Cheap mobile and data roaming

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.

• 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.

• 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 However, these laws are no longer in force, but most firms have retained similar protections (though this could always change).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.

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 Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile and Virgin Mobile, 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 an answerphone message – 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 65+ 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.

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.

eSims are really easy to use. Simply buy one online, choose a reputable provider and select your destination. Then you can choose the amount of data you want and how long you need it for. You should receive a QR code, which you scan to install the data plan on your smartphone and you're ready to roam.

Make sure you set the eSim to be your default for data and switch off data roaming on your current Sim card, otherwise you risk being charged roaming fees by your UK network. And remember you can still make calls through apps that use data rather than a mobile network, such as WhatsApp and you shouldn't lose your chat history or contacts either.

A global Sim is a specialist multi-country Sim card, allowing you to makes calls and text, as well as use the internet in multiple countries, without the need to keep swapping your Sim card or repeatedly changing your number. They work by buying prepaid bundles or with pay-as-you-go credit. However, these can be incredibly expensive.

A cheaper alternative is a global or regional eSim. These can be a good option if you're a frequent traveller to different countries, and you don't want the hassle of swapping in local Sims each time. You can order one online, and it's best to buy before you travel.

Wikipedia lists the mobile networks available in every country, which you can use as a starting point for comparing deals:

Australia | France | Germany | Greece | Poland | Spain | USA

Once you know which providers operate in the country you're travelling to, it's possible to compare deals on their sites before you go, and buy a pay-as-you-go Sim card when you get there. You'll also usually need an unlocked mobile (or mobile device). 

We've a couple of comparisons in the table below to give you an idea of how much local sims cost. It's worth noting you'll get a different number to your UK one, which can be a hassle. Plus, the minutes and texts you get are usually limited to the country you're in, so it's best to use an app like WhatsApp to message or call home. As always, though, the cheapest option is just to use Wi-Fi in hotels or cafes if you can.