: that background apps on smartphones can use data even when you are not actively browsing. To avoid exceeding your data limits, check your device’s settings and monitor your data usage while abroad.

Roaming charges: when costs apply

Roaming charges happen when you use your phone abroad in a country not covered by the 'roam like at home' policy. These can include data roaming charges, extra costs for calls, and fees for text messages.

At Simyo, countries outside your roaming zone fall under our standard international rates. These can be higher than at home, especially for mobile data. Check our roaming page before you travel, so you know exactly where you can use your phone at no extra cost.

Countries where roaming is included

European Union and EEA countries

If you live in an EU country, you can often use your mobile data, calls, and texts in other EU countries at no extra cost. This is called “roam like at home”. The same rules usually apply to EEA countries: Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

United Kingdom

Since Brexit, the UK is no longer part of the EU. At Simyo, the UK still falls under Zone 1, so your bundle works there just like in the Netherlands or any other EU country.

Switzerland

Although Switzerland is not part of the EU or EEA and does not take part in the “roam like at home” agreement, Switzerland is still part of Zone 1. Your bundle works there just like in the Netherlands or other EU countries. So your bundle works there just like in the Netherlands or other EU countries.

Ukraine

Ukraine is not part of the EU, but out of solidarity it was added to Zone 1. This means your bundle works there just like it does in the Netherlands or any other EU country.

Want to see the full list?

Check Simyo’s roaming zone overview to know exactly which countries are included and where extra charges apply.

Other special cases

Some smaller territories, like the Canary Islands or French overseas departments, are included in EU roaming at Simyo. Always check our country list to be sure your destination is covered.

Countries outside the roaming zone

When you travel to countries outside Simyo’s roaming zone, such as the USA, Turkey or most Asian countries, international roaming charges apply. Costs for mobile data, calls and text messages can be high.

If you plan to use your phone abroad in these destinations, you can choose alternatives like buying a local SIM card, using Wi-Fi where possible or checking our bundles for abroad .

How to avoid unexpected roaming costs

• Check our coverage before travelling abroad.
• Know your data limits and how your provider counts roaming data.
• Disable mobile data in your device’s settings when you do not need it.
• Use Wi-Fi for large downloads or video calls.
• Consider a local SIM card for long trips to countries outside of Zone 1.

Do you need to turn on data roaming?

If you want to use mobile data abroad, you need to enable data roaming in your device’s settings. On most smartphones, you can find this option in the network or cellular data settings menu. Once enabled, your device will connect to partner networks when you are abroad.

Some people prefer to keep data roaming off and only turn it on when they need it, to reduce the risk of unexpected costs.

Understanding the meaning of data roaming helps you make smarter choices when travelling abroad. Knowing where your plan includes roaming, and where you may face additional fees, can save you from unpleasant surprises.

If you are travelling within the European Union, the UK or Switzerland, you simply use your regular bundle. Outside these countries,it's best to check Simyo’s current roaming rules before your next trip. That way, you can stay connected without unexpected costs.