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What is Data Roaming on IPhone? Complete Guide

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Sstaying connected while traveling is crucial, whether it’s for business, communication, or entertainment. If you’re an iPhone user and you’ve ever traveled outside of your country or network coverage area, you’ve likely encountered the term “data roaming.”

But what exactly is data roaming on iPhone? How does it work, and why is it important to manage? In this article, we’ll explain to you what data roaming is, how it affects your iPhone usage, and tips to avoid unwanted charges.

What is Data Roaming on iPhone?

Data roaming on iPhone refers to the use of your phone’s internet connection outside your home network, often when you are in another country. Normally, your iPhone connects to your mobile carrier’s network to provide data services such as browsing the web, checking emails, or using apps that require an internet connection.

However, when you travel abroad, you leave your carrier’s coverage area. In such cases, your iPhone connects to a foreign network that partners with your carrier. This process is what we call “roaming.”

When you enable data roaming on iPhone, your device can use mobile data on these partner networks, allowing you to stay connected even when you’re far from home. However, it’s important to note that using data on a foreign network typically incurs additional charges, which can sometimes be significant depending on your mobile plan.

Why Data Roaming Matters?

Having data roaming enabled on your iPhone allows you to stay connected while you travel. Without it, your iPhone won’t be able to access the internet unless you’re connected to Wi-Fi. This means that without data roaming, you won’t be able to use maps, social media apps, or other online services unless you find a Wi-Fi network.

data roaming on iphone
Data Roaming can be a life saver

This feature is crucial for travelers, particularly those who rely on mobile data for work, navigation, or staying in touch with family and friends. Imagine being in a foreign country and needing directions, only to find that your data is not working. This is where data roaming on iPhone can be a lifesaver, ensuring that you can access the internet, send messages, and make VoIP calls without interruption.

How to Enable or Disable Data Roaming on iPhone

Managing data roaming on iPhone is simple and can be done with just a few taps:

  1. Open the Settings App: tap on the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
  2. Select Cellular: scroll down and tap on “Cellular” or “Mobile Data,” depending on your iPhone’s region settings.
  3. Tap on Cellular Data Options: here you will find the option labeled “Data Roaming.”
  4. Toggle Data Roaming On or Off: you can turn data roaming on if you need to use mobile data abroad. If you want to avoid roaming charges, simply turn this feature off.

Disabling data roaming is a great way to avoid unexpected roaming charges. However, keep in mind that this will prevent your iPhone from using mobile data while you’re outside your carrier’s network, so you’ll need to rely solely on Wi-Fi.

Roaming Charges: What You Need to Know

One of the biggest concerns with data roaming on iPhone is the potential for high charges. When you use data on a foreign network, your mobile carrier often charges extra fees that are significantly higher than your usual rates.

The rates for data roaming vary depending on your carrier and the country you’re visiting. Some countries have affordable roaming agreements with certain carriers, while others may charge premium rates for data use. It’s important to contact your carrier before traveling to understand what roaming charges to expect and whether they offer international data packages that could help reduce costs.

Some carriers provide international roaming plans that allow you to use your phone abroad at reduced rates or even at no additional cost. Always check with your carrier before your trip to avoid surprise charges.

How to Track Your Data Roaming Usage?

To avoid overusing data while roaming, it’s important to monitor your data consumption during your trip. Your iPhone makes this easy with its built-in data tracking feature:

  1. Open the Settings App: go to “Settings” on your iPhone.
  2. Tap on Cellular or Mobile Data: this will show your current data usage.
  3. Check Data Usage by App: scroll down to see how much data each app is using.
  4. Reset Statistics: If you want to track your data usage from the start of your trip, you can reset the statistics by tapping “Reset Statistics.” This will give you a fresh view of your data consumption while abroad.

Keeping an eye on your data usage ensures that you won’t go over your limit, and you can adjust your habits to avoid extra charges.

