Destination guide

How to Avoid Roaming Charges in Reunion (2026)

Reunion is one of the easiest places to stay connected cheaply — if you skip roaming and use an eSIM. Here is exactly how.

Updated June 2026Prices verified weekly

How to avoid roaming

AT&T charges $10/day in Reunion — $70 for a 7-day trip. Airalo eliminates that with 10GB on Orange RE for $18.43. Same 5G network, 74% less cost.

June 2026 verified1+ networksFrom $1.83/GB5 providers comparedUpdated June 2026

! Danger

US carriers charge $10/day or $2.05/MB for data roaming in Reunion. A single week of casual phone use costs $70–200+.

&check; Solution

A travel eSIM from Airalo connects to Orange's 5G network at $1.83/GB. Same towers, same coverage, no roaming middleman.

How to travel without roaming charges in Reunion

Millions of travelers visit Reunion each year. Most arrive during peak travel months. AT&T charges every one of them $10 per day the moment their phone connects to Orange RE. A 7-day trip costs $70 in roaming fees before a single map search. A Reunion eSIM on Orange RE covers 10GB for $18.43.

Turn off data roaming in Settings before you board. Install your eSIM while still on home WiFi. After landing, activate the eSIM as your data line. Your home SIM stays active for calls and texts, but data flows through the eSIM at local rates. Entry plans start at $3.67 for 1GB.

What roaming actually costs in Reunion

Without any plan, AT&T charges $2.05 per MB in Reunion (source: AT&T International Roaming rates, att.com/international, verified June 2026). One hour of normal phone use — Maps, a few emails, background app refresh — consumes roughly 100 MB. That is $205 in a single hour. Over 7 days of moderate use, the bill can reach $22. Even with the $10/day International Day Pass, the cost is $70. A 10GB eSIM on Orange RE covers the same 7 days for $18.43 — saving $51.57.

Per-task roaming charges in Reunion

Roaming vs eSIM cost per activity in Reunion (AT&T $2.05/MB vs eSIM at $$1.83/GB)
Activity	Data Used	Roaming Cost	eSIM Cost
Send WhatsApp photo	3 MB	$6.15	$0.01
10 min Google Maps	5 MB	$10.25	$0.01
10 min Instagram scrolling	50 MB	$102.50	$0.09
Send email with photo	3 MB	$6.15	$0.01
30 min Spotify	45 MB	$92.25	$0.08
Check Google Translate (10 queries)	2 MB	$4.10	$0.00

Roaming costs by trip length for Reunion

A student spending a month in Reunion on AT&T faces $300 in roaming charges. That is $300 just for data, billed $10/day on Orange RE. A month of AT&T roaming costs more than a week of shared accommodation in most cities. A 30-day eSIM on Orange RE covers 10GB for $18.43 — saving $281.57 on a student budget. Students studying abroad or doing extended research trips should install an eSIM before departure. The carrier markup is not a student discount — it is the same $10/day regardless of age, budget, or trip purpose.

Daily roaming charges for Reunion

AT&T International Day Pass charges $10/day in Reunion. Verizon TravelPass charges $10/day. Both connect through Orange RE and offer the same coverage map. T-Mobile includes international data on most plans, but throttles speeds to 256 Kbps — slow enough that Google Maps tiles fail to load and ride-hailing apps time out. All three carriers use Orange RE's towers in Reunion. None of them operate their own infrastructure here. The $10/day fee pays for the billing agreement between your home carrier and Orange RE, not for better signal or faster speeds. A Reunion eSIM on Orange RE costs $18.43 for 10GB — the same network, the same towers, at $1.83/GB instead of $10/day.

Why roaming charges start at landing in Reunion

When your plane lands in Reunion and you turn off airplane mode, your phone broadcasts a registration signal. Orange RE's nearest tower responds. Your home carrier — AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile — receives a billing notification from Orange RE within seconds. The $10/day International Day Pass activates at that exact moment. No app opens. No call connects. The network handshake between your SIM and Orange RE's tower is enough to trigger the full daily charge. This process happens automatically through the SIM card in your phone, bypassing any settings you have. The only reliable block is disabling data roaming in Settings before the handshake occurs — or removing the home SIM and using an eSIM on Orange RE at $18.43 for 10GB.

