Avoid high phone bills in border regions

Where can I use my Dutch phone plan?

You can use your Dutch phone plan to call, receive calls, send texts, and use data at no extra cost in all 27 EU countries. Using your plan outside your allowance in these countries costs the same as it would in the Netherlands. Are you not sure if your holiday destination is covered in your plan? Then check with your provider if your plan is applicable in the country you are visiting.

Which countries are not covered by my phone plan?

It depends on your provider whether your plan covers areas outside the EU. Countries and regions are divided into zones, each with different charges. Check in advance which zone your holiday country is in. Your regular plan does not automatically apply in countries like:

• United Kingdom
• Gibraltar
• Switzerland
• Monaco
• Andorra
• Turkey
• Bosnia and Herzegovina

If you are travelling through or near these countries, make sure your phone does not automatically connect to their networks.

What should I watch out for near borders?

In border regions, your phone may automatically connect to a network in a non-EU country. For example, in Greece, it might connect to Turkey; in Croatia, to Bosnia and Herzegovina. This happens because the neighbouring country’s signal might be stronger than the one in your holiday country.

Does my phone plan work at sea or on a plane?

If you travel by ferry, cruise ship, or plane and your phone is on, it can connect to maritime or satellite networks. These are not subject to EU tariffs and are not covered by your regular plan, resulting in additional charges for calls, texts, and data usage. To avoid this, make sure  available Wi-Fi, turn off Wi-Fi assist or data roaming. On a plane, switch to airplane mode.

How can I avoid extra charges abroad?

The United Kingdom, Turkey, and Bosnia are not in the EU, so different phone charges apply. If your phone uses their networks without you realising it, you will be charged extra for calls, texts, and data. Here are ways to avoid this:

• Check for border messages
  When your phone connects to a network abroad, you should get a text with info on charges in that zone.
• Set your network manually
  Turn off automatic network selection in your phone's settings and select a network manually.
• Block networks outside the EU
  Ask your provider if they can block networks from outside the EU. Some providers can do this.
• Set a data limit
  Many providers let you set a data limit and notify you when you approach it. Some phones also have data saver modes.
• Turn off Wi-Fi assist
  Some phones have a Wi-Fi assist setting. If this is enabled, your phone automatically switches to mobile data when the Wi-Fi signal is weak. Turn it off to prevent accidental roaming and avoid extra data use.
• Turn off automatic updates
  Updates can use lots of data. Only use a Wi-Fi network to update apps and software.
• Use the Data Saver mode for streaming
  Many streaming apps offer a setting to stream only when using Wi-Fi. Enable this to save data.
• Turn off roaming
  To be sure your phone won’t connect to networks outside the EU, switch off roaming in your phone’s mobile network settings when you are in a border region.
• Buy an international bundle
  If you want to use your phone outside of the EU, buying a roaming plan with minutes and data is often cheaper. You can get this from your provider.
• Buy a local SIM or eSIM
  You can buy a SIM card at your destination or get an eSIM online before travelling. You can then temporarily disable your own SIM to make sure it won't inadvertently connect to an international network.

What if I’ve already got extra charges?

If you notice extra charges while on holiday, turn off roaming and use only Wi-Fi.

Providers must protect you from unexpected high bills. When you cross a border or turn your phone on abroad, you should get a message telling you the rates. You can turn these messages on or off. Providers must also warn you and block mobile internet if you are incurring high costs due to your data usage.

If you receive a high bill after your trip and believe it’s incorrect or that you weren’t properly informed or warned, notify your provider and discuss the charges. If you can’t resolve the issue, you can contact a Dispute Resolution Body. For example, if you live in the Netherlands, you can file a complaint with the Telecommunications Committee from the De Geschillencommissie (The Dutch Foundation for Complaints and Dispute Resolution). Please note that their website is in Dutch.