Mobile data in the UK after Brexit: does EU roaming still work?

Does my EU phone plan work in the UK?

It depends on your provider. EU rules no longer force them to treat the UK like home, so each provider decides. Some include England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland at no extra cost, some charge a day rate, and some use a lower data limit. Look for 'United Kingdom' in the roaming section of your provider's app.

Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man are not part of the UK and often have separate roaming prices, also on UK plans.

Networks and coverage

The UK has four main networks: EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three. Coverage is very good in cities and along main roads; in the Scottish Highlands and rural Wales signal can drop. More and more London Underground lines have 4G/5G in the tunnels.

Handy for your UK trip

• Since 2025 most European visitors need a UK ETA (electronic travel authorisation): apply in the official app before you travel.
• Pay contactless everywhere, including the Tube and buses: just tap your phone or card.
• UK plugs are type G: bring an adapter.
• For a week in London with maps, social media and some streaming, 5 to 10 GB is plenty.