Quick answer: To avoid a big bill in Europe, check your plan’s roaming terms before you fly, then pick one of three options: your carrier’s daily pass, a travel eSIM, or a local SIM. Inside the EU you pay home rates under “roam like at home” rules, but the UK and Switzerland aren’t covered by those rules. US carrier day passes run about $10 to $12 a day.
Roaming is simple to get right and expensive to get wrong. The details below were checked in October 2026 against official pages, but carriers change prices, so confirm yours before you travel.
If you’re buying a new phone, note that the iPhone Duo is eSIM-only (see our https://insightorys.com/2026/10/07/iphone-duo-price-us-uk-germany-canada/ guide). More phone how-tos are in the Mobile section.
Does roaming cost extra in the EU?
Usually not. The European Commission’s roaming page explains that “roam like at home” lets you call, text and use data in other EU countries on the same terms as at home. It covers all 27 EU states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, and, since 1 January 2026, Ukraine and Moldova.
It does not cover the United Kingdom or Switzerland. That matters in two directions: EU-based customers can be charged when they visit the UK, and UK-based customers aren’t protected by EU rules when they visit the EU.
There’s a fair-use catch. If you have a cheap or unlimited plan, your provider can set a data limit while you’re abroad. It must warn you at 80% of that limit. After that, extra data can be charged at a capped rate, which the Commission says is limited to €2 per GB and falling toward €1 by 2027.
What do US carriers charge in Europe?
The pricing varies by carrier and plan, so read your own account first.
- AT&T: International Day Pass costs $12 a day for land use, with unlimited talk, text and high-speed data, and you pay only on days you use your phone abroad.
- Verizon: TravelPass costs $12 a day in 210+ countries. After 5GB of high-speed data you drop to 3G speeds for the rest of that day’s session.
- T-Mobile: its international page lists a 1-day pass at $10 (2GB), a 10-day pass at $50 (15GB) and a 30-day pass at $75 (30GB). Some plans include limited free data and texts in Europe at slower speeds.
Those are the prices on the carriers’ pages at the time we checked. Your plan may include roaming already, so look before you buy a pass.
What about UK, Canadian and Australian travelers?
UK networks set their own roaming rules now, and some charge a daily fee in the EU. Ofcom’s advice is blunt: “check your package or speak to your provider before you go overseas.” It says you can set a monthly spending limit with your provider, and providers must notify you when you approach it.
We didn’t find an official Canadian or Australian carrier source that we could verify, so check your own carrier’s international page. The same three options apply wherever you live.
Is a travel eSIM better than roaming?
For longer trips or heavy data use, often yes, but you should compare. Apple’s travel eSIM guide says you can buy a plan from a local carrier at your destination or from a worldwide service provider covering 190+ countries.
The main benefit is that supported iPhones can keep two eSIMs active, so you keep your home number for texts and verification codes while using a cheap local plan for data. Apple also notes an eSIM can’t be removed if your phone is lost or stolen.
| Option | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier day pass | Short trips, zero setup | Daily fees add up on long trips |
| Travel eSIM | Trips of a week or more, heavy data | Set up on Wi-Fi before you fly; some providers don’t give you a phone number |
| Local SIM | Long stays | Physical SIM slot needed; ID may be required in some countries |
| Wi-Fi only | Light use | Public Wi-Fi security; turn data roaming off |
How do you set up a travel eSIM on iPhone?
Do this at home, on Wi-Fi, before you leave. Apple’s eSIM setup page says most countries need a Wi-Fi connection to activate. You’ll need an iPhone XS or later.
- Buy a plan from a provider that supports eSIM and check that it covers the countries you’ll visit.
- Scan the QR code the provider sends, or tap the activation link. You can also use the provider’s app, or go to Settings, then Cellular, then Add Cellular Plan.
- Label the new line, for example “Travel.”
- Go to Settings, then Cellular, then Cellular Data and choose the travel line, so your home line doesn’t use roaming data.
- Turn off Data Roaming on your home line to avoid surprise charges.
Apple says that on iOS 26 and later, your iPhone turns off the travel eSIM automatically when you return home. Android phones have a similar flow in the SIM settings, but menu names vary by maker, so check your phone’s help pages.
What mistakes cost people money?
Most surprise bills come from a handful of avoidable errors:
- Arriving without checking. Open your carrier app on the plane’s Wi-Fi if available, or before you leave, and confirm what’s included.
- Leaving data roaming on for the wrong line. If you use a travel eSIM, make sure your home line isn’t the one carrying your data.
- Border regions. Ofcom warns that phones near borders, such as Northern Ireland and Ireland, can connect to a network in the neighboring country by accident. It also says satellite connections at sea cost more than normal roaming, so be careful on ferries and cruises.
- Old phones. Ofcom notes that older devices can lose service as 2G and 3G networks shut down around the world.
- Forgetting verification codes. If a bank or app sends codes to your home number by text, keep that line active for texts while using the travel line for data.
If you only need maps and messaging for a weekend, downloading offline maps and using hotel Wi-Fi may be all you need. Ofcom suggests pre-downloading content before you leave for the same reason.
Frequently asked questions
Will my US phone plan work in Europe?
Often, with a daily pass or an included allowance, but it varies by plan. Check your carrier account before you go.
Does the UK have free roaming in the EU?
Not by law. The EU’s roaming rules don’t cover the UK, so it depends on your UK provider and plan. Ofcom tells customers to check with their provider before travelling.
Can I keep my number with a travel eSIM?
Yes, if your phone supports two active eSIMs or an eSIM plus a physical SIM. Keep your home line on for calls and texts, and use the travel line for data.
Should I turn off data roaming?
On your home line, yes, if you use a travel eSIM or Wi-Fi. If you rely on your carrier’s pass, leave roaming on and make sure the pass is active.