Where UK travellers get caught
- Ferries and cruise ships. At sea your phone can connect to a satellite network on board, which isn't covered by any roaming deal and can cost pounds per megabyte. Use aeroplane mode plus the ship's Wi-Fi.
- Greek islands near Turkey. On Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Kos and Rhodes your phone can pick up a Turkish network, which isn't in EU roaming. Corfu can pick up Albania. Choose a Greek network manually.
- North Cyprus. The north uses Turkish-linked networks outside EU roaming, and many "Cyprus" eSIMs don't work there. Cyprus guide.
- Border areas. Near a border your phone may latch on to the neighbouring country's network, such as Bosnia around Neum on the Croatian coast. Switch off automatic network selection if you're close to a non-EU border.
- Turkey isn't in Europe roaming. On most UK networks it costs £5 to £8 a day. Turkey eSIMs.
- Apps updating in the background. Photo backups and app updates can chew through data. Set them to Wi-Fi only before you go.
The five-minute checklist
- Check your network's roaming price for where you're going. See every network.
- If it's not included, buy a travel eSIM. Trip finder.
- Turn off data roaming on your UK SIM.
- Make sure your roaming spend cap is on.
- Use aeroplane mode on ferries, cruises and flights.
Common questions
Is there a cap on roaming charges?
Most UK networks have a default monthly cap on roaming data spending, often £45, after which your data stops unless you choose to carry on. Check it's switched on in your account before you travel.
Do I pay to receive calls abroad?
In the EU, usually not if roaming is included in your plan. Outside Europe you can be charged to receive calls on some networks. Check your network's rates, or let calls go to voicemail.
Does aeroplane mode stop all charges?
Yes. With aeroplane mode on and Wi-Fi turned back on, your phone can't connect to any mobile network, so there are no roaming charges.
More guides
What is an eSIM?
How eSIMs work, which phones have them, and why they're usually the cheapest way to get data abroad.
How to set up an eSIM
Step by step for iPhone, Samsung and Google Pixel, plus the settings that stop surprise roaming bills.
How much data do I need?
Our calculator works out your monthly data, and how much you need for a trip.
Switch network and keep your number
The free text codes that make switching take one working day.