The use of a mobile phone or another wireless device on a foreign mobile network, especially abroad. This enables calls, text messages, and data use outside your own network provider.
example
Dank der EU-Regulierung ist das Roaming in den meisten europäischen Ländern kostenlos.
Thanks to EU regulation, roaming is free in most European countries.
Usage tips
Origin and context
'Roaming' is a technical term from English. It is used almost exclusively in connection with mobile phones and using them abroad.
EXAMPLE
Vor meiner Reise nach Kanada habe ich das Roaming deaktiviert.
Before my trip to Canada, I disabled roaming.
Use without an article
Like many technical terms, 'Roaming' (roaming) is often used without an article when speaking about it in general. For example, you ask: 'Ist Roaming in diesem Land teuer?' (Is roaming expensive in this country?)
EXAMPLE
In der Schweiz ist Roaming für EU-Bürger nicht automatisch kostenlos.
In Switzerland, roaming is not automatically free for EU citizens.
Typical combinations
Common word combinations are 'Roaming-Gebühren' (roaming charges), 'Daten-Roaming' (data roaming), or 'EU-Roaming' (EU roaming). It is also often used with the verbs 'aktivieren' (to activate) and 'deaktivieren' (to deactivate).
EXAMPLE
Achte im Urlaub auf die hohen Roaming-Gebühren für die Datennutzung.
Watch out for high roaming charges for data use while on vacation.