Saving tips
How to avoid roaming costs
Save up to 90% with the right strategy for mobile internet abroad.
Roaming charges are one of the most expensive cost traps when traveling. Roaming is free within the EU, but in Turkey, USA, Thailand or Dubai you can quickly pay €5-15 per GB. Here we show you how to avoid this.
Roaming: Why it's so expensive
No roaming regulations apply outside the EU. This means that your German mobile provider charges extra for using foreign networks. A GB of data can quickly cost €10-20 in the USA or Asia - with some providers even more.
Particularly tricky: many apps consume data in the background - automatic updates, cloud synchronization, social media. Without you realizing it, your data volume is running out and costs are rising.
Even those who consciously use roaming and avoid large downloads often pay many times more than a local solution would cost. The good news is that there are cheaper alternatives.
eSIM: The cheapest alternative to roaming
With a eSIM you can use local data tariffs in your destination country - at a fraction of the roaming costs. And all without a physical SIM card.
Save up to 90
Local eSIM tariffs often cost just €1-2 per GB - instead of €10-20 when roaming.
Buy before the trip
Buy and install the eSIM at home. Simply activate after landing.
Use dual SIM
Your German SIM remains active for calls. The eSIM takes over the data - no card change.
Transparent & plannable
You know exactly what you're paying beforehand. No surprise costs on your cell phone bill.
Best eSIM providers
Our top recommendations at a glance.
Airalo
Worldwide eSIM with over 200 countries, fast activation and flexible data packages.
- 200+ countries covered
- Top-rated app
- Fast activation
Nomad
Inexpensive eSIM with stable performance for budget travelers.
- Low rates from € 5
- 100+ countries
- Simple setup
Holafly
eSIM with unlimited data volume for stress-free travel.
- Real unlimited data
- Ideal for longer trips
- No data limit
Direct comparison
| Airalo | Nomad | Holafly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price starting at | €4 | 5 € | 19 € |
| Price/GB | ~1 € | ~1,50 € | Unlimited |
| Countries | 200+ | 100+ | 60+ |
| Unlimited | No | No | Yes |
| Roaming savings | Up to 90 % | Up to 85 % | Up to 95 % |
| Rating | 4.8 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
Important details
Roaming in the EU vs. outside
Since 2017, the 'roam like at home' rule has applied in EU: you can use your home tariff without a surcharge in all EU countries. But beware: Switzerland, Turkey, USA and many popular travel destinations are not part of EU. No regulations apply there and the costs can be enormous.
What does roaming really cost?
Example calculation: 7 days USA vacation with 5 GB data consumption. Telekom roaming: approx. 50-75 €. Vodafone roaming: approx. 50-70 €. Airalo eSIM 5 GB: approx. 4.50 €. Savings of up to 90% - with identical network quality.
Overview of alternatives to roaming
In addition to eSIM, there are other options: Local SIM cards (cheap but cumbersome), pocket WiFi (expensive, extra device), hotel WiFi (not mobile), roaming packages from your provider (more expensive than eSIM). The eSIM offers the best balance of price, convenience and flexibility.
Tips against hidden roaming costs
1. deactivate data roaming in your settings before you have set up a eSIM. 2. turn off automatic app updates. 3. deactivate cloud synchronization for photos. 4. use offline maps (Google Maps). 5. download Spotify playlists and Netflix episodes before traveling.
How to switch from roaming to eSIM
Switching is easy: 1. deactivate data roaming for your German SIM. 2. buy a eSIM tariff from Airalo, Holafly or Nomad. 3. install the eSIM via QR-Code or app. 4. set the eSIM as the default data tariff. 5. done - you can now use local networks instead of expensive roaming.
Which trip needs what?
Vacation outside the EU
Roaming is particularly expensive in USA, Thailand, Turkey or Dubai. A eSIM saves the most here - often €50-70 per week.
Recommendation: Airalo for flexible fares from €4 depending on destination.
Business travel
Business trips outside the EU are often settled via the company - but here too, a eSIM is worthwhile for better cost accounts.
Recommendation: Holafly Unlimited for carefree working without a volume limit.
Backpacking
Roaming costs quickly add up on a longer trip through several countries. Regional eSIMs cover many countries with one tariff.
Recommendation: Airalo regional eSIM (e.g. Asia or Europe) for several countries.
Short trip / Weekend
A eSIM is also worthwhile on a short trip. Even a mini package with 1 GB is cheaper than an hour of roaming.
Recommendation: Nomad Mini package from € 3 for short trips.
Frequently asked questions
Is roaming in the EU free of charge?
Yes, since June 2017 'Roam like at home' applies in all EU countries. You use your home tariff without a surcharge. But beware: Switzerland, Turkey and many popular travel destinations are not included in EU.
How much can I save with eSIM?
Typically 80-90% compared to roaming. Example: 5 GB in the USA cost approx. 50-75 € per roaming, per eSIM only 4.50 €.
Do I have to deactivate roaming if I use eSIM?
Recommended yes. Deactivate data roaming for your German SIM and use eSIM as your data source. This way you avoid unintentional costs.
Does eSIM work just as well as roaming?
Yes, often even better. eSIM tariffs use local networks at full 4G/LTE speed, while roaming is sometimes throttled.
Can my provider still charge for roaming?
Not if you deactivate data roaming for your main SIM and use eSIM as your data plan. Your main SIM will then not consume any data.
Are there hidden costs with eSIM?
No. You pay the tariff once and know exactly what you're getting. No automatic renewal, no additional costs.
Which eSIM is the cheapest?
For small parcels: Airalo and Nomad from approx. 4-5 €. For Unlimited: Holafly from €19. The cheapest provider depends on the destination and data consumption.
Is eSIM also worthwhile within EU?
Roaming is free within EU, so eSIM is less relevant here. Exception: If your tariff has little data volume, a eSIM may be useful as a supplement.
No more expensive roaming costs
Roaming charges abroad are a thing of the past. With a eSIM you save up to 90%, are online immediately and retain full cost control. Compare the best providers now and start your next trip for less.
Save on roaming costs now