Travelling outside the EU with a plan from Latvia: how do I avoid a huge roaming bill?
Outside the EU/EEA, Ukraine and Moldova, your provider's own roaming prices apply; they must be publicly available, for example on its website. Check them 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 Latvia is below.
📜 The rules in Latvia
The details
- The EU data cut-off also applies outside the EU: unless you chose another limit, data roaming stops at a default limit of no more than €50 (excl. VAT) per monthly billing period until you agree to continue. You are warned at 80%. (publications.europa.eu)
- If the network you visit does not let your provider track usage in real time, the cap cannot work; you must then get a free SMS on arrival saying so. (publications.europa.eu)
- When you enter a country outside the EU, you should get a free automatic message with your personal prices for making and receiving calls and sending texts there. (publications.europa.eu)
- Your contract must explain how the provider tells you, when roaming, that you have reached your spending limit, and how the service is restored afterwards. (likumi.lv)
Sabiedrisko pakalpojumu regulēšanas komisija (SPRK)
If your provider has not solved the problem, send SPRK a written complaint: signed with a secure e-signature to sprk@sprk.gov.lv, as a signed letter to Skanstes iela 25, Rīga, LV-1013, or through your official e-address.
🪜 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
🧭 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.
⚠️ Readers report that something here may have changed — we are checking it.
✅ Thank you — this keeps the page up to date for everyone.