When Brexit officially went into effect in early 2020, the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) broke away from the European Union. This means that there is roaming in the UK, so if you use your phone here the way you would in your home country, even if you’re from another country in Europe, you could end up spending lots of money.
How to avoid roaming charges in the UK after Brexit
If you want to avoid roaming charges post-Brexit, you have a few options. First, you can get an eSIM from Holafly, which has unlimited data and a range of plan durations. In addition to the Holafly eSIM for the UK, there is the European eSIM from Holafly, which includes over 30 destinations in Europe, including the United Kingdom. We always use this company when we travel, so if you decide to go with them, use our Holafly discount code to save on your purchase.
If your phone isn’t compatible with eSIM cards, don’t worry. There are other ways to avoid surprise charges on your phone bill, such as getting a physical SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi for the UK. You can also check with your mobile provider to see if they include the United Kingdom in their data rate. For example, Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, and Proximus offer free roaming in the UK.
Since the issue of getting Internet in the UK can be confusing, I’ll walk you through all the available options so you can find the best fit for your needs.
Roaming in the UK – Getting Internet in the United Kingdom post-Brexit
This guide will cover everything you need to know about roaming charges post-Brexit and whether they apply to you. I’ll also share some alternative ways to get Internet in the UK so you can stay connected throughout your trip.
- Are there UK roaming charges after Brexit?
- European phone companies that offer free roaming in the UK
- How to get Internet in the UK without roaming
- How much does it cost to have Internet in the United Kingdom?
- How to use the Internet in the UK to make calls
- What is the best way to get Internet in the United Kingdom?
Are there UK roaming charges after Brexit?
The United Kingdom shook things up when it officially broke away from the European Union in 2020. One of the things “Brexit” affected was international roaming fees. The countries in the European Union have a no-roaming agreement, but where does that leave the UK?
Well, since the UK is no longer part of the European Union, international roaming charges apply for tourists, even those traveling from the EU. So, if you use your phone as you normally would in your home country, you’ll end up paying for international roaming in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Are there UK roaming charges after Brexit?
However, some telecommunications companies still classify the United Kingdom as part of the European Union, where roaming rates don’t apply. Depending on your provider, you may not have to pay for roaming in the United Kingdom. Confusing, I know!
At the end of the day, you must check with your mobile provider to see if they charge for roaming in the UK and, if so, how much. Different companies have different rates, and some only offer free roaming if you have a specific plan with them.
How to avoid roaming in the UK
I highly recommend checking with your phone company before you use data roaming in the UK. See if your provider includes the United Kingdom in “Zone 1” or “Zone A” or explicitly states that they include the UK in the EU free-roaming agreement. If they do, you can enjoy free roaming in the UK.
Otherwise, you should deactivate roaming on your device before you go to the United Kingdom. On Android, go to Settings > Network > Internet options, and turn off roaming. On iOS, go to Settings > Mobile data > Mobile data options, and disable data roaming.
How to avoid roaming in the UK
If you still have questions or doubts, I suggest calling your mobile provider. You can also ask them to deactivate data roaming on your device. This way, your phone won’t automatically connect to the Internet in the United Kingdom and rack up roaming charges.
Getting an international SIM card is another way to avoid Brexit roaming charges, all while still being able to access the UK Internet. The best options are the Holafly eSIM for the United Kingdom and the Holafly eSIM for Europe. If your device isn’t compatible with eSIM technology, I recommend a physical SIM card from SimOptions.
European phone companies that offer free roaming in the UK
Some European phone companies don’t charge for data roaming in the UK. If you have a contract with one of these providers, you can use your phone in the United Kingdom the same way you’d use it in your home country, without extra costs. Of course, I recommend double-checking the conditions of your contract before using your phone abroad.
If you use Vodafone, you have free roaming in the United Kingdom with the company’s “Roam Like at Home” feature. You should check your plan’s conditions to see your data limits. For example, the pay-as-you-go plan includes 30GB of roaming data.
Likewise, Deutsche Telekom includes the UK in its free-roaming agreement, so you won’t have to pay for roaming as long as you have a 5G rate plan and a phone that’s compatible with the UK’s network frequency.
European phone companies that offer free roaming in the UK
Proximus is another phone company that doesn’t charge for roaming post-Brexit. If you use this provider, you can use domestic data, minutes, and text allowances when traveling in the UK without accruing extra charges until 2032.
If you have T-Mobile, you may be able to get free Internet in the United Kingdom, depending on your plan. The Go5G Next, Go5G Plus, Magenta MAX, and Plus plans include up to 5GB of high-speed data for free. However, other plans charge $15 per MB of roaming data.
As you can see, determining whether or not you have to pay for roaming in the UK is a bit tricky. Generally speaking, most European telephone companies don’t include the UK in their free-roaming area. I always recommend double-checking with your provider.
How to get Internet in the UK without roaming
If your phone company doesn’t offer free roaming in the UK after Brexit, don’t worry. There are other ways to get travel Internet, such as buying an international SIM card. I’ll share all the best alternatives below.
