What is a roaming fee?

A roaming fee is a charge imposed by a mobile network operator when a subscriber uses their mobile phone outside their home network coverage area. It is applied to cover the cost of connecting to and using another network's infrastructure. Roaming fees can include charges for making and receiving calls, sending and receiving text messages, and using data services while abroad. The specific fees and policies vary between operators and can be quite expensive, although some countries and mobile providers have introduced regulations or packages to reduce or eliminate roaming charges for their customers.

Roaming charges are legitimate fees that consumers are contractually obligated to pay. Roaming charges may apply when you travel and leave your 'home' network area and 'roam' onto the network or coverage area of another provider. If you are faced with unexpected charges, you should contact your service provider.