Avatel roaming allows you to use your plan within the European Union at no extra cost, but outside the EU, the price goes up and it's advisable to have a plan. Here I'll explain, traveler to traveler, how it works, how much it costs, and how to avoid bill shock when you cross borders.
How Avatel roaming works
Avatel uses its own fiber network and a shared mobile network, and includes the use of your plan in the EU at no surcharge within reasonable usage limits. Outside Europe, pay-as-you-go or contracted bundles apply, depending on the destination and plan.
When you travel, your phone disconnects from Avatel's network in Spain and connects to a local network in your destination country. This service is billed between operators, which is where the costs you see or don't see on your bill come from. The good news is that, thanks to the European "roam like at home" regulation, within the EU this extra cost disappears for most users. If you've never been clear on the concept, I recommend you first read what roaming is to understand the basics. The important thing is that Avatel distinguishes two worlds: inside the EU and outside it. Knowing which one you're in before you land is the difference between a peaceful trip and a surprise when you return.
Avatel in the European Union: what's included
Within the EU (plus Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein), Avatel applies the "like at home" principle: you make calls, send SMS, and browse with your plan's data without paying extra, always within the reasonable usage limits set by the regulations.
In practice, if you go for a week to Italy, France, or Portugal with your Avatel plan, you don't have to do anything special: you turn on your mobile phone and it works the same as in Madrid. However, there are a couple of nuances that catch many people off guard:
- Fair use policy: EU roaming data may have a cap linked to your national plan. If you spend much more abroad than at home, the operator may notify you or apply a small surcharge.
- Long stays: Roaming is intended for travel, not for living for months in another country using a Spanish SIM.
- Borders and ferries: Near borders or on ferries, your mobile may accidentally connect to a non-EU network. In that case, there will be a cost.
Knowing these nuances saves you trouble: most problems in the EU come from people who think they are covered but don't read the fine print of their plan.
Outside the EU: pay-as-you-go and bundles
Everything changes here. In destinations such as the United States, Morocco, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Thailand, or any country outside the EU, Avatel applies pay-as-you-go rates, which are usually expensive, or data bundles that you contract before or during your trip.
The great danger of traveling outside the EU is activating data without a bundle and letting your mobile do its thing: updates, cloud backups, maps, and videos consume megabytes that are paid for at a premium price. Therefore, if you travel to a non-EU destination with Avatel, you basically have three options:
- Contract an Avatel roaming bundle for that destination, if available, and monitor consumption.
- Keep data off and rely only on Wi-Fi in hotels and cafes, which leaves you disconnected when moving around.
- Use an alternative to expensive roaming with an eSIM, which is almost always cheaper and more convenient.
Traveler's tip: Before leaving the EU, check Avatel's official website to see if your destination has a bundle available and at what price; consult the operator's official website for the exact data, as conditions change by country.
Typical Avatel roaming prices 2026
Prices outside the EU vary greatly by country. As a rough guide for 2026, pay-as-you-go data outside Europe typically falls within high ranges per megabyte, and data bundles start at modest figures for nearby destinations. Take this as a range, not an official rate.
| Zone | Data | Calls | Estimated cost 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Union | Included (fair use) | Included | No surcharge |
| United Kingdom / Non-EU Europe | Pay-as-you-go or bundle | Per minute | Bundles from ~€5-15 |
| Rest of the world (zones) | Pay-as-you-go (expensive) | Per minute (high) | Several € per MB without bundle |
| PuraSim Data eSIM | Fixed destination GB | Apps (WhatsApp, etc.) | Fixed rate per trip |
The conclusion is clear: within the EU, Avatel is unbeatable because you don't pay extra; outside, the numbers skyrocket if you don't contract a bundle. Pay-as-you-go without a bundle is the scenario you should avoid at all costs. For any specific figures, consult the operator's official website for the exact data, as they update rates and bundles frequently.
How to activate and deactivate roaming on Avatel
Activating or deactivating roaming on Avatel is done from your mobile settings, you don't need to call anyone. On Android, go to Settings, Connections, Mobile networks, and Data roaming. On iPhone, go to Settings, Mobile Data, Options, Data Roaming.