Alternatives to Data Roaming

If you’re concerned about data roaming costs, there are several alternatives that can help you stay connected without incurring high fees:

  • Use Wi-Fi: many hotels, restaurants, and public places offer free Wi-Fi. Whenever possible, use these networks to connect to the internet without using mobile data. This is the simplest and most cost-effective way to avoid roaming charges.
data roaming on iphone
Free street WIFI
  • Purchase a Local SIM Card: If you’re staying in a foreign country for an extended period, purchasing a local SIM card can be a cost-effective solution. Local SIM cards often come with affordable data plans, allowing you to use mobile data without the high cost of roaming.
  • eSIM Technology: some newer iPhones support eSIM, a virtual SIM card that allows you to add a local plan without removing your physical SIM card. This is a great option for travelers who want to switch between networks easily.
  • International Roaming Plans: many carriers offer international roaming plans that provide a set amount of data for a flat fee. This can be a good option if you want to continue using your phone while abroad without worrying about surprise charges.

When to Use Data Roaming?

There are times when enabling data roaming on iPhone is essential. For instance, if you’re traveling in an area where Wi-Fi is not available and you need immediate access to the internet for navigation or communication, enabling data roaming is necessary. In emergency situations, being able to use mobile data is crucial for staying connected with emergency services or loved ones.

However, if you’re staying in a location with reliable Wi-Fi, such as a hotel or a café, you can turn off data roaming to avoid unnecessary charges and use Wi-Fi instead.

Data roaming on iPhone is an essential feature for those who travel frequently and need reliable internet access while abroad. It allows you to stay connected even when you’re outside of your carrier’s network. However, it’s important to be mindful of potential roaming charges and manage your settings accordingly.

By understanding how data roaming on iPhone works, how to enable or disable it, and how to track your usage, you can avoid unnecessary charges and enjoy a seamless internet experience no matter where you are. Be sure to explore alternatives like using Wi-Fi or purchasing local SIM cards, and always check with your carrier for international roaming options before your next trip. With proper management, you can stay connected without worrying about the cost.

Ways to get faster internet while traveling

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We’ve all heard stories of people who’ve gone away on a trip and then returned home to a huge bill thanks to their mobile phone roaming on data networks when they’re away.

The good news is, this doesn’t have to be you. There are lots of options for getting internet access when you travel.

In this article we want to help guide you through the options available to you when you travel for getting online.

This will include options for getting online on your mobile phone, as well as on any other devices you might have with you, including tablets and laptops. We will cover options that work for a variety of travel styles.

This guide will focus purely on internet access while travelling, rather than texting or calling, although some of the solutions below will also work for texting and calling.

How to get faster internet when traveling

The nomadic lifestyle has always had an attractive vibe around it, providing people with an adventurous mindset on the road since time immemorial. Eventually, as the technology improved, it became possible to embrace your inner wanderer without sacrificing the career. In particular, the ability to get reliable Internet on the road from virtually any corner of the world gave birth to a new phenomenon known as a digital nomad – someone who is working remotely with satellite Internet.

Wifi connections

The Best Options for Internet Access when Traveling.

Below are all the options you have for getting online when traveling abroad. These cover a wide range of options and we think at least one of these options should work for you!

  • Contract a SIM with calls, data and that includes roaming.
  • Buy a data SIM with many GB and roaming.
  • Air Fiber service.

You can use your mobile provider but it is possible that in your plan you do not have the roaming service contracted in other countries and you have additional costs on your bill. Another disadvantage of using your mobile provider: Even if your provider supports it, speeds may not be as fast as you would get with the other solutions, due to throttling by your provider.

Buy a sim card at your destination

Depending on the country you are traveling to, you might find the most cost-effective way to get online when you travel is to purchase a SIM card for your device for the country you are traveling to.

