On your Galaxy, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks and switch Data Roaming off if you do not want to use your home carrier’s roaming data. That setting controls data roaming only; it does not guarantee that calls, texts, voicemail, or Wi-Fi Calling will be free. Check your carrier’s destination-specific terms before you travel, then use Wi-Fi or a compatible local SIM or eSIM for connectivity.
Check your carrier and phone before you leave
Roaming charges depend on your home carrier, plan, and destination—not just a Galaxy setting. Samsung UK Support warns, “Your provider may charge you extra for data roaming.” Contact your carrier to confirm which countries are included, the rates and billing units for data, calls, texts and voicemail, whether an international pass is needed, and how it treats Wi-Fi Calling abroad. Samsung also directs users to their provider for roaming details: Samsung UK: Turn international data roaming on or off and Samsung US: Data usage and roaming.
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If you plan to use a local SIM or travel eSIM, check your exact Galaxy model, whether it is carrier-locked, and whether it supports the destination carrier’s network and the plan you want. Samsung notes that eSIM availability varies by device, country, and operator. Review its Galaxy eSIM guidance for supported activation methods. A data-only eSIM may not include a local phone number or voice and text service, so confirm the plan’s terms.
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Set a data warning or limit
On supported versions, open Settings > Connections > Data usage to look for mobile-data warnings or limits. Menu names and availability vary. These controls can help you monitor or restrict device data use, but they do not determine your carrier’s roaming fees or replace checking your plan.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Set up Wi-Fi Calling in advance if you need it
Wi-Fi Calling may let you make calls or send messages over Wi-Fi, but it requires an active SIM or eSIM and carrier and device support. Samsung’s Wi-Fi Calling setup guide describes the feature, not universal billing rules. Enable it before departure if appropriate, then ask your carrier what charges apply to calls and messages made abroad.
Turn off data roaming on your Galaxy
- Open Settings.
- Tap Connections, then Mobile Networks.
- Switch Data Roaming off. Depending on the Galaxy model, region, software, or carrier, the wording or location can differ. Samsung’s US instructions may show a similarly named Data Roaming Access option and note that steps vary by carrier.
If the control is unavailable or greyed out, Samsung advises checking that mobile data is activated. If you have a service problem, check whether your plan permits roaming, update the phone’s software, restart it, and contact your carrier. See the UK instructions and US data-usage guidance.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
With Data Roaming off, do not assume every possible roaming charge is blocked. The setting is specifically for roaming data; billing for calls, texts, voicemail, and Wi-Fi Calling depends on your carrier’s terms.
Choose a way to connect while abroad
| Option | What to check |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Use trusted Wi-Fi for internet access. You can use Wi-Fi with cellular connections off by enabling airplane mode and then turning Wi-Fi back on; follow airline instructions and confirm cellular service remains off. |
| Travel or local eSIM | Confirm model and plan compatibility, coverage, price, data allowance, validity, voice and SMS features, and tethering rules. Samsung describes QR-code, automatic-assignment, and manual-detail activation methods, but support varies by device, country, and operator. |
| Local physical SIM | Check that the phone is unlocked, the SIM fits the device, and the plan and destination network are compatible. Galaxy SIM Manager can manage physical SIMs and eSIMs on eligible devices. |
| Wi-Fi Calling | Confirm that your carrier and Galaxy support it, that an active SIM or eSIM is available, and how your carrier bills calls and messages made abroad. |
| Mobile hotspot | A Galaxy hotspot still uses a service plan. Check destination coverage, data caps, tethering rules, power needs, and total cost before relying on it. |
For airplane mode, Samsung says network connections are turned off, while Wi-Fi can be switched on separately. This is a useful precaution when you want cellular service to remain off, but verify the phone’s settings and status icons. See Samsung’s airplane-mode guide and its Galaxy connection and hotspot guidance.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Compare plans by the details that affect your bill
Samsung’s support pages explain phone features; they do not provide destination-specific prices or rank service providers. Compare the current terms from the relevant carriers or eSIM providers, including:
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
- Destination coverage and total price, including whether billing is per day, per connection, or by usage.
- Included data, plan validity, and any overage or speed restrictions.
- Whether voice calls, SMS, and a local number are included.
- Tethering support and hotspot limits.
- Galaxy model, network, eSIM support, and SIM-lock compatibility.
- Whether your home number remains reachable and what incoming calls, messages, or voicemail may cost.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
