Navigating Data Roaming Charges: Best Deals for Ski Trip Participants
With Brexit reshaping many aspects of travel between the UK and Europe, one key change that has affected British travellers is the return of data roaming charges in the EU. Before Brexit, UK citizens enjoyed free data roaming across EU countries under the Roam Like at Home policy. However, since the UK officially left the EU in 2020, most mobile operators have reinstated roaming fees, leaving travellers on school ski trips – including party leaders, supporting staff, and parents/students – facing additional costs.
In this article, we’ll explore why these charges have returned, how they impact your trip, and what the best current deals are to ensure you stay connected without extra financial burdens.
Why Did Brexit Bring Back Roaming Charges?
Back in 2017, when the UK was part of the EU, the Roam Like at Home regulation was brought into action, meaning UK citizens could use their mobile phones across EU countries without incurring extra charges. This regulation was a part of the EU’s efforts to create a digital single market, and it benefitted millions of travellers. However, when the UK voted to leave the EU, it also lost access to many of these shared benefits, including free roaming across the EU.
After Brexit, UK mobile operators were no longer bound by EU laws, and the Roam Like at Home policy no longer applied. While some providers initially chose to maintain free roaming as a customer incentive, most have since reintroduced charges as their new standard (Compare the Market). EU operators are now able to charge UK residents because the UK is no longer a part of the shared regulatory framework that protected consumers from these fees.
Current Roaming Policies of Major UK Mobile Operators
As of 2024, most UK mobile operators have introduced new roaming policies for travellers to Europe:
EE:
EE charges £2 per day for EU roaming. Frequent travellers can opt for the Roam Abroad Pass at £10 per month, which offers roaming across 47 destinations (House of Commons Library) (Transatel).
Vodafone:
Vodafone has similar charges, with £2 per day for European roaming. They also offer multi-day roaming passes, such as £8 for 8 days and £15 for 15 days (Transatel).
O2:
O2 remains the most generous, continuing to offer free roaming within the EU. However, a "fair use" cap applies – up to 25GB per month. Exceeding this limit incurs a charge of £3.50 per GB (Transatel).
Three:
Three also charges £2 per day for EU roaming. An unlimited data roaming add-on is available at £5 per day, or £10 for a three-day pass (House of Commons Library).
Why eSIMs Are a Great Alternative for Groups
If you’re travelling in a group, particularly with students or staff needing constant access to data for safety or communication, an eSIM might be a better solution. eSIMs allow users to bypass traditional roaming charges by purchasing local data plans at a reduced rate. This is a digital SIM that is embedded into the phone as opposed to a physical SIM card that is inserted into a device, and it allows travellers to download a data plan remotely.
For example, Ubigi offers a 30-day, 3GB eSIM plan for use across Europe, which can be a more cost-effective option compared to paying daily roaming fees from traditional UK providers (Transatel). eSIMs are compatible with many newer smartphones and tablets, and switching between operators can be done easily through the device settings.
Best Deals for Party Leaders, Supporting Staff, and Travellers
To help you manage data costs while on a ski trip, here are our top recommendations:
Consider a Roaming Pass: Mobile providers like Vodafone and EE offer multi-day passes that reduce costs compared to paying daily rates. Vodafone's £8 for 8 days or £15 for 15 days options are ideal for week-long trips (Transatel).
eSIM for Data Usage: Consider using an eSIM for regular access to data. An eSIM can provide data for everyone at a more affordable rate, although requires a little more research and initial set-up time.
O2 for Fair Usage: O2 customers still benefit from free roaming across the EU, which could be perfect for party leaders or staff who are heavy data users. Just keep an eye on the 25GB cap to avoid the extra £3.50 per GB charges.
Take Advantage of Wi-Fi: Many hotels, restaurants, and public spaces including the Ski Amadé ski resort in Austria offer free Wi-Fi. Encourage your group to use this where possible to minimise data use.
Tips for Reducing Data Usage on Your Ski Trip
Download Maps and Travel Info in Advance: Before leaving the UK, download offline maps through apps like Google Maps. This way, you won’t need to rely on mobile data for navigation.
Use Messaging Apps: Apps like WhatsApp, Signal, or Facebook Messenger use less data than traditional calls and texts, helping you stay connected without heavy data usage.
Disable Background Data: Adjust your phone settings to limit background data usage by apps. This ensures you only use data for essential apps.
Data roaming charges post-Brexit are an important consideration for anyone travelling on a ski trip. For party leaders, supporting staff, and students alike, being informed about your mobile provider’s current roaming policies is essential. Whether you opt for a roaming pass, an eSIM, or carefully manage your data, understanding the best deals will help you avoid unexpected charges and focus on enjoying your trip.
Deals and policies correct as of October 2024.