Using Your Phone Abroad: Calls, Texts and Data

Using Your Phone Abroad: Calls, Texts and Data

Taking your UK mobile abroad? Whether you are heading to Europe for a business meeting or travelling further afield, understanding how roaming works will help you stay connected without running up a huge bill.

International Calls vs Roaming: What's the Difference?

These two terms are often confused, but they mean different things:

• International calls: Calling a foreign number while you are in the UK. You are charged international rates.
• Roaming: Using your phone while you are physically abroad. You may be charged roaming rates for calls, texts and data.

This guide focuses on roaming — using your phone while travelling. For international call rates from the UK, see our roaming charges guide.

EU Roaming: What's Included?

Since the UK left the EU, roaming rules have changed. However, most UK networks still offer some form of EU roaming at no extra cost:

• EE: EU roaming included on most plans (subject to fair usage limits)
• Vodafone: EU roaming included on selected plans; others may need an add-on
• O2: EU roaming included on most plans with fair usage caps
• Three: Go Roam covers many EU and non-EU destinations on eligible plans

Important: Fair usage policies typically cap roaming data at around 12–25 GB per month. Exceeding this may incur surcharges. Always check your specific plan details before travelling.

Key Tips for Using Your Phone Abroad

1. Check your plan: Before you travel, confirm whether your plan includes roaming for your destination. Log in to your network's app or call customer services.
2. Turn off data roaming if you don't need it:
   • iPhone: Settings > Mobile Data > Data Roaming > toggle off
   • Android: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming > toggle off
3. Use WiFi wherever possible: Connect to hotel, airport or office WiFi to avoid using mobile data. Use WiFi for video calls, large downloads and streaming.
4. Download offline maps: Before travelling, download Google Maps or Apple Maps for your destination so you can navigate without using data.
5. Set a spend cap: Most networks allow you to set a monthly spend cap that prevents you from exceeding a set amount. This is the best protection against bill shock. See our spend cap guide.
6. Consider a bolt-on for non-EU destinations: If you are travelling outside the EU, an international roaming bolt-on is almost always cheaper than standard rates. See our bolt-ons guide.
7. Try WiFi calling: Some networks support WiFi calling abroad, allowing you to make and receive calls over WiFi as if you were in the UK. See our WiFi calling guide.

Roaming Costs Outside the EU

Outside the EU, roaming charges can be significant. Expect to pay:

Usage Type	Typical Cost (non-EU)
Calls (making)	£1.00–£3.00 per minute
Calls (receiving)	£0.50–£1.50 per minute
Texts (sending)	50p–£1.00 per text
Data	£3.00–£6.00 per MB

These costs add up quickly. A single hour of video streaming could cost hundreds of pounds without a bolt-on or WiFi.

Advice for Business Travellers

If you travel frequently for work, speak to your mobile provider about business roaming packages. These typically offer:

• Reduced per-minute and per-MB rates in popular business destinations
• Pooled data allowances across your team
• Priority support while abroad

Connection Technologies can arrange bespoke roaming packages tailored to your business travel patterns.