Europe travel guide: phone and internet

Global roaming, SIM cards, Wi-Fi and data.

Phone coverage varies throughout Europe, but you should be able to stay connected in most places – unless you're climbing the French Alps or camping in rural Romania, for example.

Can I use my Australian phone in Europe?

Your Australian phone will usually pick up on compatible European GSM networks, but as most travellers know, the cost of phone calls and internet access can be astronomical if you use your phone overseas. Check with your telco for global roaming rates and tips on keeping costs low.


Cheaper roaming with your Australian SIM

Many Australian telcos offer travel packages with a set daily rate for global roaming on your existing account while overseas. They're not particularly cheap, but they'll save you from any nasty bill surprises and can be a good option if you're only visiting Europe for a few days or weeks and you want to keep your own number.

Buying a local SIM

If you're planning to spend more than a few weeks in Europe, or if you just want cheaper rates and don't mind having a different phone number while you're on holidays, consider buying a local pre-paid SIM once you arrive in Europe. Companies, rates and set-up will depend on which country you're in. You may be required to show ID to register, so the easiest way is to find an (English-speaking) phone store employee who can help you. Or better yet, most major airports will have shops or booths ready to help you get set up.

Roam Like at Home

Global roaming rates don't apply to EU citizens travelling between EU countries. This exemption was introduced in 2017 and is referred to as 'Roam Like at Home'.

Although the exemption technically only applies to EU citizens, if an Australian tourist is using a SIM that was bought in an EU country, it's likely they'll benefit too.

Will Roam Like at Home still apply to UK mobiles after Brexit?

Once the UK officially leaves the EU, it's quite likely that UK mobile phones will no longer be exempt from global roaming charges in the EU. This looks particularly likely since the UK has committed to leaving the Digital Single Market – the alliance that created Roam Like at Home in 2017.

However, CHOICE's UK sister organisation Which? is putting pressure on the UK government to negotiate to keep the roaming exemption.

Buying a travel SIM

Pre-paid travel SIMs can be bought from some Australian travel stores, phone stores and post offices, or ordered online before you leave the country. Rates won't be as cheap as a local SIM, but they can be a smart option if you're travelling to multiple (non-EU) countries and don't want to pay even higher global roaming rates or buy a local SIM every time.


Beat global roaming bill shock – our guide to unlocking your phone and changing your global roaming settings.

Have you bought insurance yet? Check our free, comprehensive and independent travel insurance reviews to find out which policy is best for you.


Free Wi-Fi is plentiful in some areas of Europe and unheard of in others. Sometimes you'll be expected to pay, and in rural areas it often simply won't be available. Generally in the cities you'll find free Wi-Fi in all hotels and most franchises such as Starbucks and McDonald's.

Tip: Wi-Fi is pronounced "wee-fee" or "vee-fee" in much of non English-speaking Europe. In Germany it's called W-LAN (pronounced "vay-lahn").


If you really want to stay connected, consider buying a local phone SIM with generous data, or a data-only SIM.

If you're travelling with a laptop you could consider a USB Wi-Fi dongle, or you could tether your laptop to your mobile phone's data.

The best place to find what you need is at the airport when you first arrive in Europe. Phone and tech shops at airports will have the best options for travellers who don't want to sign up to a long-term plan.

Concerned about security? Check out our travel tech safety tips.

Handy apps for your trip to Europe

Consider adding these apps to your phone or tablet before you go.


  • Travel apps such as Triposo, Lonely Planet and Trip Advisor can provide you with maps, booking services, itineraries, recommendations and more.
  • Currency conversion apps such as xe help you work out costs in Australian dollars.
  • Translation apps such as Google Translate help with communication - some even include speech and text recognition.
  • is the main taxi-ordering app in Europe, but that may vary by country.
  • Uber is also active in more than 100 European cities.
  • Moovit is a public transport planner app covering more than 500 cities worldwide. Google maps can also help you with public transport planning.


More about Europe