Cheap mobile and data roaming
How to cut costs when using your phone on holiday
Whether you're a global jet-setter, or just like taking the odd holiday, this guide will show you how to use your mobile phone abroad as cheaply as possible (and how to avoid racking up a huge bill).
Going on holiday? Using your phone works a bit differently...
Using your phone abroad can be both costly and confusing, so it’s important to check your mobile plan and your provider’s roaming policy before you travel. Most UK mobile networks only offer coverage within the country, so once you're abroad, your phone will switch to 'roaming'.
What is international roaming?
'Roaming' is what it's called when your phone connects to a mobile network in another country. UK mobile network providers have agreements in place with providers in other countries, so that you don't lose connection when you go abroad.
Most of the major networks (with the exception of O2) have reintroduced roaming charges for travel within Europe since Brexit. Plus, if you're outside of your allowance or travelling outside of the European Union, costs can be eye-watering.
If you're with a provider that charges for roaming in the country you're planning on going, we've got a whole host of tips to help you cut costs, whether you're heading to Europe or travelling further afield.
Simple tips to keep roaming costs down
Wherever you're going, these simple tips will help you cut your mobile costs and avoid any nasty surprises when you get your post-holiday bill.
Most of the major networks (with the exception of O2) have reintroduced roaming charges for travel within Europe, so the easiest way to avoid charges while abroad is to simply turn roaming off.
Plus, if you're outside of your allowance or travelling outside of the European Union, costs can be eye-watering.
Our phones will usually try to connect automatically to the nearest signal and this spells danger if you have automatic updates on, leaving you at risk of running up a huge bill without you even realising.
How to turn off data roaming:
You'll find the option to turn off data roaming (but not calls and texts) in your mobile phone settings.
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If you use an iPhone, you'll find the option under 'mobile data' in your settings menu. You should be able to simply toggle the button to turn roaming off.
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If you use an Android, head to the settings menu, click 'connections', then 'mobile networks'. You can then tap the switch to turn data roaming on or off.
If you're unsure, the easiest way to avoid roaming charges is to put your phone into airplane mode. This stops you being able to send or receive texts, calls, or access the internet.
Most mobile providers set a data spending cap by default – which will cut you off when you've used a certain amount to stop you racking up higher and higher bills.
The exact amount varies by supplier, and it only applies to using data (connecting to the internet without using Wi-Fi). That means you could still run up high bills on calls and texts while abroad. For more info on each provider's cap, see the point below.
Under previous EU regulation, providers were required to set an automatic spending cap of €50 (about £45) of data in a month, even if you were roaming outside of Europe. Post-Brexit this was written into UK law, with a monthly limit of £45. However, these laws are no longer in force, but most firms have retained similar protections (though this could always change).
If you want to be extra safe, you can set your own spending cap which means you won't be able to exceed that limit, so you can avoid any unexpected bills. This will cover costs incurred by data roaming, calls and texts. You can do this via your network's website or app, though if in doubt just call it and ask.
Important: If you buy a roaming add-on it may opt you out of any spending cap you set yourself, or your provider's default cap. If you're unsure, check with your provider directly, as each will have slightly different terms and conditions.
Don't get caught out by your network's 'fair use' policy when roaming. Even if your provider allows you to use your allowance in Europe, most will still limit the amount you can actually use while abroad through a fair use policy – so you could find yourself running out of data quicker than usual.
