How to save on roaming charges with Vodafone, eSIMania, EE

Rhyl Journal

24-07-2025

When jetting abroad, especially for a relaxing break away, the last thing you want is to return home and be hit by significant charges for phone calls or sending messages to family and friends (as well as browsing the internet).
Data roaming is when you use your data instead of WiFi to access the internet outside the UK, and if your phone connects to a different network, you may incur extra charges.
Although some may already have set roaming charges included in their phone contract, others may not and instead might be looking for ways to save on roaming charges when on holiday.
It's common for the majority of mobile networks to only offer coverage within the UK, which means that when abroad, your phone will switch over to roaming.
So first and foremost, the best advice is to check with your mobile plan and your provider's roaming policy before you travel, MoneySavingExpert explains.
However, if you're looking to avoid any surprise roaming charges when on holiday, we have found some of the best ways to save on unexpected data costs, with tips and tricks from the likes of Vodafone and eSIMania.
For anyone who is a Vodafone customer, there is a range of things you can do before jetting off on a plane, such as:
'Turn off any active roaming bars in your My Vodafone account or app so that you can still use your data and other services while you're away.'
'Choose how much you can spend when using your device. You can even prevent receiving calls and texts, so you don't have any surprise charges.'
'If you're on Pay Monthly, you can set a spend limit for services not included in your monthly allowance, like picture messages or international calls.'
'Keep tabs on your usage or credit. When abroad, it can take up to 72 hours for new charges to appear on your bill.'
You can also use the roaming charge checker on the Vodafone website and take a look at all costs for international calls while roaming.
Another popular way people can save money on data roaming costs is by using an eSIM when on holiday.
International eSIMs can be much cheaper than roaming add-ons from your mobile provider, depending on the kind of usage you are looking for.
eSIMania offers eSIMs for more than 200 countries across the world, such as America, Australia and the Maldives.
Not to mention European countries including France, Germany, Italy and Greece.
To buy an eSim from eSIMania, simply visit the website, choose your destination and package, then wait to receive your QR code.
Have you ever thought about buying an eSIM when travelling? (Image: Getty Images) All that's left to do is activate your new eSIM and make the most of it on your travels.
If you are an EE customer, one way you can save money on data roaming charges abroad is by setting up a Spend Cap.
EE explains: 'A Spend Cap allows you to limit how much you use your phone outside of your Pay Monthly plan.
'You can limit your spending on roaming, picture messages, and international calls. This can help you manage your bill."
It adds: 'If you're nearing the limit set for your Spend Cap, we'll send you a text.'
EE also shares that you can change your Spend Cap at any time. Increases will take effect immediately and decreases will take effect at the start of the next billing month.
To add a Spend Cap to your account, download or open the EE app, or use EE online.
Similar to Vodafone and EE, Three also provides Spend Caps as the provider explains: 'To help manage your roaming costs, you can set up a Spend Cap to limit spending on things not included in your monthly plan.
'You'll need to set this to your preferred limit amount ahead of your travels, so you're able to pay for the daily roaming charges in your destination, and don't have any difficulty roaming.'
You can set this up by logging in to My3 or using the Three app.
Additionally, if you use a lot of data, you could buy a Data Passport, which gives you unlimited data for £5 a day.
Data Passports are available to use in 89 destinations – find out more information on the Three website (linked above).
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You can purchase a Data Passport ahead of your trip via My3 or visit the Three app, click Explore all Add-ons, then Roaming.
Three adds: 'Your Data Passport will automatically activate when you first use some data abroad, and you won't be charged a daily roaming charge for using data while it's active.'
Do you know of any other ways to save on mobile data roaming costs abroad? Share your tips in the comments below.