What is data roaming and how does it work? 

Planning a getaway? Whether you're heading to Europe or venturing further abroad, staying connected while travelling is essential. Understanding how mobile data roaming works can help you use your phone and apps overseas without unexpected charges. From checking maps to staying in touch with loved ones, knowing your roaming options ensures a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

In this guide, we’ll explain what data roaming is and how to avoid unexpected charges. We’ll also show you how to get the best value with Three’s Pay As You Go, so you can enjoy more data, more freedom, and no long-term commitment. 

Data roaming lets your phone connect to mobile networks outside the UK, so you can use your internet, apps, and maps while abroad, just like you do when you’re at home.

When you’re in the UK, you’re connected to the network run by your phone provider. When you travel abroad, your phone will automatically connect to a local network, one which has partnered with your UK provider, so you can carry on using your device as normal.

When you’re on Three Pay As You Go, you can buy Data Packs that include roaming in over 70 destinations. These packs give you a set amount of data, minutes, and texts to use abroad – no surprises, no contracts. 

Planning a trip? Stay connected with a Data Pack and enjoy seamless roaming in popular destinations including Spain, France, the USA, and more.

You can save an extra 10% with Auto-renew Data Packs that are over £10. There’s still no commitment, and you can cancel at any time.

Pay As You Go SIMs are ideal for travellers. You only pay for what you need, and with Three’s roaming-inclusive Data Packs, you can stay connected across Europe and beyond. You can order a Pay As You Go SIM online for free. 

eSIMs are digital SIM cards built into your phone. You can activate an eSIM instantly - no need to wait for delivery, which is perfect if you need a last-minute solution before jetting off. eSIMs work on most devices, but you should check compatibility first. 

New customer? Need to sort out roaming in a hurry? Buy a Pay As You Go Data Pack and select eSIM. You’ll be able to activate and use your data on the same day. 

And eSIMs are great for dual SIM use – you can keep your existing UK number and add a travel eSIM just for roaming. 

Find out more about eSIM

Roaming fees are charges for using your phone abroad. Without a roaming-inclusive plan or a Data Pack, you may be charged per MB of data, minute you use, or text you send.

• When you're outside the UK and using mobile services
  
• When you don’t have a roaming plan in place, either as part of a Pay Monthly plan or via a Data Pack purchased for a Pay As You Go phone
• When you go over your roaming allowance

• Check if roaming is part of your Pay Monthly plan
• Buy a Data Pack before you travel, if you’re on Pay As You Go
• Use Wi-Fi where possible
• Turn off roaming when not needed

If you exceed your roaming data allowance, you can buy a Data Boost for extra data on Pay As You Go, or a Data Passport if you’re on a Pay Monthly plan.

If you’re on a Pay As You Go plan, roaming in Europe is included when you pick one of our Pay As You Go Data Packs. If you on a Pay Monthly plan, roaming in Europe is included on our Value and Complete plans. You’ll need to buy a Go Roam Pass if you’re on a Lite plan.  

No. When you're in the UK, your phone uses a domestic network, so roaming isn’t needed. 

This refers to the amount of roaming data you've used during your current billing cycle. You can find it in your phone’s settings to help monitor your usage.

• Domestic roaming: Rare in the UK, but it happens when you connect to a different UK network. 
• International roaming: Happens when you use your phone abroad. 

If this is your first time travelling abroad with your device, you’ll need to make sure roaming is switched on.

• iPhone: Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options > Data Roaming → ON
• Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming → ON

You can learn about how to turn on roaming on other devices by visiting our device support site.

Follow the same steps as above and toggle data roaming to OFF. 

Roaming doesn’t have to be complicated – or expensive. When you’re with Three, you get flexibility, control, and great value whether you choose a Data Pack on Pay As You Go, or use your roaming allowance as part of a Pay Monthly plan.