Roaming is essential gear for every Viking embarking on a foreign voyage. It allows you to use your phone outside Poland: make calls, send texts, and sail the depths of the internet as if you never left your home port. Before you set sail for unknown waters, make sure you know how roaming works on your phone and how to avoid running aground financially because of it.
Key information from the article:
- Roaming is a service that allows you to use your phone abroad – make calls, send texts, and surf the net
- Data roaming is mobile internet outside Poland – it works automatically, but can cost more outside the EU
- Roaming ≠ international calls – they differ in who is abroad: you or your caller
- Before you leave, check if roaming is enabled in your phone settings
- Within the EU, you call and use the internet without extra charges, but outside the Union, it's worth checking zones and price lists to avoid a storm on your bill
What is roaming and how does it work?
Do you want to sail freely and wonder if it will be possible once you leave native Polish waters? Absolutely! Roaming comes to the rescue! It's an international service that allows you to use foreign mobile networks where you currently have coverage. This means that when you enter foreign waters and want to make a call or send an SMS to loved ones, nothing will stand in your way. Roaming works for prepaid phones, subscriptions, and contract plans alike.
What is data roaming on a phone?
Data roaming is simply the ability to use mobile internet outside Poland – with the help of the foreign network you are currently in. Thanks to this service, you can check a map in an unknown port, upload a photo from the deck, or quickly send a message via a messenger app. Data roaming works automatically after crossing the border (if it's enabled in your phone settings), but it's worth knowing that the same rules don't always apply as in Poland – especially if you're sailing outside the European Union. In that case, data usage may cost more, and the data limit for roaming is usually lower than in your domestic plan. You can find detailed information in your mobile operator's offer.
International roaming vs. international calls – what's the difference?
Both terms are often confused, but they refer to completely different situations.
What is international roaming?
It's a service that allows you to use your phone outside Poland. You sail out into the world, and your phone – instead of connecting to the Polish network – uses transmitters of foreign operators. You can then normally make calls, send SMS messages, and use the internet, even if you are far from home.
What are international calls?
International calls, on the other hand, refer to situations when you are in Poland and call someone who has a foreign number. You don't move from your location, but the phone crosses borders – and that's precisely what can incur additional costs.
In short:
- roaming = you are abroad,
- international call = your caller is abroad.
Check if roaming is enabled on your phone
Before using international roaming, make sure this service is enabled on your phone.
It usually is – by default. But it doesn't hurt to check! On both Android and iOS:
- go to your phone settings,
- select „mobile networks” (it might also be under a different name, e.g., „connections,” „network,” and on iOS also „cellular data” or „mobile data”),
- find „data roaming” and toggle it to active.
And for inquisitive Vikings, we have more knowledge within paddle's reach! Check out our article, where we explain step-by-step how to enable roaming.
Is roaming charged?
Within the European Union, phone calls are free. When calling a Polish number from a Polish number, while still in the EU, you pay nothing within your chosen plan. You also have a GB internet package to use according to your plan. It's different for prepaid offers. You must check roaming call rates, as they are additionally charged.
If, however, you intend to sail outside the EU, familiarize yourself with the price list beforehand. Check both the zone you will be in and the one you will be calling. This way, you'll avoid additional charges or prepare for them accordingly. Simple as a paddle, right?
FAQ – frequently asked questions
1. Why enable roaming?
To stay connected outside Poland. Thanks to roaming, you can make calls, send texts, and use the internet as soon as your vessel docks in a foreign port.
2. Do you need to have roaming enabled?
Yes, if you want to use your phone abroad. Without active roaming, your phone might stay silent, and you'll be as gloomy as a hailstorm cloud.
