Mobile data abroad: How to avoid roaming costs
With the wrong settings, data roaming abroad can become expensive. We show you how to avoid high costs when surfing and making phone calls.
19.06.2026
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1. Check your contract or ask your provider whether your phone and internet are included abroad
It’s best to check your contract or ask your provider before the holidays. Many mobile internet packages include roaming data already included up to a certain gigabyte limit.
Depending on the provider, calls from abroad are already included. You should take a closer look here: depending on the contract, this only applies to calls to Switzerland or within the foreign country. Calls from abroad are often limited to a certain number of minutes.
This means that if your contract already includes data and calls abroad, you can simply use them. However, you should make sure that you do not exceed the services included. In addition, data packages are often limited to a specific geographical area – so also pay attention to where your roaming package is valid.
Compare plans, include roaming and save money
New plan models entice you with more benefits and lower prices – especially for new customers. So switching can be worthwhile. Also pay attention to how much data volume and how many phone minutes for abroad are included in the offer.
Providers’ duty to provide information
In accordance with the Ordinance on Telecommunications Services (OTS) your mobile operator must regularly inform you about the conditions and modalities of international roaming (Art. 10a OTS). In particular, you must be informed of the following:
How and where you can find out the currently applicable rates and the rate options for price reductions.
That you can set a cost limit and block access.
That you can turn off and reactivate the information that you receive when switching to a foreign mobile network.
That the information may be missing when switching to a foreign mobile network. This is the case, for example, if you have turned off the information.
In addition, when you switch to a foreign network, mobile operators must inform you about the maximum costs of various international roaming services .
2. Buy a data pack
If your mobile plan includes no or only a small amount of data volume or call minutes abroad, book a data bundle in addition. Most providers make it easy to do this online, through their app or with a phone call.
With some providers, you can buy your data bundle in what they call the «cockpit». Access is free even if you’re abroad. You can also manage other roaming options there.
Good to know: Swiss providers are obliged to set a cost limit for roaming – you are not allowed to use roaming services before that (Art. 10b OTS). The standard limit varies from one provider to another, so you should check it.
Would you like a different cap? Tell your provider or set it in the «Cockpit».
The cost of mobile data abroad varies depending on:
Providers
Destination country
Data volume
Duration of use (e.g. one week or one month)
Existing plan
On most provider pages, you can check which rates your provider offers for which country. The following list provides an overview of some providers:
Wingo (not available in English)
Coop Mobile (not available in English)
Migros Mobile (not available in English)
3. Turn off data usage
Does your plan not include roaming and you don’t want to buy additional data packs? If so, you should turn off data roaming in your smartphone settings off.
If you have deactivated mobile data, you can still go online where there is Wi-Fi. Such Wi-Fi networks are available, for example, in hotels, cafés and airports.
Comparis tip: Be careful when surfing the web on public networks because they are often poorly secured and hackers can easily intercept data. Therefore, avoid sensitive transactions and keep your security software up to date.
4. No automatic updates and push notifications
Deactivate Disable automatic updates as well as all background updates on your phone (e.g. push notifications). Some apps are updated automatically without you even noticing. This uses a large amount of data. Make sure your apps only update when you are online via Wi-Fi.
Comparis tip: Messaging services such as Whatsapp, Threema and Telegram often use a lot of data. To save data, therefore, go to the settings and disable the automatic downloading of photos and videos.
5. Go offline
Some apps can also be used without an internet connection. For example, with Google Maps or music apps, you can download maps and music for offline use before your trip.
Would you rather make calls than surf the web on your trip? If so, for your calls you should use a data bundle or Wi-Fi and internet telephony . This can be done, for example, with the popular messenger apps.
6. Buy a local prepaid SIM card or an eSIM
In many countries, you can buy inexpensive local prepaid SIM cards. Data packages are often cheaper domestically than packages from Switzerland for abroad. However, if your mobile phone does not have a dual-SIM function, you will temporarily not be able to use your Swiss number.
As an alternative, there are also various providers of eSIMs. This means you don’t need a physical SIM card. Instead, you simply activate your provider’s eSIM on your smartphone. Examples of providers are:
The prices vary usually vary depending on the provider, country and amount of data. Therefore, check which provider offers you the best value for money for your destination country.
7. FAQs on the subject of data roaming abroad
Mobile data is generally the data available to you for the Internet on your smartphone. Data roaming refers to the data you use on a network other than your home network. This is usually the case abroad.
If you have no data package for use abroad, you should switch off data roaming. Otherwise, you may incur high costs. However: Mobile service providers must set a cost limit (Art. 10b OTS). This prevents costs from skyrocketing indefinitely.
If you want to use your mobile data abroad, you should turn on data roaming. Otherwise, surfing on third-party networks is blocked.
If data roaming is on, you can use mobile data abroad. If you don’t have a data package, this can lead to high costs.
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This article was first published on 19.06.2018
