UK Roaming Charges in 2026: What Your Network Charges Abroad

Using your UK phone abroad is no longer free by default. Since Brexit, UK networks have been able to set their own roaming charges in Europe, and most now charge a daily fee on many plans. Outside Europe, costs can be much higher. This guide explains how roaming works in 2026, what to check on your own plan and how a travel eSIM can cut the cost of mobile data abroad.

Why UK roaming is no longer free in Europe

Until the end of 2020, EU "roam like at home" rules meant UK customers could use their allowance in the EU at no extra cost. Since 1 January 2021, those rules no longer apply to UK networks, and each network sets its own EU roaming fees.

For a while, most networks kept European roaming included. Then, in 2022, EE became the first major network to bring back daily charges for EU roaming. Vodafone and Three followed with their own daily charges. O2 has kept EU roaming included on its plans, subject to a fair-use limit, so check your plan's allowance before you rely on it.

What roaming typically costs in 2026

Charges depend on your network, the plan you are on and when you joined. Older contracts sometimes have different terms from newer ones, and some premium plans include roaming.

In Europe

On plans that charge for European roaming, the fee is typically around £2 to £3 a day. That usually lets you use your normal UK allowance, sometimes with a fair-use cap. Some networks also sell roaming passes for a week or a month, which can work out cheaper for longer trips. Check your network's roaming page for your exact rate.

Outside Europe

Further afield, such as the USA, Turkey, Egypt or Asia, roaming is usually much more expensive. Some plans offer a daily pass at a higher rate, while others charge per megabyte, which can add up very quickly. Prices and the list of included countries vary by plan, so always check before you travel.

Ofcom rules that help avoid bill shock

Since 1 October 2024, Ofcom rules require UK mobile networks to send customers a message when they start roaming, explaining the charges and how to find more information, including any limits on spending. This helps, but it only tells you the price once you have arrived.

A worked example: a family fortnight in Europe

This is an illustration only, not a quote from any network. Imagine a family of four, each with their own phone, on plans that charge £2.50 a day for EU roaming. They spend 14 days in Spain and each phone is charged every day.

• One phone: 14 days x £2.50 = £35
• Four phones: 4 x £35 = £140

That is £140 on top of their normal monthly bills, just to use their phones as they would at home. The total would be higher on a plan with a higher daily rate, and lower if some phones stay on Wi-Fi and never trigger the charge. Your own figure depends on your network, your plan and how many days each phone is charged.

Compare that with buying travel eSIM data for the trip. Prices and allowances vary by destination, so see current plans for Spain or a regional Europe eSIM if you are visiting several countries.

How to use a travel eSIM without losing your UK number

Most recent phones support dual SIM, using a physical SIM and an eSIM, or two eSIMs. That means you do not have to choose between your UK number and cheaper data.

• Keep your UK SIM switched on for calls and texts, such as bank security codes. Incoming calls and texts may still be charged depending on your plan and destination, so check your network's terms.
• Turn off data roaming on your UK SIM so it cannot use mobile data abroad. On many plans, using data is what triggers the daily charge.
• Set your travel eSIM as the mobile data line and turn on data roaming for the eSIM, as its instructions explain.
• Turn off automatic data switching so your phone does not fall back to your UK SIM when the signal drops.

Our dual SIM settings guide walks through these settings for iPhone and Android.

Ways to keep roaming costs down

• Read your network's roaming page for your plan before you travel, not after you land.
• Check whether your daily charge applies to calls and texts as well as data.
• Use Wi-Fi calling and messaging apps over your eSIM data instead of standard calls.
• Download maps, playlists and films before you leave.
• Estimate your data use with the travel data calculator, so you buy the right size plan.
• Read our guide to finding the cheapest eSIM for tips on comparing plans on value, not just headline price.

Frequently asked questions

Is roaming free in Europe for UK networks in 2026?

Not on every plan. Several networks charge a daily fee on many plans, typically around £2 to £3 a day. O2 has kept EU roaming included with a fair-use limit. Check your own network's roaming page for your plan.

Will I be charged just for having my phone switched on abroad?

On most plans with daily charges, the fee is triggered when you use your allowance, such as data, calls or texts. If you turn off data roaming on your UK SIM and do not make calls or send texts, you can usually avoid it. Check your network's terms, as the rules vary.

Do I get a warning when I start roaming?

Yes. Under Ofcom rules in force since October 2024, UK networks must send you information about roaming charges when you arrive abroad.

Is roaming outside Europe more expensive?

Usually, yes. Destinations such as the USA, Turkey and much of Asia often cost more per day, and pay-as-you-go data can be very expensive. A travel eSIM for that country is often a cheaper way to get data.

Can I still receive texts from my bank if I use a travel eSIM?

Yes. Keep your UK SIM active for calls and texts and use the eSIM only for data. Make sure data roaming is turned off on your UK SIM.