You've landed in another country, switched off airplane mode, and your phone buzzes to life. Within seconds, you get a message from your UK provider welcoming you — and warning you about roaming charges. That's usually the moment most people start to panic.
Roaming abroad used to be straightforward. But today, it's a patchwork of fees, networks, and confusing small print. If you're not careful, a short trip can turn into a long bill.
Here's what you need to know — and how to avoid paying more than you should.
The Types of Charges You Might Face Abroad
1. Daily Roaming Fees
Most UK carriers charge a daily rate just for being connected abroad. This can range from £2–£7 per day depending on your provider and destination. The kicker? You don't even have to actively use your phone — background apps or simple texts can trigger the charge.
2. Pay-As-You-Go Roaming
If you're not on a plan that includes roaming, your usage can be charged per minute, per text, or per MB. This gets expensive fast, especially if you're streaming, video calling, or navigating on maps.
3. International Call Charges
Calling back home or receiving calls while abroad can come with extra fees. And many people forget that receiving calls while roaming is also billed in most cases.
4. Missing SMS
Switching to a local SIM or even a travel eSIM might save money on data, but you'll lose access to your UK number. That means no bank codes, no two-factor login, and no way for people to reach you on your usual number.
The Common Workarounds (and Why They're Not Enough)
Some travelers try to buy a local SIM, which can work if you're staying in one country. But then you have to:
- Replace your current SIM
- Notify friends, family, clients of your temporary number
- Miss out on important UK texts or calls
Others use a travel eSIM like Airalo or Holafly, which is great for data. But again — your UK number goes dark.
One Simple Fix: Keep My Number
If you want to:
- Stay connected to your UK number
- Receive calls and SMS abroad
- Avoid roaming fees from your UK provider
- Have global data in one place
Then Keep My Number is the solution that brings it all together.
You activate it once, and your UK number stays live in the background — no matter what eSIM or Wi-Fi you're using. You get your calls, texts, and codes just like you're home. Plus, you can get affordable data packages in many countries — without switching SIMs or juggling apps.
Final Tip
Before your next trip, check what your provider charges. Then ask yourself: Do I want to pay for every day I'm connected, or do I want to stay reachable without the headache?
Skip the fees, skip the stress — and keep your number wherever you go.
Ready to Keep Your Number?
Stay connected while traveling – download the app now and keep your number wherever you are in the world!
