What is data roaming?
Stay connected when abroad - and avoid potential charges
Confused about using your phone abroad? Don't worry - we've got you covered. This page has everything you need to know about using your phone or tablet to access mobile data when you're outside the UK.
On this page
)
What is the difference between data roaming and mobile data?
Mobile data lets you use online apps/services on your phone (or tablet) – whether that's for messaging, ride-sharing, getting from A-to-B, checking the weather and more. At home, this can be part of your normal allowance. Data roaming, however, is when you use mobile data outside of your home network i.e., when you're abroad.
What are roaming charges?
The cost of using your mobile data at home is normally covered by a monthly allowance or add-on. But that isn't always the case when you're abroad. And 19% of holidaymakers don't know you could face extra charges for using your phone abroad, according to research by Ofcom. These are known as roaming charges, and they can apply to calls and texts when using your phone abroad, as well as data.
The amount you'll be charged will depend on which network you're on and how much data you use while on holiday. And there are two main ways in which you'll be charged for data roaming:
You'll pay a set amount for each day you use data outside the UK. For example, with O2 Travel you can get unlimited minutes, texts and data abroad for a fixed daily charge when used.
You'll be charged for each MB of data you use, which can soon add up.
Other useful information
It's also worth remembering that many networks will have fair usage policies. This means they may cap the amount of data you can use when roaming – even if you have a 'roam like at home' deal. This limit can be lower than what you normally get in the UK, so make sure you know how much data you're using. Otherwise, you could face an unwelcome bill.
Ireland is a little unique when it comes to data roaming. Northern Ireland is part of the UK – but the Republic of Ireland is not. That said, the relationship between the two mean that all UK networks currently allow free roaming on the whole island of Ireland.
UK residents travelling within the European Union (EU) used to benefit from free roaming – and could call, text and surf the net using their monthly allowance. Since Brexit, however, that hasn't been the case. For users on most networks, roaming charges now apply when you travel to EU countries from France to Croatia. That said, some UK networks continue to include free EU roaming in their Pay As You Go and Pay Monthly deals. O2 is proud to be one of those networks – and O2 customers can use up to 25GB of data in the EU safe in the knowledge that it won't cost any extra.
Data roaming charges outside of the EU vary depending on the country you're in – and, to a certain extent, the UK network you're on. Many networks have plans and add-ons that allow you to roam in specific countries without running up a huge bill. The O2 Travel Bolt On, for example, gives you unlimited minutes, texts and data in 75 destinations outside Europe, for a fixed daily charge that only applies on the days when you use your phone abroad.
Data roaming FAQs
This is when roaming is included in your monthly allowance. Some UK networks will call it "inclusive roaming", while others may have a different name for it. O2, for example, has the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On, which is available on selected O2 Refresh and SIM only deals. This means you can 'roam like at home' in 27 destinations world wide with unlimited text, minutes and data.
In 2017, 'roam like at home' rules were introduced in the European Union (EU) – as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. it essentially meant that anyone living in those nations could use their monthly allowances at no extra cost. In summer 2022, they were extended for another 10 years.
As a result of Brexit, however, those EU roaming rules no longer apply to mobile operators in the UK – and some decided to bring back roaming charges in European countries. O2 is one of the operators that has not done this – and has no plans to do so in future.
Current period roaming is the amount of data you have used while connected to a network other than your own. Your phone can tell you how much data you have used in that time.
All operators will have a fair usage policy, which is designed to stop people from misusing or over-using their allowance. Breaching this policy can lead to extra bill charges, or even disconnection in the most serious cases.
Going abroad? Don't be shocked if your operator has a roaming fair usage policy that caps data below the amount you'd otherwise get at home.
If your device has data roaming switched on, it'll be able to connect to – and use – internet services when you're abroad via a local mobile network.
You might have turned it on to check your email or send a quick message. But don't forget – some background applications can use data at the same time. And this can cause charges to build up on your bill if you're not on top of it all.
If data roaming is switched off on your device, you won't be able to access online services via the local mobile network. You'll have to either wait for a WiFi connection or buy a local SIM card.
