EU Roaming
Phone calls and surfing in the EU included
Roaming and data roaming: The essentials
Automatic app updates, background services or streaming videos in HD can cause high roaming costs. At the same time, there are numerous ways to avoid these costs. In this guide, you'll learn how data roaming works which EU Roaming rules apply, and how you can save cleverly with the right Ortel Mobile Roaming options.
The most important things in brief:
What is Data roaming?
Definition and technical background
What does data roaming mean? Easy: Data roaming is when you use mobile data in a foreign mobile network abroad. To do this, your device automatically connects to a foreign partner network abroad via your German provider. Data roaming can quickly cause higher costs than classic roaming, which is limited to telephony and SMS. This is especially true outside the EU. That's why you should know exactly when your device is consuming data in the background.
Difference: Roaming vs. International connection
Roaming refers to using your mobile phone abroad. You don't have to insert a foreign SIM into your mobile phone for this. Unlike a local prepaid card in the holiday country, for example, you remain a customer with your provider. An international connection is when you establish a telephone or data connection from Germany to abroad or vice versa.
Automatic network selection processes
Your smartphone searches for the strongest available partner network in the destination country. This connection can be selected automatically or manually, depending on the contract and settings. In border regions, automatic network selection can unintentionally lead to roaming costs. You can Select a specific network via your smartphone settings. This way you can ensure stable connections and avoid unintentional roaming.
Ortel Mobile Solutions for Mobile Internet Abroad
Would you like to surf cheaply throughout Germany and in the EU? Ortel Mobile offers you attractive 5G-enabled Internet Flats. With them, you can Flexible high-speed data volume adapt. Ortel Mobile offers you a choice of different roaming options:
All options are can be cancelled monthly, is easy to book and is equipped with transparent inclusive services. This means that you can plan online at any time abroad – easily, cheaply and without a long contract. Now Explore Ortel Mobile options and book prepaid roaming with full cost control that suits you perfectly.
EU Roaming: "Roam like at home"
What is EU Roaming?
Since 15 June 2017, the "Roam like at home" regulation has been in force in the EU: You use your data volume as if you were at home. This means no extra costs for mobile data, calls or SMS within the EU. This regulation was created to make travel within Europe easier and cheaper.
Which countries are included?
The regulation for EU Roaming is valid in all 27 member states of the European Union (EU) as well as in other countries of the so-called European Economic Area (EEA).
Belgium
Bulgaria
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Greece
Irland
Italy
Croatia
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Austria
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Sweden
Slow. republic
Slovenia
Spain
Czech Republic
Hungary
Island
Liechtenstein
Norway
Good to know: Countries such as Switzerland, Turkey or the USA are not automatically included – your chosen Roaming option applies here. With us, these countries are connected via "Travel EU & More".
What does "like at home" mean in concrete terms?
You call, surf and send text messages at no additional cost, as long as you stay within the scope of your booked inclusive services. Attention: For example, if your contract 5 GB, this limit also applies in other EU countries. If, on the other hand, you use a tariff with unlimited data volume, a limit may apply abroad. What exactly this limit looks like depends on your provider.
Important exceptions
Ship and plane
As soon as you on the high seas or in the air are EU Roaming does not apply. Billing is done via expensive satellite connections. In practice, this means: Even an email app that is only opened for a short time can cost several euros.
Fair Use Policy
Anyone who stays abroad for a longer period of time must expect a fair use limitation. Cleartext: Providers are allowed to charge additional costs after a certain period of time. The fair use limit is usually four consecutive months.
Data volume limits
In the case of particularly low tariffs with unlimited data volume in Germany, the volume abroad may be limited. Find out about your specific limit beforehand. This limit is often a mathematical share, e.g. 50% of your normal volume.
Roaming outside the EU
There is no uniform rules in countries outside the EU. Each provider determines the prices itself. Without a booked roaming option, it can quickly become expensive here.
Typical cost traps
Tips for avoiding costs
Fortunately, nasty surprises on the mobile phone bill are not inevitable. You have a whole range of options to avoid typical cost traps:
Pro-Tipp: Use dual SIM. Insert a second SIM with a local data card and use your main SIM only for SMS/calls. You can Specify which SIM is used for data in the settings. Ideal for those who want to use different connections for work and pleasure.
Practical instructions: Enable/disable data roaming
Whether you Turn off or target data roaming – we'll show you step by step how to do it. The following instructions apply to most current Android and iPhone models.
Instructions for Android
- Open your phone's settings.
- Go to "Connections" or "Network" & Internet".
- Select Cellular Network or Cellular Networks.
- Activate or deactivate the item "Data roaming".
- If necessary, confirm with "OK".
Different Android versions
For older Android versions, the path may differ slightly:
Tip: Search for "Roaming" in Settings if you don't find the option right away.
Instructions for iOS
- Open Settings.
- Go to "Mobile Network".
- Tap Data Option.
- Turn Data roaming on or off.
iOS versions: Differences
Starting with iOS 14, the "Voice and Data Usage" option is partially split. Make sure that "Data roaming" is also set correctly. For dual SIM configurations: Under "Mobile network" you will find the SIM cards listed individually. Select the active SIM for data and configure the roaming options there. iOS usually warns you when you turn on data roaming – read the instructions carefully, especially outside the EU.
Set Offline Mode (Airplane Mode)
Airplane mode cuts off all radio connections for telephony and Internet. Practical when crossing borders, on a plane or on cruises.
Here's how to do it:
You can still turn on Wi-Fi separately in airplane mode. This way you are offline, but online in the hotel Wi-Fi, for example.
Important notes
Ortel Mobile Roaming Benefits
Mobile communications abroad should be fair, understandable and, above all, without surprises. That's why we tell you clearly what to expect and where – without any small print. Roaming with Ortel Mobile may refer to:
FAQ: Questions about the topic
You have to activate roaming as soon as you want to use mobile data abroad. Otherwise, your mobile internet will not be available.
You can also use your prepaid card in other EU countries. For prepaid roaming, you load credit balance onto your card in advance. You can then use this for phone calls, SMS and mobile data just as you would in your home country. The prerequisite is that your provider has activated Roaming for prepaid tariffs and that there is enough Credit available.
Depending on your tariff, you surf slower or get information about additional packages.
You can't use internet abroad despite roaming? The most common reasons for this are:
Yes, you can use mobile internet on a cruise ship. However, this is often only possible via expensive satellite connections.
In many countries, 5G Available. Whether you can use the standard depends on the partner network and your device.
The most important things at a glance
EU roaming offers many advantages, but outside Europe, caution is required. Because if you surf, chat or stream unprepared, you risk unnecessary costs. The good news: With the right options and a clear overview of the rules and settings, you can use mobile communications abroad without any problems – transparent, fair and tailored to you.
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