O2, EE and Vodafone extra charges for going abroad this year | Personal Finance | Finance

If you’re planning a summer holiday, it’s important to be mindful of the potential costs associated with using your mobile phone overseas.

Following Brexit, most major mobile networks have reintroduced roaming charges. Prior to this, you could utilise your existing call, text, and data allowances in Europe without any additional charges.

New rules implemented in October mean mobile providers must alert customers when they begin roaming abroad and inform them about any applicable “fair use” limits on their phone package, reports the Mirror.

“Fair use” restricts the amount of your UK data allowance that can be used while roaming in Europe. Here’s an overview of the costs of roaming in Europe this summer….

EU roaming costs by mobile provide

• Three: £2 a day for contract customers. You can buy a three-day pass for £5, a seven-day pass for £12, or a 14-day pass for £24. You can also buy a Data Passport for £5 for unlimited data in 89 countries. No charge for pay-as-you-go. Three has a 12GB “fair use” limit.
• O2: No roaming fees. O2 has a 25GB “fair use” limit.
• EE: £2.59 a day for contract customers. £2.50 a day, or £10 for seven days, if you are pay-as-you-go. EE has a 50GB “fair use” limit.
• GiffGaff: No roaming fees. GiffGaff has a 5GB “fair use” limit.
• Voxi: £2.45 a day for one day. You can buy a pass for £4.50 for two days, £12 for eight days, or £17 for 15 days. Voxi has a 20GB “fair use” limit.
• Sky: £2 a day. No “fair use” limit.
• Vodafone: £2.42 a day if you’re on contract. You can buy a European Roaming pass for £12 for 8 days or £17 for 15 days. £9 for 3GB for eight days if you’re pay-as-you-go. Vodafone has a 25GB “fair use” limit.
• Tesco Mobile: No roaming fees until 2026.

How to save money on your mobile bill

Reducing your mobile bill is easier than you think. Start by using a comparison website to explore alternative deals.

You should also review your current usage, including minutes, texts and data to find a plan that suits your needs. You might discover you’re overpaying for allowances you don’t use. If you find a cheaper deal and are out of contract, consider switching.

Alternatively, consider haggling for a better deal with your existing provider. During negotiations, point out the more attractive offers you’ve seen from other companies and ask if they can match or beat that price.

The best time to use this tactic is usually as your current contract is nearing its end, or when a price hike has been announced.