Provider | Fair use data cap (1) | Fee if you exceed the data cap | Default spend cap per billing period |
|---|---|---|---|
5GB | 10p/MB (£102.40/GB) | £40 | |
5GB | 10p/MB (£102.40/GB) | £45 | |
If you joined on or after 14 March 2023 | 5GB | N/A (3) | £50 |
14GB | 1p/MB (£10.24/GB) | N/A | |
50GB (6) | N/A (3) | N/A (2) | |
If you joined or upgraded after 20 June 2023 | 30GB | £3/GB up to your UK allowance then 10p/MB (£2.56/GB) thereafter | £45 |
30GB | 0.20p/MB (£2/GB) | £25 | |
12GB or your plan allowance (whichever is less). | 15p/MB (£153.60/GB) | N/A | |
25GB (7) | £3.50/GB | £43 | |
12GB | N/A (3) | £45 | |
12GB | N/A (3) | £45 | |
If you joined before 14 March 2023 | 15GB | N/A (3) | £50 |
12GB (6) | 10p/MB (£102.40/GB) | £54 | |
25GB | £3.13/GB | £39 (5) | |
20GB | N/A (3) | N/A (2) | |
Your full UK allowance (6) | 10p/MB (£102.40/GB) | £50 | |
If you joined or upgraded on or before 20 June 2023 | Your full UK allowance | N/A | £45 |
Your full UK allowance (3) | N/A (3) | £45 | |
Your full UK allowance | N/A | £40 | |
Your full UK allowance | £51.20/GB | N/A (2) |
Table correct as of June 2025. (1) Assumes occasional travel (holidays or short breaks) and not long stays abroad. Data allowance is based on countries included within each provider's 'Home from Home' policy. (2) No automatic spending cap, you'll need to set one yourself. (3) No extra costs, but you won't be able to use any data once you hit the cap, without buying an add-on. (4) If you run out of data while you’re away you can use data from your Sky Piggybank, add more data to your plan (Mix), or buy a 1GB data Add On. (5) Vodafone has a £250 data spend cap on its 'Rest of World' roaming. (6) Subject to a daily fee. (7) When you reach 25GB, you’ll need to purchase a data bolt-on.
Will I get my full UK data allowance when roaming?
As most mobile providers will have a 'fair use' policy, which limits the amount of data you can use abroad, you won't always get your full allowance while roaming. Some providers, give you full access while others only let you use a proportion of it.
Some very generous providers, like O2, Sky Mobile and Lebara, let you use any 'reasonable' amount of data whilst outside of the UK - irrelevant of your UK data allowance.
Most mobile providers will notify you by text message when you're nearing 80% of your data limit, and again once you’ve reached 100%. It'll tell you how much you'll be charged for using data outside of your UK allowance.
The best bet is to use Wi-Fi wherever possible, which you can usually find for free in most hotels, restaurants and bars. Yet it doesn't just offer a cheap way of browsing the web – you can use it for calls, too.
If you've got a smartphone and free internet access, download an 'internet-to-phone' calling app such as Skype, WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger before you go, or use Apple's FaceTime. Providing the person you're calling also has the service, you just need to find a free Wi-Fi spot to call for free.
Outrageously, if you're outside Europe, you can be charged simply for someone leaving you a voicemail – even if you never hear it.
It all depends on the network you're on and the country you're in. As an example, if you're with EE, it can cost as much as £2.34/min to receive a voicemail, and a further £2.34/min to listen to it. So picking up a one-minute message could cost you almost a fiver.
Ouch... so what can I do about it?
First check whether your network charges for the country you're headed to. If it does, your best bet is to simply turn off your voicemail, to stop people being able to leave you a message in the first place.
Each network has different instructions on how to do this, though you normally have to make a call, so try to make sure you do it before you travel (and certainly before you leave the UK).
Although finding free Wi-Fi while away is handy for browsing, you probably won't want to start downloading hefty files such as music or films. Instead, get your phone travel-ready by saving your favourite tunes, movies, must-have apps and boarding passes BEFORE you go.
Download maps on Wi-Fi before you go
Google Maps, available on iOS and Android, allows you to store maps for offline use. Since data isn't required for the GPS function on a smartphone, you can navigate around the place you're visiting without paying roaming charges, as long as you have downloaded the offline maps.
For more information, see how to download Google Maps to use offline*. Many travel apps work this way. Check out how to turn your phone into a free worldwide sat-nav in our 60+ Travel tips guide.
