Hi there, are you travelling abroad? This image contains your essential items for travelling - a passport (2 actually), a pair of sunglasses, a travel adapter plug, and a yellow iphone. They are laid rather pleasingly over the top of an actual map. In the bottom left of the image is the blue Simpatico Logo.

You thought travelling abroad with your phone was straightforward?

Take the quiz…

The short answer to all of these is PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR PHONE PROVIDER BEFORE YOU TRAVEL because it can get complicated.

Question 1: Everything is just the same as the UK if you travel in Europe (with all networks)  Yes/No?

Answer: Well, yes and no. It depends what network you are on, what plan you are on, and which country you are going to!

  • Vodafone – Roaming in the Republic of Ireland and the Isle of Man is included in all UK tariffs. For other European destinations there is a £2 per day charge which allows you to roam in their Europe Zones 1 and 2.
  • O2 – You’re free to call, text and use data in their Europe Zone just like you would in the UK, subject to a roaming limit.
  • EE – Depends what plan you’re on whether you can use your minutes, texts & data allowances in their Europe Zone.
  • Three – You can unlock Go Roam which allows you access your texts, minutes and data in 71 European locations (not including Monaco!)

If you’re in any doubt (or even if you are not!), please double check with your provider before travelling.

Question 2: Is Norway in Europe? Yes/No?

Answer: Yes, Norway is in Northern Europe, however it is not part of the European Union. Fortunately it is included in European Roaming with all networks – except see 1 above where Vodafone includes it with everything…

Question 3: Is the island of Guadeloupe counted as Europe for your phone allowances?  Yes/No?

Answer: Yes, despite Guadeloupe being part of an island group in the southern Caribbean Sea, it is classed as a French Overseas Territory, and therefore part of Europe, and also a member of the European Union. And it is also included in European Roaming with all 4 networks.

Question 4: Monaco is obviously part of Europe, right? Yes/No?

Answer: Yes, Monaco is in Europe, it is located on the Mediterranean Coast, and is surrounded on land by its neighbour, France.  It doesn’t belong to the European Union or the European Economic Area, but it is included in European Roaming for all networks apart from Three, where it is included in their ‘Rest of World’ list.

Question 5: Is unlimited really unlimited, even when you are abroad? Yes/No?

Answer: No. Usually if you have quite a high monthly data allowance in the UK, you’ll most likely have a lower Roaming Limit when abroad.  You will still be able to use data above the capped limit, but will be charged extra – so make sure to check what the limits are with your provider.

Our Top Tip

Write “Check My Mobile Roaming” on your Travel Essentials list 🙂