International Roaming

Best network for roaming: Comparing UK carriers

The best network for roaming in the UK with our in-depth comparison of EE, O2, Three, and Vodafone. Learn how roaming and international plans work, along with a digital travel solution.

If you’re travelling from the UK, this guide covers everything you need to know about the best networks for roaming abroad. We’ll compare major UK carriers, plans, and prices with post-Brexit rules and regulations in mind, which have made global travel and connectivity slightly more expensive and complex.

If that doesn’t sound like something you want to deal with on holiday, we’ll introduce you to a digital alternative like an unlimited data travel eSIM for those who prioritise peace of mind.

In this article

Best network for roaming for UK travellers

To determine the best UK network for roaming, it’s crucial to understand how each of the major carriers (EE, O2, Three, and Vodafone UK) handles international data roaming, data allowances, and roaming charges across different destinations.

We’ll discuss each carrier and international roaming plans that best suit your next trip. Some offer roaming-inclusive monthly plans which cost more monthly, but are worth it in the long run, especially if you tend to travel more often. Otherwise, you could always settle for a temporary travel pass or roaming add-on.

Important ⚠️ Since Brexit, free EU roaming for UK tourists is no longer guaranteed by law. However, some networks like O2 still offer free roaming in Europe at domestic rates. Other providers (EE, Vodafone, and Three) charge extra for mobile data usage, calls, and text messages.

EE international phone plans

EE offers its users a few roaming options on both the EE eSIM and physical SIM card.

EE roaming-inclusive monthly plans

If you’re on the EE Essentials Plus or All Rounder plan, you’re entitled to inclusive EU roaming. You won’t have to make any additional purchases when travelling to EE’s EU zone destinations. However, for those of you on the Full Works plan, you get both EU and World roaming features (destinations in the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Mexico).

The prices for these plans depend on your data limits and any offers that are available with EE at the time of purchase.

EE travel passes

EE offers various travel passes for each zone. These passes allow you to use your UK call, text, and data allowances abroad for an extra fee:

EU: £2.59/day or £15/week, to use your UK allowance in Europe.
Zone 1: £5/day or £25/week to use your UK allowances in Zone 1 countries.
Zone 2: £7.50/day or £37.50/week to use your UK allowances in Zone 2 countries.
Zone 3: £7.50/day for unlimited calls and texts and 500 MB of data in Zone 3 countries.
Zone 4: £15/day for 10 MB of data, calls come at an extra cost of £2.34/min, £0.76 for SMS, and £0.89 for MMS in Zone 4 countries. Some Zone 4 countries don’t offer any data at all.

It’s also important to be aware of EE’s Fair Usage Policy 50 GB cap. Check out our dedicated EE international roaming blog to learn more.

O2 international phone plans

O2 offers a couple of roaming options for UK users to stay connected abroad. However, only Pay Monthly plans are available on the O2 eSIM. You can avail all of their plans + roaming features on any O2 physical SIM card plan.

O2 EU roaming

O2 is known for offering free roaming in European zones for all its pay-as-you-go and pay-monthly customers. So if you’re already an O2 customer, you can use your minutes, texts, and data just as you would at home at no extra cost. However, data roaming is limited to 25 GB. If your normal data allowance is less than this, your roaming limit will match your allowance.

O2 Travel Inclusive Zone

If you’re on an O2 travel inclusive roaming plan, you can choose between two inclusive roaming add-ons:

O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On (available with Volt and Plus plans): Europe + 27 destinations outside of Europe
O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Ultimate Bolt On (available with Ultimate plans): Europe + 75 roaming destinations

O2 Travel Pass

If you’re not on a roaming-inclusive O2 monthly plan, pay-monthly customers can pay £7 a day to use data, calls, and messages in 63 destinations outside of Europe, such as using O2 roaming in the USA.

Alternatively, you can get a Rest of the World Pass, which offers coverage in 96 destinations outside of Europe. The 24-hour pass costs £7.50 for a day of calls, texts, and data.

To learn more about O2’s roaming specifics, check out our dedicated O2 international roaming guide.

Three international phone plans

As a Three user, there are a couple of ways to get roaming abroad, and each option caters to a different user and need.

Three roaming-inclusive monthly plan

Roaming is included in the Three Your Way Value and Three Your Way Complete plans. The Value plan allows for up to 28 days of free roaming a year, while the Complete plan includes 56 days of free roaming yearly.

However, you will be subject to Three’s Fair Use Policy, which allows up to 12 GB of data roaming a month, even if you have a plan with more data.

Three Go Roam pass

If you don’t have a roaming-inclusive monthly plan, you can get a roaming travel pass. All passes are subject to the same fair use limits as the monthly plans:

Go Roam in Europe pass: 3 days for £5
Go Roam in Europe pass: 7 days for £12
Go Roam in Europe pass: 14 days for £24
Go Roam Around the World pass: 3 days for £12.50
Go Roam Around the World pass: 7 days for £30
Go Roam Around the World pass: 14 days for £60
Go Roam Around the World Extra pass: 3 days for £17.50
Go Roam Around the World Extra pass: 5 days for £29.75
Go Roam Around the World Extra pass: 7 days for £42
Go Roam Around the World Extra pass: 14 days for £84

Three Data Passports

This plan gives you unlimited data in 89 destinations for £5/day. You’ll automatically be charged a daily fee, the cost of which depends on the destination you visit:

£2/day for Roam in Europe destinations
£5/day for Around the World destinations
£7/day for Around the World Extra destinations

Check out our dedicated Three international roaming guide for more information on each roaming option.

