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Roaming, internet, calls: everything you need to know to use EE abroad

If you’re planning a holiday or going travelling, it’s natural to have a few questions about how EE works abroad. This useful guide breaks down key information simply, so you can use EE roaming with confidence.

Summary

It’s hard to imagine travelling without our phones these days. From finding the best local spots and checking directions to breaking down language barriers with translation apps, they make exploring so much easier. If you’re an EE customer wondering what happens when you head overseas, this guide has got you covered. Whether you’re curious about how EE data works abroad, what roaming actually means, or if you need to buy a roaming pass, read on to find out more.

What you’ll learn

What EE roaming abroad actually means.
How to use EE data abroad with confidence.
How EE calls and texts work while overseas.
When you might need to buy a roaming pass.
Easy ways to avoid unexpected charges.

What is EE roaming abroad?

The easiest way to understand EE roaming is to think of it as your phone’s global travel pass. Once you leave the UK and EE’s own signal towers can’t reach you anymore, your SIM card automatically connects to a local network in whatever country you’re visiting. The actual cost of staying connected overseas usually comes down to two things: where you’re going and what kind of EE plan you’re on.

Will my EE plan work abroad?

If you’re visiting a country within EE’s Europe Zone and you’ve got an active Pay As You Go 30-day plan, you’ll need to opt in for a roaming pass so you can use your allowance like usual.

How to use your Pay As You Go plan in Europe

If you want to use your normal UK minutes, texts and data while you're away, you'll just need an active 30-day plan and a roaming pass.

A 24-hour pass: Great for a quick overnight stay or a day trip.
A 7-day pass: The best value if you’re heading off for a week in the sun.

Both of these passes allow you to call and text UK numbers (or those within the Europe Zone) and use your data just like you would at home.

What happens if I don't buy a pass?

If you choose to just use your standard EE credit instead, things can get a bit pricey. Without an active plan and pass, you’ll be charged:

70p per minute for calls.
30p per text.
£3 for a 500MB data add-on (which doesn't go very far if you're using maps!).

If you want to avoid burning through your credit, it’s worth buying a 30-day plan and a roaming pass.

Heading outside of EE’s Europe Zone?

Outside of EE’s Europe Zone, things work a little differently. Standard charges for calls and texts will apply, and you’ll need to opt in for a roaming pass to use data. The best way to check roaming charge costs is by using EE’s destination checker online.

EE Pay Monthly Customers

If you’re an EE Pay Monthly customer, log in to your EE app and check here for full details around roaming abroad. How to turn EE roaming on and offYou can turn roaming on and off on your EE mobile phone within your phone’s settings. If you want to control roaming at account level, you can also text EE.Follow these simple steps:

To turn EE roaming ON

Text ROAMING to 150 from your EE phone and follow the prompts.
Go to your phone’s Settings.
Tap Mobile Data or Cellular Data.
Select Mobile Data Options.
Switch Data Roaming ON.
Check your phone is set to Automatic Network Selection.

To turn EE roaming OFF

Go to your phone’s Settings.
Tap Mobile Data or Cellular Data.
Select Mobile Data Options.
Switch Data Roaming OFF (Wi-Fi will still work).
Text STOP ROAMING PASS to 150 to stop roaming passes.
Use Airplane Mode to instantly turn off all connections.

Using EE internet data abroad

Using EE data abroad is convenient when you’re on the move, giving you web access when you need it. However, it’s easy to burn through your EE data while abroad, especially if you’ve got endless apps running in the background.To stay in control of costs:

Use trusted Wi-Fi sources where possible (a VPN is recommended).
Buy a roaming pass or data bolt-on.
Download maps, playlists, apps and movies before travelling.
Keep an eye on your data usage using the EE app.

Bearing these little tips in mind makes it so much easier to just get on with your holiday and enjoy the trip without worrying about your next phone bill. For more information on using EE data while abroad, check out their travel data pass page.

Making and receiving calls with EE abroad

If you’d like to make calls or send text messages while abroad, remember that charges depend on your location and the country of the person you’re contacting. The best way to gauge accurate, up-to-date costs is by using EE’s online roaming checker.Follow the steps below:

Visit EE’s roaming checker.
Select the country you’re travelling to.
Choose whether you’re a Pay Monthly or Pay As You Go customer.
Click Check roaming charges.
View a full breakdown of the standard roaming costs for that country.
See whether you’ll need to buy a roaming pass to use data abroad.

How to avoid unplanned charges when using EE abroad

One of the biggest worries travellers have is racking up huge mobile phone bills while away. But unexpected surprises can be easily avoided by following a few simple tips. Here’s how:

Download movies, music, maps, apps and games at home.
Check your allowance before you travel and confirm costs.
Top up your EE mobile with sufficient credit if you’re Pay As You Go.
Set a spend cap on your EE account.
Switch off background data for apps.
Use Wi-Fi wherever possible on holiday (a VPN is recommended).
Keep track of your usage via the EE app.

Having issues with EE abroad?

If you’re experiencing problems with your EE service while abroad, don’t panic. Give these quick fixes a try. You never know, they may just sort the issue!

Switch off your phone and restart it.
Ensure that roaming is turned on.
Manually connect to a local network via your phone’s settings.
Check that you have sufficient credit or allowance.

Still no luck? If the above tips fail, it’s best to speak to EE’s customer support team. If you are able to make calls, you can call EE from abroad by phoning +44 (0)7953 966 150. Otherwise, connect to a trusted Wi-Fi source and contact the team via the EE app.

Need an EE top-up?

It’s easy to top up your EE mobile phone at MobileTopUp. With instant code delivery to your email address, you’ll be up and running in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a way to avoid EE roaming charges?

Yes, the easiest way is to disable roaming and simply use Wi-Fi where possible. This is a useful option if you’re heading on a relaxing holiday and spending most of your time at a resort. If you do need to use data while away, it’s worth grabbing an EE roaming pass so you can enjoy calls, texts and data for a set price.

How can I call EE from abroad?

If you want to chat with a member of the EE team over the phone, you can call them from abroad on +44 (0)7953 966 150.

How do I buy an EE roaming pass?

It’s really easy to buy an EE roaming pass while abroad. You can either buy a roaming pass within the EE app or via the EE text message prompt that you’ll receive on arrival to your destination.

Can I buy an EE roaming pass before I travel?

If you’re on Pay As You Go, you can only purchase a roaming pass once you arrive at your destination.

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