Two rules change when you leave your home network: always dial with a plus, and incoming calls are charged.
Rule one: always use the plus
In roaming a number is dialled in international format: +7 495 123-45-67. The international prefix is not needed — the phone adds it. If a contact is stored with a national prefix, dial it manually with the plus.
Rule two: incoming calls are paid
In roaming you pay for incoming calls, usually at the same rate as an outgoing call to the country you are in. Keep calls short and prefer messaging apps.
Before you travel
- Check whether your plan includes minutes and data in the destination country.
- Disable paid subscriptions so they cannot activate abroad.
- Turn off data roaming if you have not bought a package — data is the most expensive part of the bill.
Local calls inside the country you are visiting
Dial them by local rules, or simply with the plus and the country code — the second way is easier to remember and always works.
When a local SIM is better
For calls inside the country you are visiting, a local SIM or eSIM is almost always cheaper. For incoming calls from home, a plan with an included roaming package is usually the best option.
See also: how to call any country, emergency numbers.