General advice before you travel with your device
Quick tips for a travelling device:
- check you've applied all available software updates - follow a step-by-step guide for your device.
- try to avoid free USB ports to charge your device, we'd recommend a power bank to cover the time between reliable power points
- try to avoid public networks for your connection, unless you're using a virtual private network (VPN)
- it's all too easy to lose a device when travelling, so consider some mobile phone insurance to give you peace of mind
Set up your mobile for travel
Before your trip, remember to:
- make sure your device is ready to roam by texting ROAMING to 150
- turn on data roaming in your device settings
- check your Spend Cap is set high enough to cover your daily roaming charges for the length of your trip
- check your device is set to automatic network connection
- turn off WiFi Calling, WiFi Calling is only available in the UK
Need help with:
- turning on data roaming? Follow the step-by-step instructions in our Device Guides
- setting up your automatic network connection? Follow the step-by-step instructions in our Device Guides
Follow these steps for each device you’re taking with you on your trip.
Roaming using a Safer SIM plan
Pay monthly plans
Your child can only roam when they connect to a network in the EU, and not anywhere else in the world. When they connect to that network, they may not be protected with the same parental controls they would in the UK. You’ll pay the daily EU roaming charge for them to roam.
Pay as you go plans
Roaming won’t work if your child is on one of these Safer SIM plans. The SIM won’t connect to a network outside of the UK. They’ll still be able to connect to WiFi.
Find out more about Roaming on a Safer SIM plan.
If you’re travelling to Greece or Cyprus
You can use your plan minutes, texts and data allowances at no extra cost, if you have this included in your plan. Check our roaming calculator to see if this applies to you.
However, during your stay you might connect to a network based in Turkey. As Turkey is outside of the EU, you’ll be charged to make and receive calls, and send texts and picture messages.
You can prevent this from happening by allowing your phone to only connect to EU networks. To activate EU Roaming, text EUROAM to 150.
Need to know
Review how to avoid accidentally connecting to a network outside of your plan.