Vodafone UK international phone plans

Vodafone UK users offer a variety of roaming options, including monthly plans and roaming passes on both the Vodafone UK eSIM and physical SIM card.

Vodafone UK roaming-inclusive monthly plans

If you’re on a roaming-inclusive Unlimited Max Global Roam plan, you can use your phone in 83 worldwide destinations without purchasing any extra roaming add-ons.

The Unlimited Max Euro Roam plan includes 51 European destinations. Depending on the plan, expect to pay £3.50-5 more for a roaming-inclusive plan than an identical plan without roaming.

Vodafone roaming pass

If you’re not on any of Vodafone’s roaming-inclusive plans, you can get a roaming pass instead:

47 European destinations: £2.57 a day to use your existing balance of calls, texts, and up to 25 GB of data, 8-day roaming pass for £15, or a 15-day roaming pass for £20
Global Roam and Zone D destinations: £7.86 a day to use your existing balance of calls, texts, and up to 25 GB of data.

Vodafone data packs

As for the Rest of the World, destination zones 1, 2, and 3, you can buy data packs ranging from 50 MB to 1 GB of data. These cost anywhere from £6 to £60, depending on the destination and how much data you get.

Visit our Vodafone UK international roaming guide to discover your roaming options in detail.

Where do UK international roaming plans work?

Understanding where your UK international roaming plans work is crucial before you attempt to use your phone abroad. Each mobile network divides the world and its plans into specific roaming zones. These zones decide your roaming charges, fair usage limits, and whether you can benefit from free EU roaming or inclusive roaming within your monthly allowance.

To avoid high roaming charges and make the most of your international roaming plan, it’s worth reviewing how each carrier fares in specific destinations. If you’re planning your trip and want to prevent any unpleasant surprises, the detailed table below breaks down roaming in Europe and other destinations around the world.

Europe (Central & Western)	North America	South America	Asia/Southeast Asia	Middle East	Oceania
Roaming in Europe	Roaming in the USA	Roaming in Peru	Roaming in Japan	Roaming in Saudi Arabia	Roaming in New Zealand
Roaming in Portugal	Roaming in Canada		Roaming in Malaysia	Roaming in Egypt	Roaming in Australia
Roaming in France	Roaming in New York		Roaming in Thailand	Roaming in Morocco
Roaming in Italy	Roaming in Mexico		Roaming in Singapore
Roaming in Spain			Roaming in Indonesia

How to choose the best international roaming plans

You need to ensure your plan matches your travel habits and data needs. Here are some practical tips to help you choose wisely and avoid racking up a large roaming bill when using your phone abroad.

Check coverage and roaming zones: Always confirm which roaming zones your destination falls under. Roaming costs may vary depending on the zone.
Compare daily rates vs data needs: Cheap roam abroad passes may be enticing, but estimating how much data you’ll use, and buying a roaming add-on accordingly, is more feasible. Otherwise, you run the risk of constantly repurchasing roaming passes to be able to use data-heavy apps.
Look for inclusive roaming or free EU roaming deals: Some UK networks, like O2, offer free EU roaming but also have data usage caps. eSIM companies like Holafly offer regional eSIMs, like the unlimited data eSIM for Europe, covering 33 European destinations, so you can stay connected across borders.
Review the fair usage policy: Understanding each carrier’s specific policies will help you avoid exceeding your monthly allowance and paying unexpected roaming charges.
Consider eSIMs: If you’re a traveller who prioritises peace of mind, Holafly’s unlimited data eSIMs offer better flexibility and lower rates for international data. The eSIM for Europe starts at £3.79 and goes down the more days you add to your plan!

Enjoy unlimited data for less with a Holafly eSIM

If comparing international roaming plans feels overwhelming, there’s an easier way to stay connected abroad. Instead of worrying about daily fees, excessive roaming charges, or fair usage limits, Holafly offers unlimited data eSIMs for over 200 destinations and an instant digital setup that works in minutes.

With Holafly and an eSIM-compatible phone, you can enjoy seamless connectivity from the moment you land. Here’s why switching to an eSIM is the smarter choice for your next trip:

Instant setup: Receive your eSIM QR code by email and connect to local networks in seconds.
Unlimited data plans: Forget about calculating how much data you’ll need or facing fair usage caps. Enjoy unlimited data in Europe and world destinations.
No daily roaming fees: Avoid costly roaming abroad passes and unpredictable roaming charges from UK mobile networks.
Global coverage: Holafly offers international phone plans in over 200 countries and regions, including non-EU destinations where UK allowances no longer apply.
Keep your WhatsApp number: Stay in touch with friends and family without changing your number or losing messages.
Use Holafly Plans for frequent travellers: This monthly eSIM subscription option offers unlimited data plans along with unlimited hotspot for only $64.90 USD per month.

Just scan, connect, and explore the world with unlimited data and zero roaming fees — the most convenient way to roam abroad.

Disclaimer: The data in this article is accurate as of October 30, 2025, and is subject to change.

Plans that may interest you

Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!

Read full bio