You can either do this on arrival, or in some cases, you can buy the SIM card before you leave – such as this option for travelers traveling to Spain from other countries. If you want to benefit from this service, write us an e-mail at sales@tiekom.com and we will be happy to offer you the most convenient option based on your needs.

Once you have the SIM card in your phone, you can just use this for your data needs.

If your device is unlocked, then you will be able to put any SIM card that you like into it. This has the advantage that you’ll be able to get the maximum speeds available in that country as the provider will be local, and you’ll also generally be able to do things like tether other devices to your handset.

For trips where you are hopping across many countries we recommend another service that is being increasingly demanded by our customers, data sim card with a large amount of GB. We currently have two types of data sim card with 400 or 300GB and roaming in zone 1 (Europe) in case you want to move outside of Spain and continue enjoying a high-speed internet service for your family. You can use this sim card in a mifi router to share the internet in your apartment, motorhome or wherever you want, you can also use it from a device such as a mobile phone, tablet, etc…

Mobile Hotspot

A mobile hotspot is a standalone device which connects to a cellular network for data, and creates a local WiFi hotspot that you can connect your devices to.

This lets you get all your devices online (handy if you have multiple people traveling together!), and means you don’t have to worry about unlocking your phone.

However, if data and ease of use is what you are after, and you have multiple devices that you want to connect (if you’re traveling as a couple or family for example), then these can be a cost effective and very easy to use option.

If you already have a Router traveling, for example, in a Caravan through Spain and other countries, we recommend our 300GB data SIM with roaming.

Here more information about its features:

• Speeds up to 150MB

• 300GB per month

• Roaming in EU (zone 1)

• 4G and 5G coverage

• FREE activation fee and no commitment to remain

•Monthly fee €39.90

Use a SIM with data, calls and roaming

Advantages of using a roaming SIM: is usually a really simple option that will let you get online quickly and easily at high speeds.

Tiekom has several international plans that are completely adapted to your needs

Discover our plans and choose the one that best suits you. No hidden surprises and no unexpected bills.

The best mix of minutes and data to call abroad without hidden costs and with unlimited calls to Spain.

All of our international plans include 600 min. On international calls

Enjoy the best offer of GB, unlimited national calls to landlines and mobiles in Spain, 600 minutes to international landlines and mobiles.

Without commitment to remain or set up costs.

With the best prices and the best network coverage in Spain

Do not worry about where you are in Spain, we have national coverage guaranteeing the best call quality and data reception.

You can use your Tiekom line abroad

All the plans include roaming in zone1 (EU and EE.UU) so you can stay connected when traveling outside of Spain.

Another service that we recommend for your holidays in Spain is Air Fiber: if you are in Spain for more than a week, we recommend our AirFiber service. It is a 4G unlimited router with the following features:

• Speeds up to 150MB

• Vodafone 4G coverage

•Monthly fee €44.90 (VAT included)

• Set-up fee + Router + delivery: €50 (VAT included)

• No penalty for not returning the router

• No commitment to remain

The best options for faster internet when traveling

Tiekom offers you a multitude of connectivity options for when you are traveling or enjoying your second home in Spain. Our goal is to offering them the best service and the best offers so that you feel at home and do not have to worry about anything, just enjoy.

Why Tiekom?

1.- It is the only telecommunications company, content and other services designed to suit you, depending on your needs and in your language.

2.- Tailored attention, in your language and with a vocation to help and service our customers.

3.- We are specialists in expats and their needs and concerns.

4.- With Tiekom you will not find closed packages, so you can choose the combination you want.

5.- Finally, also mention that the registration process is easy, clear, fast, and simple.

You can find all the information about our company and our services on the Tiekom website or by email: sales@tiekom.com In all cases we will be happy to help you!

How to call UK from Spain?

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Whether you live in Spain or are traveling to our countrie you may need to make an international phone call while you’re there. Calling across the sea to the UK is relatively straightforward as long as you know the proper international and area codes. Take into account the cost of international calling plans to choose the best calling option for your situation.

