Going abroad this summer? Don’t let data roaming ruin your holiday

We've all heard the horror stories: someone enjoys a relaxing holiday abroad, only to come home to a mobile phone bill that's bigger than the cost of the trip itself.

One of the most shocking cases involved a UK holidaymaker who returned from Morocco to discover an eye-watering £42,000 roaming bill. Believing it had to be a mistake, he later found out his daughter's TikTok use had racked up uncapped data charges at a staggering rate of more than £5,000 an hour.

While cases like this are rare, unexpectedly high roaming charges still catch thousands of travellers out every year. The good news is that avoiding them is surprisingly simple if you prepare before you travel.

What are roaming charges?

Roaming charges are the extra costs you may pay when your phone connects to a mobile network outside the UK. These charges can apply when you:

• browse the internet using mobile data
• make or receive phone calls
• send text messages

Since the UK left the EU, mobile providers no longer have to offer free roaming in Europe. While some networks still include EU roaming in certain plans, others charge daily fees or have data limits. Outside Europe, costs can rise dramatically.

That's why it's always worth checking exactly what's included in your mobile package before you leave.

Seven easy ways to avoid expensive roaming charges

Turn off data roaming before you arrive

The simplest way to protect yourself is to switch off data roaming in your phone's settings before your plane lands.

This stops your phone automatically connecting to overseas mobile networks and quietly using data in the background. Without realising it, your device could be downloading app updates, syncing photos to the cloud, refreshing emails or updating social media apps.

By turning roaming off, you stay in control of when and how your phone connects to the internet.

Make the most of free Wi-Fi

Hotels, airports, cafés, restaurants and many tourist attractions offer free Wi-Fi.

Using Wi-Fi means you can:

• message friends and family on WhatsApp or Messenger
• make video calls
• browse the web
• upload holiday photos
• stream music or videos without using mobile data

Just be cautious when using public Wi-Fi. Avoid logging into online banking or entering passwords on unsecured networks, and consider using a VPN if you're accessing sensitive information.

Download everything before you travel

A little preparation can save a lot of data.

Before you leave home, download:

• offline maps
• boarding passes and travel documents
• attraction tickets
• public transport timetables
• translation packs
• films and TV programmes
• podcasts and playlists
• eBooks

You'll still have access to everything you need, even without an internet connection.

Check exactly what your mobile plan includes

Not all mobile providers treat roaming the same way.

Some include roaming in certain destinations, while others charge a daily fee or offer bolt-on roaming passes. Outside Europe, charges can vary a lot.

Before you travel, find out:

• which countries are covered
• whether there's a daily roaming charge
• how much data is included
• what happens if you exceed your allowance

If you're unsure, check your provider's website or give them a quick call before you fly.

Set a spending cap

Many networks allow you to place a cap on your roaming charges.

This acts as a safety net by limiting how much you can spend abroad. As you approach your limit, your provider will usually send you a warning, giving you time to reduce your data usage before any unexpected charges build up.

It's one of the easiest ways to avoid an unpleasant surprise when you get home.

Consider buying an eSIM or local SIM card

If you're travelling outside Europe or planning a longer trip, an eSIM or local SIM card could save you a significant amount of money.

Many travel eSIM providers offer affordable data packages that work in dozens of countries, often costing far less than standard roaming charges. Just make sure your phone is compatible before you travel.

Keep an eye on your data usage

Even if your plan includes roaming, it's worth checking how much data you're using each day.

Streaming high-definition videos, uploading hundreds of holiday photos or using your phone as a hotspot can quickly eat through your allowance.

Most smartphones let you monitor data usage in the settings menu, and many mobile providers also have apps that show how much you've used in real time.

A few extra ways to save

Small changes can make a big difference:

• switch off automatic app updates while you're away
• disable automatic cloud photo backups until you're back on Wi-Fi
• turn off background app refresh for apps you don't need
• use messaging apps over Wi-Fi instead of making international calls
• put your phone into Airplane Mode if you don't need mobile service, then switch Wi-Fi back on when available

A bit of preparation before your holiday could save you hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds.