topic Re: Add-on EU Roaming Free - what does this mean? in Roaming

Add-on EU Roaming Free - what does this mean?

madflower — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 16:03:21 GMT

Hi,

I'm currently on an Essential SIM 125 contract. Looking at my add-ons, it states I have EU Roaming with the word free underneath.

What does this actually mean - is roaming free in the EU for me? I'm going to Madeira this week so would really like to know if I'm going to be able to use my phone there for free or not.

Re: Add-on EU Roaming Free - what does this mean?

Northerner — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 16:18:33 GMT

Hi @madflower

Yes roaming is free.

Just text ROAMING to 150 to ensure the service is activated on your account as the add on alone doesn't activate roaming.

Enjoy your holiday.

Thanks

Re: Add-on EU Roaming Free - what does this mean?

madflower — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 16:21:34 GMT

Thank you for the quick and reassuring reply.

Re: Add-on EU Roaming Free - what does this mean?

XRaySpeX — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 16:57:17 GMT

Do you have an Essentials Plus plan? That has free EU Roaming included. Plain Essentials doesn't.

Re: Add-on EU Roaming Free - what does this mean?

madflower — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 17:03:41 GMT

No, it is just an Essentials plan from 2023 with the add on which suggests it is free.

I'm now confused as both responses contradict each other 🤔

Re: Add-on EU Roaming Free - what does this mean?

Matt_124 — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 17:12:07 GMT

If you have the EE App, go to the Help page and tap on the yellow "Going abroad? Check your roaming costs" banner.

Alternatively, you can tap the Search (magnifying glass logo) in the top left and search Roaming.

This should bring you into the Roaming tool where you can enter an EU Country and it will advise whether it's "Good news! Roam like home" or details of Roaming Passes if you have to purchase one upon landing.

It's possible this add-on could be just the capability to connect to EU networks, and not necessarily the billing addon which would make it free of charge (it has become a little confusing lately with all the changes to addons and their names).

The above advice should help confirm what the case is for you.

Re: Add-on EU Roaming Free - what does this mean?

bristolian — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 17:14:18 GMT

Can you post a screenshot of the add-on you're referring to?

The "add-on" (it's actually a facility, but has started being listed under add-ons in recent months) that *enables* you to roam (and is free) usually has the word "enables" in it.

This does the same job as texting ROAMING to 150 before leaving the UK.

Re: Add-on EU Roaming Free - what does this mean?

madflower — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 17:52:39 GMT

Thank you, that was very helpful.

Unfortunately for me it showed that roaming isn't free but at least it is confirmed now.