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Your complete guide to data roaming
Get the lowdown on data roaming abroad.
Looking forward to a well-earned getaway? With the swimsuit packed and the sunglasses ready, it’s time to talk practicalities. In particular, all things data and roaming. After the UK left the EU, a lot of mobile networks reintroduced data roaming charges. Travelling in Europe can now involve the same charges and limitations as travelling elsewhere in the world and it’s good to know what to expect. We worked in collaboration with Jamie Kavanagh, contributor at broadband.co.uk, to answer the most common questions people have around data roaming.
Once you’re all clued up, check out our best holiday deals
Once you’re all clued up, check out our best holiday deals
WHAT IS DATA ROAMING?
First, let’s ask the burning question. What is data roaming? Data roaming is the ability to use your phone abroad. Roaming is typically divided into two zones – EU and rest of the world. After Brexit, the rules around roaming in the EU have changed. Happily, global roaming charges are largely unchanged.
DOES MY PROVIDER STILL OFFER FREE DATA ROAMING?
Not all providers have reintroduced roaming charges. Here’s a breakdown of the rules for the four main networks in the UK:
O2
O2 still allows free data roaming within the EU, with fair use limits for pay-monthly customers who travel occasionally. If you’re planning a holiday in Europe and are an O2 customer, there shouldn’t be a roaming charge in sight. Travelling outside Europe? Selected O2 Refresh and sim-only tariffs include the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On, which means you can roam for free in 27 international destinations. If you don’t have the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On, or you’re travelling beyond O2’s Inclusive Zone, you can buy the O2 Travel Bolt On – available for £6 a day.
Vodafone
Vodafone’s approach to roaming is a bit more complex. Vodafone has divided destinations into zones A to D. Depending on your destination, you may or may not be able to roam free. Zone A includes Ireland and the Isle of Man. Zone B includes most of Europe. Zones C and D cover the rest of the world. Whether or not you can roam for free depends on when you became a customer and your Vodafone plan. We recommend following the link above to see the details.
Three
Three uses a service called Go Roam which has a daily roaming charge. Go Roam enables you to use your contracted minutes, texts and data at your destination but you’ll need to arrange it before you go. There is a flat £2 per day fee to unlock Go Roam for Europe and £5 per day for Go Roam Around the World. Go Roam for Europe includes most EU destinations while Go Roam Around the World includes the US, Australia, Mexico, Brazil and other popular holiday destinations.
EE
EE has also brought back its roaming charges. The network will charge a flat £2 per day to access your contracted minutes, texts and data for pay-monthly customers in the EU. If you’re exploring further afield, roaming charges depend on your contract and destination. We recommend checking out the EE website before you travel.
O2
O2 still allows free data roaming within the EU, with fair use limits for pay-monthly customers who travel occasionally. If you’re planning a holiday in Europe and are an O2 customer, there shouldn’t be a roaming charge in sight. Travelling outside Europe? Selected O2 Refresh and sim-only tariffs include the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On, which means you can roam for free in 27 international destinations. If you don’t have the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On, or you’re travelling beyond O2’s Inclusive Zone, you can buy the O2 Travel Bolt On – available for £6 a day.
Vodafone
Vodafone’s approach to roaming is a bit more complex. Vodafone has divided destinations into zones A to D. Depending on your destination, you may or may not be able to roam free. Zone A includes Ireland and the Isle of Man. Zone B includes most of Europe. Zones C and D cover the rest of the world. Whether or not you can roam for free depends on when you became a customer and your Vodafone plan. We recommend following the link above to see the details.
Three
Three uses a service called Go Roam which has a daily roaming charge. Go Roam enables you to use your contracted minutes, texts and data at your destination but you’ll need to arrange it before you go. There is a flat £2 per day fee to unlock Go Roam for Europe and £5 per day for Go Roam Around the World. Go Roam for Europe includes most EU destinations while Go Roam Around the World includes the US, Australia, Mexico, Brazil and other popular holiday destinations.
EE
EE has also brought back its roaming charges. The network will charge a flat £2 per day to access your contracted minutes, texts and data for pay-monthly customers in the EU. If you’re exploring further afield, roaming charges depend on your contract and destination. We recommend checking out the EE website before you travel.
HOW CAN I KEEP MY PHONE BILL LOW WHEN ON HOLIDAY?
There are a few practical ways you can control costs while using your phone on holiday. Here are our top tips:
Turn off mobile data while abroad
One of the quickest and easiest fixes is to turn off your mobile data while abroad. You can turn it on as and when you need it. This helps prevent accidental use and keeps you in control of your data use while on holiday.
Use local Wi-Fi wherever possible
If your hotel has Wi-Fi, use that to get on apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or Skype to keep in touch. Lots of popular holiday destinations will have free Wi-Fi, as will many cafes, public buildings, airports and resorts.
Purchase a roaming add-on from your network
If you’re not sure if there’ll be Wi-Fi where you’re going, it might be a good idea to buy a roaming add-on before you set off. They often included data, minutes, texts and lower-priced calls. Check your network for more details on what they can offer you.
Make sure you’ve got usage caps
Most networks give you the option of setting up usage caps. This sets a maximum spend while you’re on holiday, usually up to £50. Most networks have this in place automatically, but it’s a good idea to check.
Purchase a local SIM for longer holidays
If you’re planning to stay away for a while, consider buying a local SIM card when you get there. A local pay-as-you-go SIM will help you save money on local calls and data.
Download before you go
Make sure all your devices are fully updated before you go away. If you want to watch movies or play games on the flight or on the beach, download them before you go. Google Maps also allows you to download for offline use, so if you use it for navigating at your destination, save your routes before you leave.
Turn off mobile data while abroad
One of the quickest and easiest fixes is to turn off your mobile data while abroad. You can turn it on as and when you need it. This helps prevent accidental use and keeps you in control of your data use while on holiday.
Use local Wi-Fi wherever possible
If your hotel has Wi-Fi, use that to get on apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or Skype to keep in touch. Lots of popular holiday destinations will have free Wi-Fi, as will many cafes, public buildings, airports and resorts.
Purchase a roaming add-on from your network
If you’re not sure if there’ll be Wi-Fi where you’re going, it might be a good idea to buy a roaming add-on before you set off. They often included data, minutes, texts and lower-priced calls. Check your network for more details on what they can offer you.
Make sure you’ve got usage caps
Most networks give you the option of setting up usage caps. This sets a maximum spend while you’re on holiday, usually up to £50. Most networks have this in place automatically, but it’s a good idea to check.
Purchase a local SIM for longer holidays
If you’re planning to stay away for a while, consider buying a local SIM card when you get there. A local pay-as-you-go SIM will help you save money on local calls and data.
Download before you go
Make sure all your devices are fully updated before you go away. If you want to watch movies or play games on the flight or on the beach, download them before you go. Google Maps also allows you to download for offline use, so if you use it for navigating at your destination, save your routes before you leave.
Ready to roam?
If you’re using your data on a workation, check out our best workation hotels in the world. Or, be inspired by our best beach holiday destinations.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Broadband Genie and Alice Baker
Last updated: 12.10.2022
If you’re using your data on a workation, check out our best workation hotels in the world. Or, be inspired by our best beach holiday destinations.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Broadband Genie and Alice Baker
Last updated: 12.10.2022