Used sensibly, data roaming can be really useful – especially if you're in a new place for the first time. It can help you find your way, keep in touch, learn something new and book tickets. Without data roaming, you're limited to what you can do while out and about if you can't find a WiFi network or any other means of getting online.
Useful links
On this page
How do I turn data roaming on and off?
So, now you know what data roaming is and how much more it can cost to use your phone when you're abroad. The next thing to understand is how you can turn roaming on or off on your device – giving you total control over your usage.
)
Android: Turning roaming on/off
If you have an Android device, you can turn roaming on/off with the following steps:
Go to SETTINGS > CONNECTIONS
Choose MOBILE NETWORKS.
Toggle the DATA ROAMING option on or off.
Our device help guides contain more detailed information if you need it.
)
iOS/iPhone: Turning roaming on/off
If you have an iPhone or iOS device, switch roaming on/off with the following steps:
Go to SETTINGS > MOBILE SERVICE
Select MOBILE DATA OPTIONS
Toggle the DATA ROAMING option on or off.
Check out our iPhone support guides or iPad support guides if you need more information.
How to turn off data roaming charges
The good news is there are ways to keep data roaming charges to a minimum – or to avoid them completely. And knowing them makes all the difference with your post-holiday bill.
It's the easiest way to avoid roaming charges – just not always the most practical. Turn off roaming on your device before you travel so that your phone won't try and access the local network when you arrive at your destination. Of course, there may be times when you simply need to find out something online (like how to get to your hotel). If so, you can always turn data roaming on or off on your device as and when needed. It'll keep any charges to a minimum – but don't forget to turn it off when done.
Hotels, cafés, restaurants, bars and even visitor attractions; WiFi networks are everywhere nowadays and a lot of them provide free internet access on your device. They might not be the quickest and you may have a time limit – but it's not going to hit you in the pocket. Top tip: Keep an eye out to make sure you're still connected to the WiFi if your roaming is switched on. If the connection drops, you could start paying for roaming without knowing.
Most mobile operators will give you the chance to purchase an add-on that'll cover you on holiday. You can either buy in advance or when your operator messages you after landing. Yes – it'll add a bit more to your bill and yes – you won't always get unlimited usage. But you do know exactly what you're paying and reduce the risk of any nasty surprises.
O2 customers can get unlimited calls, texts and data in 75 countries outside Europe, including Australia and the USA, for a £7 fixed daily charge. We'll only charge you when you use your phone abroad, and you'll be covered for 24 hours from that point onwards. Travelling in Europe? Well, we're the only major network that isn't bringing back EU roaming charges. You can use your phone like you're at home, up to 25GB. So there's no need to fret about roaming fees.
A local SIM or eSIM topped up with pay-as-you-go credit can be an effective way to keep your phone costs down when abroad. How effective can depend on the destination – as well as how much local operators charge. But it's certainly an option to think about. One thing to remember is that your device needs to be unlocked. If you're an O2 customer, it's no bother to unlock your mobile for use on a different network.
Useful links
On this page
Do all networks charge the same for roaming?
No – each network has its own rules and charges when it comes to roaming.
EU roaming is one clear example of how each network differs. Before the UK left the EU, all UK travellers were covered by European Union rules that meant you could use your mobile data across the continent at no extra cost. That has now changed – and it meant that some UK networks reintroduced roaming charges in Europe. A few, like O2, have not done this.
You should always check your network's policy before you go abroad – whichever network that is. The cost and number of destinations covered can vary significantly. And, with some networks, roaming fees may only apply if you signed up to a new contract or package after a particular date.
)
Which networks offer free roaming?
If you're prepared to shop around, you will still find there are some network operators who don't charge extra for using your monthly allowance – be that in the EU or further afield. O2 is one of the few UK operators not to bring back EU roaming charges since Brexit (and the only large operator). You will have to stay within a Roaming Limit of up to 25GB based on your tariff – but you won't have to pay anything extra as long as you do.