Réunion, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, offers a unique blend of tropical beauty and European infrastructure. However, for international travelers, understanding the intricacies of roaming charges is crucial to avoid unexpected costs. Let's dive into the world of roaming in Réunion and explore how to stay connected without breaking your budget.

Are There Roaming Charges in Réunion?

Yes, roaming charges do apply in Réunion for most international visitors. As part of France, Réunion follows EU roaming regulations for European travelers. However, for those coming from outside the EU, standard international roaming rates set by your home network provider will apply. These charges can vary significantly depending on your originating country and specific carrier agreements.

When Do Roaming Charges Apply in Réunion?

Roaming charges in Réunion kick in as soon as your device connects to a local network. This happens automatically when you arrive on the island unless you've disabled data roaming on your device. Charges apply for all mobile services: calls (both incoming and outgoing), SMS, and data usage. It's worth noting that even receiving calls or text messages can incur costs, as can passive data usage from apps running in the background.

Roaming Fees and Charges in Réunion

Disclaimer: Prices and plans are subject to change. Always check with your provider for the most up-to-date information.

Here's a breakdown of roaming charges and plans for some major international carriers for the Réunion:

EE (UK): [1]

• It costs £1.44 a minute and 60p a text to use your device for outside the EE Europe zone.

Vodafone (UK): [2]

• You need to purchase Extra to use data

• £5 one off charge for 8 days for 100 minutes

• £9 one off charge for 8 days for 3GB

• £4 one off charge for 8 days for 200 texts

• £12 one off charge for 8 days for 3GB, 100 mins and 200 texts

Movistar (Spain): [3]

• Internet, SMS and calls in EU can be done with your home plan.

• Calls to other destinations: €4.83 per minute + €0.79 connection fee

  
  

Rogers (Canada): [4]

• $15.00 per 1 MB

• $0.75 per text

• $4.00 per min

• or $15.00 per day - Pay the daily fee and use your own plan (Maximum 20 days per billing cycle)

Verizon (USA): [5]

• $2.05 per MB

• $1.79 per min

• Travel Pass: $12 per day to use your own plan

T-Mobile (USA): [6]

• $5 per day: 512MB data, unlimited calling

• $35 for 10 days: 5GB data, unlimited calling

• $50 for 30 days: 15GB data, unlimited calling

Keep in mind that these charges can add up quickly, especially for longer stays, making alternatives like Roamless eSIM an attractive option for many travelers.

How to Avoid Roaming Charges in Réunion

To sidestep hefty roaming fees, follow these steps:

• Disable data roaming on your device before arriving in Réunion.

• Connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible for data usage.

• Consider purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival for short-term visits.

• For longer stays or frequent travel, look into international roaming packages from your home provider.

• Explore eSIM options like Roamless for flexible, cost-effective connectivity.

You can also read our guide on how to avoid roaming charges for more suggestions.

Roamless eSIM in Réunion

Roamless eSIM offers a modern solution to roaming woes, particularly suited for travel to Réunion:

• No Speed Throttling: Enjoy full-speed data access, matching local network capabilities.

• Pay-As-You-Go Flexibility: Only pay for the data you actually use, avoiding wasteful predetermined packages.

• Non-Expiring Funds: Your balance remains valid for future trips, offering excellent value for frequent travelers.

• Multi-Country Compatibility: Ideal for island-hopping or extended travel, with no need to switch plans between countries.

• Local Network Speeds: Experience the same high-speed connectivity as local users, ensuring smooth browsing and streaming.

Check our eSIM Réunion page or read our guide on the best eSIM for Réunion before planning your travel. By leveraging these features, Roamless eSIM provides a streamlined, cost-effective way to stay connected in Réunion and beyond, aligning perfectly with the needs of today's international travelers.

Sources:

[1] https://ee.co.uk/help/mobile/roaming/roaming-costs/countries/reunionisland

[2] https://www.vodafone.co.uk/help-and-information/costs-and-charges/travelling-abroad

[3] https://www.movistar.es/tarifas-moviles/roaming/#Islas Reunión

[4] https://www.rogers.com/mobility/roaming#searchbar

[5] https://www.verizon.com/support/international-services-pricing/

[6] https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/international-roaming-plans/unlimited-calling-data-pass