Latest Mobile Roaming Charges

Ever since the UK left the European Union, the rules around data roaming when on holiday have become a little more complicated. Almost every mobile phone company once allowed you to use your minutes, texts and data in the same way as you would at home but now there are some companies that are re-introducing roaming charges.

As of right now, EE, Sky Mobile, Vodafone and Three are the only ones to have moved back to EU roaming charges. Others such as O2, Tesco Mobile and ID Mobile have gone as far to say that they do not plan on bringing roaming charges back any time soon for the EU. The rest of the pack are continuing as before but have not signalled their future intentions.

Things can and likely will change but for now (as of April 2022), here are the current mobile roaming situations for various mobile companies with regards to roaming in the EU.
 

Asda Mobile

Asda is maintaining their “Roam Like You’re Home” promotion for selected EU countries, with the list containing many of the most popular holiday destinations.
 

BT Mobile

BT Mobile still currently has their “Roam Like Home” package where you can use your minutes, texts and data allowances in EU member countries just as you would in the UK.
 

EE

Roaming charges of £2/day to use your UK allowance on some tariffs. This is unless you joined or renewed before 7 July 2021.
 

GiffGaff

GiffGaff plans can be used in the EU and selected destinations just like you would use them at home at no extra cost.
 

ID Mobile

Currently no roaming charges and according to the company, they don’t have plans to introduce any at the moment. This, of course, could change but if you take out a new contract now, it's likely you can keep the benefits for the length of the contract, even if the firm introduces charges later.
 

Lebara

All Lebara tariffs continue to include roaming in the EU, where you pay what you pay at home for mobile use.
 

O2

O2 have said they do not plan on introducing roaming charges in Europe at the moment. However, this could of course change in time. If you are thinking about renewing or finding a new phone contract before going abroad, they are a good one to target.
 

Plusnet Mobile

Plusnet also still has its “Roam Like Home” promotion running. You can use your texts, minutes and data in the same way as you would in the UK in over 40 EU countries.
 

Sky Mobile

£2/day roaming charge in Europe. This is yet to be confirmed if it applies to all customers or ones that joined after a certain date. This charge will come into force at the beginning of May 2022.
 

Smarty

Also no roaming charges at the moment. This could also change but if you take out a new contract now, it's likely you can keep the benefits for the length of the contract, even if the firm introduces charges later.
 

Tesco Mobile

Tesco’s Home From Home is still active, meaning you can use your phone just like you do at home at no extra cost. Tesco have also stated that they have no plans to bring roaming charges back. Whilst this could always change, it is certainly reassuring and makes their contracts much more attractive.
 

Three

£2/day roaming charge to use your regular allowances unless you joined/renewed before 1 October 2021. Three’s roaming charges are set to come into force from 23 May 2022.
 

Utility Warehouse

“Roam Like Home” is still going, where all mobiles can be used in Europe (EU) and The European Economic Area (EEA) at the same cost as in the UK.
 

Virgin Mobile

Continues with its “Roam Like Home” service. You will only be charged if you exceed your usual limits or use your SIM in a non-listed country (but the vast majority of EU countries are covered).
 

Vodafone

Roaming charges of £2/day unless you joined or renewed before 11 August 2021.

Vodafone also offer roaming for £1/day if you buy an 8- or 15-day bundle, which might be just what you need when travelling away for a week or two.
 

Voxi

Voxi services continue to run as normal with regards to EU roaming. You can use your plan at no extra cost in 47 countries in the Eurozone, but data is capped at 20GB.

*Please note, this guide is only for EU Roaming charges as this has been the most affected by change in recent times. Please check each company’s website for non-EU country roaming charges as they can vary greatly.

 

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