Roaming outside the EU with a plan from Spain

The short answer

Outside the EU and the EEA, 'roam like at home' does not apply and roaming, especially data, can be very expensive, although many operators extend their offers. Check the costs with your operator before you travel.

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 Spain is below.

Official source: europa.eu · Checked 2026-10-14

📜 The rules in Spain

The details

The EU spending cap also applies outside the EU: by default, data roaming is cut off at a limit of up to €50 a month excluding VAT, unless you chose another limit or agree to continue. (boe.es)
You must get a warning when you reach 80% of the limit, and a message before it is exceeded explaining how to continue and what each extra unit costs. (boe.es)
If the foreign network does not let your operator monitor your usage in real time, you must get a free text on arrival saying that usage information and the spending cap are not available. (boe.es)
When you arrive outside the EU, your operator must also send you a free automatic message with basic personal prices for calls and texts there. (boe.es)

Oficina de Atención al Usuario de Telecomunicaciones

If your operator does not resolve a roaming complaint, you can take it to the Oficina's free procedure.

📞 91 945 89 74 🔗 usuariosteleco.digital.gob.es

Official source: boe.es · 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

Oficina de Atención al Usuario de TelecomunicacionesIf your operator does not resolve a roaming complaint, you can take it to the Oficina's free procedure.📞 91 945 89 74 🔗 usuariosteleco.digital.gob.es/reclamaciones/telefonia-e-internet

Ministerio para la Transformación Digital y de la Función Pública (Secretaría de Estado de Telecomunicaciones e Infraestructuras Digitales)Supervises phone and internet providers and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a provider that breaks the rules📞 91 945 89 74 🔗 usuariosteleco.digital.gob.es/derechos-usuario

❓ 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?

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