Silent data drains that trigger roaming in Reunion

Location Services on your phone ping Orange RE's towers every few minutes in Reunion. Find My, Maps, Weather, and ride-hailing apps all request location data in the background. Each ping transfers 0.5-2 MB. Over a full day, location pings accumulate 10-30 MB of silent cellular data. At $2.05/MB, that is $20-60 per day in charges you never authorized. Disable location services for non-essential apps before landing: Settings > Privacy > Location Services > review each app. Keep Maps and emergency services active, disable everything else. An eSIM on Orange RE at $3.67 for 1GB routes these pings through flat-rate data instead of AT&T's per-MB billing.

The case against airport SIMs in Reunion

You land in Reunion at 11:45pm and the airport SIM counter is closed. The next shift starts at 7am. Your options: pay AT&T $10/day on Orange RE until morning, or use a pre-installed eSIM that activates the moment airplane mode turns off. Airport SIM counters at the airport operate on local business hours, not your flight schedule. Red-eye arrivals, early-morning landings, and delayed flights all arrive outside counter hours. An eSIM on Orange RE installs before you leave home — 1GB for $3.67, active on landing regardless of the hour. No counter, no waiting for business hours, no $10 overnight charge.

Two steps before you fly to Reunion

! Do this before step 2

Disable data roaming on your home SIM first. If your home SIM is still roaming-enabled when your eSIM activates, your carrier can charge both lines simultaneously. Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → Data Roaming: OFF.

Disable data roaming on your home SIM

Go to Settings › Cellular › Cellular Data Options and turn Data Roaming OFF. This is the most critical step. Skipping it means Reunion roaming charges can still hit your home carrier bill.

Buy a travel eSIM

Get a plan from Airalo at $1.83/GB. Do this at home on WiFi before you fly — QR code delivery takes under 60 seconds.

Install the eSIM profile

Open phone Settings › Cellular › Add eSIM. Scan the QR code or tap the install link in your confirmation email.

Set eSIM as default data on arrival

After landing in Reunion, go to Settings › Cellular and set your travel eSIM as the primary data line. It connects to Orange within minutes.

Keep home SIM for calls via WiFi Calling

Your home number stays reachable for free over WiFi. You pay eSIM rates for data — 85–95% less than roaming.

Need help with device compatibility? Check eSIM compatible phones or our how eSIMs work guide before purchasing.

Phone prep guide for Reunion

Enable WiFi Calling before traveling to Reunion to keep your home number active without cellular roaming. On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Wi-Fi Calling > On. On Android: Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi Calling > On. WiFi Calling routes voice calls and texts through any WiFi connection using your home carrier number, bypassing Orange RE's cellular network entirely. This means your home SIM stays useful for calls — to family, for 2FA codes, for US-based contacts — without triggering AT&T's $10/day data charge. Your eSIM on Orange RE handles all cellular data at $18.43 for 10GB. WiFi Calling plus eSIM data creates a two-layer setup that eliminates roaming charges while maintaining full functionality of both phone numbers.

Device-Specific Roaming Settings for Reunion

iPhone Settings

iPhone 14 and newer models sold in the US are eSIM-only. Both SIM slots are digital. Open Settings > Cellular to see your installed lines. Tap your home carrier line (AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile). Turn off Data Roaming under Cellular Data Options. This one toggle prevents the $10/day charge on Orange RE in Reunion. Next, install a Reunion travel e SIM: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. Scan the QR code from your eSIM provider or use the provider's app. After installation, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and select the travel eSIM as your data line. Your home carrier stays active for calls and texts. The eSIM handles all data on Orange RE at $3.67 for 1GB. Over 7 days, this saves $66.33 versus AT&T Day Pass.

Samsung Settings

Samsung Secure Folder apps use a separate data profile. If you have work apps in Secure Folder on your Galaxy, those apps may sync independently of your main profile's Data Roaming setting. Check Secure Folder > Settings > App Data to verify roaming behavior. Disable cellular data for Secure Folder apps before traveling to Reunion. Your main eSIM on Orange RE handles personal apps at $3.67 for 1GB. Work apps in Secure Folder should sync on hotel WiFi only. AT&T charges $10/day for any data on Orange RE through your home SIM. Secure Folder data counts toward that charge if roaming is not disabled on both profiles.

