A few roam truths
New deal on calls in the EU
Most people have been there. You have a blissful, sun-filled holiday only to come back to reality with a bump… and a monster mobile phone bill.
But from tomorrow those days should be over as you will be able to use your phone anywhere in Europe for the same price as at home – including any data costs.
But that does not mean you can entirely relax, because phone networks still have the potential to cash in on Brits abroad trying to share pictures and stories with people back home.
And anything from a drive to Gibraltar to a tour of the Vatican could see you landed with a big bill. Plus, you could be in even more trouble if you find yourself relying on your phone more than normal for directions.
These are the key questions you need to ask… Q
Is it free to use my phone abroad? A
No. But charging people more to use their phones in the EU has been banned. So you can expect to be charged the same as you would be for the same calls, data and texts as you would in the UK. Q Where’s covered? A European Union countries, as well as the European Economic Area countries of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Q
Are there any exceptions I need to be aware of ? A
Yes. Monaco, the Vatican City, Gibraltar and Switzerland, for example, aren’t in the EU, despite being surrounded by EU countries.
The Channel Islands and Isle of Man are also not automatically covered. Turkey is another popular destination not part of the EU.
Many networks include these in their “Europe zones”. You might get free roaming there, but it is best to check before you go. Q Is anywhere else covered? A This depends on your network. Some Three deals will let you roam with no extra charges in places like Singapore, Sri Lanka and the US.
Vodafone lets you roam free in Turkey and Bosnia, while EE Max customers can use phones in Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand for no extra cost.
The best advice is to check with your network before travelling to see if the location is included. Q
Can I call my friends in Europe free now? A
No. The regulation says you can use your phone “as if it was at home” while in other EU countries. That means calling a different country is an international call. Q
Can I call local numbers free while on holiday? A
Again, no. If you need to call the hotel, book a restaurant or call a tour guide, that will be treated as an international call – even though you’re in the same country as them at the time. Q
Can you call your friends or family while you’re on holiday together? A
Yes – as long as you both have British mobile phones, calls and messages between you while on holiday in Europe are treated the same way they would be if you were still in the UK.
Q
Is there a cheaper way to call abroad? A
Most UK providers offer add-ons or sweeteners that make it much cheaper to use your phone overseas. You generally get a text as your phone connects to a local network explaining options.
Ernst Doku, telecoms expert at uSwitch.com, says: “Mobile users should always check their network’s roaming charges for their destination before they travel, and see if there’s a bundle or add-on that could limit the cost.” Q
What if your data or minutes run out? A
People use their phones differently on holiday, often sharing more, taking more pictures, using maps, calling to check on each other, or ringing family and friends at home. This means a higher risk of going over your allowance.
Alex Neill – from consumer group Which? – says: “Many will reap the benefits of these changes and will no longer be put off from making calls abroad.
“However, it is important you take a close look at your current mobile deal. Not knowing what’s included could lead to some surprising charges.” Q
Are there any tricks to get round extra charges? A
Facebook, WhatsApp and Skype all let you make voice calls over the internet – that could be using 3G or free wi-fi at your hotel or even in a cafe.
If you get the chance you can download maps and music, and upload pictures and videos, while connected to wi-fi, and then switch off mobile data.
You can also consider buying a local SIM card to put in your phone, or an old handset, to call locally while overseas. Q
Is it cheaper to use a landline to call overseas? A
Providers are free to charge what they like to call abroad from the UK – be it from a mobile or a landline.
That means there’s no set rule about which is cheaper, and you need to check with your landline and mobile providers to find out.
If you’re making regular calls abroad, a package or add-on with your network could save money. Q
Is there any difference with pay-as-you-go deals? A
No. It’s a legal ruling that applies everywhere in the EU and regardless of what sort of mobile deal you have. Once outside the EU, you have to check your individual contract to see what applies. Q What happens after Brexit? A We don’t know yet. That will be one of the many things the Government will have to discuss as part of the Article 50 negotiations when they get under way.
Although expect this to be a long way down the list…