Inside the EU, your phone usually charges domestic prices for roaming, as long as your contract provides for it. Outside the EU, a different price framework applies. This guide explains what the EU roaming rules set out, where the German Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) draws the limits, and which costs you can control yourself with an eSIM or prepaid.
Short answer: Within the EU and the EEA, roaming is charged at domestic prices, with exceptions for use abroad that is not reasonable. A cost airbag warns at 80 percent of a limit of 50 euros and interrupts data use at the latest at 100 euros. Outside the EU, the Bundesnetzagentur names no fixed prices. Source status: 1 July 2022. Last updated: November 2026.
Key points at a glance
- Within the EU and the EEA, roaming is charged at domestic prices. The rule comes from the roaming regulation (EU) 2022/612.
- Providers may charge surcharges for use abroad that is not reasonable, for example where use abroad predominates.
- The cost airbag applies automatically at a limit of 50 euros plus VAT. Data use is interrupted at the latest at 100 euros.
- Outside the EU, according to the Bundesnetzagentur, the regulation sets no fixed prices, and the cost airbag does not always apply.
- An eSIM is a technical option. Whether it is cheap for you depends on your tariff, not on the technology alone.
What does the EU roaming regulation govern?
The roaming regulation (EU) 2022/612 governs how mobile operators may charge for calls, texts and data in the EU. The Bundesnetzagentur explains the rules on its own page on EU roaming. The recast has applied since 1 July 2022, and the page gives this date as its status. The page was available with this content on 2 November 2026. For the price caps between operators it names 30 June 2032 as the end date, so the roaming rules also apply unchanged in the 2026/27 winter semester.
The principle is roaming at domestic prices. It applies in the EU and the EEA, that is in countries such as Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland. If your domestic tariff includes a flat rate, it generally also applies in another EU country, but subject to the limits of the fair-use rules.
Where are the limits within the EU?
The exceptions mainly concern use that does not correspond to the purpose of roaming, namely staying permanently abroad. According to the Bundesnetzagentur, providers may charge surcharges for use that is not reasonable, for example where use abroad predominates. The regulation thus sets the framework, while your provider defines the details in its terms.
| Rule | What the Bundesnetzagentur says | What you can do with it |
|---|---|---|
| Roaming at domestic prices | applies in the EU and EEA, quality as at home where technically possible | Check your tariff before the trip |
| Fair-use surcharges | permitted for use abroad that is not reasonable | Avoid permanent use abroad |
| Data ceiling | possible with cheap or unlimited tariffs, prepaid depends on credit | Look for the ceiling in the contract terms |
| Cost airbag | warning at 80 percent, stop at the latest at 100 euros | Keep the warning switched on |
The cost airbag: how it protects you
The cost airbag is a central protection against high bills. According to the Bundesnetzagentur, it applies automatically at a limit of 50 euros plus VAT. You receive the warning at 80 percent of that limit. At the latest at 100 euros plus VAT, data use is interrupted until you react actively. According to the Bundesnetzagentur, you can have the limit changed or switched off free of charge, and the provider must implement this within one working day.
The procedure only helps if your provider records data in real time. The Bundesnetzagentur names the case in which a visited network outside the EU does not allow real-time recording. In that case the rule does not apply, and you are informed on entry that the function is not available.
Outside the EU: what to consider now
For travel outside the EU and the EEA, there is no comparable price rule. The Bundesnetzagentur names no concrete prices or tariffs there. Your contract therefore decides, and this is exactly where it pays to look for data packages, roaming options and exceptions for particular countries.
If you choose a country outside the EU, check before departure whether the cost airbag applies there. If in doubt, switch off mobile data and use Wi-Fi wherever possible.
eSIM, prepaid and controlling costs
An eSIM allows you to activate an additional mobile tariff digitally, without swapping a physical SIM card. Whether the eSIM is cheap for you depends on which data packages your provider offers for the destination country and how the conditions for data use are set. The technology alone says nothing about the price.
With prepaid, the roaming ceiling depends on your credit. Top up only as much as you need before the trip and check your usage regularly. This protects you from unpleasant surprises.
Typical cost traps
- Background mobile data, for example through cloud synchronisation or updates
- Automatic connection to foreign networks when the device starts
- Unfamiliar tariff options that only take effect at the border
- Calls to service numbers that are not part of the standard tariff
The list helps you recognise costs before they arise. Check your phone settings before departure and switch off background data transfer if you do not need it. A short test over Wi-Fi also helps to confirm the connection.
Frequently asked questions
Does calling within the EU cost nothing extra?
Roaming at domestic prices means that domestic prices apply, provided your tariff provides for it. Whether calls are completely free of surcharges is stated in your contract terms. The Bundesnetzagentur names the basic rule, not every individual tariff.
What if I am only abroad for a short time?
Whether your stay counts as predominant use abroad depends on your consumption. The Bundesnetzagentur names this case as an example of possible surcharges, not as a fixed threshold. Look at your tariff and at the fair-use rules of your provider.
Does my provider warn me about high costs?
Yes, if the cost airbag is active. The warning comes at 80 percent of the limit of 50 euros plus VAT. Check in your provider settings whether the function is switched on.
Do the rules also apply on ships and aircraft?
The Bundesnetzagentur names protective measures for this: since 1 July 2022 providers must take reasonable steps against unintended roaming, for example by deactivating data on such networks by default and activating it only after your consent. Switch data use on there deliberately if you need it.
Do I need to change anything before the trip?
Check whether your tariff allows roaming in the destination country and whether a data option is necessary. A short check saves a lot of trouble abroad.
What does an eSIM cost abroad?
The provider of the eSIM or data package sets the price. Compare the offers with your actual consumption, for example for maps, messages, photos and music. Someone who streams a lot needs a larger package than someone who mainly writes messages.
Can I use my phone offline abroad?
Yes. Offline maps, downloaded music and documents use no data volume. Download everything you need over Wi-Fi before you leave the hotel. This is usually the simplest way to keep the bill small.
What to do now
- Check in your contract whether roaming applies in the destination country and which data ceiling is in place.
- Make sure the cost airbag works with your provider and that you receive the warning at 80 percent.
- Decide before the trip whether an eSIM or a data package makes sense.
- Outside the EU, arrange a data solution in advance or use Wi-Fi rather than browsing on spec.
Related guides
- Work and Travel: An overview of countries, visas and budget
- Rail pass for students in Europe: validity, age limit and booking
- Visa-free travel: which countries are open to Germans without a visa
- Work and Travel Budget: how much money you should bring
Sources: Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur), roaming rules in the European Union (status 1 July 2022 according to the page, retrieved 2 November 2026) (in German).
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
