How to Save on Roaming Fees When Traveling in 2026

Nothing spoils a return from travel more than a phone bill of several hundred dollars. Roaming charges remain one of the most common traps for travelers. In 2026, with the growing consumption of video and social media, a simple settings mistake can be very expensive.

Here are our expert tips to keep your money for your memories, not for your operator.

1. Understand how your operator bills you

Before you leave, check the conditions of your plan. If you are traveling in Europe and you have a European plan, roaming is generally included. But as soon as you cross a non-EU border (Switzerland, USA, Morocco, etc.), prices soar, sometimes reaching $10 per megabyte!

2. Disable data abroad (Roaming)

This is the golden rule. In your settings, disable "Data Abroad" on your main SIM card as soon as you leave your coverage area. This prevents your phone from automatically connecting to expensive foreign networks.

3. Use Alolilo eSIM for data

The most effective method in 2026 is to separate your calls from your internet consumption:

• Keep your usual SIM only for important SMS.
• Use an Alolilo eSIM for everything else (WhatsApp, Maps, Instagram). You pay a fixed, prepaid price, and without any risk of overage.

4. Download your maps and music offline

Before leaving home or the hotel:

• Download areas on Google Maps.
• Sync your Spotify or Apple Music playlists.
• Download your Netflix movies. Every gig saved is money earned.

5. Beware of automatic updates

Smartphones love to update in the background. Disable automatic app and system updates, as well as iCloud or Google Photos syncing via cellular data.

6. Use VoIP messaging

Forget traditional calls or international SMS. Use WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, or FaceTime. These apps consume very little data and are free if you have a local eSIM or Wi-Fi.

Conclusion

Traveling connected should not be a luxury. By anticipating your needs and opting for a solution like eSIM, you take back control of your budget.

Save now. Check our rates by destination.