In addition to this quick guide to calling the UK, we recommend that you read this related blog previously published.

HOW TO CALL UK FROM SPAIN?

Dial 00 to route the call internationally. This exit code works for Spain and most of Europe. No matter where you are, the exit code routes your call outside of the country you are in.

A basic UK number looks like 00+XX+XX+XXXX-XXXX. The first digits, 00, are the exit code and have to be dialed whenever you wish to connect to a number outside of Spain.

WHAT IS THE DIALLING CODE FROM SPAIN TO ENGLAND?

Dial 44 to route the call to the UK. Every country has its own code, so dialing 44 always connects you to a UK number. The UK’s country code covers England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Your calling number will look something like 00+44+XX+XXXX-XXXX.

HOW DO I CALL A UK LANDLINE?

Include the area code for a UK city if you’re calling a landline. Besides using the international codes, reaching a UK number is like dialing a friend or local business. The area code comes next and it routes the call to a specific region in the UK. The area code you need depends on which part of the UK you wish to call.

For example, the area code for London is 20, so you type in 00+44+20+XXXX-XXXX.

If you see an area code with a 0 in front of it, don’t input the 0. It’s only for domestic calls in the UK. For example, a 0141 area code for Glasgow becomes 141 when you’re abroad.

HOW DO I CALL A UK CELL PHONE?

Calling a mobile phone is the same as calling a landline except for the area code. In the UK, each mobile number gets a 4-digit code starting with 7. The code you need depends on the phone carrier. Use this number instead of a city area code

For example, a mobile number might look something like 00+40+71XX+XXX-XXX.

THE CURRENT TIME TO CALL UK FROM SPAIN

Also remind you that although it seems obvious, you should take into account the time change between Spain (Iberian Peninsula) and the UK. There is an hour difference but if you call from the Canary Islands it will be the same time.

TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY ON YOUR TELEPHONE CALLS

Purchase a Spanish SIM card to reduce the costs of the call. It is essential to have a suitable mobile plan for your needs, this can help you save on your calls to the UK. A mobile plan that includes minutes for international calls and that allows you to make these calls without additional costs and if you also have national calls (between Spanish phones) included and GB to connect to the internet, see your emails, WhatsApp messages, etc… it will be perfect.

To have one of these plans and avoid surprises you may want to consider switching to Tiekom, see our mobile plans here.

Why Tiekom?

1.- It is the only telecommunications company, content and other services designed to suit you, depending on your needs and in your language.

2.- Tailored attention, in your language and with a vocation to help and service our customers.

3.- We are specialists in expats and their needs and concerns.

4.- With Tiekom you will not find closed packages, so you can choose the combination you want.

5.- Finally, also mention that the registration process is easy, clear, fast, and simple.

You can find all the information about our company and our services on the Tiekom website or by email: sales@tiekom.com In all cases we will be happy to help you!

How can I use my phone in Spain: a guide for expats.

Por

If you’re a fresh arrival in Spain, then getting a local mobile phone number is an important step in setting up your new life here. After all, this will help you stay in touch with your loved ones back home, as well as new friends and colleagues, and much more.

Thankfully, Spain has a well-developed mobile network and plenty of operators to choose from, so you won’t be left disconnected. However, as an expat, knowing how to get a SIM card in Spain, or which mobile operator to choose, can be a challenge. To help you out, this guide gives you some interesting information to choose from. We also recommend reading this blog.

How to use your phone in Spain?

You should always check your options before you travel to avoid any unforeseen connection issues when you arrive in Spain.

Thanks to an EU-wide agreement on international roaming fees, arrivals from EU countries can enjoy free roaming when spending time in Spain. This is also the case for arrivals from the UK, although this could be subject to change following the UK’s exit from the European Union. If you’re unsure, then check with your home operator before traveling to avoid being left with any unwanted bills.

