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Travel guide

Roaming: use your phone abroad without bill shock

Your phone plan’s rules change the moment you cross a border. Whether you’re a UK holidaymaker in Spain, an American in Paris or an EU resident travelling home, here’s what to check.

Photo: David Geneugelijk on Unsplash

UK customers travelling in Europe

Many UK networks now charge a daily roaming fee in the EU, while some plans or brands include European roaming at no extra cost. Fair-use limits often apply. Check your plan before you go; you can usually add a roaming pass in your network’s app.

EU customers

Roam like at home means your EU plan works in other EU and EEA countries (including Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) at domestic prices, subject to fair use. It doesn’t cover non-EU countries like the UK or Switzerland unless your operator includes them.

US customers travelling abroad

US carriers offer international day passes or plans with some international data included. Some prepaid brands don’t include roaming at all. Check before you travel and consider a travel eSIM.

Travel eSIMs and local SIMs

A travel eSIM gives you a data plan for your destination without swapping your physical SIM. Your phone must be unlocked and support eSIM. For longer stays, a local prepaid SIM may be cheaper. See eSIM explained.

Avoid a surprise bill

  • Check roaming terms and fees before you leave.
  • Turn off data roaming if you don’t need it, and use wi-fi.
  • Watch for cruise ships and flights: onboard networks are not covered by roaming rules and can be very expensive.
  • Set a spending cap in your network’s app.

Last updated: 14 October 2026

Frequently asked questions

Is roaming free in Europe for UK phones?
Not automatically any more. It depends on your network and plan. Some include it; many charge a daily fee.
Do cruise ships count as roaming?
At sea, phones often connect to a ship’s satellite network, which is not covered by normal roaming deals and can be costly. Use airplane mode and ship wi-fi if available.

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