What is Data Roaming?

Data roaming can come with extra charges if you’re not careful, so settle in as we bring you up to speed on exactly what data roaming is, when roaming charges apply, and how to avoid those unexpected costs.

What is data roaming?

Roaming allows you to use your mobile phone to access the internet when you’re abroad. Instead of your home network, your phone connects to a local provider in the place you’re visiting, giving you access to the internet, texts, and calls just like at home.

Say, for example, you’ve got a mobile contract with UW. Our geographical coverage spans 99% of the UK, so when you use your internet allowance outside of the UK, you’ll have to use a data roaming service to access the internet.

But here’s the catch: since you’re using another network’s service, you might end up paying extra for it, which is why understanding data roaming and how it works can save you from an unexpectedly high bill.

What are roaming charges and when do they apply?

These extra costs to access the internet via a local network provider are known as roaming charges. They apply whenever you access mobile data, make calls, or send texts through a foreign network instead of your usual provider.

Roaming charges can vary depending on your mobile plan and the country you’re visiting.

For example, some plans include roaming within certain regions (like the EU), while others might charge you for each bit of data or text and call allowance that you use.

This is why it’s essential to check with your provider to see what’s included and whether extra charges might apply before you switch on data roaming.

Can I use mobile data abroad? 

Yes, you can use your mobile data when travelling abroad, but whether or not it comes with extra charges depends on your mobile plan and the country you're visiting.

Most networks, including UW, offer roaming services that allow you to use your data allowance in other countries. However, not all countries and regions are treated the same, especially after Brexit, which changed how roaming works for UK customers travelling within the EU.

Before Brexit, when the UK was part of the EU, EU mobile providers were not allowed to charge customers for data roaming (subject to a maximum amount specified in the Fair Usage Policy). This meant that UK customers could use their domestic allowance of minutes, calls, and data when travelling within the European Economic Area (EEA) without being charged additional fees.

However, when Britain left the EU, UK mobile providers don’t have to provide inclusive data roaming services in the EEA. Instead, a number of UK providers have started charging customers when they roam in the EEA.

What does this look like in practice?

If you're travelling within the EU, many mobile plans still offer inclusive or low-cost roaming, meaning you can use your data, make calls, and send texts without any extra charges. But if you're heading further afield — say to the US, Australia, or anywhere outside Europe — you might face higher fees for using mobile services.

Before you travel, double-check with your provider about the roaming terms for your destination to avoid any unexpected charges.

Mobile roaming costs around the world

Whether you’re on an Unlimited+ deal or a family SIM deal, our Roam like Home service lets you use your mobile allowance when travelling in Europe without any extra charges.

Here’s a full breakdown of UW mobile roaming on our Unlimited+ plan:

Roaming in the EU

Here at UW, our Roam like Home service lets our Unlimited+ plan customers use their monthly data, minutes, and text allowance at no extra cost in Europe. Our Unlimited+ customers can use up to 14GB of their data a month in line with our Fair Usage Policy.

Roaming outside the EU

Once you venture outside the EU, things can get a bit more expensive. This is partly because the UK government added VAT charges to mobile roaming fees when data, calls, or texts are used outside of the EU. So, while providers may charge a small fee for daily roaming in the EU, the cost tends to increase for countries not in Europe.

Roaming fees will depend on which country you’re planning to visit, as they don’t all have the same roaming rates. Depending on your network provider, instead of a daily roaming add-on fee, you might have to pay extra for every megabyte of data you use and calls and texts on top of your monthly cost.

Roaming in Ireland

Ireland is a bit of a special case. Northern Ireland is part of the UK so customers won’t have to use data roaming services — they can simply use their allowance normally.

However, the Republic of Ireland is slightly different. As it’s so close to the UK, some providers class it as part of their network area, while others may not.

In certain border areas, like the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, or Kent and the Channel Islands, there’s also the risk of inadvertent roaming, where your device connects to a network from a nearby country. This can lead to unexpected charges if your provider doesn’t include Ireland in your roaming plan. To combat this, Ofcom has enforced a rule that providers must give customers clear and up-to-date information about how to avoid inadvertent roaming in and outside of the UK.

At UW, Ireland is one of the countries included in our Roam like Home list, and our Unlimited+ customers can use their monthly allowance at no extra cost, subject to the Fair Usage Cap of 14GB.

Wherever you’re heading, it’s always a good idea to check what roaming charges you may incur before jetting off on your travels.

How to switch on data roaming 

If you’re planning to browse the web and send texts using your mobile allowance while you’re away, you’ll need to enable data roaming on your mobile phone.

