Take out a cell phone contract abroad - you should be aware of that

Some people conclude their cell phone contract abroad, as tariffs in Germany seem more expensive in comparison. However, there are legal limits here. We clarify and tell you what you need to know about mobile phone contracts abroad.

Information about signing a cell phone contract abroad

If you would like to conclude a cell phone contract abroad, you should consider in advance whether it should be a permanent or temporary contract. Above all, you have to ask yourself in which country you would like to use your mobile tariff the most.

• If you would like to conclude a permanent mobile phone contract in another EU country, but use it mainly in Germany - because you live in Germany, for example - this is not possible in the long term.
• According to the regulations, mobile phone tariffs should be taken out in the country in which you use it most of the time. The limit is four months.
• For example, if you have signed a permanent contract in Spain, but are mostly in Germany, your Spanish provider can request proof of residence after four months. You will then have to prove that in the future you will mainly use the tariff in Spain.
• This four-month rule is intended for people who want to travel within Europe for four months.
• Some providers also grant you the use of a tariff abroad, for example if you are in the south during the winter and in Germany for the rest of the year. Commuters between two countries can also get an exemption.
• This limit of usage of foreign mobile phone tariffs at home is intended to prevent a high level of competition between European providers and to pay extra if they are used excessively abroad.

Fair use policy for EU roaming: the rule applies to the international cell phone contract

The so-called fair use policy has been in force since June 2017, which states that the conditions of your own mobile phone tariff should apply throughout the EU. "Roaming like at home" - RLAH for short - is the name of this regulation, thanks to which you can use your mobile phone in the entire EU area under the same conditions with your mobile phone contract. However, there is a limit.

• The fair use policy is intended to protect providers from excessive and permanent use of tariffs abroad.
• With the new roaming regulation, providers of mobile phone tariffs ran the risk that customers would only choose the cheapest tariffs.
• For example, if you have a cellular tariff that allows you to surf only a limited amount of data, your provider can bill you for excessive roaming abroad if you pay less than $ 2.68 per GB.
• For example: you have a mobile phone contract of 20 euros per month. This includes unlimited SMS and telephony. You also have 2 GB of data volume. The monthly amount is calculated by the number of GB. So 20 euros by 2 GB results in 10 euros.
• You can thus use your 2 GB per month fully in the EU area without having to pay extra. If you had 8 GB per month with a tariff of 20 euros, the value would be 2.50 euros - below the legally defined limit. Here your provider can bill you for excessive roaming abroad.
• Depending on the provider, there may be further restrictions. Therefore, find out about roaming regulations from your mobile service provider in advance.

Mobile phone contract terms could change soon

In the next post we would like to give you tips if you want to sign a cell phone contract for your child.