Play all audios:
MILLIONS OF PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO TRAVEL ABROAD THIS SUMMER - BUT SOME COULD FACE A SHOCK WHEN THEY REALISE HOW MUCH IT WILL COST TO USE THEIR PHONE 14:58, 20 May 2025 The list of mobile
operators that won't charge for data usage while customers are on holiday has been disclosed. Simrat Sharma, a mobiles specialist at Uswitch, mentioned that opting for an eSIM – the
abbreviation for embedded SIM – could be a more cost-effective alternative to international roaming. In spite of assurances given prior to Brexit that roaming charges would not make a
comeback, some UK networks have nonetheless decided to levy significant fees for using a UK mobile phone in other parts of Europe. "eSIMs make it easier to change networks,"
explained Ms Sharma. "So for example, if you're abroad you can quickly connect to the local network to pay local rates - without having to add or swap a physical local SIM card for
your device." She elaborated: "This means travel eSIMs are almost always cheaper than using international roaming, as users are effectively tapping into the same network plans as
locals. "For those who often find themselves changing numbers or jetting off to various destinations, the ability to store all their contacts digitally negates the need to carry around
multiple tiny cards," she added, reports Birmingham Live. Ms Sharma also pointed out: "The software can easily be accessed via your device's app store and uploaded to your
phone in a few quick steps." Article continues below KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS AND TOP STORIES FROM THE NORTH EAST WITH OUR FREE NEWSLETTER Meanwhile, Catherine
Hiley, another expert from Uswitch, warned that roaming charges can accumulate significantly. "Anyone travelling abroad from the UK should be wary of potential shock costs, even if they
think roaming is included in their tariff. There used to be a £45 worldwide data roaming cap, which meant your data usage was automatically capped at this amount to prevent shock bills.
However, this is no longer in UK law," she explained. O2 remains the sole major network provider that hasn't reinstated roaming charges. For those jetting off to destinations
within its "Europe Zone", encompassing over 40 locations, O2 allows you to use calls, texts, and data just as you would on home soil, without any additional fees. There's a
fair usage limit set at 25GB. Fortunately, there are other companies providing complimentary roaming services. These include:. - Asda Mobile. - Tesco Mobile. - BT Mobile. - GiffGaff. - iD
Mobile. - Lebara. - O2. - Smarty. - Talkmobile. Article continues below JOIN OUR BREAKING NEWS AND TOP STORIES WHATSAPP COMMUNITY Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community
for all the latest news direct to your phone. To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press
'join community'. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team. We also treat our community members to special offers,
promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your
screen and choose 'exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice. CLICK HERE TO JOIN