What is roaming?
Roaming allows you to use your mobile phone on a foreign network when you're outside your home country. This means you can make calls, send SMS, and browse the internet while abroad.
Data roaming refers to the use of mobile data services (e.g., internet, apps, emails) while traveling internationally. Your device automatically connects to a partner network abroad, keeping you online wherever you go. However, additional roaming charges may apply. It's essential to understand how data roaming works, the potential costs involved, and how to manage it effectively.
18.07.2025 | Reading time: 5 minutes
How does data roaming work?
When you travel outside Switzerland, your smartphone automatically connects to a local mobile network in your destination country, usually a partner of your Swiss provider. To stay online, you’ll need to have data roaming enabled on your device.
Many travelers are caught off guard by high phone bills after their trip, often due to unmonitored data use abroad. That’s why it’s important to understand how roaming works and take a few simple precautions to avoid unexpected charges.
How to turn data roaming on or off
For iPhone users
- Open Settings.
- Tap on Mobile Data.
- Select Mobile Data Options.
- Toggle Data Roaming on or off.
For Android users
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on Network & Internet or Connections.
- Select Mobile Network or Mobile Data.
- Toggle Data Roaming on or off.
Tip: If you don't need mobile data abroad, it's advisable to disable data roaming to prevent unwanted charges.
Benefits of data roaming
- Stay connected: Make calls, send messages, and access social media on the go.
- Flexibility: Access maps, translations, restaurant reviews, or online tickets anytime.
- Safety: Quickly call for help or access important information in emergencies.
- No need for local SIM: Avoid the hassle of purchasing a local SIM card or finding Wi-Fi hotspots.
Risks and costs of data roaming
While data roaming offers many advantages, costs can escalate quickly, especially outside the EU. Common pitfalls include:
- Automatic updates: Apps and system services updating in the background consume data unknowingly.
- Streaming and large downloads: Music or video streaming can lead to significant charges.
- Complex tariffs: Roaming rates vary widely depending on the country and provider.
Tips to save on data roaming
- Monitor data usage: Most smartphones display how much data you've used. Check regularly.
- Use Wi-Fi: Connect to secure Wi-Fi networks in hotels, restaurants, or cafes whenever possible.
- Download offline maps: Save maps or travel apps in advance to reduce data usage on the go.
- Disable background data: Limit data consumption by apps running in the background.
- Purchase roaming packages: Many providers offer special roaming tariffs or packages with fixed data volumes at set prices.
- Activate airplane mode: An easy way to cut off all mobile connections when you don't need a network.
Roaming in Europe
Within the EU, you generally benefit from the "Roam Like at Home" regulation. This means you can use your smartphone in other EU countries just like at home, without additional roaming charges. Calls, SMS, and data are billed at domestic rates. This regulation also applies in Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland.
However, it's important to check the details of your mobile contract, as some providers may impose restrictions (e.g., data limits abroad). Also, note that calls from one EU country to another (e.g., from Italy to France) may not always fall under roaming benefits and could be charged as international calls.
Roaming outside the European Union
Outside of Europe, the “Roam Like at Home” rules don’t apply, which means roaming charges can vary widely and get expensive fast. In countries like Switzerland (for non-residents), the USA, or Turkey, data, calls, and SMS can cost several euros per megabyte.
To avoid a surprisingly high phone bill, it’s a good idea to check your provider’s roaming rates before you travel. Many mobile operators offer special international packages with a set amount of data at a reduced price.
Another smart option is to buy a local prepaid SIM card, it’s often a much cheaper way to stay connected while abroad.
Roaming with yallo: stay connected abroad
- Cost control abroad: To continue sending and receiving messages, calls, and data while abroad, ensure your cost control limit is set to at least CHF 50. This feature helps prevent unpleasant surprises on your bill after your vacation. Activating airplane mode guarantees that you won't roam at all.
- Data packages: Experience seamless connectivity with yallo's data packages. You can check the status of your roaming options anytime, free of charge, via SMS. This ensures you're always in control of your mobile data expenses, allowing you to save money while staying connected on the go.
You can find some of the most attractive roaming options directly below:
yallo Europe
With the yallo Europe plan, enjoy high-speed surfing and 60 minutes of calls in the yallo Europe zone, the USA, and Canada. Perfect for those who frequently travel in Europe and desire full cost control. Thanks to the excellent 5G network, you stay connected whether on a business trip or vacation.
yallo Swiss Plus
The yallo Swiss Plus plan offers unlimited surfing, calling, and SMS within Switzerland at high speeds up to 2 Gbit/s. Additionally, you receive 2 GB of roaming data in the yallo Europe zone, the USA, Canada, and Turkey, ideal for occasional trips abroad. Stay reachable outside Switzerland without incurring high additional costs.
yallo Europe Plus
With the yallo Europe Plus plan, enjoy unlimited data and calls in Switzerland, the yallo Europe zone, the USA, Canada, and Turkey. Surf at high speeds and make unlimited calls, perfect for frequent travelers who want to stay online and reachable, whether on city trips, backpacking, or business journeys across Europe.
In summary
- Roaming allows you to use your smartphone abroad for calls, internet, and SMS. Data roaming keeps you online on the go but can be expensive outside the EU.
- In Europe, you usually benefit from the "Roam Like at Home" regulation, incurring no additional costs. Outside the EU, always check your roaming rates or purchase a data package to avoid high fees.
- With yallo, enjoy full cost control, attractive roaming packages, and high-speed internet, whether in Switzerland, Europe, or worldwide. Stay flexible and securely connected at all times.
