Roaming outside the EU with a plan from Germany

The short answer

Outside the EU, calls (including incoming ones), texts and data on your German contract can get expensive. Ask your provider before you travel about prices and special roaming tariffs; for the UK, too, check the roaming prices with your provider.

Outside the EU and EEA, roaming can be very expensive, especially mobile data. Protections such as a spending limit and warning messages exist in some places; what applies with a plan from Germany is below.

Official source: bundesnetzagentur.de · Checked 2026-10-14

📜 The rules in Germany

The details

The data-roaming cost limit (in the EU €50 net by default, with a warning at 80%) has in principle applied worldwide since 1 July 2012, but only where the foreign network records your use in real time. (bundesnetzagentur.de)
If the cost limit is not available in a country, your provider must tell you so when you arrive. (bundesnetzagentur.de)
Outside the EU too, your provider must send you the roaming prices for calls and texts by SMS on arrival, and price information for data when you first use it. (bundesnetzagentur.de)
To avoid extra costs, you can switch off mobile data and data roaming, deactivate your mailbox, or choose the foreign network manually. (bundesnetzagentur.de)

Schlichtungsstelle Telekommunikation der Bundesnetzagentur

Handles disputes over high mobile bills after a stay abroad, including a missing cost limit or missing price SMS.

🔗 bundesnetzagentur.de

Official source: bundesnetzagentur.de · Checked 2026-10-14

🪜 Step by step

Check the prices before you goLook up your operator’s rates for the country you are visiting, or buy a travel add-on.
Keep the spending limit onIf your operator offers a data spending limit, leave it on. It stops data use before the bill runs away.
Switch off data roaming when you do not need itApps update in the background. Use Wi‑Fi and switch off data roaming in your phone’s settings.
Consider a local SIM or eSIMFor longer trips, a local or travel SIM is often much cheaper.

📇 Who to contact

Schlichtungsstelle Telekommunikation der BundesnetzagenturHandles disputes over high mobile bills after a stay abroad, including a missing cost limit or missing price SMS.🔗 www.bundesnetzagentur.de/DE/Vportal/Schlichtung/Schlichtung_TK/start.html

BundesnetzagenturSupervises phone and internet providers and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a provider that breaks the rules📞 0228 14 15 16 🔗 www.bundesnetzagentur.de/DE/Vportal/TK/start.html

❓ Questions

What happens when I reach the spending limit?

Where a limit applies, data stops or you are asked whether you want to continue. You decide whether to go on.

Do ships and planes count as abroad?

Networks on ships and planes often run via satellite, are not covered by the usual roaming rules and can be very expensive.

Can I dispute a huge roaming bill?

Yes. Complain to the operator first, then go to the dispute body if you cannot agree.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-10-14

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

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✈️ Travelling outside the EU with a plan from Germany: how do I avoid a huge roaming bill?