Streaming films or music on vacation? You can use your subscription anywhere in the EU
Do you pay a subscription to a streaming service such as Netflix or Spotify? And are you travelling to another EU country? Then you have the same access to your digital subscriptions as you do at home. You should have access to the same television series, movies, music or other content. The streaming service may not charge any additional costs.
European portability regulation allows users to bring their online subscriptions while travelling. You can keep enjoying the same shows and music during your vacation in the EU. Please note: this only applies when your stay abroad is temporary. Both the available content and services should remain unchanged. This means you will be able to watch the same selection of television shows and use the subscription on the same amount of devices as you would at home.
Free subscriptions
Do you have an unpaid subscription to a digital service? In that case the content provider is allowed to limit the use of the service abroad.
Data usage abroad
Since 2017, mobile providers are no longer allowed to charge extra costs for using mobile data or phone minutes in another EU country outside of your home country. The EU has a roam like at home policy. This means you will still be able to use your mobile data for digital streaming services whenever you cross an EU border.
Do note: providers are allowed to instate a fair use policy. This means providers may, under certain conditions, perform check to avoid customers abusing the rules. There are also limits to the amount of mobile data you can use abroad against domestic prices. These limits depend on the type of contract you have with you mobile phone operator. Inform about these rules for data use abroad before departure to avoid unwanted surprises.
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