All the mobile firms that DON'T charge for data while you're on holiday – and how to set a limit to avoid sky-high bills
HOLIDAYMAKERS heading overseas this summer will no doubt want to update friends and family at home with a few snaps on social media.
But the cost of using your phone abroad can give a nasty financial shock when you return home.
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Prior to Brexit Brits could use their data plans in Europe at no extra cost.
But since we left the European Union many operators, including EE and Three, and have reintroduced the charges meaning you could end up with a pricey bill after a holiday if you're not careful.
Happily there are networks still offering free roaming when you hop overseas.
It means customers can carry on using their minutes, texts and data at no extra cost when on holiday.
And if you frequently travel in Europe it could be worth switching provider.
However, look at the small print carefully as some still have a cap on free roaming and after this you'll be charged.
One way to make sure you don't overspend is through a 'spending cap' that you can put in place with your provider.
Most mobile phone companies in the UK give customers this option - though you'll need to set it up first.
So you tell your provider the maximum amount that you want to spend each month.
Check what is includes first and if data roaming is, it could stop you racking up a huge bill while jet-setting.
Here are the networks offering free roaming in Europe:
Asda
Asda will let you roam for free in 46 European countries.
You don't need to tell Asda if you're going away, you can simply carry on texting, calling and streaming as you would at home.
However, customers a have a data roaming limit of up to 5GB so make sure you don't go over.
After this, usage will cost 10p per MB. The provider says it will let you know when you reach 80% and 100% of your data limit.
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BT Mobile
BT Mobile's 'Roam Like Home' offering lets its customers roam for free in 47 destinations.
You can use your mobile plan allowance to use data, make calls and send texts back to the UK as well as to receive calls and texts for free when you're roaming in these zones.
GiffGaff
GiffGaff plans can be used in the EU and some other destinations at no extra cost.
However, there is a cap of 5GB and if you go over it'll cost 10p/MB.
If you're a pay as you go customer, the provider will charge you at the usual UK rates.
iD Mobile
Roaming comes as standard on all iD mobile phone and SIM only plans.
Customers can use their UK monthly allowances of minutes, text and data in 50 destinations worldwide up to 30GB.
Lebara
Lebara customers can use UK plan allowances while roaming in the EU or India for no extra cost.
There is a fair use cap of up to 30GB on the unlimited data plan.
O2
O2 is the only major network provider that has not brought back roaming charges.
If you're travelling in what it calls its 'Europe Zone' which covers more than 40 destinations, you can call text or use data like you would in the UK and for no extra cost.
There is a cap of 25GB.
Smarty
Smarty lets its customers roam in the EU for no extra costs. If your plan includes calls and texts, they'll also work as usual.
However, there's a cap on data of up to 12GB.
Talkmobile
Talkmobile offers free EU roaming to countries in a list of 'zone A' destinations.
This includes France, Spain, Portugal and other popular European spots.
Outside of these zone A countries, you'll be subjected to charges.
You can check the list of countries covered by zone A on its website at talkmobile.co.uk.
There is a fair usage of 5GB or 15GB depending on when you became a customer.
Tesco Mobile
Tesco Mobile has once again extended its free roaming offer until 2026.
That means that you can use your text, call, and data allowances at no extra cost in 48 destinations
How to avoid roaming charges
Simrat Sharma, a mobiles expert at Uswitch, said switching to an eSIM - short for embedded SIM - can be cheaper than using international roaming.
'eSIMs make it easier to change networks," she said.
"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.
"This means travel eSIMs are almost always cheaper than using international roaming, as users are effectively tapping into the same network plans as locals.
If you're regularly switching numbers or travelling to different locations, you'll be able to keep them all safely in digital format rather than carrying around a number of small cards.
'The software can easily be accessed via your device's app store and uploaded to your phone in a few quick steps."
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