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Mobile Roaming
- To use your mobile phone when abroad, you need to connect to a local network.
- The local (or host) operator will then charge your home operator for handling calls, texts and data.
- Eurotariff
- What you pay for making a call
- What your friends pay for receiving your call
- What you pay for receiving a call
- What your friends pay for calling you
- Be aware...
- Background
- Useful links
- Common mobile phone charger
- Sending a text message
- Internet browsing/downloading data
- Since 1st July 2012, when roaming within the EU, the new maximum limit for calls made is 29 cent + VAT per minute while the maximum limit for calls received is 8 cent + VAT per minute.
- The maximum amount that can now be charged for data is capped at 70 cent + VAT per Megabyte and SMS text messages at 9 cent + VAT. The data roaming limit is capped at €50 +VAT, and when you reach this limit you will be asked to expressly confirm that you wish to continue browsing.
- Since July 2009 operators are obliged to charge per second but can apply an initial minimum charging period of 30 seconds.
Rate as of 1st July 2012: 29 cents (excl. VAT)
Nothing.
Rate as of 1st July 2012: 8 cents per minute (excl. VAT)
Mobile operators are no longer allowed to charge customers for the receipt of a voicemail message while roaming in the EU.
The normal charge stated by their operator.
- There are several mobile networks in each country.
- When you arrive at your destination, you will probably be automatically connected to one - not necessarily the cheapest one for you.
- Before your trip, check with your mobile provider or ComReg so you can select the best network available as soon as you arrive.
- Consider switching from your current home network to another operator if they have a better deal. Remember these are maximum prices and operators are free to offer cheaper rates.
The EU Roaming Regulation of 2007 introduced a cap on roaming costs within the EU and provided for further reductions at future dates.
In March 2012, the European Parliament, European Council, and the European Commission reached a preliminary deal on new EU Roaming rules, following the Commission's proposal of last year. This agreement came into force on 1st July 2012. The rates paid by consumers for sending and receiving calls and text messages while roaming in the EU will gradually be reduced over the coming years, with further reductions due in 2014.
For further information, please see our full article here.
The introduction of a common charger from early 2011 means that consumers will save money as phones will no longer have to be purchased with a charger.The charger is for data-enabled phones (i.e. those that can be plugged into a computer to exchange pictures, files and music) sold in the EU. It will also cut down on electronic waste. The universal charger will have a life-span of 10 years the equivalent of 10,000 charges.
Find out more here.
As of 1st July 2012, it costs 9 cents to send a text message while roaming in the EU.
As of 1st July 2012, it costs 70 cents per Megabyte (MB) to download data or browse the Internet while roaming in the EU.
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