As the holiday season approaches, travelers need to be mindful of roaming costs outside of the EU. While prices have decreased within the EU thanks to regulations implemented in 2017, data usage beyond 15 euros per megabyte can still be expensive.
Major providers like Magenta are addressing this issue by offering data packages in 50 countries outside the EU for 5 euros per gigabyte. This move aims to make their prices more competitive with international e-SIM providers who have offered lower tariffs for additional packages in third countries.
Digital SIM cards from providers like Airalo, Holafly, and Maya mobile also offer competitive rates for data usage outside the EU. Prices vary, so it’s important to compare options.
Domestic providers like A1 and Three are also offering data packages for popular travel destinations, including e-SIM options for seamless connectivity while abroad.
Within the EU, roaming costs have significantly decreased due to regulations implemented in 2017. The “Roam like at home” policy has made additional costs for calls and data usage in EU countries almost obsolete. Complaints about unexpected charges while roaming in the EU have declined, thanks to the cost limit for data roaming set at 60 euros worldwide.
As of 2022, this cost limit will apply to satellite internet connections on cruise ships and airplanes as well. Overall, the roaming landscape has improved, and customers can enjoy more transparency and affordability while traveling within the EU.
