Huge change in roaming tariff rules for holidaymakers: will you save money?

MILLIONS of holidaymakers could save some money as new rules on roaming charges have been announced.

Ofcom has confirmed that from October 1, 2024, network operators must provide clear information to users abroad, including roaming charges and spending limits.

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They will have to tell users when they start roaming, including any ‘fair use’ or time restrictions that may apply.

‘Fair use’ determines how much of your UK data allowance you can use while roaming in Europe.

The watchdog said users should be informed how to set a spending limit and where to get help if they are unsure about roaming charges.

Before Brexit, you could use your existing calling, data and texting rates for free in Europe.

But Ofcom found that one in five (19%) holidaymakers are still unaware that they could face extra charges if they use their phone abroad.

A similar percentage (18%) say they do not research roaming costs before traveling.

Sue Davies, head of consumer protection policy at Which?, says these changes could help prevent people from being hit with high mobile bills they didn’t expect.

She said: “The new rules fall short because they do not suggest that providers should provide compensation to UK residents who accidentally fall foul of roaming charges, and they do not outline what this would look like.

“When Britain negotiates future trade deals, it must seize the opportunity to reduce the cost of roaming for consumers traveling around the world.

“The UK and EU must also reach an agreement on roaming charges so that people do not have to deal with excessive bills from providers.”

Cristina Luna-Esteban, Ofcom’s director of telecoms consumer policy, said: “The last thing holidaymakers want when returning from a trip abroad is an unexpected mobile phone bill.

“Currently, some customers are not receiving clear information from their carrier to help them manage their mobile usage and plan their spending.

“Our new protections ensure that you are told what it will cost when you start roaming, so you can be confident that you will not be faced with any surprises when it comes to your mobile bill while on holiday.”

ROAMING IN EUROPE

Those traveling with EE, Three, Vodafone, Sky and Voxi face varying charges.

This is what you have to pay when you roam abroad:

• EE: £2.29 per day for contract customers, or if you have an Inclusive Extras plan you can buy a Roam Abroad Pass for £25 per month. £2.50 per day, or £10 for seven days, if you pay as you go. 50 GB “fair use” limit.

• Three: £2 per day for contract customers, no charge for pay-as-you-go. You can buy a Data Passport for £5 for unlimited data in 89 countries. 12 GB “fair use” limit.

• Vodafone: £2.25 per day, or buy a European roaming pass for £10 for 8 days or £15 for 15 days, if you are a contract customer. From £7 for eight days if you pay as you go. 25 GB “fair use” limit.

• Sky: £2 per day. No ‘fair use’ limit.

• Voxi: £2.25 per day for one day, £4 for two days, £10 for eight days or £15 for 15 days. 20 GB “fair use” limit.

O2 customers don’t have to worry about this as the company prides itself on being the only major mobile operator not to reintroduce roaming charges in Europe.

An O2 spokesperson said: “[We are] We save our customers money and offer them incredible value when they travel to the most popular vacation destinations.

“Our customers benefit from using their calls, texts and data as they would at home when they are in Europe, up to 25 GB, and wherever our customers go, we send them a text message when they arrive at their destination , where we explain any data limits and charges that may apply.”

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