Pixel Settings

Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 8 on Android 15: open Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs. Tap your home carrier (AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile). Toggle Roaming OFF. This prevents the $10/day charge on Orange RE in Reunion. Install a travel eSIM: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add SIM (or download from your provider's app). After scanning the QR code, return to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs and tap the new e-SIM entry. Set it as your mobile data SIM. Your home carrier handles calls and texts. The eSIM handles all data on Orange RE at $3.67 for 1GB. Pixel phones support per-SIM roaming toggles, so roaming stays OFF on your home carrier and ON for the eSIM simultaneously.

Dual SIM Configuration

Dual-SIM configuration for Reunion: your home SIM handles calls and texts, your travel eSIM handles data. Step 1: disable Data Roaming on your home SIM. iPhone: Settings > Cellular > tap home carrier line > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming OFF. Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > home SIM > Data Roaming OFF. Pixel: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > home SIM > Roaming OFF. Step 2: install a Reunion travel e SIM on Orange RE. Step 3: set the eSIM as your Cellular Data / Mobile Data line. iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > select eSIM. Samsung: SIM Manager > Preferred SIM > Data > select eSIM. Pixel: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > tap eSIM > Use for data. Step 4: enable Data Roaming ON for the eSIM line. This allows the eSIM to connect to Orange RE partner networks. Your home SIM with roaming OFF prevents the $10/day charge. Your eSIM with roaming ON connects to Orange RE at $3.67 for 1GB. The critical detail: roaming must be OFF on the correct line and ON on the other.

Data Usage Monitoring

Pixel phones on Android 15: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > tap your e SIM > App Data Usage. This shows per-app consumption on Orange RE in Reunion. Set a data warning: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > eSIM > Data Warning & Limit. Warning at 8 GB, limit at 9.5 GB. Your 10GB plan gives a daily budget of 1.4 GB over 7 days. Pixel shows the most data-hungry apps first. Restrict background data for streaming and social media apps that consume more than 100 MB/day. Keep Maps and messaging unrestricted.

Roaming Avoidance Strategies for Reunion

Offline Preparation

Download Reunion in Google Maps before departure. Tap your profile icon, select Offline Maps, and download the regions you plan to visit. Offline maps include street-level navigation, Points of Interest, and basic search. This saves 3-5 MB per Maps session that would otherwise cost $6-10 at $2.05/MB without a roaming plan.
Install offline language packs for Reunion in Google Translate or Apple Translate. Camera translation works offline, so pointing your phone at a menu or sign does not use eSIM data. Download the pack on home WiFi. Offline translation covers common phrases, text input, and photo-to-text conversion.
Download entertainment before departure. Netflix, Spotify, and podcasts all support offline downloads. A 7-day trip to Reunion needs 5-10 hours of offline content for flights, transit, and downtime. Download on home WiFi. Streaming over an eSIM consumes 700 MB per hour of video, draining your plan quickly.
Install ride-hailing apps for Reunion before arrival. Create your account and add a payment method on home WiFi. The app download and account setup consume 50-100 MB that you do not want running through a carrier roaming connection.
Download an offline currency converter app with EUR (€) rates. XE and Currency apps both support offline mode after an initial rate download. The local currency in Reunion is EUR. Pre-load the exchange rate on home WiFi so you can check prices without using cellular data at markets and shops.
Save booking confirmations, boarding passes, and hotel addresses as PDF files or screenshots on your device. Store them in the Files app or a dedicated folder. If your eSIM data runs out or you lose connectivity in Reunion, offline documents keep your itinerary accessible. Email attachments consume 2-5 MB each to re-download.
Save 15/17/18/112 as Reunion's emergency number in your contacts. Add your hotel address, embassy phone number, and travel insurance hotline. Store these as a contact card that works without internet access. Emergency calls work on any carrier network in Reunion regardless of your eSIM or roaming status.

Messaging Alternatives

WhatsApp queues messages when offline and sends them the moment connectivity returns. Draft messages, take photos, and record voice notes in Reunion without an active data connection. The app sends everything when your eSIM reconnects to Orange RE. WhatsApp is the standard across Western and Southern Europe. Telegram has growing adoption in Eastern Europe. iMessage is common among iPhone users but does not cross the Android divide. Download WhatsApp and Telegram before departure. Pre-save frequent contacts. Offline-drafted messages consume zero data until sent. An e SIM on Orange RE at $3.67 for 1GB provides the connection that flushes the queue. AT&T charges $10/day for the same queue-flush on the same Orange RE towers.

