Avoid paying excessive roaming fees. Here we will tell you everything you need to know about roaming...
For years, crossing from the EU into Eastern Europe often meant an abrupt spike in mobile costs. It appears that is about to change, at least for two non-EU countries.
Ukraine and Moldova have effectively joined the EU’s Roam Like at Home framework, allowing millions of people to use their phones across borders without the usual roaming shock.
It is a practical change with real impact: fewer surprises on your bill, easier travel, and closer digital integration with the EU.
Ukraine and Moldova are not members of the European Union, but they have aligned their telecom rules with the EU’s roaming system.
What this means in practice is simple:
This is not a temporary discount or a short-term solidarity deal. It is a regulatory alignment that mirrors how roaming already works between EU and EEA countries.
For travelers, students, cross-border workers, and families across the region, mobile use now works the same as at home, without roaming charges or special add-ons.
Roam Like at Home (RLAH) is the EU policy that abolished retail roaming charges inside the EU.
It was introduced in June 2017, after years of gradual price caps, with one clear goal: you should be able to travel within Europe without worrying about mobile bills.
Originally, RLAH applied to:
Over time, the framework expanded through agreements and regulatory alignment. The inclusion of non-EU countries like Ukraine and Moldova marks a significant step, showing that RLAH is no longer strictly limited to EU borders.
Roam Like at Home does not mean unlimited roaming without rules.
Most operators apply a Fair Use Policy (FUP), especially for mobile data. This exists to prevent permanent roaming and network abuse.
In practice:
High-end or unlimited domestic plans tend to allow more roaming data, while low-cost plans may be more restrictive. Always check your operator’s roaming limits before a long stay abroad.
If you are not sure whether your domestic plan offers enough roaming data, or if you want predictable costs, an eSIM can be a simpler option.
Here are three popular choices travelers often use:
An eSIM can be especially useful if your roaming allowance is limited or unclear.
Yes. Under the aligned roaming framework, EU users can use their domestic plans there without standard roaming fees, subject to fair-use rules.
No. They are not EU members, but they have aligned their telecom regulations with the EU roaming system.
Not always. Fair Use Policies may limit mobile data, especially on low-cost plans.
Yes. An eSIM can offer clearer data limits, unlimited options, or better value for longer stays.
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