Martin Lewis' MSE warns of 'hidden cost' of using your phone while on holiday

21 July 2023 , 06:00

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Martin Lewis is founder of MoneySavingExpert.com (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert.com website has warned of the “hidden costs” you may face when using your mobile phone while on holiday.

New MSE research found some networks limit the amount of data you can use for free when travelling in Europe – even if you have roaming as part of your deal.

Asda Mobile, Giffgaff and Lycamobile, plus iD Mobile were called out for offering “inclusive roaming” despite limiting how much of your normal data allowance you can use abroad under “fair use” policies.

“Fair use” caps the amount of your UK data allowance you can use for free while roaming in Europe. Mobile firms were allowed to set “fair use” caps before Brexit.

Another 12 mobile firms which supposedly offer inclusive roaming were also found to have caps, though MSE said these are less restrictive.

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Data roaming limits in Europe

MSE describes these as "very restrictive"

• Asda Mobile - 5GB fair use data cap
• Giffgaff - 5GB fair use data cap
• iD Mobile -% of the cost of your monthly plan if you joined or upgraded on or before June 20, 2023; or 30GB if you joined or upgraded after June 21, 2023
• Lycamobile - 5GB fair use data cap

MSE describes these as having "some restrictions"

• 1pMobile - 14GB
• BT Mobile - 50GB
• EE - If your UK allowance is 50GB or less, your roaming cap is same as your UK cap; or 50GB if your UK allowance is more than 50GB
  
• Lebara - 30GB
• O2 - 25GB
• Plusnet Mobile - 15GB
• Smarty - 12GB
• Superdrug Mobile - 12GB
• TalkMobile - 15GB
• Three - 12GB to 15GB depending on your plan
• Vodafone - 25GB
• Voxi - 20GB
  

MSE describes these as having "no restrictions"

• Ecotalk
• Sky Mobile
• Tesco Mobile
• The Phone Co-op
• Virgin Mobile
• Zevvle

How to cut your mobile phone bill

If you've got a holiday booked and you're worried about roaming costs, Uswitch has shared five top tips to cut your phone bill.

1. To save your data allowance, use hotel and café Wi-Fi connections whenever possible. You can also enable Wi-Fi calling or use services such as Whatsapp to make audio calls without using your minutes.

2. Download any maps, shows, films and music before travelling to avoid data costs abroad.

3. You may not have the same data allowances abroad as do in the UK. Check your fair usage policy to avoid paying more.

4. Sometimes even receiving a voicemail on holiday can cost you. Call up your network provider before you travel and get it switched off.

5. If you’re with a provider that has roaming charges it’s worth considering buying a one-month SIM-only deal that will cover you for your time away.

Levi Winchester