Bill Shock Prevention

AT&T

Open the myAT&T app or visit att.com/international before departure.
Check if International Day Pass ($10/day in Reunion) is auto-enabled on your plan. If so, remove it under Account > International > Manage Day Pass.
Disable data roaming on your iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming OFF.
Disable data roaming on Android: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming OFF.
Install a Reunion eSIM before boarding: 1GB on Orange RE from $3.67.
Set your eSIM as the primary data line: iPhone Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > select eSIM line.
Turn off Background App Refresh for non-essential apps: Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
AT&T Day Pass resets at midnight US Eastern time, not RET (UTC+4). A late-evening arrival in Reunion can trigger two Day Pass charges in two hours.
After landing at the airport: verify data roaming is OFF on your AT&T line and ON for your eSIM line.
Check your AT&T account 48 hours after return. Dispute any charges within the first billing cycle. AT&T occasionally waives first-time roaming charges.
Total AT&T Day Pass cost for 7 days: $70. Total eSIM cost: $18.43 for 10GB. Savings: $51.57.

Verizon

Open the My Verizon app or visit verizon.com/travel before departure.
Check if TravelPass ($10/day, 2 GB high-speed cap in Reunion) is active. Remove it under Plan > Travel > Remove TravelPass.
Verizon TravelPass auto-enrolls when your phone connects to Orange RE. The charge triggers before you clear customs at the airport.
Disable data roaming: iPhone Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming OFF.
Android: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming OFF.
Install a Reunion e-SIM before departure: 1GB on Orange RE from $3.67.
Verizon caps high-speed data at 2 GB per day on TravelPass. After the cap, speed drops to 600 Kbps for the rest of the day. The eSIM has no daily cap.
After landing at the airport: confirm your Verizon line shows "No Service" or "SOS Only." Your eSIM line should show Orange RE with signal bars.
Verify no TravelPass charges appear on your Verizon bill within 48 hours of return. Call 611 to dispute within the first billing cycle.
Total Verizon TravelPass cost for 7 days: $70. eSIM alternative: $18.43 for 10GB. Savings: $51.57.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile Magenta and Go5G include free international data in Reunion, but speed is throttled to 256 Kbps.
At 256 Kbps: Google Maps takes 30+ seconds to load, ride-hailing apps time out, video calls fail, and photo uploads take 2-5 minutes each.
T-Mobile Go5G Plus adds 5 GB high-speed for $5/day. Go5G Next includes 15 GB/month at high speed. Check which plan you have in the T-Mobile app under Account > Plan Details.
Calls on T-Mobile cost $0.25/minute in Reunion. Use WhatsApp or FaceTime calling over your eSIM data to avoid per-minute charges.
Install a Reunion eSIM for full-speed data: 1GB on Orange RE at $3.67. Set the e SIM as your data line and keep T-Mobile for calls and texts.
T-Mobile's free 2G tier is useful for: text-only WhatsApp messages, basic email (no attachments), and low-bandwidth background sync. It is not useful for: Maps, photos, video, social media, or ride-hailing.
After your trip: check your T-Mobile bill for $0.25/minute call charges. Dispute within the first billing cycle if unexpected charges appear.

The Airport Roaming Trap in Reunion

Your phone connects to Orange RE the moment the aircraft doors open at the airport. The immigration queue takes 20-60 minutes. During that wait, background apps sync email, check weather, and refresh notifications. AT&T's International Day Pass triggers on the first data byte. Verizon TravelPass auto-enrolls simultaneously. You have not opened a single app yet. The charge: $10 for AT&T, $10 for Verizon. Over 7 days: $70. Prevention: enable airplane mode before landing. Keep it on through customs. Install your eSIM on airport WiFi if not already installed. Activate the e SIM as your data line. Then disable airplane mode. Your phone connects to Orange RE through the eSIM at $3.67 for 1GB. No $10 trigger.

How to Avoid Roaming Charges in Reunion

To avoid roaming charges in Reunion, turn off data roaming in your phone settings and activate a travel eSIM on Orange RE.

AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile each charge differently for Reunion roaming. AT&T: $10/day. Verizon: $10/day with 2GB cap. T-Mobile: free but throttled to 256 Kbps. An eSIM on Orange RE gives full 5G speed for $18.43/10GB.

Go to Settings and disable Data Roaming on your carrier's SIM.
Buy a 10GB eSIM for Reunion ($18.43 on Orange RE).
Add the eSIM: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > scan QR code.
Select the eSIM as mobile data. Your home number stays active for calls.

An eSIM saves $52 compared to 7 days of carrier roaming in Reunion ($18.43 vs $70).

Carrier Roaming vs eSIM in Reunion

AT&T charges $10/day in Reunion — $70 for 7 days.

Verizon TravelPass costs $10/day — $70 for the same trip.

T-Mobile offers free low-speed roaming but charges $5/day for high-speed in Reunion.

Airalo provides 10GB on Orange RE for $18.43.

An eSIM saves up to $52 (74%) compared to carrier roaming plans.

Bill Shock Warning: Reunion

! Bill shock

A 7-day trip to Reunion with data roaming on costs $70 on most US carriers. An eSIM on Orange RE costs $18.43 for 10GB — saving $52.

eSIM providers that cover Reunion

eSIM alternatives

Best eSIM providers for Reunion

Ranked by price, coverage, and reliability in Reunion.

eSIM providers for Reunion, verified June 2026
Provider	Rating	Countries	From	Best for	Actions
Airalo#1 Pick	4.3 out of 5 stars4.3	200+	$4.50/GB	Best Overall	Get Airalo →Review
Nomad	4.1 out of 5 stars4.1	112+	$3.00/GB	Best Budget	Get Nomad →Review
Saily	4.2 out of 5 stars4.2	150+	$3.99/GB	Best Privacy	Get Saily →Review
Holafly	4.3 out of 5 stars4.3	178+	$2.99/day	Best Unlimited	Get Holafly →Review
HelloRoam	4.4 out of 5 stars4.4	186+	from $3.50/GB	Coverage + Value	Get HelloRoam →Review

Prices verified June 2026By AvoidRoaming Guides

We earn a commission when you purchase through links on this page. It does not change our rankings or the price you pay.

Provider pick

Why Airalo for Reunion

Airalo leads on price for Reunion with 10GB at $18.43 on Orange RE's network. AT&T International Day Pass charges $10/day for the same Orange RE towers — $70 over 7 days. Airalo connects through identical infrastructure at $1.83/GB. The savings come from removing the carrier middleman. Your home carrier negotiates roaming agreements that add markup at every layer. Airalo contracts directly with Orange RE, passing the lower rate to you. Plans start at $3.67 for 1GB with no daily activation fee.

Networks

Coverage map for Reunion

Orange's towers serve millions of travelers in Reunion each year. AT&T charges each of them $10 per day for the same signal an eSIM delivers at $18.43. The network infrastructure does not change between a roaming connection and an eSIM connection — Orange transmits the same data through the same towers either way. 5 eSIM providers listed here connect through Orange. Entry plans start at $3.67 for 1GB.

Mobile networks in Reunion — eSIM-compatible carriers, June 2026
Operator	Types
Orange	5G

Network coverage data verified June 2026.

Privacy

Privacy tools for travelers to Reunion

Reunion places no restrictions on VPN usage. Travelers can run any VPN provider on Orange RE's network without interference. This matters because public WiFi varies in reliability — and every unsecured WiFi connection exposes banking credentials, email passwords, and payment details. An eSIM on Orange RE at $3.67 for 1GB provides a private cellular connection that is inherently more secure than public WiFi. Layer your VPN on top of the eSIM connection for maximum privacy. This combination eliminates both AT&T's $10/day roaming charge and the security risks of relying on hotel WiFi.

Pricing

Travel data costs for Reunion

What a travel eSIM costs in Reunion versus carrier roaming.

Without a plan, AT&T International Day Pass costs $10/day in Reunion. A 7-day trip totals $70. Verizon TravelPass bills the same $70 for identical access. Per-MB rates without any pass run $2.05/MB — one hour of background use can exceed $200. Airalo's 10GB plan covers the same 7 days at $18.43, saving $52 (74%) against AT&T on the same Reunion carrier infrastructure. Plan breakdown by tier: 1GB: $3.67 ($3.67/GB), 3GB: $5.48 ($1.83/GB), 5GB: $11.32 ($2.26/GB), 10GB: $18.43 ($1.84/GB). Unlimited daily data starts at $3.23/day with 2GB at full speed before throttling. The best per-GB rate sits at the 3GB tier — $1.83/GB.

