How to roam freely
in the EU

Make your European getaway even better this autumn – roam on in the EU at no extra cost, up to 25GB

2024 was classic British summertime. In the sense that summer-the-time it didn’t rain. Classic. Although… it did rain a lot. So, as the leaves start to fall from the trees, we’re beginning to wonder: did that lack of persistent UK sunshine mean – more than ever – we need an autumn break to top up our vitamin D levels? 

If the answer to that is “yes” or “emphatically yes”, then you don’t want your autumn getaway to finish with an unexpected 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 on your autumn holiday. Roam on. 

Three friends jogging

Find your tribe with meet-up apps

Autumn holidays are a bit different from the summer ones. As family holidays turn into couples or solo trips, you might find yourself looking to do something other than the usual tourist trail. Why not try a meet-up app? They’re like dating apps, but rather than finding a holiday romance, you can find like-minded travellers or experiences. 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 looking to do the same. Although, obviously you can use your roaming for dating apps as well… 

Two friends taking a picture

Get to grips with directions

Some people are the human equivalent of homing pigeons: they walk from the villa to the local supermarket once, and they know exactly how to retrace their steps. But most of us need a bit of help with directions, especially in unfamiliar locations. This is where roaming data can be invaluable. Whether you’re in a rural destination or a vibrant city, use your data to check your route on your smartphone’s map. You’ll be striding around town 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). 

Four friends on holiday laughing

Keep on top of the scores

Domestic sport is back, and thanks to us, being on holiday doesn’t mean missing out on the action. 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 your 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 selections, though.

Girl at airport using phone

Beat the boredom and blues

We wouldn’t wish it on anyone: cancelled or delayed flights. 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!

Published: 9 September 2024

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.