1. Holafly eSIM, the best way to get Internet in the United Kingdom
The Holafly eSIM is the best way to get mobile data in the UK as a tourist. As one of the best international eSIMs on the market, these cards offer unlimited data and a range of trip durations.
Be aware that Holafly cards are data-only, so you won’t be able to make or receive calls from the UK. However, since you’ll have unlimited data, you can freely use apps like Skype and WhatsApp to keep in touch with friends and family. Just keep in mind that you can’t share data, so you and your travel companions must each purchase a card.
Another important thing to consider is that Holafly only offers eSIM cards, so you should make sure your device is compatible with digital SIM cards before making a purchase. Once you buy the eSIM, you’ll receive a QR code in your email, which you must scan to download the configuration. I recommend printing out the QR code or sending it to another device with a screen so you can scan it on your phone. From there, it takes just a few seconds to install and activate the eSIM.
Another thing I like about this company is that it has the Holafly eSIM for the UK and the Holafly eSIM for Europe, which includes over 30 European countries and the United Kingdom. Both cards offer unlimited data, and you can see the prices and durations below:
DAYS/GB/PRICE |
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|---|---|
Holafly eSIM for the UK | 5 days/Unlimited/€19 |
Holafly eSIM for Europe | 5 days/Unlimited/€19 |
Using the Holafly cards is my favorite way to get the Internet in the UK and anywhere else I travel. You can read my complete Holafly review for more information, and if you decide to buy one of these cards, use our Holafly discount code to save money.
2. SimOptions SIM card, an easy way to get Internet in the UK
SimOptions is my second favorite option for avoiding roaming charges in the UK. If your phone isn’t compatible with eSIM technology, I highly recommend getting one of the physical cards from SimOptions.
All of these cards come with limited data, and some allow you to make and receive calls. SimOptions also allows data sharing, although you should keep in mind that your data will run out faster if you share it with other devices.
You can install this UK roaming SIM the same way you would your regular SIM card: insert it into the slot on your device and follow the on-screen instructions. If your phone has a dual slot, you don’t even have to remove your regular SIM, so there’s no risk of losing it while traveling.
SimOptions also offers eSIMs, although I prefer the eSIMs from Holafly, which include unlimited data.
DAYS/GB/PRICE |
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|---|---|
SimOptions SIM Card |
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As I mentioned in our SimOptions review, this company is a good alternative if you can’t use an eSIM or prefer a physical card. It offers a good variety of plan durations and competitive rates, so you can avoid paying high roaming charges in the UK.
3. English SIM card, another way to avoid roaming in the UK
You can also use an English SIM card to get Internet in the United Kingdom without roaming fees. There are several options available, such as Giffgaff and Three UK, which you can find in supermarkets, convenience stores, and authorized retailers.
3. English SIM card, another way to avoid roaming in the UK
Although these types of UK roaming SIMs are useful, they have some drawbacks. For example, you’ll have to spend part of your vacation time hunting down a store and finding the right SIM card for your device. Also, if you run out of data, you’ll have to top-up the card.
I prefer sorting out my Internet connection and phone card before my trip, which is why I love using the Holafly eSIM.
4. Portable Wi-Fi, a convenient way to get UK Internet
If you want to have Internet in the UK on several devices at the same time while having a fast and stable connection, I recommend getting a portable Wi-Fi router.
4. Portable Wi-Fi, a convenient way to get UK Internet
We’ve been using the Solis router from Skyroam for some time now, and we’re very happy with it. This portable device uses an eSIM that provides 4G LTE speed and coverage in over 130 countries. While you don’t need to buy a SIM card for it, you do have to sign up for a subscription plan through its official website.
The Solis router lets us have portable Wi-Fi in the UK and just about anywhere else we travel, and it’s perfect for whenever we need to work remotely. Plus, we can connect our phones and laptops to it simultaneously. You can learn more about this router and other pocket Wi-Fi devices in our specific guide.
5. Public Wi-Fi, a way to get free Internet in the United Kingdom
Finally, you can always use public Wi-Fi networks to get free Internet in the United Kingdom. These days, almost every hotel, restaurant, and shopping center has free Wi-Fi, so it’s easy to stay connected while you’re out and about.
The downside is that these public networks tend to be quite unstable and have a slow connection since many people are connected at once. There are also security and privacy concerns when using a public Wi-Fi network, so I would only use them for basic things like checking email or making video calls.
5. Public Wi-Fi, a way to get free Internet in the United Kingdom
While using public Wi-Fi can be useful in a pinch, you’ll disconnect from the network as soon as you leave the hotel, shop, or restaurant. If you’re going to more remote places, you’ll have a harder time finding a network to connect to. Personally, I find it more practical to use Holafly to have mobile data in the UK. It’s especially useful for moments when you get lost and need Google Maps.
Now, if you’re thinking of using public Wi-Fi so you can save money during your trip, I recommend reading our guide on how to travel cheaply and using our travel discounts to cut costs.
How much does it cost to have Internet in the United Kingdom?
