How Much Will Using Your Mobile Phone Abroad Cost in Summer 2025?

As summer 2025 approaches, UK travellers planning trips abroad should be aware of the varying roaming charges imposed by major mobile operators. With the reintroduction of fees by some providers post-Brexit, understanding these costs is crucial to avoid unexpected bills. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of roaming charges for EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three, along with insights from MoneySavingExpert.

EE: Daily Charges and New Passes

EE has restructured its roaming charges, discontinuing the £25/month Roam Abroad pass. Now, customers pay £2.47 per day for data use in Europe. For longer trips, EE plans to introduce a seven-day EU roaming pass for £15. Outside Europe, daily charges range from £5 to £15, depending on the region. Customers are advised to review their plans and consider alternatives to manage costs.

Vodafone: Inclusive Roaming and Daily Fees

Vodafone offers plans with inclusive roaming in 51 or 83 destinations, depending on the specific plan. For those without inclusive roaming, a daily fee of £2.42 applies for access to calls, texts, and up to 25GB of data in Europe. Vodafone also offers multi-day passes: £12 for 8 days or £17 for 15 days. It's important to note that data usage beyond the 25GB fair use cap incurs additional charges.

O2: Generous EU Roaming and Additional Benefits

O2 stands out by maintaining free EU roaming for up to 25GB of data across over 40 destinations. Customers can use their UK allowances for calls, texts, and data without extra charges. Additionally, O2's Volt and Plus Plan customers benefit from the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone, which includes roaming in 27 destinations outside Europe.

Three: Go Roam Passes and Pay-As-You-Go Benefits

Three's Go Roam service allows customers to use their UK allowances in 160 destinations. For contract customers, roaming in Europe costs £2 per day, while destinations outside Europe are charged at £5 or £7 per day, depending on the region. Three offers Go Roam passes for 3, 7, or 14 days, providing potential savings for longer trips. Pay-as-you-go customers benefit from free roaming in over 71 destinations, including all European countries, with up to 12GB of data usage. The

MoneySavingExpert's Insights

MoneySavingExpert highlights the importance of understanding roaming charges to avoid unexpected costs. They note that while providers like EE, Vodafone, and Three have reintroduced roaming fees, O2 continues to offer free EU roaming. They also emphasize the significance of fair use data caps and recommend setting spending caps to prevent bill shocks.

Tips to Avoid Roaming Charges

• Check Your Plan: Review your mobile plan to understand roaming charges and data caps.
• Use Wi-Fi: Connect to Wi-Fi networks whenever possible to minimize data usage.
• Consider Local SIMs or eSIMs: Purchasing a local SIM card or using an eSIM can offer more affordable data options.
• Download Content in Advance: Download maps, entertainment, and other necessary content before traveling.
• Set Spending Caps: Contact your provider to set a spending cap to avoid unexpected charges.

Conclusion

Roaming charges in summer 2025 vary significantly among UK mobile providers. While O2 offers generous free EU roaming, EE, Vodafone, and Three have implemented daily fees and data caps. By understanding these charges and taking proactive measures, travellers can manage their mobile usage abroad effectively and avoid unexpected costs.