Can I use my phone in the EU at no extra cost?
Yes, in the EU/EEA: the phone is used at national prices, with no extra charges. Under the EU "Roam Like at Home" rule, when you leave Romania for another EU (or EEA) country, calls, texts and data are charged at national prices, as if you were home — "reasonable use of roaming services". From 1 January 2026, the "Roam Like at Home" area was extended, including Moldova and Ukraine. Watch the limits: if your data tariff is very low, the operator can apply a reasonable limit (fair-use policy) on roaming data; above it, surcharges can apply, but they're capped at EU level. Importantly: in the UK, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco and non-EEA states, the rule does not apply, and tariffs can be very high. In short: in the EU — no extra cost; outside it — check the tariffs.
📋 The rules
- In the EU/EEA: national prices (Roam Like at Home)
- Calls, texts and data as at home
- From 2026: Moldova and Ukraine too
- Possible fair-use limit on data, with capped surcharges
- UK, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, non-EEA: rule doesn't apply
🔓 Exceptions
- Very low data tariffs: a reasonable roaming data-volume limit
- Non-EEA countries: unregulated tariffs, possibly very high
- Standard packages auto-activated outside the EU: watch the costs
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Here we're not talking about "sanctions" but costs to avoid. In the EU/EEA you're protected: national prices, no extra charges. Outside this area (UK, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco and non-EEA states), tariffs are not regulated and can reach high amounts (e.g. a few euros per minute or per MB), and many operators auto-activate standard packages on first use, even if you didn't ask. To avoid surprise bills: before travelling, check the roaming tariffs, especially for non-EEA destinations; turn off data roaming or use Wi-Fi where you're unsure; check your plan's fair-use data limit; and consider a local SIM or a special package for pricier destinations. ANCOM recommends checking in advance.
📎 Official sources
- European Commission · roaming ("Roam Like at Home") →
- Your Europe · EU roaming costs →
- ANCOM · roaming information →
❓ Frequently asked
Do I pay extra to use my phone in the EU?
No. Under the "Roam Like at Home" rule, when you leave Romania for another EU or EEA country, calls, texts and mobile data are charged at national prices, as if you were home. No extra charges apply for reasonable use of roaming services in this area.
Did free roaming expand in 2026?
Yes. From 1 January 2026, the "Roam Like at Home" area was extended, including Moldova and Ukraine. So in these countries you can make calls and use mobile data on the same terms as in your home country, at national prices, with no extra roaming charges.
Are there limits on roaming data?
Yes, in some cases. If your per-gigabyte tariff is very low, the operator can apply a reasonable limit (fair-use policy) on the data you use while roaming. If you exceed this limit, surcharges can apply, but they're capped by EU regulations.
Does free roaming work in the UK or Switzerland?
No. In the UK, Switzerland, Andorra and Monaco the "Roam Like at Home" rule doesn't apply. For these states and those outside the EEA, tariffs aren't regulated and can be very high, reaching a few euros per minute or per MB. Check before using your phone there.
How do I avoid big bills outside the EU?
Before travelling, check the roaming tariffs, especially for non-EEA destinations. Turn off data roaming or use Wi-Fi where you're unsure of the costs, check your plan's fair-use limit, and consider a local SIM or a special package for pricier destinations.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “eu roaming no extra cost”
- “roam like at home 2026 moldova ukraine”
- “roaming data fair-use limit”
- “roaming uk switzerland tariffs”
- “big bills roaming non-eea”
- “ancom roaming information”