Roaming Charges Explained for 2026
Mobile roaming lets you use your phone abroad — making calls, sending texts and using data on a foreign network. But since Brexit changed the rules for UK travellers in Europe, understanding roaming charges has become more important than ever. This guide explains how roaming works and what each major UK network charges in 2026.
How Do Roaming Charges Work?
When you travel abroad and your phone connects to a local network, your UK provider pays that foreign network for carrying your calls, texts and data. These costs are passed on to you as roaming charges. The amount you pay depends on your network, your plan, and the country you are visiting.
Roaming charges are split into three categories:
- Calls — both making and receiving calls while abroad.
- Texts — sending SMS and MMS messages.
- Data — using mobile internet, apps, email and maps.
EU Roaming After Brexit
Before Brexit, EU regulations meant UK customers could use their phone in Europe at no extra cost. Since January 2021, UK networks have been free to reintroduce EU roaming charges — and most have. Here is what each network charges in 2026:
| Network | EU Roaming Policy | Daily/Monthly Charge | Data Allowance Abroad |
|---|---|---|---|
| EE | Included on some plans; daily pass on others | £2.47/day (where applicable) | Up to 25GB depending on plan |
| Vodafone | Daily roaming pass | £2/day | Use your UK allowance |
| O2 | Included up to fair use limit | Included | Up to 25GB |
| Three | Go Roam — included on eligible plans | Included | Up to 12GB (fair use) |
| giffgaff | Included up to 5GB | Included | Up to 5GB |
Rest of World Roaming
Outside Europe, roaming charges are significantly higher. Data can cost £5–£8 per MB, calls £1–£3 per minute, and texts 50p–75p each. All major networks offer international roaming bolt-ons or travel passes that provide a set allowance at a fixed daily or weekly rate — these are almost always better value than paying standard rates.
How to Check Your Roaming Charges
Before travelling, check your specific roaming rates by:
- Logging into your network's app (My EE, My Vodafone, My O2, My3).
- Checking your plan details on your network's website.
- Calling customer services and asking about roaming in your destination country.
Tips to Keep Costs Down
Turn off data roaming before you travel and only enable it when needed. Use Wi-Fi wherever possible. Consider purchasing a roaming bolt-on before departure — they are much cheaper than standard rates. See our guide to avoiding bill shock for detailed tips.
Managing roaming costs for a business mobile fleet? Connection Technologies can negotiate roaming-inclusive plans and set up spend caps across your organisation. Contact us for a free review of your business mobile costs.
