topic Re: charges while in the EU, PAYG and no plan in Pay as you go

charges while in the EU, PAYG and no plan

_MRSB_ — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:33:08 GMT

I have a dumb phone with a little credit for PAYG and no plan (I use it rarely, for sms mainly, no data!).

I am going to Italy, and I am very confused with "roaming" :

will I need to pay a daily charge whenever I switch it on and it connects to the local network?

or only on those day when, while it's on, I use it (to receive SMS/calls, or to send SMS or call out) ?

Re: charges while in the EU, PAYG and no plan

bristolian — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:51:03 GMT

Connecting to foreign networks is free of charge, as is receiving SMS globally.

Within the EU, roaming is a flat-rate basis where any chargeable activity triggers the charge, which then allows use of your allowances for that day. Chargeable activities abroad, are sending any texts, making or receiving any calls, or using mobile data.

Make sure you've used your phone in the UK first, before travelling - that's how roaming is enabled on PAYG, and thus coverage abroad is unlocked.

Re: charges while in the EU, PAYG and no plan

XRaySpeX — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:49:10 GMT

There is no flat rate roaming on PAYG when you don't have an active plan. As you don't have an active pack, you will be paying standard rates for calls & texts & will need to buy a PAYG add-on for data. Check https://ee.co.uk/help/mobile/roaming/roaming-costs/ for these standard rate.

Re: charges while in the EU, PAYG and no plan

bristolian — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:21:44 GMT

Good point re PAYG without an active plan.

In which case, my reference to what is a chargeable activity abroad, is what matters in your case. Except that individual per-minute & per-text charges apply. Mobile data will only work abroad if you have a specific add-on covering it.