The process is identical for almost any operator, so controlling that switch is your best insurance against unexpected bills. My practical recommendation depending on where you travel:
- Within the EU: leave data roaming activated and travel with peace of mind.
- Outside the EU without a bundle: keep it deactivated until you are clear on the cost or have a contracted bundle.
- With a travel eSIM: turn off Avatel SIM data and only use the eSIM for data.
If you get confused with the menus, you have the step-by-step in this guide on how to activate data roaming. And a key detail: deactivating roaming does not affect calls and SMS, it only cuts off mobile data, so you will remain reachable even if you are not browsing.
The alternative: a data eSIM for travel
A data eSIM is a digital SIM that is installed on your mobile in 1 minute, without a physical card, and gives you data for the destination country at a fixed price. You activate it by scanning a code and choose a GB plan for the days you travel, with no surprises on your bill.
This is the option I most recommend for trips outside the EU, where Avatel's pay-as-you-go can be painful. The beauty of it is that you keep your Spanish Avatel number active to receive important calls and SMS (via Wi-Fi or with data turned off), while browsing with the eSIM. It's the best of both worlds. The real advantages I notice when I travel this way are:
- Fixed price: you know what you're going to pay before leaving home.
- No cards: no need to look for a local SIM at the airport or change chips.
- Immediate activation: you can get it ready before your trip and it turns on when you land.
- Compatible with your number: your Avatel line is still there for what matters.
If you're unsure between the two options, this analysis of eSIM vs. roaming makes it very clear, with practical cases by trip type so you can choose the one that fits your itinerary.
Avatel with eSIM vs. roaming: a comparison
The best strategy is not to choose between Avatel and eSIM, but to combine them: Avatel for the EU and your number, data eSIM for distant destinations. This way, you pay the right amount in each situation and never run out of coverage or incur exorbitant pay-per-use costs.
I see it clearly with an example: if you go to Thailand for two weeks, Avatel's pay-as-you-go would be very expensive, while an eSIM with a good GB package covers the entire trip for a fraction. For a getaway to Lisbon or Rome, however, you don't need anything: your Avatel plan already includes EU roaming. Choosing wisely based on the destination is what separates the traveler who overpays from the one who doesn't. If you want to compare how other Spanish operators manage their international rates, these guides on Finetwork roaming and Lebara roaming, which follow similar logics, will be useful.
Frequently asked questions
Is Avatel roaming included in my plan?
Within the European Union, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein, yes: you use your plan without surcharge, within reasonable usage limits. Outside the EU, pay-as-you-go or bundles apply. Check the operator's official website for the exact data for your plan and destination.
How much does it cost to use data with Avatel outside the EU?
Pay-as-you-go outside Europe is usually expensive, several euros per megabyte without a bundle, which can quickly inflate your bill. Data bundles reduce the cost, but figures vary by country. Check the exact price on Avatel's website before traveling.
How can I avoid a high bill when traveling with Avatel?
Within the EU, you don't need to do anything. Outside, disable data roaming until you have a bundle or use a data eSIM with a fixed price for your destination. This way, you control your spending and keep your Avatel number only for important calls and messages.
Can I use an eSIM and keep my Avatel number?
Yes. The eSIM handles data for the destination country, and your Avatel SIM remains active to receive calls and SMS on your Spanish number. You just need to turn off data for the Avatel line and leave the eSIM as your data line. It's the most convenient and cheapest combination.
How long does it take to activate a travel eSIM?
Installation takes about 1 minute: you scan a QR code and it's ready. You can prepare it at home with Wi-Fi before leaving and activate it when you land at your destination, without airport queues or changing physical cards. Check beforehand that your mobile is eSIM compatible.
Conclusion
In summary: Avatel roaming is perfect and free within the EU, but outside Europe, pay-as-you-go can be very expensive if you don't contract a bundle or control roaming. The golden rule is to know which zone you are in before turning on your data. For distant destinations, a data plan with a fixed price saves you money and trouble without giving up your Spanish number: take a look at our eSIM store and travel connected from the first minute.
