How to Avoid Roaming Charges Using eSIM?

Traveler using mobile data abroad without roaming charges

How to Avoid Roaming Charges Using eSIM

Roaming charges are one of the most common (and frustrating) travel surprises. A few minutes of mobile data abroad can result in unexpectedly high bills — unless your phone is set up correctly.

Using a travel eSIM is one of the safest ways to avoid roaming charges entirely. In this guide, you’ll learn:

  • Why roaming charges happen,
  • How eSIM prevents them
  • the exact settings you should use before and during your trip.

Why roaming charges happen

Roaming charges usually occur when:

  • Your primary SIM connects to a foreign network
  • Mobile data is enabled on your home SIM
  • Background apps use data without you noticing
  • Roaming settings are left ON by mistake

Even a small amount of data can trigger charges.

How eSIM helps you avoid roaming charges

A travel eSIM works separately from your main SIM and allows you to:

  • Use a local or regional data plan
  • Control exactly which SIM uses mobile data
  • Keep roaming disabled on your primary SIM
  • Avoid relying on expensive carrier roaming packages

The key is proper SIM configuration, not just installing the eSIM.

The safest setup to avoid roaming fees (step-by-step)

  • Step 1: Install your travel eSIM  ->   If you haven’t installed it yet, follow this guide:  👉  https://novesim.com/what-is-an-esim-and-how-does-it-work/ 
  • Step 2: Set mobile data to the eSIM -> This is the most important step.
    • Go to Settings → Mobile Data / SIM Manager
    • Set Mobile Data = Travel eSIM

If you’re unsure how switching works, read:  👉 https://novesim.com/how-to-switch-between-esim-and-physical-sim-while-traveling/ 

  • Step 3: Turn data roaming OFF on your primary SIM
    • Settings → Mobile Network
    • Select Primary SIM
    • Data Roaming = OFF

This alone prevents most roaming charges.

  • Step 4: Turn data roaming ON for the travel eSIM 
    • Many travel eSIMs connect through partner networks and require roaming ON for the eSIM line only.
    • This does not create roaming charges because the data is included in your eSIM plan.

Should you turn off your primary SIM completely?

In most cases, no.

Keeping your primary SIM ON allows you to:

  • Receive calls
  • Receive SMS (banking, 2FA)
  • Keep WhatsApp and other apps working normally

To understand when (and if) you should turn it off, read: 👉 https://novesim.com/how-to-switch-between-esim-and-physical-sim-while-traveling/ 

Common mistakes that still cause roaming charges

  • Mistake 1: Mobile data still set to the primary SIM -> Fix: Always double-check Mobile Data = eSIM
  • Mistake 2: Data roaming ON on the primary SIM -> Fix: Turn it OFF before boarding the plane
  • Mistake 3: Phone auto-switching data lines -> Fix: Disable “Allow mobile data switching” (iPhone) if available

Extra tips to stay 100% safe

  • Set a mobile data usage limit on your primary SIM
  • Disable background data on travel day
  • Use airplane mode + Wi-Fi until eSIM is active
  • Label your SIMs (“Primary” / “Travel eSIM”) to avoid confusion

Travel without worrying about roaming bills. Choose a data plan for your destination here: 👉 https://novesim.com/destinations/

Frequently asked questions

Will using an eSIM completely eliminate roaming charges?

Yes, as long as mobile data is set to the eSIM and data roaming is turned off on your primary SIM.

Usually no. Turning off data roaming on the primary SIM is enough in most cases.

Many travel eSIMs use partner networks abroad, which technically require roaming to be enabled on the eSIM line.

Yes. You can keep your primary SIM active for calls and SMS while using the eSIM for data.

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