Dubai: With summer holiday prep in full swing, UAE residents are being urged to plan their mobile usage abroad carefully鈥攐r risk returning home to a hefty roaming bill..UAE residents regain summer travel confidence as they await full airspace reopening.The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) often warns users about so-called 鈥渂ill shocks鈥 caused by unexpected roaming charges, often triggered by background apps or unmonitored data use.Checklist: Stay connected without overpayingHere鈥檚 how UAE residents can avoid unexpected roaming charges and keep trips budget-friendly:Turn off roaming before you land: Roaming charges start the moment your phone connects to a foreign network. Buy a roaming pack in advance: Avoid pay-as-you-go charges by purchasing a bundle tailored to your trip. Activate via your telecom app or USSD codes before departure.Consider a local SIM card: For longer or single-country trips, buying a local SIM on arrival offers better rates and faster data.Use an eSIM for flexibility: Many newer phones allow you to install a digital eSIM for travel. These can be set up instantly via QR code鈥攊deal for multi-country trips.Rely on Wi-Fi where possible: Switch to Airplane Mode and connect to Wi-Fi for free calls and messages via WhatsApp. Just avoid unsecured public networks.Monitor your usage: Track how much data or minutes you鈥檙e using through your provider鈥檚 app to avoid exceeding limits.UAE telecom providers offer roaming plansTo help UAE travellers stay connected affordably, local telecom providers鈥擡tisalat, du, and Virgin Mobile鈥攐ffer multiple roaming plans tailored for short trips and longer stays:Etisalat: If you’re an Etisalat customer, roaming is likely already activated on your line. If not, you鈥檒l need to call 101 to enable it. Once active, it鈥檚 highly recommended to purchase a roaming add-on before travel.du: du users should send 鈥榬oaming鈥 to 5102 to check if the service is activated. Roaming bundles depend on destination, and du urges travellers to verify partner networks to avoid out-of-bundle charges.Virgin Mobile: Virgin Mobile users can use UAE data and minutes in over 140 countries鈥攏o extra SIM or add-on needed, or opt for customisable roaming data and minutes, based on travel destination and duration.How to decide between local SIM, roamingIt depends on your preference and destination:Prefer to keep your UAE number? Roaming packs offer convenience.Visiting the same country often? A local SIM might save you more.Multi-country trips? Try an international eSIM.Always manually select your UAE provider鈥檚 partner network abroad. Bottom lineWhether you choose a roaming pack, a local SIM, or Wi-Fi-only access, a few quick checks before takeoff can help you avoid unpleasant surprises鈥攁nd keep your phone bills as light as your luggage.