Thankfully, it’s a simple process – just remember that as soon as you turn it on, your phone will start using data from local networks, so make sure you’re aware of any potential charges before you do.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for both iPhone and Android users:

For iPhone users:

1. Start by opening the “Settings” app on your iPhone.

2. Scroll down and tap “Mobile Data,” or it might appear as “Cellular”, depending on your version of iOS.

3. Once you’re in the Mobile Data settings, tap on “Mobile Data Options.”

4. Here, you’ll see a toggle for “Data Roaming.” Switch it to the “On” position. You’re now ready to use data abroad.

For Android users:

1. Start by opening the “Settings” app on your Android device.

2. Scroll through your settings and tap on “Network & Internet” or “Connections,” depending on your device.

3. Within the Network & Internet menu, look for “Mobile Network” or a similar option.

4. Once in the Mobile Network settings, you should see an option for “Roaming” or “Data Roaming.” Turn this on, and you’re good to go.

If you're unsure whether roaming is active, your phone will typically show a different network name at the top of the screen when connected to a foreign network.

How do you activate roaming on your mobile plan?

Some providers, like UW, will automatically activate roaming when you enter another country, and you will receive a welcome text when you arrive outlining your mobile roaming fees and any roaming add-on bundles that are available to you. To view UW’s roaming rates, click here.

However, with some providers, you may need to activate it on your mobile plan before you travel.

For UW mobile customers, just follow these simple steps:

1. Sign into your account online or via the UW app.

2. Click ‘Services’ and then ‘Mobile’.

3. Choose the mobile number you want to change and click 'Manage this SIM.'

4. Scroll down to the ‘Roaming and international’ option.

5. Select the pencil icon in the top right-hand corner to change the setting and turn roaming on or off.

Should I keep data roaming on or off on my phone?

Knowing when to keep data roaming on or off can save you from unexpected costs, especially if you don’t need to use your mobile allowance services all the time. Here’s a general overview of when it’s a good idea to keep your data roaming on and off:

When to keep it off:
It’s probably best to turn off data roaming if you’re in a country with high roaming fees or if your plan doesn’t include inclusive roaming in that region. If your roaming is off, you won’t be at risk of your phone connecting to local networks and incurring charges for background data usage. 

You’ll still be able to use Wi-Fi for internet access though, which is a much cheaper alternative for getting online.

When to keep it on:
If your mobile plan includes free roaming as part of your contract, leaving data roaming on is a convenient option for accessing maps, emails, and general internet browsing without worrying about extra charges. It means you can use your mobile data as normal, but it’s important to keep in mind how much data you’re using if there’s a fair usage limit in place.

When you’re at home in the UK, you can leave your data roaming switched on, which will allow your device to access 4G and 5G. You’ll only automatically connect to your network provider unless you manually choose another one, so you shouldn’t be charged any more than your usual monthly rate.

How to avoid roaming charges

Roaming charges can add up quickly if you’re not keeping an eye on your usage, but there are ways to reduce or even avoid them entirely.

• £54 roaming cap. 

Mobile providers have to provide a £54 roaming cap to customers, wherever they are roaming. If you haven’t opted out of the cap, you will get notifications about your usage and the provider will stop you from using roaming once you have reached the cap (which can be lifted at your request). 

• Use Wi-Fi

One of the easiest ways to avoid roaming charges is to connect to Wi-Fi networks wherever possible. Most hotels, cafes, and public spaces offer free Wi-Fi, which means you can browse the internet, check emails, or make calls without eating into your mobile data. However, it’s recommended to connect to a secure public Wi-Fi network where possible to reduce the chances of security threats.

If you’re connecting to a public Wi-Fi network, avoid accessing any sensitive information like online banking, stick to sites with SSL certificates, and always sign out of any websites or services you’ve logged into afterwards.

• Disable data roaming when not needed

If you don’t need constant internet access, turn off data roaming in your phone’s settings to prevent apps from running in the background and using data. You can manually switch it back on when you need it.

• Download content before you travel

Planning ahead can save you from costly roaming fees, as you can download maps, music, podcasts, or any other content you might need before you leave. This means you’ll be using your regular monthly allowance instead of using data when you’re abroad.  

• Set up Budget Control

UW's Budget Control is a handy way to prevent extra charges outside of your monthly allowance, like incurring unexpected roaming fees while you’re abroad. 

Our free service lets you set a monthly top-up balance to cap extra charges outside your regular allowance. Whether you want to limit your spending entirely or give yourself a little wiggle room for occasional extras, Budget Control puts you in charge.

You can also set up an International Call cap to make sure you spend inside your allowances when making international calls.

Learn more about setting up Budget Control here.

• Use a local SIM or eSIM

If you’re staying in one country for a long time, buying a local SIM card or eSIM can be a great way to avoid roaming charges. Local SIMs often offer much cheaper rates for data, calls, and texts compared to international roaming, making it an affordable option for travellers. You’ll have to swap out your UK SIM for a local one, so bear in mind that you’ll have a different mobile number when using it. 

Also, don’t forget to check that your phone is unlocked before you go so it can accept other SIM cards.