Travel eSIM plan pricing for Reunion — verified June 2026
Data	eSIM Price	Per GB
1GB	$3.67	$3.67
3GB	$5.48	$1.83
5GB	$11.32	$2.26
10GB	$18.43	$1.84
Unlimited / day	$3.23/day	—

Prices sourced from provider websites and updated weekly.

Pricing verified June 2026

Multi-country

Visiting more than just Reunion?

A weekend trip from Reunion to Algeria, Angola, and Benin costs $20 in AT&T roaming — $10/day for two days, even if you cross the border Saturday morning and return Sunday evening. Verizon TravelPass charges the same $20. The $10 daily charge activates on first connection, not on usage. Checking one notification across the border counts the same as streaming video all day. An eSIM with Africa coverage treats the border crossing as a carrier switch, not a billing event. No additional charge for the weekend trip. Standalone plans for neighbors: Algeria: $34.99 for 20GB; Angola: $136.23 for 10GB; Benin: $119.92 for 20GB. Regional bundles often cost less than $20 for the same weekend coverage.

Avoid these

Mistakes that cost travelers in Reunion

Forgot to disable roaming

Data roaming left on triggers AT&T's $10/day charge the moment your phone connects to Orange RE in Reunion. One push notification activates the full daily charge. Disable it in Settings before boarding, not after landing.

WiFi Assist left on

iOS WiFi Assist automatically switches to cellular when hotel WiFi weakens. In Reunion, this routes data through your home SIM on Orange RE, triggering AT&T's $10/day charge mid-session. Disable WiFi Assist under Settings > Cellular before departure.

Day pass midnight reset misunderstood

AT&T's $10/day pass resets at midnight RET (UTC+4) time — not local time in Reunion. Landing at 10pm local time can trigger two separate $10 charges before you sleep. An eSIM on Orange RE at $3.67 has no midnight reset.

Not pre-installing the eSIM

An eSIM requires WiFi to scan and install the QR code. Trying to install at the airport means competing for congested airport WiFi under time pressure. Install the eSIM at home, 5-7 days before departure.

Leaving roaming on just in case

Keeping roaming on "just in case" costs $10/day on Orange RE whether you use any data or not. A single background push notification triggers the full charge. There is no safe way to leave roaming on while avoiding the fee in Reunion.

The bottom line

What every traveler should know about Reunion

AT&T bills you in USD — $10/day — while you travel in Reunion where the currency is EUR. Foreign exchange friction adds a psychological layer to every roaming charge, but the amount stays fixed: $70 for 7 days on Orange RE. An eSIM also bills in USD before departure: $18.43 for 10GB, paid once on home soil. No foreign transaction fees, no surprise charges in a currency you are still adjusting to. Pay the eSIM before you board, land with data already running, and keep your wallet organized for local spending.

Before you fly

Checklist before landing in Reunion

Disable data roaming: Settings > Cellular > Data Roaming OFF (do this before departure).

Install a Reunion eSIM while on home WiFi — plans from $3.67 for 1GB on Orange RE.

Save 15/17/18/112 as Reunion's emergency number in your contacts.

Pack a Type C/E power adapter for Reunion.

Local currency is EUR (€).

Time zone: RET (UTC+4). Adjust your phone clock on arrival.

Keep your home SIM active for calls and texts via WiFi Calling.

Common questions

Questions about roaming in Reunion, answered

How do I disable roaming when using dual SIM for Reunion?

With dual SIM, you need to disable roaming on your home SIM specifically. On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > select your home SIM line > Data Roaming (off). Then set the eSIM as your primary data line under Cellular Data. On Android: Settings > SIM Manager > select home SIM > Data Roaming (off). The eSIM stays set to allow data. This prevents AT&T from charging $10/day while your Reunion eSIM handles data through Orange RE. Both SIM lines stay active: home SIM for calls and texts, eSIM for data at $3.67 instead of carrier roaming rates.

Can background apps trigger roaming charges in Reunion?

