Roaming is when you use your mobile phone to call, text or surf the internet in a country other than your own.
What is the use of roaming?
Roaming is a way for you to make and receive calls, send texts or go online while abroad. Roaming also provides the ability to stay connected with family and friends back home. Roaming services are offered by mobile phone service providers.
Roaming may be available in different forms: voice, text and data services. It is important to note that roaming charges are usually much higher than rates for local use of mobile phone service providers.
Not all carriers allow users to roam internationally so it is imperative you contact your provider before travelling.
Do I want data roaming on or off?
If your phone service provider offers international roaming as an option and also allows for mobile data roaming then turning the latter on might come in handy.
However, roaming charges can be overwhelming so it may not be worth the cost if you don't need data access while abroad.
What does domestic roaming mean?
Domestic roaming is the use of your phone within the country that you have purchased your contract from. It is worth noting that in many cases when you travel internationally, buying a local sim card is very advantageous.
Is Mobile roaming the same as Data roaming?
Yes, mobile and data roaming is when you are using to call (Mobile) or the Internet (Data) using a network that is not your local service provider.
Internet/data roaming also applies when you are using a mobile app while you're out of the country to download content, stream videos, connect with social media or use texting messengers such as Whatsapp, Telegram, Facebook messengers and others.
Do I get charged for data roaming?
If you are using the internet/data roaming, then yes. That's why it is very important to check your provider's policies before travelling overseas and turning on data roaming right away. This way you can control how much money you'll be spending while abroad, some services providers have contracts with overseas roaming providers that allow you to pay the same amount overseas then what you would pay at home, just check before you go.
Conclusion
In conclusion, make sure that you are aware of the cost of roaming in the country that you are visiting not to get a fright. As we can give countless examples of passengers having to pay thousands of dollars of roaming fees when visiting a foreign country without being aware of the extra charges.