Alternatively, you can also take screenshots or normal photographs of maps to store on your device.
Here, quite simply, the same data rules don't apply. Even if you're setting sail in Europe, be extra careful when using your phone while at sea. It's easy to inadvertently connect to a 'maritime' network or a neighbouring country, which may be classed as outside of Europe and so be more costly.
We've heard horror stories of travellers running up huge bills by doing this. To be safe, make use of any free Wi-Fi options on board, or just restrict use of your phone to days when you're back on dry land and always check the network your phone connects to.
Play it safe and turn roaming off
Most providers have automatic spending caps for roaming, but for safety you can also set your own
Be aware of your provider's 'fair use' policy – going over the limit could cost you dear
Use Wi-Fi wherever possible – plus use free apps to 'call home'
Turn off voicemail
Get 'beach mobile ready' – download music, films & boarding passes before you go
Be extra careful if you're on a cruise or at sea
Keep on top of your mobile bill
Want to know how to slash your mobile costs – and when to do it? The MSE App has a new tool called Bill Buster – give us a few details about your mobile bill and we'll track it, alert you when your contract's ending, then show you the cheapest deals based on how much data you need.
Travelling within Europe? Roaming charges are back for many, but there are ways to beat 'em...
Previously, anyone could use their UK allowance of minutes, texts and data without paying any extra charges in one of (subject to 'fair usage' limits), under the 'Roam Like At Home' rules introduced by the EU.
However, since Brexit, many firms have now brought back roaming fees in Europe, including major providers EE, Vodafone and Three. We've a full breakdown of what each firm is doing:
Provider | Extra charges | Fair use data cap (1) |
|---|---|---|
£2.59/day for contracts £2.50/day (£10 for 7 days) for pay-as-you-go. | 50GB | |
None (2) | 25GB | |
Its Value and Complete plans include roaming. £2/day for all other contracts. (5) None for pay-as-you-go. | 12GB | |
£2.57/day (or £15 for 8 days or £20 for 15 days) for contracts. From £9.60 for 3GB for 8 days for pay-as-you-go. | 25GB | |
None | 5GB | |
None | 30GB (3) | |
None | 30GB | |
£2/day | No set limit | |
None | 12GB | |
None (6) | 15GB or 5GB (4) | |
None | Depends on your plan |
Correct as of September 2025. (1) Most firms limit the amount of data you can use abroad – see all providers' fair use policies for full info. (2) When you reach 25GB, you’ll need to purchase a data bolt-on. (3) If you joined or upgraded on or after 21 June 2023. Otherwise there's no set limit. (4) The lower limit applies to customers who joined on or after 14 March 2023. (5) If you need more than your UK data allowance, you can buy a Data Passport for £5 for unlimited data in 89 countries. (6) If you need more than your UK allowance you can buy a Euro Holiday Booster which gives you 15GB of data plus unlimited calls and texts to the UK and other European destinations (£2.25/day, £10 for 8 days, £15 for 15 days).
While roaming fees aren't huge, they can quickly add up if you're away for a week or more. If your mobile network provider does charge for roaming in Europe, there are a few ways you can get around it:
Happy to use data only? An international eSim is usually the cheapest option
An eSim is a digital version of the plastic Sim card that manages your call and data allowance. If you've got one of the latest iPhone, Google or Samsung smartphones, it's likely to be compatible with an eSim.
Depending on your destination and length of trip, they can be far cheaper than your network's roaming add-ons, as they connect you to a local network. You can buy and activate one before you leave the UK, keeping your usual phone number for calls and texts (though you may be charged pricey international rates to receive these).
Be aware, most international eSims only include data, so you’ll need apps like WhatsApp, Skype or Facetime for calls and messages. See our full eSims guide for more info.
