4 Tips for International Roaming Charges for Cell Phones

This topic will be discussed with the following structure.

• No Roaming charges within the EU
• Save on Mobile data when on the move
• Limited Call Minutes and Text Messages Outside the EU
• Preparing for International Travel

Whenever you’re travelling out of the country, there is always a major concern about how to use your mobile phone and how deep a hole it would burn in your pocket. Depending on where in the world you’re travelling to, all the major networks have benefits that they offer.

We will be covering most of the things you need to know about international roaming charges as you plan your next foreign trip.

No Roaming charges within the EU

All the major mobile carriers in the UK cannot charge you roaming fees whenever you’re travelling to any country in the European Union, thanks to a ruling which took effect on 15th June 2017.

This means that you only pay local call, SMS and data rates whenever you are travelling within the EU in most cases.

Save on Mobile data when on the move

Apart from the EU, where you are covered for your data and call usage, you should be careful about data roaming whenever you travel. You should only use the internet on your phone if you have an international data plan.

The charges differ from one carrier to another. If you need to use the internet, stream movies or music on your phone, connect to a Wi-Fi network instead.
Social media apps like Facebook and Twitter do not require a lot of data and will not eat into your mobile data allocation unduly. To be safe, we advise that you restrict any app that you do not need from accessing your mobile data to prevent data charges.

Also, be sure of the limits that your carrier gives you when roaming. For example, EE limits you to 15 GB free before they begin to charge you.

Limited Call Minutes and Text Messages Outside the EU

Most carriers in the UK allow you to make unlimited calls and texts according to your domestic contract. This is also applicable when you are within the EU. Vodafone, EE and Three all have rates that give you a limited number of talk time when you’re out of the EU.

O2 and Vodafone both charge an additional £5 for you to use your mobile in North America. This gives you access to enough call minutes to keep in touch with your loved ones. Make sure you call your carrier though before you choose which roaming package is best for you.

Preparing for International Travel

If you want to keep your roaming charges low when abroad, you should download offline Google Maps so that you can navigate without using valuable data from your bundle. You also do not need to use mobile data to use GPS if your smartphone has a built-in GPS sensor.

You can also check with your carrier if they have a new mobile phone deal that can save you money when you travel. Also, compare rates with different networks to know which one is best for you, depending on your destination.