If you’re moving to Spain – or planning to stay a little longer – then you’ll probably want to buy a Spanish SIM card or sign up for a local mobile contract. Getting a SIM card will probably be the cheapest option in terms of up-front costs, you just need to provide proof of identity to get one. In this case, remember that Tiekom can offer you a wide variety of national and international mobile plans with different GB options and international calls included, see more information here.

Roaming in the EU

Essentially, those who use an EU SIM card in their phone can travel within the EU and continue to use their phone as they normally would at home. SMS, phone calls and internet will all operate within the parameters of the national bundle that was originally activated in your phone. Your calling minutes and SMS rates will not increase or be subject to extra fees due to the user being outside on the SIMs native country.

When it comes to internet data usage the rules get a little more complicated. Each mobile service provider may “limit” or “safeguard” the available data usage when their SIMs are being used around the EU. This means that even though you might have activated an unlimited plan or a plan with a lot of GBs, you may only have access to a percentage of that mobile data when traveling. As each mobile provider is allowed to make their own rules (to a certain extent), it’s important that you check with yours before you start your travel and use your EU Roaming.

Effectively, “Roam like at Home” is meant to help travelers enjoy their mobile phones while traveling for shorter periods, but it is not meant to be a long term solution. If you are moving within the EU for a long period of time – specifically to Spain – then we recommend you take a look at our mobile and data SIM offers with roaming in case you want to travel to other countries.

Mobile roaming charges in Spain / Limits on charges


Fair use policy – Is my data use limited?

Mobile operators may apply a “fair use policy” to ensure that all roaming customers have access to and benefit from the “roam like at home” rules (i.e. roaming services at domestic prices) when travelling in the EU. This means that your mobile operator may apply fair, reasonable and proportionate control mechanisms to avoid customers abusing the rules.

When you’re roaming, there are no volume restrictions on your voice calls and text messages (SMS). Any calls or texts not included in your contract will be charged at the same rate you’d pay in your home country. However, there are rules and limits on how much data you can have charged at your domestic price. These limits depend on the type of contract you have.

The limit is based on the price of your domestic mobile contract. Your operator must tell you in advance about this limit and has to let you know when you reach it. You can continue data roaming once you’ve reached your limit, but your operator will charge you extra.

Get a better service on your phone in Spain

Spanish mobile subscriptions typically offer cheaper rates for calls, texts, and data usage than prepaid SIMs, making them an attractive alternative for many new arrivals. Contracts include an allowance of call minutes, texts, and mobile data. They might also include other allowances, and the amount you pay will depend on which tariff you end up choosing. Be aware that you might be able to get discounts should you combine your mobile contract with your home phone, internet, and TV connection. For more information on this about the different services and plans that we can offer you at Tiekom visit our website.

Tiekom has several international plans that are completely adapted to your needs

Discover our plans and choose the one that best suits you. No hidden surprises and no unexpected bills.

The best mix of minutes and data to call abroad included UK without hidden costs and with unlimited calls to Spain. Switch to one-of-a-kind plans for FREE. Keep your existing number or get a new one. We have created these plans because we don’t believe in boarders.

All of our international plans include 600 min. On international calls

Enjoy the best offer of GB, unlimited national calls to landlines and mobiles in Spain, 600 minutes to international landlines and mobiles.

Without commitment to remain or set up costs.

With the best prices and the best coverage network in Spain

Do not worry about where you are in Spain, we have national coverage guaranteeing the best call quality and data reception.

You can use your Tiekom line abroad

All the plans include roaming in zone1 (EU and EE.UU) so you can stay connected when traveling outside of Spain.

You can change to another plan

we are flexible, and we understand that your needs change over time. With Tiekom you can always change plans.

Finally, also mention that the registration process is easy, clear, fast, and simple.

Visit our website. where you can find all the information about our company and our services or contact us by email: sales@tiekom.com In all cases we will be happy to help you!