What is roaming?

Roaming is the ability to use your mobile device while abroad. It extends your coverage so you can make calls, send texts, and browse the internet outside the UK.

Charges and rules vary depending on the country you are in and the services you use.

Roaming vs international usage

It’s important to understand the difference between roaming usage and international usage:

• Roaming usage: When you are outside the UK and use your device to call, text, or use data via a foreign network. Example: making a call from Spain to the UK, or using data in Germany.
• International usage: When you are in the UK and use your device to call or text a non-UK destination. Example: sending an SMS from the UK to France, or calling the USA from the UK.

👉 Roaming and international usage have different charges and are covered by different allowances and bolt-ons.

Roaming charges

In many cases, roaming comes with additional costs. The details depend on your destination.

Included in your UK tariff allowance

If you are travelling within the plan Europe Zone (EZ), your UK tariff allowance includes:

• Data usage in the EZ (up to your tariff or fair usage allowance, whichever comes first)
• Calls and texts back to the UK from an EZ country
• Calls and texts within the same EZ country (e.g. Spain to Spain)
• Calls and texts between EZ countries (e.g. Spain to Germany)

Roaming bolt-ons

Roaming usage is not included as standard in mobile and MBB tariffs. Your device will still connect to a foreign network, but you will be charged at out-of-bundle rates unless you have a bolt-on.

plan offers roaming bolt-ons to help you stay connected and control costs, such as:

• Daily Traveler
• Global Data
• Global Minutes

Use the Bolt-On Checker tool to confirm coverage in your destination and find the right option.

Roaming spend controls

To avoid unexpected bills, you can set a cap on roaming usage. For more details, see Spend Controls.

You can also track your roaming usage in my.plan:

1. Log in to your account.
2. Select Usage from the top navigation menu.
3. Choose All from the dropdown menu.
4. Open the Usage widget in the All Usage and Charges window.
5. Use the By Location tab to view roaming charges.

Limitations to roaming

Roaming allowances are not unlimited. Fair usage policies apply to prevent misuse, such as extended roaming periods.

Other limitations may include:

• Wi-Fi calling and 4G calling may not be available in some countries.
• Hotspot tethering may be restricted.
• Speeds may fall back to 3G or 2G.
• Calls or texts outside the UK may be blocked due to local restrictions.