Yes, background apps are one of the most common sources of surprise roaming bills. With data roaming enabled and no day pass, AT&T charges $2.05/MB in Reunion. Background App Refresh on iPhone syncs mail, news, and social apps every 15-30 minutes automatically, including at 3am while you sleep. A single overnight background sync session can accumulate $50-200 in charges without you opening your phone. Disable Background App Refresh before travel: Settings > General > Background App Refresh > Off. Then disable data roaming. An eSIM replaces carrier data entirely. Background syncs bill against the eSIM's flat-rate data at $3.67, not your home carrier's per-MB rate.

How do I check how much roaming data I used in Reunion?

On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > scroll down to "Current Period Roaming" to see total roaming data consumed. On Android: Settings > Connections > Data Usage > Mobile Data Usage > select your SIM, then filter by roaming. Check this immediately after landing in Reunion to catch charges early. AT&T also sends usage alerts at 50%, 75%, and 100% of Day Pass data limits. Log into the myAT&T or My Verizon app for itemized charges from Orange RE. If roaming data appeared, enable Airplane Mode, disable data roaming, and call your carrier within 48 hours. Prevent future charges with an eSIM at $3.67 for 1GB.

Does an eSIM get the same coverage as roaming in Reunion?

Yes. An eSIM connects to Orange RE, the same network infrastructure AT&T and Verizon use for roaming in Reunion. You get identical towers, identical coverage area, and the same 5G speeds. The only difference is billing: your carrier charges $10/day or $2.05/MB for roaming access to these towers, while the eSIM charges $1.83/GB for the same connection. There is no coverage penalty for using an eSIM. In many cases, eSIM data speeds are faster because carrier roaming agreements sometimes throttle international users to lower priority.

How much does roaming cost for a family traveling to Reunion?

AT&T and Verizon charge Day Pass fees per line, not per account. A family of four on AT&T Day Pass pays $40/day in Reunion, totaling $280 for a 7-day trip. Children's phones are particularly risky because apps and games download updates in the background. One child's iPad streaming a YouTube video at $2.05/MB racks up $400+ in under an hour. Four eSIMs on Orange RE cost roughly $21.92 total for 3 GB each. Share one eSIM's hotspot to cover all devices and cut costs further.

Should I use WiFi Calling or an eSIM for calls in Reunion?

Use both. WiFi Calling routes calls through your home carrier over WiFi, using your home minutes. It is free on most US carrier plans. The limitation: WiFi Calling only works when connected to WiFi, not mobile data. An eSIM on Orange RE at $3.67 gives you mobile data everywhere. Use WhatsApp or FaceTime over eSIM data for calls when WiFi is unavailable. Enable WiFi Calling before departure: iPhone Settings > Phone > WiFi Calling. When on hotel WiFi, calls route free through your home carrier. When on mobile data, use WhatsApp calls through the eSIM.

What happens to my home number while using an eSIM in Reunion?

Your home number stays fully active. With dual-SIM setup, your home SIM keeps your phone number for calls and texts while the Reunion eSIM handles data on Orange RE. You receive calls on your home number. SMS messages arrive normally. Data routes through the eSIM at $3.67 instead of your carrier's $10/day roaming. On iPhone, set Cellular Data to the eSIM line and Default Voice to your home SIM. Both lines work simultaneously. Your home number is not affected by the eSIM installation and remains active throughout your entire trip.

Does a Reunion eSIM work on multiple carriers?

Most travel eSIMs for Reunion connect to Orange RE and SFR as the primary network, with automatic fallback to secondary carriers if the primary signal is weak. Your phone selects the strongest available tower. This multi-carrier support means better coverage than a single-network physical SIM. When roaming with AT&T or Verizon, you are locked to their specific roaming partner. The eSIM's ability to connect to multiple Reunion carriers provides wider coverage at $3.67/GB versus $10/day for limited carrier roaming.

How do I configure data roaming settings for Reunion?

Complete setup before departure: (1) Disable Data Roaming on iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Data Roaming (off); Android: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming (off). (2) Turn on Airplane Mode before landing to block automatic carrier attachment to Orange RE. (3) Activate your pre-installed eSIM on local WiFi or after landing. (4) Set your home SIM to calls-only or data-off. Your home number stays active for calls and SMS; the eSIM handles all data without triggering your carrier's $10/day roaming rate.

