Roaming in Europe: no longer free, but protected from huge bills

While the UK was in the European Union, you could use your mobile phone on trips across Europe at your home tariff, with no extra charge. After Brexit that right disappeared: free roaming (using your phone on another country's network) in the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA — the EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) is no longer guaranteed by law. Operators may bring back roaming charges.

How much does connection abroad cost now?

There is no single price — it depends on your operator and tariff. Some large UK operators have said they have no current plans to change their terms and keep European roaming switched on. But that is their decision, not a legal requirement, and it can change. So before you travel you must check with your operator whether you are charged for roaming in your destination and how much.

How does the law protect you from huge bills?

Even without free roaming, the UK has protection against "bill shock" for mobile data. By law your operator must, by default, cap your mobile data spending abroad at £45 per billing period (usually a month). Once that limit is reached, data stops — you can only continue if you actively confirm you want to keep spending. Operators must also send alerts when you have used 80% and 100% of your data allowance.

What to check before you travel

First, ask your operator whether European roaming is included in your plan and if there is a daily or one-off charge. Second, find out your data allowance and whether the £45 cap applies. Third, if you are near a border — for example in Northern Ireland close to the border with Ireland — your phone may accidentally connect to the neighbouring country's network; operators must warn about such "inadvertent roaming" and help you avoid it.

How to save money

To avoid overpaying, you can turn off data roaming and use Wi-Fi at your hotel and cafes, buy a local or travel SIM, or add a dedicated travel pass from your operator. Remember too that charges can differ for calls, texts and data, and that incoming calls while roaming can sometimes cost money. If you travel with several devices — a tablet, a smartwatch with a SIM — check the terms for each one separately. Exact prices and terms are always with your operator, and the general roaming rules are on gov.uk and the communications regulator Ofcom's website.