What Is Data Roaming?
Data roaming refers to when you use your mobile or broadband service abroad or otherwise out of its home range. Usually, you will need to enable roaming within the settings of your device to ensure that it still fully connects, and you can also potentially be subject to additional charges. While you may be used to your standard mobile data plan at home, many mobile and broadband companies impose limitations on how long you can be abroad until roaming charges start applying. These charges can range from a few cents to hundreds of euros for the more data-hungry amongst us.
What Are My Roaming Options?
The first thing that you should do is to check the details of your contract or payment plan. Within its terms, you should be able to find exactly what you can use abroad, followed by the additional costs you might have to pay for going over the limit. If you feel that your plan's content may not be sufficient, or that you will be using data abroad for some time, then you may want to consider one of the following options:
- Purchase a data packet/bundle to extend your allowance and use your device as a hotspot
- Buy a Pay As You Go SIM card in your destination country
- Get an eSIM
- Consider a mobile broadband device for multiple devices
- Check compatible dongles for single device connectivity
What Is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a relatively new technology where you can purchase a data roaming plan without having to install a physical SIM. An eSIM is an embedded SIM meaning all you need to do is scan a QR code and you will be able to access a data plan in the country you are travelling to really easily.
Advantages
- Plastic-free and environmentally friendly
- Specific local plans available
- Easy setup via QR code
- Simple to switch between providers
Disadvantages
- Phone must be compatible with eSIM technology
- WiFi connection required for download
- Data cannot be shared between devices
Do I Need an International SIM for Europe?
Within the EU, you will always pay the same rates for your calls and data as you would in Ireland. This is called Roam Like at Home (RLAH) and it means that you will pay no more than your rates at home for calls, texts and data while abroad. The only drawback is you cannot use unlimited data with your plan and you have an upper limit to your data usage.
Can I Purchase a Local SIM?
If you are staying abroad for a long holiday, it may be appropriate to purchase a Pay As You Go SIM from the country of your destination. If you do, you avoid incurring roaming charges and guarantee that your phone will connect to the local network. However, there are some pros and cons:
- Guaranteed connection in host country
- Frees up your home SIM data allowance
- The new operator may not speak your language
- Some providers require an address matching the SIM's country
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Which Data Roaming Option Is Best for Me?
- For Business Trips: Dongle WiFi is a great option if you need to work from your laptop while abroad. Your employer may also be able to pay for a dedicated SIM, enabling you to work, save, and stay connected without having to pay for anything yourself.
- For Short Holidays: For quick trips abroad, your standard mobile allowances should be sufficient. Just remember to check your limits, enable roaming, and avoid data-heavy activities such as streaming, social media and video calling.
- For Long Holidays: Purchasing a SIM from your host country is the best way forward. This enables you to roam without worry and save your main SIM card allowance for the important stuff.
- For Group Holidays: Whether you are heading to Ibiza with friends, or on a caravan holiday at home, mobile broadband is your best option here. Allowing many people to access one WiFi connection saves having to juggle SIM cards while bringing broadband with you wherever you go.
How Do I Enable Data Roaming on My Mobile Device?
The most basic step that you should take before roaming abroad. Enabling data roaming allows you to connect to a network outside of your device's home range. Without doing this, you will not be able to access data services such as checking emails, WhatsApp calls or streaming.
For Apple Devices:
- Open Settings
- Select "Cellular/Mobile Data"
- Within the cellular/mobile data section, toggle data roaming on
For Android Devices:
- Open Settings on your SIM device
- Select "Network & Internet"
- Select "Mobile Network"
- Enable roaming
- Confirm any pop-up confirmations
You should now be able to access data services through local compatible networks. For most holiday-goers, this is usually sufficient, but always make sure that you are aware of your device roaming charges and limitations before leaving your home region.
How Can I Use My Device as a Mobile Hotspot?
Turning your device into a mobile hotspot allows you to share your mobile network connection with other devices. This is a great little trick if you need to connect your tablet or laptop to the web, or if you need to borrow some data from a friend.
How Do I Set Up an iPhone Mobile Hotspot?
- Click "Settings"
- Select "Personal Hotspot"
- Select "Allow others to join"
- Click "Wi-Fi Password" to establish or change password
How Do I Set Up an Android Mobile Hotspot?
- Select "Settings"
- Click "Connections"
- Tap on "Mobile Hotspot and Tethering"
- Turn mobile hotspot on
- Select "Mobile Hotspot" then "Configure" for a secure password
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How Does Roaming with Mobile Broadband Work?
Mobile broadband is an increasingly popular method of accessing strong WiFi signals away from home. Operating on similar principles to mobile phones and mobile hotspots, a mobile broadband device picks up 3G, 4G and 5G signals, and re-emits them as WiFi signals, allowing multiple devices to connect.
Mobile broadband devices operate through an internal SIM card. While some models only allow you to use the device using its in-built SIM, others grant their users the freedom to insert their own SIM cards, enabling much greater freedom in terms of accessing the internet and changing service providers.
What About Roaming with Dongle WiFi?
Dongles traditionally come in the form of a plug-in device, similar to a USB stick. It usually works like a mobile broadband router, connecting to the mobile network instead of a WiFi one. While this is good for portability and storage, it does mean that a broadband connection is only possible for the device that it is plugged into. Dongles also tend to come with an open SIM capacity, meaning that you can use the data of almost any SIM that you choose.
Which Broadband Providers Offer Mobile Broadband?
There are currently three broadband suppliers in Ireland that offer mobile broadband devices: Eir, Three, and Vodafone.
| Provider | Monthly Price | Contract Length | Signal Type | Data Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vodafone Mobile Broadband | €30 per month for 20GB | Monthly Rolling | 4G to 5G | 20/50GB |
| Eir Mobile Broadband | €19.99 per month | 6 months | 4G | 100GB |
| Three Mobile Broadband Unlimited 5G Silver | €39 per month | 24 months | 5G | Unlimited |
Frequently Asked Questions About roaming abroad
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