“Away in a manger, no crib for a bed...” Both a popular Christmas carol and arguably the first viral hotel review in recorded history – and it’s not exactly a glowingly positive one (“asleep on the hay” and no mention of a breakfast buffet also suggests that place was getting one star, at best).
So, in this busy period, remember that it’s essential to book ahead and read the reviews carefully to avoid any nasty surprises before you lock down that much-needed winter trip. To ensure your trip doesn’t incur any further hiccups, we’ve made one previous holiday surprise a thing of the past – namely an unexpectedly high phone bill.
Unlike the other major networks, we don’t charge anyone extra for EU roaming up to 25GB. So when you’re travelling in our Europe Zone, your data, minutes and text allowances will work just like they do at home, all year round.
You won’t need a new SIM for EU and UK roaming – all you need to know is that your data is subject to a Roaming Limit in Europe. Is your UK monthly data allowance over 25GB? Then your Roaming Limit will be 25GB, meaning you can use up to 25GB of data at no extra cost. If your allowance is under 25GB, you can use data abroad in the EU without charge until you reach the end of your normal allowance.
Sound good? Here’s why having access to data at no extra charge can be so helpful during your next winter holiday. Roam on.
Find your tribe with meet-up apps
With so many of us travelling to see family over the winter period – and all the tension that gifts us – it means the need for an alternative trip is even more vital. Rediscover your mind’s “happy place” on your next winter break by finding like-minded travellers or experiences through a meet-up app. Like dating apps, most meet-up apps are based on your phone’s location. Whether it’s a running club, a movie night or yoga on the beach, it’s a great way to do something out of the ordinary with people nearby looking to do the same. Alternatively: it’s the holidays, so you could also use your roaming for dating apps as well...
Get to grips with directions
Some people are the human equivalent of homing pigeons: they walk from the hotel to the local supermarket once, and they can easily retrace their steps. But most of us need some help with directions, especially in unfamiliar locations – or if you’re lucky enough to see some snow change the landscape this season. This is where roaming data can be invaluable, so use your data to check your route on your smartphone’s map. You’ll be striding towards the nearest cosy pub with a roaring fire like a local before you know it. (Speaking of maps, you can check whether your holiday destination is in our Europe Zone using our interactive roaming charges map.)
Keep on top of the scores
Winter means the sporting calendar is even busier than a Christmas market. Thanks to us, you can keep up with the scores, the debate and the discussion in whatever sport you follow with EU roaming. Plus, if you manage a fantasy football team, then a last-minute injury to the key striker you’ve triple-captained won’t ruin your season (or cost you the Earth to swap out). Just use your data like normal. But make sure you have some data to spare in case of emergencies. We’ll send you a text when you’ve almost reached your Roaming Limit, and again when you’ve reached your Roaming Limit. We can't help with team selection, though.
Beat the boredom and blues
While a certain Christmas movie waxes lyrical about airports being places of love, we wouldn’t wish cancelled or delayed flights on anyone. There are only so many times you can stomp around duty-free spraying scents before you get asked to leave (it’s six times – we’ve checked). Reaching for your phone to pass the time – checking socials, listening to a podcast, watching an episode of something – is what we do in regular life when we’re bored. So why not in a departures lounge? In the past, it would have been a costly way to pass the time. But if you’re with us, we don’t charge anyone extra for EU roaming up to 25GB.
Using your phone as a phone
We don’t say it enough, but a good use for a phone is using it… as a phone. So, while there are many clever ways to use your data abroad, staying connected to your loved ones trumps them all. You just have to be in our Europe Zone outside the UK and contacting another Europe Zone country (including the UK). If calls or texts don’t cut it, you can also use services like WhatsApp, FaceTime or Google Meet for video calls and you won’t be charged, so long as you’re within your Roaming Limit.
How to check how much data you’re using
Want more information about O2 roaming allowances and roaming in Europe? If you haven’t already downloaded the My O2 app, you can use it to check how much of your monthly data you’ve used while you’re abroad. And if your allowance is less than 25GB and you need more data while you’re away, simply buy a one-off Bolt On through My O2. If you don’t get through all the data on your trip, you can still use it when you get back to the UK. Happy holidays!
Travel with a tablet
Find out everything you need to know about travelling with a tablet
Terms and conditions: Your UK data allowance applies in our Europe Zone, subject to 25GB limit if your UK data allowance is over 25GB. Roaming is chargeable at £3.50 per GB afterwards. If you use all of your UK data allowance when roaming outside the UK, you need to purchase a data Bolt On.
Roaming terms and conditions.
Published: 9 December 2024