5 Top Tips to Access the Internet on Holiday

To access the Internet when you're abroad you can either use your phone's data package or WiFi. Depending on your mobile plan and factors like how you'll use the Internet, one method may be better for your situation.

1. Check your roaming status before you leave home. Since Brexit, UK mobile operators are no longer required to offer surcharge-free roaming in the EU. As of 2026, most major networks (EE, Vodafone, Three) charge a daily fee—typically around £2.00 to £2.50 per day—to access your UK allowance. Only a few providers, such as O2 and Tesco Mobile, currently include EU roaming at no extra cost on standard plans.

2. Be aware of "Fair Usage" caps. Even if your plan includes roaming or you pay for a daily pass, your data allowance is likely capped lower than it is at home. In 2026, common fair usage limits in the EU range from 5GB to 25GB per month. If you have an "unlimited" plan in the UK, it will almost certainly not be unlimited abroad. Check your provider's app to see your specific "Roam Like at Home" data limit.

3. Use the "Flight Mode + WiFi" strategy. If your plan charges for roaming, turn off cellular data or switch to Flight Mode before you land. You can then manually turn WiFi back on to use local networks. This prevents your phone from accidentally connecting to a local mast and triggering a daily roaming charge for background updates you didn't even know were happening.

4. Protect yourself on public WiFi with a VPN. Free WiFi hotspots in airports, cafes, and hotels are convenient but often unencrypted. In 2026, cyber-threats such as "Man-in-the-Middle" attacks are common on these networks. Never access banking apps or enter passwords on public WiFi unless you are using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your connection.

5. Consider a Travel eSIM. For 2026 travelers, travel eSIMs (like Airalo or Saily) have become the most popular way to save money. If your phone is eSIM-compatible, you can download a digital data plan for your destination before you leave home. These often provide 5GB or 10GB of data for a fraction of the cost of your network's roaming fees and allow you to keep your UK SIM active for calls and texts while using the eSIM for internet.

6. Hotspotting on Laptops or Tablets. If you need to work on a laptop, using your phone’s mobile hotspot is generally safer than public WiFi.

Mobile Usage in the EU (2026 Update)

While the UK is no longer part of the EU, many roaming zones still align with the EEA (European Economic Area). Note that Ukraine and Moldova joined the EU's "Roam Like at Home" area on January 1, 2026. Here is the list of countries where EU roaming regulations generally apply:

(Note: While some UK networks still include Gibraltar and the Isle of Man in their European zones, others treat them as international roaming. Always check your specific provider's 'Zone' list.)