Are carrier add-ons OK for a 1-day layover in Reunion?

For a single day in Reunion, AT&T Day Pass at $10 is comparable to a basic eSIM. However, the Day Pass auto-activates from a push notification and you cannot control the start time. If your flight lands at 11pm and a notification triggers the pass, you pay $10 for one hour of the first day, then another $10 the next morning. An eSIM at $3.67 for 1 GB covers the entire layover with no auto-activation risk. For layovers over 6 hours, the eSIM wins. For 2-hour layovers where you stay on airport WiFi, neither is necessary.

Can my phone connect to Reunion's carrier before I actually cross the border?

Yes. Carrier signals do not stop at the political border. Your phone detects Orange RE's towers up to 5-10 miles before you physically cross into Reunion. If Orange RE's signal is stronger than your home carrier's at that point, your phone may attach and roaming charges begin before you cross. This is common near busy border crossings where carriers position towers to capture cross-border traffic. Turn on Airplane Mode at least 10 miles before the border. Disable data roaming in Settings before re-enabling cellular. Install an eSIM at $3.67 to prevent automatic carrier attachment entirely.

How do I fully disable cellular data on a cruise near Reunion?

The safest approach: enable Airplane Mode before the ship leaves any port near Reunion. Then manually re-enable WiFi only (Airplane Mode stays on, just WiFi toggled back). This disconnects from all cellular networks including maritime satellite, while keeping ship internet access. On iPhone, swipe to Control Center, tap Airplane Mode (orange icon), then tap the WiFi icon to re-enable it. On Android, the same approach works through Quick Settings. Verify your cellular status: no carrier name or bars should appear in the status bar. When your port stop arrives, disable Airplane Mode and your eSIM at $3.67 connects to Orange RE on the Reunion shore network.

How much data can I save by using offline maps in Reunion?

Offline maps eliminate the largest single source of navigation data use. Google Maps online navigation in Reunion consumes 5-10 MB/hour of active use. Downloaded offline maps reduce that to near zero for turn-by-turn directions. Download your Reunion region before departure over home WiFi: Google Maps app > search for Reunion > three dots > Download Offline Map. Apple Maps also supports offline downloads in iOS 17+. A typical Reunion offline map is 100-500 MB and covers the entire country for navigation. This saves 100-500 MB over a 7-day trip on Orange RE, reducing how much of your eSIM plan at $3.67 you consume on maps alone.

Will I get charged if my phone is in my pocket in Reunion?

Yes. Your phone does not need to be in your hand to trigger roaming charges in Reunion. Background processes sync email, update weather, refresh social feeds, and ping location services automatically through Orange RE. AT&T International Day Pass activates the moment any data crosses the connection, even a single push notification received while your phone sits in your pocket. That costs $10 for the calendar day. Disable data roaming before landing: Settings > Cellular > Data Roaming (off). Without this step, your phone generates charges from Orange RE without you touching it. An eSIM at $3.67 handles all background syncs at flat-rate pricing.

If something goes wrong

When your eSIM does not connect in Reunion

QR code not scanning (carrier lock)

If the QR code scan fails during installation, your phone may be carrier-locked to your home network. Contact your home carrier to confirm your device is unlocked before traveling to Reunion. Carrier-locked phones cannot install eSIM profiles from any other provider.

Plan activated before landing

If you activated your Reunion eSIM before landing, it may start consuming data before you arrive. Keep the eSIM profile toggled off in Settings until you land at the airport. Activate it only after clearing customs to avoid using data before your trip starts.

eSIM not showing in Settings

If your eSIM profile does not appear in Settings after scanning the QR code, restart your device. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This resets cellular configuration and forces the eSIM profile to appear.

LTE not connecting (fallback to LTE)

If LTE connectivity is weak on Orange RE in Reunion, try setting your phone to 3G/WCDMA in Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options. LTE provides reliable speeds for navigation and messaging in most areas of Reunion.

Provider app shows data used but phone shows none

Discrepancies between your provider's dashboard and your phone's data usage counter in Reunion are normal — carrier billing and device-side tracking update at different intervals. Trust your provider's dashboard for accurate remaining balance on Orange RE. Phone counters reset with network settings changes.

Quick reference