Roaming charges scrapped by nine uk mobile firms for tourists

MILLIONS OF PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO TRAVEL ABROAD THIS SUMMER - BUT SOME COULD FACE A SHOCK WHEN THEY REALISE HOW MUCH IT WILL COST TO USE THEIR PHONE 14:58, 20 May 2025 The list of mobile

operators that won't charge for data usage while customers are on holiday has been disclosed. Simrat Sharma, a mobiles specialist at Uswitch, mentioned that opting for an eSIM – the

abbreviation for embedded SIM – could be a more cost-effective alternative to international roaming. In spite of assurances given prior to Brexit that roaming charges would not make a

comeback, some UK networks have nonetheless decided to levy significant fees for using a UK mobile phone in other parts of Europe. "eSIMs make it easier to change networks,"

explained Ms Sharma. "So for example, if you're abroad you can quickly connect to the local network to pay local rates - without having to add or swap a physical local SIM card for

your device." She elaborated: "This means travel eSIMs are almost always cheaper than using international roaming, as users are effectively tapping into the same network plans as

locals. "For those who often find themselves changing numbers or jetting off to various destinations, the ability to store all their contacts digitally negates the need to carry around

multiple tiny cards," she added, reports Birmingham Live. Ms Sharma also pointed out: "The software can easily be accessed via your device's app store and uploaded to your

phone in a few quick steps." KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS AND TOP STORIES FROM THE NORTH EAST WITH OUR FREE NEWSLETTER Meanwhile, Catherine Hiley, another expert

from Uswitch, warned that roaming charges can accumulate significantly. "Anyone travelling abroad from the UK should be wary of potential shock costs, even if they think roaming is

included in their tariff. There used to be a £45 worldwide data roaming cap, which meant your data usage was automatically capped at this amount to prevent shock bills. However, this is no

longer in UK law," she explained. O2 remains the sole major network provider that hasn't reinstated roaming charges. For those jetting off to destinations within its "Europe

Zone", encompassing over 40 locations, O2 allows you to use calls, texts, and data just as you would on home soil, without any additional fees. There's a fair usage limit set at

25GB. Fortunately, there are other companies providing complimentary roaming services. These include:. - Asda Mobile. - Tesco Mobile. - BT Mobile. - GiffGaff. - iD Mobile. - Lebara. - O2. -

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