EU Roaming After Brexit: What You Need to Know
EU roaming rules changed fundamentally for UK mobile users after Brexit. What was once a guarantee of free roaming across Europe is now a patchwork of network-specific policies, daily charges and fair usage limits. Here is everything you need to know about using your UK mobile in Europe in 2026.
A Brief History
In June 2017, the EU introduced "Roam Like at Home" regulations, meaning EU citizens (and UK residents at the time) could use their mobile phone anywhere in the EU at no extra cost. Calls, texts and data were all included as if you were at home.
When the UK left the EU on 31 January 2020, these regulations no longer applied to UK networks. A transition period kept free roaming in place until the end of 2020, but from January 2021 onwards, UK providers were free to reintroduce charges — and most gradually did.
Current EU Roaming Rules by Network
| Network | EU Roaming Included? | Charge if Not Included | Fair Usage / Data Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| EE | On selected plans only | £2.47/day | 25GB on inclusive plans |
| Vodafone | No (daily pass required) | £2/day | Use UK allowance up to 25GB |
| O2 | Yes, on most plans | N/A | Up to 25GB fair usage |
| Three | Yes, on Go Roam plans | £2/day on non-eligible plans | Up to 12GB fair usage |
| giffgaff | Yes, with goodybag | N/A | Up to 5GB |
| Tesco Mobile | Yes, on current plans | N/A | Fair usage applies |
| Sky Mobile | On selected plans | £2/day | Fair usage applies |
| VOXI | Yes, included | N/A | Up to 20GB |
Fair Usage Limits Explained
Even when EU roaming is "included" in your plan, networks impose fair usage limits to prevent abuse. This means you cannot use unlimited data abroad even if you have an unlimited plan at home. Typical fair usage caps range from 5GB to 25GB per month. If you exceed the limit, you may be charged per GB or have your data speed reduced.
Fair usage policies also cover extended stays. If you spend more time roaming than at home over a four-month period, your network may contact you and eventually apply surcharges.
Which Countries Are Covered?
EU roaming zones typically include all 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway (the EEA). Some networks also include Switzerland and Turkey in their European roaming zones, but this varies — always check your network's destination list before travelling.
What About Calls to EU Numbers from the UK?
Roaming and international calls are different things. EU roaming rules only apply when you are physically abroad. Calling an EU number from the UK is an international call and is charged at your network's international rate, which is not covered by roaming inclusions.
Choosing the Right Plan for Travel
If you travel to Europe frequently, it is worth choosing a plan that includes EU roaming. O2, Three (Go Roam) and giffgaff are generally the most travel-friendly options. If you are on a plan that charges daily, consider whether a short trip justifies the cost or whether a local SIM would be cheaper.
Frequent European travel for business? Connection Technologies can source roaming-inclusive business plans across all UK networks, saving your organisation money. Contact us for tailored advice.
