Destinations
Roaming in Andorra: the country you drive to that is not in the EU
You cross without noticing and it shows up on next month's bill. What exactly happens and how to avoid it on a ski weekend.
Tomás Berruezo 5 min Photo by Jossuha Théophile on Unsplash Andorra is the commonest surprise on European roaming bills, and for a very simple reason: you arrive by car from Spain or France, there is no formality to remind you that you have changed country, and the phone connects to the Andorran network without asking.
Andorra is not in the European Union
Even though it uses the euro and sits between Spain and France, it is not part of the Union or of the European Economic Area. The included-roaming regulation does not cover it, so your operator treats it as an international zone unless it includes it expressly.
Some operators do include it in their European zone by commercial agreement. Others do not. It is exactly the same situation as Switzerland.
The ski weekend, step by step
- Before setting off, look up which zone Andorra is in on your plan.
- If it is not included, turn off data roaming before crossing the border, not after.
- At resorts close to the border, the phone can latch onto a mast on the other side even when you have not crossed. Pinning the network by hand prevents it.
- Leave the line switched on for calls: in the mountains that is what matters.
Coverage
Good in the valleys, in the capital and at the ski resorts, which is where everyone is. On mountain routes and high passes there are gaps, as in any range.
And if you are staying a few days
For a weekend break, hotel wi-fi plus data roaming switched off is usually enough. For a week in season, or if you work from there, it pays to settle it with a destination plan and forget about it.
The sister case, with the same border traps, is in roaming in Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions
Is Andorra covered by EU roaming?
No. It belongs neither to the European Union nor to the European Economic Area, so included roaming does not cover it. Some operators include it by commercial agreement.
Can I be charged Andorran roaming without crossing?
Yes, near the border or at ski resorts, if the phone latches onto a mast on the other side. Pinning the network by hand prevents it.
How much does it cost?
It depends on your plan: it may be included as a European zone or treated as international. You check it in your operator's app.
Is coverage good in Andorra?
Yes in the valleys, the capital and the ski resorts. On mountain routes and high passes there are gaps.
Do I need a data plan for a weekend?
Usually not: your accommodation's wi-fi with roaming off is enough. For longer stays, or if you work from there, it pays off.
