Uswitch estimates that Brits travelling for five days this February half-term can expect to pay an additional £11.10 in roaming charges
Comparison website Uswitch has issued a warning about roaming costs to people travelling abroad this February half term.
Many EE, Three, Vodafone, and Sky Mobile customers will need to purchase “roaming passes” if they don’t have this included as part of their mobile deal. Uswitch estimates that Brits travelling for five days this February half-term can expect to pay an additional £11.10 in charges.
Customers will also be subject to a fair usage cap, regardless of whether their plans include free roaming or not. This is a limit on the amount of data a mobile phone user can use while roaming in another country. Two-thirds (65%) of Brits with a mobile phone aren’t fully aware of their network’s fair usage policy.
Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, said: “Staying connected while travelling abroad is crucial for many, but no one wants to face a surprise bill that could ruin their holiday. For those travelling this half-term, it’s a good idea to check your provider’s roaming policy, as well as your personal data allowances and usage limits before you go.
“Roaming deals can vary between users on the same network, so it’s essential to review your individual plan. Instead of paying for an expensive roaming add-on, consider opting for a SIM-only deal which can offer more affordable options for staying connected abroad. If you’re unsure, reach out to your provider to discuss roaming caps, your current deal’s coverage, and potential costs to avoid any surprises.”
Mobile phone roaming charges in Europe compared
- EE: £2.47 a day for contract customers, or if you’re a pay-as-you-go customer, the charge is £2.50 a day, or £10 for seven days. 50GB “fair use” limit.
- Three: £2 a day for contract customers, or a three-day pass for £5, seven-day pass for £12, or 14-day pass for £24. None for pay-as-you-go. You can buy a Data Passport for £5 for unlimited data in 89 countries. 12GB “fair use” limit.
- Vodafone: £2.42 a day for contract customers, or an eight-day pass for £12, or 15-day pass for £17. If you’re a pay-as-you-go customers, you can pay £9 for 3GB for eight days. 25GB “fair use” limit.
- Sky: £2 a day. No “fair use” limit.
- Voxi: £2.45 a day for one day, £4.50 for two days, £12 for eight days, or £17 for 15 days. 20GB “fair use” limit.
