Which network is best for international roaming?

Mobile phone roaming is when you use your mobile phone's data while you're outside of the UK. Your phone will connect to the local mobile network, allowing you to access the internet, make calls, or send texts.

If you're travelling abroad and aren't connected to Wi-Fi, you'll need to have data roaming enabled to stay connected. This is essential for activities like texting loved ones, using Google Maps, posting on social media, or anything else that requires internet access.

Although roaming is available in most countries, costs can vary significantly depending on where you are. It's a good idea to avoid unexpected charges and use data roaming cautiously, especially if it's not included in your mobile plan. We recommend using it sparingly to keep your bills in check.

How to avoid costly roaming charges

A travel eSIM allows you to pre-purchase a set data package for your chosen destination, allowing you to enjoy local rates without paying high fees.

Turn off data roaming

The easiest way to avoid roaming fees is to turn it off. By disabling data roaming on your mobile phone entirely, you can prevent your smartphone from browsing the internet on a foreign network. To do this on:

• iPhones. Go to Settings > Mobile Service > [select SIM] > Data Roaming

• Android. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > tap your active SIM > toggle Roaming off

• Samsung. Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Data Roaming off

Download maps and apps offline

Using your phone maps is the perfect way to navigate a new place you are visiting, but that can come at a data cost. However, if you download maps as well as translation apps, and entertainment content for offline use, you don’t need to rely on mobile data to access vital information or entertainment on your travels.

Google Maps, available for both iOS and Android, lets you save maps for offline use. Because GPS doesn't need a data connection, you can navigate in a new location without incurring roaming fees, as long as you've downloaded the offline maps beforehand.

Activate low data modes on your device

Data-saving modes can be used on both Apple and Android devices to reduce data consumption. However, enabling these modes will alter your app experience when Wi-Fi is unavailable.

• iPhone. Go to Settings > Mobile Service > [select SIM] > Data Mode > select ‘Low Data Mode’.

• Android. Go to Settings > Network and Internet > Data Saver > select ‘Use Data Saver’

• Samsung. Go to Settings > Connections > Data usage > Data saver > Turn on now

Use apps to make and receive calls

Apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime allow you to make calls without incurring voice roaming fees. They’re an excellent way to stay in touch with friends and family as long as you’re on WiFi or have activated data roaming via an eSIM.