As roaming fees return to many mobile network networks, travelers are being advised to verify whether additional charges will be imposed this year.
Vodafone and EE, two of Britain’s largest networks, have reintroduced roaming fees for customers who travel to Europe.
In May 2022, Three will reintroduce the birds.
From January 1, customers who joined or upgraded with EE after July 7 2021 will face a £2 daily charge for using their data, making calls, or sending text messages in EU countries.
It is important that consumers check whether there could be any mobile roaming fees this year.
Meanwhile, the same fee will apply to Vodafone customers who joined the network, upgraded or renewed their contract after August 11 2021.
Three will bring in the £2 daily charge on May 23 which will be applicable to customers who joined the network or upgraded after October 1 2021.
Both EE and Vodafone will offer alternatives to avoid the fee with EE customers able to buy a 30-day Roam Abroad Pass for £10 and Vodafone users able to pay £1 a day for an eight or 15-day multipass.
Roaming fees will be reintroduced following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. Roaming fees have been removed for individuals who travel around Europe during 2017.
EU roaming regulations were before Brexit. You could make calls and send texts from your monthly allowance to any destination in the EU, including 28 countries, without extra charges.
Ernest Doku from Uswitch is a mobiles expert. He said that many mobile users travelling to Europe in 2022 would have to pay roaming fees, as EE and Vodafone reintroduce their charges starting January.
‘If your current customer is EE, Vodafone, or Three, please check your contract for any additional charges. You should not be concerned if you have signed up before certain dates.
The best advice for travellers is to not leave too late to confirm the charges of roaming. When on vacation, make sure to use Wi-Fi in cafes and hotels.
Travelers who travel further than Europe may find themselves paying high prices.
Prices vary widely from country-to-country, however some countries such as the UAE or Morocco have been known for their high prices.
Vodafone and EE both have reintroduced roaming fees for European customers.
Avoid roaming fees
With the assistance of Uswitch and This is Money, Money has created tips to help you avoid paying high roaming fees.
1. Get free Wi-Fi wherever you are able Many restaurants and hotels now provide free wireless internet.
However, it is worth noting that many only provide the service for a short time and then charges will apply.
2. You should check to see if there is a roaming option on your network. You can pay an additional fee to get an add on that provides you with data, SMS and minutes abroad.
These add-ons are only available to those who pay. You won’t have to pay any additional charges.
3. Do not opt out of the usage caps on your network’s networks: After years of bill shocks, most UK networks enforce an automatic cap on data usage worldwide which typically comes in at between £40 and £49.
4. Buy a SIM local to your area To keep the cost of calls and texts messages down, it’s a good idea to buy a local SIM card and top up with pay-as-you-go credit.
You will need an unlocked phone to use the local SIM.
5. Verify that your destination conforms to EU regulations Surprised to discover which countries aren’t subject to EU usage caps? Turkey, Northern Cyprus, Egypt and other popular destinations are not within the EU.
Also, charges in Switzerland vary from network to network.