Travelling outside the EU with a plan from Lithuania: how do I avoid a huge roaming bill?
In most countries outside the EU and EEA, EU roaming rules do not apply and prices can be much higher. Your operator must inform you of the tariffs by SMS. If data is very expensive, RRT suggests buying a local prepaid card.
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 Lithuania is below.
📜 The rules in Lithuania
The details
- Data roaming outside the EU also has a default spending limit of close to, but not over, €50 a month excluding VAT, unless you chose another. You get an alert at 80%, and data stops at the limit unless you ask to continue. (eur-lex.europa.eu)
- If the foreign network does not allow real-time usage tracking, the limit cannot work; your provider must then tell you so by free SMS when you arrive. (eur-lex.europa.eu)
- 'Roam like at home' also covers the EEA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, as well as Moldova and Ukraine. Some operators extend their offers to other countries. (europa.eu)
- Near borders with countries outside EU roaming rules, select your network manually so your phone does not connect to a foreign network. Switch off mobile data when you do not need it, as apps can use data unnoticed. (rrt.lt)
Lietuvos Respublikos ryšių reguliavimo tarnyba (RRT)
Lithuania's telecom regulator. It monitors providers, handles complaints and requests about phone and internet services, and gives free advice by phone or at rrt@rrt.lt.
🪜 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
❓ 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
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