How Roam Like at Home Works
Since June 15, 2017, EU regulation ensures you can use your mobile phone across EU/EEA countries at your domestic rate. Whether you're making calls, sending texts, or using mobile data, there are no roaming surcharges. The zone expanded to 32 countries in 2026 with the inclusion of Ukraine and Moldova.
Common Roaming Traps
The biggest trap for European travelers: Switzerland. Nestled in the heart of the EU, it is NOT covered by free roaming. A single day of casual phone use in Switzerland can generate surprising charges. Similarly, Northern Cyprus uses Turkish networks — not EU-covered. And boats near coastlines may connect to satellite networks at premium rates.
Western Balkans Integration
Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia eliminated roaming charges between themselves in July 2021. EU-Balkans roaming is being progressively reduced under a landmark agreement signed at the 2022 Tirana Summit, with Montenegro and Albania expected to reach full elimination by end of 2026.
Tips for Travelers
Always check your specific operator's roaming terms before traveling — especially for the UK, Switzerland, and Turkey. Consider an eSIM for non-covered countries. Download offline maps and essential content over Wi-Fi. And watch for border-area network switching — in Luxembourg, your phone may briefly connect to German or French networks, but that's still covered under RLAH.