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EU mobile roaming charges end on Friday – Brits could STILL be hit with unexpected charges

Exceeding agreed minutes, texts and data will still be charged in the EU as it would in the UK

BRITS travelling abroad will soon be able to use their phones without racking up huge bills – but experts are already warning that differences between what mobile providers charge could result in unexpected fees.

All mobile operators in the UK will not be allowed to charge for international data roaming in Europe from Thursday June 15.

 New EU rules mean mobile firms are banned from charging customer more for calls, texts and data while on holiday in the EU
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New EU rules mean mobile firms are banned from charging customer more for calls, texts and data while on holiday in the EUCredit: Alamy

This means that UK mobile phone users can use their regular allowance of calls, texts and data at no extra cost from anywhere in the EU.

The so-called “Roam Like Home” legislation aims to put an end to the “bill shock” which is experienced by more than nine million mobile phone users when holidaying abroad each year, according to research by comparison website uSwitch.

But consumer watchdog Which? warned that despite the new legislation, travellers could still be hit with unexpected costs.

That's because these regulations only apply to roaming - and not to calling EU countries from the UK, and prices for this vary significantly.

The consumer group found calling Spain from the UK can cost between 9p with provider Giffgaff to £1.50 per minute on O2.

Exceeding agreed minutes, texts and data will still be charged in the EU as it would in the UK, with all mobile providers charging different rates, Which? warned.

Mobile providers, meanwhile, also include different countries in their roaming territories and this can vary depending on whether consumers are a pay-as-you-go or pay monthly customer.

For example, O2 pay-as-you-go customer will continue to be hit with roaming charges in the Channels, the Isle of Man, Monaco and Switchers, whereas O2 pay monthly customers will not.

How to avoid any additional fees

HERE, Which? gives advice for consumers on how to avoid extra charges

  • Check your contract: Most providers have informed their customers about the new rules and which countries are included in their roaming bundle, but its best to check before travelling to ensure you fully understand what your package allows you to do
  • Use wifi: Connect to free apps like WhatsApp, Viber and Skype to send messages and make calls
  • Switch mobile provider: If you aren’t satisfied with the price and bundle your provider is offering you, and there are cheaper and better alternatives out there, look to switch

Alex Neill, managing director of Home Products and Services, said: "Many will reap the benefits of these changes and will no longer be put off from making calls abroad.

“However, it is important that you take a close look at what is or isn’t included in your current mobile deal. Not knowing what’s included could lead to some surprising charges on your next bill.

It remains unclear if UK operators will be able to reintroduce roaming fees from 2019, when the country is expected to exit the EU.


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