Data add-ons in the EU

[Tom12312]

Hi everyone,

Can standard data add-ons be used in EU countries? I'm on PAYG with a monthly 'everything pack', but I'll only be needing data in Italy, so the 'roam-like-home' add-ons are excessive. Ideally I'd want to use a 2GB for 30 days add-on for £10.

The EE page on EU roaming says you have to buy a data pack if you don't get 'roam-like-home', mentioning a 500MB add-on. But I can't work out if that's a special EU add-on, or just a standard add-on - and if so, would the 2GB add-on would work too?

Thanks in advance!

[Tom12312]

I see - so I'll only be able to see the 500Mb pack as an option once I've arrived in Italy? And does it last 7 days like the equivalent UK add-on?

Incidentally, this thread https://community.ee.co.uk/t5/Pay-as-you-go/PAYG-EU-Roaming-W-Out-Pack-How-Long-Does-the-500MB-Add-o... agrees with what was said above, ie that all the UK data add-ons should be usable in the EU. Feels like EE really needs to issue a clarification on this - from the number of community threads on the topic, I think everyone's confused!

[Alex_H]

@Tom12312 That is correct yes, for standard rates customers or those with a pack who do not opt into the "Roam Like Home" add-ons, the option for EU data is the £3 500Mb add-on, this add-on lasts 24 hours or until the allowance is used. 

Just regarding the link posted in that earlier thread and in this thread for the non-standard price guide, that is the older version, the newest version can be found on this page Pay As You Go Price Plans Terms and Conditions | Help | EE and has since been updated to change the available data add-ons for pack or standard rates customers, from UK and EU to UK and ROI. I hope this helps to clarify.

Alex

[Tom12312]

So the £3/500Mb add-on really only lasts 24 hours? I can't see that in the documents anywhere - could you point me to where it says that?

If that's the case, does that mean there's no way to get data roaming (without minutes and texts) that's cheaper than using the 'roam like home' add-on with my existing pack? Which would be £10/week. Really I just want a small amount of data for occasional searches and WhatsApp, so that seems like a lot, especially given my pack is only £5/month...

[Alex_H]

@Tom12312 The information on the duration is not on the PayG Roaming help page, I will pass that on to see if that is something that can be updated in the future for clarity. 

But I can confirm the standard rates add-on is for 24 hours, and the information is available on our Pay as you page here Best Pay As You Go SIM | Free PAYG SIM Cards | EE under the FAQ at the bottom, Can I Use My Subscription Pack Allowances Abroad. Also it will specify when you access the add-on link in the arrival text before buying. 

So in regards to being able to use data abroad on PayG, it is either that add-on or the Roam Like Home options with your existing pack allowance.

Alex 



 

[Tom12312]

Thanks for confirming @Alex_H. Looks like Roam like Home is the best option then!

Sadly I've left it too late to switch providers before I leave, but will probably do so when I get back, as this increases the annual cost of my phone quite significantly. And I'll have £30 less to spend on my honeymoon this month 😕