Amena, Orange's low-cost brand, offers some of the cheapest rates in Spain, but when you go abroad, the question arises: how is their roaming? The short answer is that it works well within the EU, but gets very expensive outside of it. Here, we explain how to activate it, what the prices are, and when an alternative is worthwhile.
How does Amena's roaming work?
Amena's roaming uses the Orange network, and due to European regulations, within the EU it operates under the "roam like at home" rule: you use your data and minutes from your national plan without surcharge, except for a data limit depending on your plan. Outside the European Union, everything changes, and pay-as-you-go rates apply, which can skyrocket.
In other words, Amena is convenient if you travel within Europe with your usual plan, but it becomes a price problem as soon as you step foot in the United States, Asia, or any destination outside the European area. That's when it's wise to have a backup plan ready.
Amena roaming within the EU
Within the European Union, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, Amena's roaming applies the "roam like at home" rule. You use the gigabytes from your Spanish plan at no extra cost, although there is a data roaming limit that depends on the price of your plan; once exceeded, each extra GB is charged separately.
For a short trip to Europe, this is usually sufficient. It's advisable to check your specific limit in the Amena app before leaving to avoid surprises. If you want to understand the general rule, we explain it in which countries have free roaming and in Orange's roaming in Europe and its price, as Amena shares the network.
Roaming outside Europe: watch out for the price
Here's the big warning. Outside the EU, Amena's roaming stops being "like at home" and becomes pay-as-you-go, with prices that easily range from €10-20 per day depending on the country, or even per MB. A weekend in New York or two weeks in Thailand with classic roaming could cost you more than the flight itself in data charges.
These are the areas where it is most advisable to disable roaming and look for an alternative before leaving.
| Destination | Amena Roaming | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| European Union | Included (with limit) | Normal roaming |
| United States | Expensive by consumption | Local eSIM |
| Asia (Thailand, etc.) | Very expensive | Regional eSIM |
| Andorra, Switzerland, UK | Not EU, charged separately | Check first / eSIM |
Be careful with Andorra, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom: they are not part of the EU for roaming purposes, so even though they are close, they are charged as international destinations.
How to activate roaming on Amena
Activating roaming on Amena is quick, but it's important to do it wisely to avoid overspending. Follow these steps before your trip.
- Access your Amena client area or app and check that roaming is active.
- Check your data roaming limit for your plan.
- On your mobile, enable "data roaming" in the network settings.
- If traveling outside the EU, consider disabling data roaming to avoid charges.
- Restart your phone upon arrival so it connects to the local network.
If the option doesn't appear or you're unsure if it's active, the guides on how to activate roaming and how to know if roaming is activated can help you.
Tip: outside the EU, leave data roaming off and only activate a local data eSIM. This way, you keep your Amena number for bank SMS and browse with cheap destination rates.
Amena vs travel eSIM
The key comparison for deciding. Amena wins in convenience within Europe; a travel eSIM wins in price as soon as you leave the EU or consume a lot of data.
| Criterion | Amena Roaming | Travel eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Within the EU | Convenient, included | Optional |
| Outside the EU | Expensive by consumption | From ~0.85 $/GB |
| Your number | You keep it | Still active for SMS |
| Activation | You already have it | 1 minute |
The good news is that you don't have to give up your line: with the eSIM in dual mode, you keep your Amena number for calls and SMS while browsing with cheap data. To see it calmly, check eSIM vs roaming and alternatives to expensive roaming.
When to use each option
There's no single answer: the best choice depends on where and how you travel. Here's our practical recommendation.
- Short trip within Europe: Amena's roaming is perfectly fine.
- Long trip in Europe with high consumption: watch the limit or add an eSIM.
- Destination outside the EU: local eSIM without hesitation, roaming off.
- Andorra, Switzerland, or the UK: check rates or use an eSIM.
In short, Amena is a great plan for home and Europe, but for international travel, an eSIM will save you a lot of money. Combining both is the smartest approach.
Frequently asked questions
Does Amena's roaming work for free in Europe?
Within the EU, the "roam like at home" rule applies: you use your data and minutes from your plan without surcharge, up to a data limit that depends on your plan. Once this limit is exceeded, each extra GB is charged separately. Check your specific limit in the app before traveling.
How much does Amena roaming cost outside the European Union?
Outside the EU, roaming is charged per usage and can be around €10-20 per day or charged per MB, depending on the country. In destinations like the United States or Asia, it's very expensive, so a local eSIM from around $0.85 per GB is usually more cost-effective.
How do I activate roaming on Amena?
Check in your client area that roaming is active, review your plan's data limit, and activate "data roaming" in your phone settings. Outside the EU, consider leaving data roaming off and using an eSIM to avoid unexpected charges.
Does Amena have roaming in Andorra, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom?
Yes, but be aware: none of these three are part of the EU for roaming purposes, so they are charged as international destinations even though they are very close. Check the rates before traveling or use a local eSIM to browse without surprises on your bill.
Can I use an eSIM and keep my Amena number?
Yes. With a dual SIM phone, you install the eSIM for data and leave your Amena line active to receive calls and SMS, such as bank codes. It's the ideal combination: an active Spanish number and cheap data from your travel destination.
Conclusion
Amena's roaming is convenient and free within the EU, but it gets very expensive outside Europe and in countries like Andorra, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom. For international travel, the most cost-effective option is to leave data roaming off and activate a local eSIM. This way, you keep your number and browse for a fraction of the price.
