With the summer holiday season kicking off, many of us will be packing our bags and heading overseas. But before you jet off, it’s important to check how using your mobile phone abroad could affect your bill — especially as roaming charges may have changed since your last trip.

Some UK mobile providers have updated their roaming policies in recent years, and costs can vary depending on your destination and provider. No one wants to come home to a surprisingly high phone bill, so it’s worth taking a few simple steps to stay informed and in control.

For an overview of what the major networks currently offer, see our roaming guide. In the meantime, here are some practical tips to help you keep roaming charges in check:

✅ Check Charges Before You Go

Get in touch with your provider before travelling to find out:

• Whether roaming charges apply at your destination
• What those charges are
• If there are data or usage limits
  Ask if you can apply a roaming spending cap or set a mobile bill limit to avoid unexpected costs.

✅ Use Bundles or Add-Ons

If you plan to use your phone abroad, see if your provider offers:

• Daily or weekly roaming passes that let you use your UK allowance
• Add-ons for a fixed amount of calls, texts, or data
  These bundles can help cut costs significantly.

✅ Turn Off Mobile Data

To avoid accidental data charges, switch off mobile data on all devices before arriving. You’ll still be able to make and receive calls (which may still incur charges), but you’ll need Wi-Fi to go online.

✅ Download in Advance

Before you leave, download any music, movies, podcasts, or apps you think you’ll need during your trip. That way, you can enjoy them without using mobile data abroad.

✅ Use Wi-Fi Whenever Possible

Take advantage of free Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, airports, and public places. Use messaging and video apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype over Wi-Fi to stay in touch without using mobile data.

✅ Avoid Data-Heavy Activities Without Wi-Fi

Streaming videos, uploading photos, or downloading large files can quickly eat up data. When you're not connected to Wi-Fi, try to avoid these tasks — or consider buying a local SIM card for better value.

✅ Check the Kids’ Devices Too

If your children have mobile phones, check whether roaming charges apply to their devices and set the same limits or restrictions to avoid surprise costs.

Still unsure about your roaming charges? Contact your mobile provider before you travel to get clear, up-to-date information for your destination. A little preparation now could save you a big headache later.

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