If you have a permanent contract with a phone company that still includes the United Kingdom in Zone 1 after Brexit, you don’t have to pay for roaming in the UK. For example, Deutsche Telekom, Proximus, Telenor, and Vodafone still include the UK in the free-roaming zone.
How much does it cost to have Internet in the United Kingdom?
However, most companies charge for roaming in England and the rest of the United Kingdom. The price of roaming depends on your provider, but to give you an idea, Orange charges €2/day for calls and 2 GB of data. T-Mobile charges $3 per MB for roaming data, but you can buy the International Day Pass for $5 (unlimited calls and 512MB of data) or the 10-day pass for $35 (unlimited calls and 5GB). They also have a 30-day pass for $50 (unlimited calls and 15GB of data).
On the other hand, you could use a SIM card to access the Internet in the UK. The Holafly eSIM comes with unlimited data and starts at €19 for a 5-day trip. Hands down, it’s the most practical and economical option. If you decide to buy this eSIM, use our Holafly discount code to save on your purchase.
How to use the Internet in the UK to make calls
If your phone company is one of the providers that doesn’t charge for roaming in the United Kingdom, you can make and receive calls as if you were in your home country.
How to use the Internet in the UK to make calls
Otherwise, calls can cost anywhere from a few cents to a few dollars per minute from Europe. For example, Telekom charges €0.79 per minute, while Verizon charges $3.50/minute. Some providers offer international plans or passes to have data in the UK and a limited number of minutes for calls.
Another option is to buy a UK SIM card that includes calls, like the SimOptions card. Or, you can get the Holafly eSIM, which has unlimited data that you can use to make calls and video calls through apps like WhatsApp.
What is the best way to get Internet in the United Kingdom?
If your phone company charges for roaming in the UK and you want to avoid these high fees, I recommend getting an Holafly eSIM or a physical SIM card from SimOptions.
I like Holafly, in particular because it offers unlimited data starting at €19 for 5 days. In addition to the Holafly eSIM for the UK, there is an Holafly eSIM for Europe, which is useful if you’re traveling to multiple European destinations (it includes over 30 countries, including the UK).
What is the best way to get Internet in the United Kingdom?
If your device isn’t compatible with eSIM cards, I suggest getting one of the physical cards from SimOptions. While they have limited data, most of them include calls.
Whatever you do, I don’t recommend paying for data roaming in the UK. Many companies charge €3 to €14 per MB of data, which you can use up in just a couple of minutes on Google Maps. You must also consider things like social media, browsing the Internet, and using apps like Telegram or WhatsApp. That doesn’t even take into account apps that consume mobile data in the background, even when not in use.
As you can see, the costs can quickly add up, so you’ll end up spending more on roaming in the United Kingdom than you would if you had purchased an international SIM card.
FAQs – Internet in the UK
That’s everything you should know about roaming charges post-Brexit. To wrap up, here are the answers to some common questions about getting Internet in the UK.
Is there free roaming in the UK?
Roaming is free if your mobile provider includes the UK in Zone 1 or otherwise states that it includes free roaming in the UK.
Which roaming zone is the UK in?
Some telecommunications companies include the United Kingdom in Zone 1 (or Zone A), which indicates free roaming. However, other providers include the UK in a different zone, so there may be roaming charges.
Which European phone companies offer free roaming in the UK?
Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, Proximus, and Telenor all offer free roaming in the United Kingdom.
How can I get Internet in the UK?
You can access the UK Internet by using data roaming on your phone, getting an English SIM or eSIM, using a portable Wi-Fi device, or connecting to a public Wi-Fi network.
Where can I find public Wi-Fi in the UK?
Most hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers offer free Wi-Fi in the UK.
Is public Wi-Fi in the UK safe?
Public Wi-Fi networks anywhere tend to be less secure than private networks, so I would only use them for basic tasks like checking email.
What is the best way to get Internet in the UK for work?
I highly recommend getting a portable Wi-Fi device so you can have stable Internet in the UK. These devices let you connect several devices simultaneously, such as phones, tablets, and laptops.
What is the best way to get Internet in the UK for tourism?
If your phone company offers free roaming in the UK, you can use your regular SIM card. Otherwise, I recommend getting an eSIM or SIM card from Holafly or SimOptions.
Does the United Kingdom have good Internet?
There is Internet coverage in 98% of the UK. While download speeds are slower than the U.S. and some other developed countries, you shouldn’t have issues staying connected.
What is the best way to get Internet in the UK without roaming?
To avoid high roaming charges in the UK, I recommend going with Holafly, which offers an eSIM for the United Kingdom or for Europe. SimOptions is another good alternative that offers physical and digital SIM cards with calls. You could also switch to a phone company that includes the UK in its free roaming agreement.
Now that you have all the information you need about getting Internet in the UK, I hope you feel better prepared for your trip. As you can see, there are several great options, so you don’t have to spend tons of money on roaming in the United Kingdom.
Of course, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below with any questions. I’d be happy to help!
Enjoy your trip to the United Kingdom!
