Roaming in the Western Balkans

What applies now

With an Austrian plan, you pay roaming in these countries from day one. How much is in your plan.

In 2023, 38 mobile operators from the EU and the Western Balkans voluntarily committed to lowering data prices step by step in both directions: to at most 14 euros per GB in 2026 and at most 9 euros per GB in 2028. The European Commission does not name the operators. Whether your provider takes part is shown in its roaming prices.

What is supposed to change

In February 2026, the European Commission proposed including the Western Balkans in "Roam like at Home". In June 2026, the Council of the EU agreed to start talks. The rule will only apply once there is an agreement with each country and that country has fully adopted the EU roaming rules. There is no official date.

Travelling by car

On the way through Slovenia, Croatia or Hungary, EU roaming applies; all three are in the EU. Near a border, however, your phone can connect to a network on the other side, even while you are still in the EU. You then pay roaming as outside the EU. How to avoid this is explained in our guide "Roaming without a surprise bill".

The spending limit

There is a limit for data roaming in the Western Balkans too: just under 50 euros without tax per month, unless you chose a different limit. At 80 percent you get a message. If the local network does not allow real-time billing, the limit does not apply there. You then get a text message when you arrive. There is no such limit for calls.

Three options

You ask your provider before you leave what data costs in your destination and whether there is an add-on.

You buy a local SIM card. What you need for it differs from country to country.

You take an eSIM with a data plan. You set it up while still at home and are online when you arrive. Your own SIM and your number stay as they are. Our data plans: to the shop

Frequently asked questions