Roaming, internet, calls: everything you need to know to use Vodafone abroad
Heading on holiday and wondering how your Vodafone plan will work while abroad? We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about Vodafone roaming, internet and calls, so you can use your phone on your travels with confidence.
Summary
Staying connected when travelling abroad is important, and if you’re a Vodafone customer, knowing exactly what’s included with your plan will help you avoid any sneaky charges. Whether you’re new to the network, or need a reminder of how Vodafone’s service works outside of the UK, this is the guide for you. We’ll cover how to check if roaming is included with your plan, how it works, international call charges, and much more.What you’ll learn
- What Vodafone roaming is and how it works.
- How to check if your Vodafone plan includes roaming.
- What Vodafone internet includes abroad.
- How to switch roaming on or off on your phone.
- Where to find the cost for international calls.
- Top tips to avoid unplanned charges while abroad.
- What to do if Vodafone roaming isn’t working for you.
What is Vodafone international roaming?
First things first, you may be wondering what Vodafone international roaming actually is and what it means. In simple terms, it means using your Vodafone UK calls, texts, and data while travelling abroad. Different countries fall under different zones, and how you use your Vodafone allowance depends not only on the destination, but also whether you’re a Pay Monthly or Pay As You Go customer. So whether you’re heading abroad to sunnier climes for a relaxing holiday, enjoying the buzz of a city break, or going long-haul for some full-on luxury, it’s best to check which zone your destination falls into before you travel. The easiest way? Just use Vodafone’s handy roaming charge checker.How to check if your plan includes Vodafone roaming abroad
Finding out whether or not your Vodafone plan includes roaming abroad is simple – just follow the steps below:- Open up the My Vodafone app
- Tap on Services and Extras
- Select Roaming
- You’ll be able to see all included countries and any associated charges
Vodafone international roaming zones and costs
As we mentioned earlier, Vodafone splits different parts of the world into different roaming zones. However, these zones and their included countries will vary depending on whether you’re a Pay Monthly or Pay As You Go customer. Charges in these zones will also depend on your chosen plan. The easiest way to work out which zone your destination is in is by heading to Vodafone’s roaming page and scrolling down until you see the section titled: ‘Destinations we cover in our roaming plans’. From here, you’ll be able to select whether you’re a Pay Monthly or Pay As You Go customer and view the specific zones that are included in your plan, and what zones will require you to purchase a roaming plan. All Vodafone Pay Monthly and Pay As You Go Customers include Zone A destinations as standard, which allows roaming in the Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Iceland and Norway.How to turn Vodafone roaming on and off
If you want to use roaming while you’re away, you’ll need to enable roaming under your phone’s settings – you can also turn it off following these instructions too:iPhone users
- Go to Settings
- Tap Mobile Data
- Select Mobile Data Options
- Toggle Data Roaming on/off
Android users
- Open up your Settings
- Go to Network and Internet
- Select Mobile Network
- Switch Roaming on/off
How Vodafone internet works abroad
When you’re on holiday or travelling abroad, your phone will automatically connect to a local partner network that works with Vodafone – this allows you to use your data. Remember, your speed and coverage abroad will depend on the country that you’re visiting. If you're heading to a location that’s rural, based in a busy city centre or are trying to use your phone on underground transport like subway trains, speeds are likely to vary. It’s worth keeping your expectations realistic when it comes to using mobile data abroad. Your best bet may be to use a trusted Wi-Fi source for a stronger connection.Vodafone international calls to landlines or mobile phones
If you want to call someone on their landline or mobile phone while you’re abroad, bear in mind that charges will depend on your roaming zone and plan. If you want to know the exact rates, you can check them by following these steps:- Open up your My Vodafone app
- Go to Services and Extras
- Select International and Roaming
How to avoid unplanned charges when using Vodafone abroad
- Check your destination before you travel using the My Vodafone app
- Switch off data roaming in countries where Pay As You Go rates apply, as charges can rack up quickly.
- Download anything you’ll need before you travel, like maps, movies, music, games, or apps.
- Connect to trusted Wi-Fi sources when you’re away, like at your hotel or accommodation.
- Keep an eye on your Vodafone data usage by checking the app.
- Set a limit and control your spending using the My Vodafone app.
Having issues with Vodafone abroad? Try these troubleshooting tips
- Restart your device to establish a connection.
- Turn Airplane Mode on briefly, then switch it off again.
- Make sure roaming is enabled in your phone settings.
- Open the My Vodafone app to ensure roaming is active.
- Go to your settings and manually select a local network provider.
- Check that you haven’t used up your data allowance or hit your spending limit.
Need a Vodafone Top-up?
Head to MobileTopUp and grab a Vodafone Pay As You Go e-voucher – delivery is instant, so you can top up whenever it suits you.Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay to use Vodafone abroad?
This all depends on your existing Vodafone account plan and allowance. You can check if roaming abroad is included using the My Vodafone app, or by logging into the online portal.
How do I know what zone the destination I’m visiting falls into?
Visit Vodafone’s roaming charge checker to learn what zone your destination comes under and whether or not you need to purchase a roaming pass.
Where can I purchase a Vodafone roaming pass?
To grab a Vodafone roaming pass or add-on, just open up the My Vodafone app to see which options are available for you. You can then make your purchase within the app.
What should I do if my Vodafone internet isn’t working abroad?
Make sure that you have roaming enabled under your phone’s settings, and ensure that you’ve got a valid data plan or allowance in place. You may need to purchase a Vodafone roaming pass if your current plan doesn’t include roaming where you are.
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