Travelling within Europe is much more fluid than in most other regions, and you only need a train ride or a two-hour flight to experience a completely new culture. However, since Brexit, UK citizens don’t enjoy the EU’s “Roam Like at Home” rules. This can be quite an inconvenience, considering you need maps, ride-hailing apps, digital tickets, or simply to check in with people at home.
Roaming allows you to continue using your phone as usual, but the charges can rack up quickly as UK networks operate differently when abroad. We’ll take you through some tips you can use to avoid high roaming charges, from using an eSIM Europe plan to disabling roaming when you don’t need it.
Check your network’s EU roaming policy before you fly
Before you even pack your bags, it’s good to understand how your network treats roaming. Different UK networks operate differently since Brexit, with some offering daily plans and others including roaming on premium plans.
Confirming your plan and its roaming details can help you avoid unexpected bills when your phone automatically connects to a foreign network. Check for daily or per-GB charges, fair-use limits, country coverage, and plan tier requirements.
From there, counter-check the plan’s details with the country or countries you plan to visit. This way, you can plan accordingly and avoid last-minute surprises or unexpected charges.
Use an eSIM with a Europe-wide data package
An eSIM is the easiest way for UK travellers to avoid roaming charges when visiting multiple European countries. Instead of physically swapping your SIM card or paying unpredictable daily charges, an eSIM Europe plan lets you use a prepaid data plan that works across borders. You simply scan a QR code, activate the plan, and land with working mobile data.
Such a plan offers significant convenience, as you can still use your UK number for calls and SMS if you don’t want to turn it off completely. The prepaid eSIM plan will help avoid expensive roaming data charges, and you can also move freely between countries.
Disable data roaming until you’re sure of the network
Even if your mobile plan allows roaming, automatically connecting to foreign networks can trigger extra charges. This is especially common when crossing borders quickly by train or coach. When you turn on data roaming, you’ll avoid accidental fees and keep your usage predictable.
To do so, go to your Settings > Mobile/Cellular > Data Roaming > Off.
Once you’ve confirmed that your eSIM or network plan is active, you can then turn on data roaming if need be.
Download apps and content for offline use
Some apps you’ll need along the way use significant data, but they also allow you to pre-download content before you leave the country. This can help you save on precious GBs when roaming or using an eSIM Europe plan.
Some useful offline downloads are Google Maps (cities or regional maps), Google Translate (offline language packs), and entertainment apps. Downloading the content beforehand will help with reliance on mobile data.
Use public Wi-Fi, but with a VPN
You’ll find public Wi-Fi hotspots in cafés, train stations, hotels, and even some public squares. It’s quite convenient and is heavily used by travellers to connect online. However, it can also be quite risky, so ensure you take safety measures to avoid exposing your sensitive information.
The easiest way to do so is by using a secure VPN. You only need to toggle an on/off button, and it will encrypt your connection to ensure third parties can’t access or make sense of your data. This will allow you to comfortably use your apps, browse travel guides, or catch up on your emails, knowing your data isn’t exposed. It will also minimise the usage of mobile data, bringing your costs down.