Check your provider's roaming add-on options
If you don't want an eSim or your phone isn't compatible, most providers charge at least £2 per day for European roaming. But if you're going away for longer than a week and want to be able to use your phone everyday, it can be cheaper to buy a roaming bundle or add-on. For example, with Vodafone it's £15 for 8 days or £20 for 15 days, which works out a fair bit cheaper than its £2.57 daily charge (but usually still more expensive than a travel eSim). See our full firm-by-firm roaming charges list above.
Be aware, you're charged for many of these add-ons on a recurring basis, so you'll continue to pay until you cancel. If you're only going away for a short time, remember to cancel once you get home.
Out of contract? Switch to a provider that offers free roaming in Europe
If European roaming is important to you, and you're out of contract with your current provider, consider switching to one that offers inclusive roaming in Europe. You can find the cheapest Sim-only deals using our Cheap Mobile Finder tool. You can also bag the same signal you'd get with O2, Three, Vodafone or EE by using a firm that piggybacks off their network. If you are paying more than £8 a month for a Sim-only plan, you could save by switching to one of these cheaper deals).
Grab a separate Sim (with no contract) that allows roaming in Europe at no extra cost for less than a £2 a month
Some providers offer rolling one-month Sim-only deals for less than £2 a month, which include European roaming at no extra cost. So you could grab one of these before you go, pay for the month you're abroad, then cancel (remember to diarise cancelling it when you get home).
And to be clear, this is about getting an additional Sim (or eSim) with a new number to use for roaming abroad, not replacing your current one.
Pick up a local prepaid Sim card at your destination for cheap data, local calls and texts
This is usually a cheap way of using your phone in one country. You can grab a cheap prepaid Sim card for a local mobile network in your destination. Getting a local Sim card might save you a few pounds, but you'll get a local number (so calling home might be pricey) and you'll need to swap it out for your current Sim.
Whether you have a Sim-only deal, pay-as-you-go or a pay-monthly contract with your phone provider, your ability to use your mobile phone abroad will largely depend on which network you're on and the type of phone you have.
But generally speaking, when it comes to roaming, Sim-only tariffs work in exactly the same was as handset deals - but what will be different is the amount you're charged for data and calls when overseas - and this varies depending on your destination.
You can check which mobile networks charge and how much, for roaming within Europe and further afield.
Does having a Sim-only deal stop me from roaming?
Travelling outside of Europe? You'll usually pay MUCH more
Outside the EU, bundles are much more expensive (typically £5 a day or more) and some providers charge a gobsmacking £6 a megabyte for data and nearly £3 a minute to make or receive a call, so if you're not careful your mobile bill could quickly rack up. Here's how to keep international roaming costs down:
An international eSim is usually the cheapest option
An eSim (if your phone supports it) allows you to download a mobile plan (usually just data) directly onto your device without needing a physical Sim card, which is especially handy for travel.
There's a growing number of firms that offer international eSims with affordable data plans for specific countries, as well as global or regional use – you can install and activate one in minutes via an app, even if you’re already overseas. Plus they allow you to keep your regular UK number active (for WhatsApp or texts, say).
You can chose the amount of data and duration you want it, so consider how much you might need before purchasing. You can use our handy Data Calculator to see how much you're likely to use and read our full eSims guide for more info.
Note: We've little feedback on these firms, so can't vouch for how good the coverage or data speeds are.
