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We rank the UK mobile providers that include roaming in the European Union to find the best fair usage policies and overall value. Last updated: 5th September 2024.
✔ Keep using your phone in the EUCompare SIM only plans
From some mobile providers’ marketing, you’d be forgiven for thinking that most networks have got rid of EU roaming from their plans. But it’s actually not the case.
You still get inclusive EU roaming on the vast majority of mobile networks in the UK. But some come with more limits and restrictions than others, which we cover in this guide.
Weirdly, it’s some of the main networks that style themselves as premium that don’t let you use your phone in Europe at no extra cost. While cheaper “no frills” providers still include it.
On this page, we’ve ranked what we see as the best overall EU roaming packages on SIM only (and phone contracts). We’re looking for generous fair usage policies and reasonable prices.
Useful link: Compare SIM only deals with EU roaming
Though plenty of mobile providers still include EU roaming, they almost all place a limit on how much data you can use while you’re away. If you know you’re a heavy data user, some will be more suitable than others:
Lebara stand out as a mobile network with cheap deals, where you can use up to 30GB data in the EU at no extra cost. Your plan’s minutes and texts also work there too. See Lebara’s roaming page here.
We also rate iD Mobile for having a massive 30GB fair usage on roaming in Europe, coupled with low cost SIM only deals and phone contracts in the first place (full details on iD’s roaming here).
O2 are our best-rated main mobile network for EU roaming (see their roaming hub for full info). Every plan lets you use a sizeable 25GB data at no extra cost. O2’s plans cost more overall than the networks above though.
You’ve also got Co-Op Mobile on EE, who actually let you use your entire data allowance and unlimited minutes and texts in the EU (see their roaming section here). Co-Op’s plans are more expensive than average.
We should also mention Tesco Mobile, because technically they have no fair usage policy in the EU too. However, every year, they say they are only keeping EU roaming until next year, so it's hard to commit to them.
Useful link: Compare all EU roaming SIM plans
Unless you know you are heavy data user, the options above might be more generous than you actually need. There are plenty of options with mid-range EU roaming limits that will get you a cheaper basic plan cost:
SMARTY on Three are a very good option. You can use up to 12GB of your data while roaming in the EU. Although, remember to switch on roaming with them first using their instructions here.
We’re big fans of 1pMobile (on EE). Coverage, data speeds and WiFi calling are basically identical to being on EE but you’ll also be able to up to 14GB of your plan’s data in the EU at no extra cost (see their Roam Like Home section here).
Another very well priced option is spusu (on EE too). You can use up to 10GB of your regular data in the EU, without paying extra. They also include calls to the EU from the UK, which could be handy for many.
Useful link: Compare all SIM plans with EU roaming
We now move into the mobile providers that have kept EU roaming in place but have imposed some quite tight limits on usage. Some might find these restrictive. Others would never use that much anyway.
Of these, Talkmobile are definitely worth a look. They use Vodafone and let you use your minutes, texts and up to 5GB a month in the EU. Their plans are very good value (especially the hidden deals they send us).
giffgaff are also a popular network on O2, with a 5GB limit on EU roaming. While ASDA Mobile provide another option on Vodafone, also with a 5GB limit on usage in the EU.
The carbon-negative network Honest Mobile (on Three) have been a bit tricky for our liking. You can use up to 20GB data but only over a 5 day period. Any longer and you’ll start paying at the rates listed here.
Useful link: Find a SIM only plan with EU roaming
Lastly, you’ve got networks that either include EU roaming only on more-premium plans. Or ones that don’t even offer that and make you buy roaming passes or pay as you go.
Three’s regular SIM only plans include no EU roaming (you have to pay these daily fees to roam). But you can buy a more-premium plan which includes roaming passes and some other added perks.
On Vodafone, it’s a similar story. You’ll need to join on one of their Xtra benefit plans in order to get EU roaming included. Regular plans don’t include it and you’ll have to buy daily or weekly roaming passes.
EE do the same thing. You’ll have to buy passes or take premium plan and choose EU roaming as one of your benefits. On VOXI and Sky, there are no plans with inclusive roaming (you’ll pay a daily fee).
Useful link: Get a SIM that does have EU roaming
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