Heading Abroad? Here’s How Data Roaming Charges Compare by Network

Planning a trip abroad? Don’t let unexpected data roaming charges spoil your vacation! While Brexit has impacted free roaming for UK residents visiting EU countries, there’s still good news—some providers continue to offer free or affordable roaming options across Europe and beyond.

Here’s a breakdown of roaming charges from the major UK phone networks and what they offer for international travellers:

Vodafone

Vodafone splits its roaming charges into four zones for pay monthly customers who joined on or after 11 August 2021:

•Zone A: Includes Ireland, the Isle of Man, Iceland, and Norway – no extra charge.

•Zone B: Europe and EU member states (49 destinations) – £2.42/day without the Xtra Euro Roam plan.

•Zone C: 32 destinations like the US, Australia, Barbados, and South Africa – £7.39/day without the Xtra Global Roam plan.

•Zone D: 75 destinations including Argentina, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam – £7.39/day.

Customers with contracts before 11 August 2021 pay nothing for Zones A and B, and £6/day for Zones C and D. Usage over 25GB incurs extra charges. Countries outside these zones, like Belize or Nepal, are billed at £1.20 per MB.

Check the Vodafone website for price information for every destination.

O2

O2 customers can roam freely in Europe (up to 25GB of data) with no additional charges. Pay monthly and pay-as-you-go customers can use their phone like they would in the UK while visiting over 40 European destinations.  Check the o2 website for every destination

For non-European destinations, O2 offers:

•O2 Travel Inclusive Zone: Roaming in 27 countries, including the US, Australia, and New Zealand.

•O2 Travel Bolt-On: £6/day for 63 destinations outside Europe.

Three

Three’s Go Roam Europe service offers pay monthly customers data roaming in 49 destinations for £2/day. For 22 destinations outside Europe, Go Roam Global costs £5/day, and Go Roam Global Extra (92 destinations) costs £7/day. For customers who signed up before 1 October 2021, roaming is free in these regions.

Check the Three.co.uk website for their full roaming charge details.

EE

If your EE plan started before 7 July 2021, EU roaming is included at no extra charge. For newer customers, it’s £2.47/day within the EU, capped at a 50GB fair usage limit. For longer stays, EE offers the Roam Abroad Pass at £25/month, which can be cancelled anytime. For non-European destinations, prices vary from £6.74/day in the US and Canada to £8.45/day in countries like Australia and China.

Visit EE.co.uk to see more information on their roaming charges.

BT Mobile

BT Mobile customers enjoy free roaming in 47 European countries under the Roam Like Home scheme. For non-European travel, a Mobile Travel Data Pass costs £6 for 500MB, usable within 24 hours, covering 12 countries including the US, UAE, and Australia.

Check out BT’s website for full details on their roaming charges by clicking here

Giffgaff

Giffgaff users can roam freely in the EU and selected locations, with a 5GB fair usage cap. After exceeding the limit, roaming costs 10p/MB. For travel outside the EU, you’ll need to add credit and pay per minute, text, or MB depending on the destination.

Find out more from the GiffGaff website

Tesco Mobile

Until 2026, Tesco customers can use their phones in 48 destinations without roaming charges. Outside these areas, data is capped at £40 to prevent bill shock. Typically, data costs £5/MB, and calls and texts vary by destination.

Check the Tesco Mobile website to find out full details of roaming and international call charges.

Sky

Sky’s Roaming Passport Plus offers customers access to their UK allowances for £2/day in over 55 destinations, including the EU, US, and Australia. For more remote destinations, additional charges apply.  Check the Sky website for full details.

iD Mobile

iD Mobile customers can roam in 50 global destinations with their UK allowances, up to a 30GB limit. Roaming must be activated through your online account or app.

Click here to view ID Mobile roaming charges for each country

Lyca Mobile

Lyca Mobile users can roam for free within the EU and in India, up to a 12GB fair usage cap.

Click here to view Lyca Mobile’s full roaming tariff.

What About eSIMs?

eSIMs (embedded SIMs) are virtual SIMs integrated into newer devices, offering flexibility when travelling. You can easily switch between different carriers without needing a physical SIM card.  Purchasing an eSIM for your travel destination can help you avoid out-of-tariff fees.

Before you travel, explore your roaming options with your network to ensure you stay connected without facing unexpected costs. Stay informed, plan ahead, and enjoy your trip!