eSim provider | USA | India |
£17.70 for 10GB for 30 days | £18.50 for 10GB for 30 days | |
£15 for 12GB for 30 days | £19 for 10GB for 30 days | |
£21 for 10GB for 30 days | £54 for 10GB for 30 days | |
£11.99 for 10GB for 30 days (1) | £21.74 for 10GB for 30 days (2) | |
Firsty* (Comfort plan) | €30 for unlimited data for 30 days (3) | €30 for unlimited data for 30 days (3) |
€10.99 (£9.56) for 9GB for 30 days | €10.99 (£9.56) for 9GB for 15 days | |
£60 for unlimited data for 30 days (4) | £90 for unlimited data for 30 days (4) | |
£11.11 for 10GB for 30 days | £17.78 for 10GB for 30 days | |
$21.84 (£16) for 10GB for 30 days | $22.79 (£17) for 10GB for 30 days | |
$18 (£13.50) for 10GB for 15 days (5) | $25 (£18.50 ) for 10GB for 30 days |
Updated September 2025. With the exception of Amigo, Easysim and Breeze, these providers offer connectivity via a single provider. Amigo, Easysim and Breeze offer a choice of multiple networks. (1) It's usually £15.99, but use our link and 25% is deducted during the checkout. (2) It's usually £28.99, but use our link and 25% is deducted before payment. (3) On its 'Comfort Plus' plan, its data speed is capped at 5Mbps and there's a daily usage cap of 1.5GB. After 1GB, data speeds are throttled. (4) Holafly only offers unlimited data eSims for the USA and India. For the USA, you can choose the specific number of days you require. (5) At the time of publishing, there wasn't a 30-day option for its 10GB plan.
Pay-monthly customer? Check if you can add on an overseas data bundle
These will often work out cheaper than paying your mobile network's standard rates, but add-on data bundles can still work out expensive (a two-week trip could set you back £80+). It's worth checking against eSim prices to make sure you're not paying over the top.
Be aware, you're charged for many of these add-ons on a recurring basis, so you'll continue to pay until you cancel. If you're only going away for a short time, remember to cancel once you get home.
Use a Three pay-as-you-go Sim for roaming at no extra cost
Three still offers free roaming in 160+ destinations (including 114 outside Europe) via its pay-as-you-go Data Pack bundles. Just grab a free pay-as-you-go Sim (they're also available as an eSim), top it up (for example £10 for 6GB roaming data plus unlimited UK calls/texts) and use it in an unlocked phone as a travel-only Sim. It'll last for one month and you’ll need to activate and use it in the UK first. There's also a 12GB monthly roaming cap (even if you pay for a bigger UK data allowance).
Get a local prepaid Sim when you arrive for cheap data, local calls and texts
You can get usually get a cheap prepaid Sim card for a local mobile network once you arrive at your destination. But unlike an eSim, you'll get a physical Sim card, which you'll need to swap out with your UK Sim while you're away. Local Sims can be worthwhile if you're there for a longer period.
Spend a long time abroad? Consider a local Sim
You can typically buy a local physical sim card at the airport when you arrive at your destination, or in a local shop. You'll need to swap it with your UK Sim (unless you have an eSim) and you'll get a local phone number, enabling you to make cheap local calls and use data, often for less than most UK providers' roaming charges. Some network providers now offer eSim versions as well (provided your phone is eSim compatible).
But there are some drawbacks. Getting a local international phone number means you might be charged pricey rates to call home, and your friends and family back home may be charged to call you. If you're outside of Europe, you'll also be charged to receive calls from a UK number, and it can cost as much as £3 a minute. However, this can be avoided by using internet-based calling services like WhatsApp.
You can extend the duration of an eSim if needed
Most eSim data plans last 30 days or less. If you’re going away for longer, you’ll need to top up or buy an add-on. This is usually straightforward through your provider’s app.
Some providers, like Airalo*, let you set your plan to auto-renew. If you do this, remember to cancel when you return to avoid paying unnecessarily. Others, like Nomad, don’t offer auto-renewals but let you buy an add-on that starts when your plan ends — so you can keep using the same eSim without having to install a new one.
But it's worth bearing in mind, not all eSims support auto-renewals or add-ons, and unused data rarely rolls over. Check the details before you buy, and avoid purchasing more than you’ll actually need.
What about global Sims - are they worth it?
A global or regional eSim can be a good option if you're a frequent traveller to different countries or planning a big overseas trip, and you don't want the hassle of swapping in local Sims each time. You can buy one online and download it before you go. It'll automatically recognise when you're in a new country and connect to a local network (provided you've bought a plan that covers ever country you visit).
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