This way you avoid high cell phone costs on vacation: tips for travelers!

This way you avoid high cell phone costs on vacation: tips for travelers!

mobile phones are indispensable on vacation. They enable not only communication, but also navigation and photography. In Europe, the emergency call is particularly free of 112, even if there is no credit on the cell phone. The same tariffs apply to stays within the EU as in Austria. However, caution outside of the EU as well as on ships and in airplanes is required, since separate accounts are possible there. The Wiener Zeitung recommends to book roaming packages in advance for mobile phone providers in order to avoid high costs.

Special attention should be paid to travelers to the Warn SMS, which are sent when a limits of 60 euros are reached. In addition, additional costs only apply after active approval. If the device is lost or theft, it is advisable to contact the mobile phone provider immediately and block the SIM card. Preventive measures such as activating a screen lock, a SIM card PIN and device protection services are also strongly recommended.

roaming in the EU: advantages and risks

Within the EU, the principle of “Roam Like at Home” applies, which enables phone calls, SMS and internet use without additional costs in 27 EU countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. However, Switzerland and Turkey are not included in the EU Roaming Ordinance. There are also mobile phone providers that sometimes treat non-EU countries like EU countries, but often with restrictions. Travelers near the border to non-EU countries should be aware that their cell phones can switch to these networks, which leads to higher costs. The information center here is the Consumer Center.

For mobile Internet outside of the EU there is a global cost brake of 59.50 euros. If this amount is reached, the connection should be automatically separated. Unfortunately, this automatic separation does not always work reliably, especially if no real-time monitoring system is available in the respective country. It is advisable to deactivate data roaming in the holiday country or to put the device into flight mode.

important information before and during the trip

Before traveling abroad, users should inform themselves about roaming costs from their provider and, if necessary, book flat rates. Telephone calls from Germany to other EU countries cost a maximum of 19 cents per minute (net), SMS a maximum of 6 cents. The use of messenger apps such as Skype, Threema or WhatsApp can be expensive in connection with mobile data; Therefore, WLAN access is recommended.

On ships and aircraft, high costs can result from satellite connections. A cost airbag of 59.50 euros also applies here. Likewise, providers have to inform consumers if they switch to a non-terrestrical network. Many shipping companies and airlines offer WLAN access at package prices, whereby it is advisable to deactivate mobile phone data in the settings.

The new roaming rules that have been in force since July 1, 2022 ensure that the same prices and conditions as in their home country also apply to modern mobile phone technologies such as 5G. Consumer interests were strengthened by expanded transparency measures, especially for value -added services. For questions or problems, users should contact their mobile operator directly to find the best solution. Current information about emergency calls and their use abroad should also not be neglected, since from June 1, 2023, roaming providers are obliged to provide this information. The [Federal Network Agency] (https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/de/vportal/tk/internettel phone/roaming/start.html).