Roaming is when you use your phone for calls, texts, and data outside of your home network, typically when you are abroad. There are a lot of questions you may have when roaming, and we have got you covered!
Anything I need to do before I go abroad?
- First things first: If you have never used your Three phone abroad, reach out to our business Messaging team by clicking here, or link in with your account manager to check that roaming is enabled on your account.
- Travelling within the EU: Most of our plans include an EU allowance. If you are not sure how much your plan includes, click here to and select your plan to view your plan details.
- Travelling within the UK: Although the UK has left the EU, your EU roaming allowance can still be used in the UK.
- Travelling outside the EU: Customers can roam in any country that Three has a roaming agreement in, and charges apply to ALL usage. Your data will make a connection straight away to the local network.
- As your data will connect to a local network as soon as it's available, we recommend that you switch off your mobile data before you travel. This way, your phone will not connect to any international networks without your knowledge. We also recommend that Wi-Fi Assist or your phone equivalent is also turned off. If you need help turning these off, please select your phone in our Device Guide for step-by-step instructions.
- Read about our international roaming rates by clicking here. Want to help reduce the cost of roaming? Why not check out what roaming add-ons are compatible with your plan by reading our price guides here.
How can I get a roaming add-on?
To find a roaming add-on suitable for your travels which is compatible with your plan, click here and select your plan.
Once you’ve confirmed which add-on you wish to add to your account, contact customer care by clicking here and requesting the add-on be added.
Please be aware in order to do this you’ll need to be an authorised account user.
What should I do when I arrive at my destination?
On arrival, your phone will automatically look for and connect to the local network. For your data to connect, make sure that mobile data roaming is switched on via your phone settings. For help doing this, please check out our Device Guides.
What is Wi-Fi Assist, and do I use it while roaming?
Wi-Fi Assist (or Smart Network Switch on some Android devices) is a device feature that automatically switches your device's internet connection from Wi-Fi to cellular data when the Wi-Fi signal is weak or unavailable. While roaming, it’s a good idea to switch this off to avoid unexpected data roaming charges. For steps on how to switch this off, click here and select your device.
How do I connect to a foreign network?
Click here for a step-by-step guide on how to connect to a foreign network.
Can I roam using an eSIM?
Yes, roaming with an eSIM is no different from roaming with a standard SIM, but please be aware that you may need to unlock your phone first. To request an unlock code for your phone, please click here.
Can I use an international SIM while abroad?
Yes, you can use an international SIM while abroad, but you may need to unlock your phone first.
Click here to request an unlock code for your phone.
Where can I find a full list of roaming rates?
Click here to check out our roaming rates.
How can I check which services are available when I’m roaming?
Click here, select your destination and enter your mobile number. The services available to you while roaming, along with the costs, will then be displayed.
What do I need to do to roam within the EU?
Nothing, all new Three accounts are sold with roaming activated.
Does my plan include roaming?
All of Three’s current plans include EU Roaming. The units included vary depending on the plan, so please click here and select your plan for more information regarding your specific roaming allowance. Note that these units can also be used in the UK.
How do I check my roaming allowance?
To monitor your allowance, all you need to do is log into your My3 account online by clicking here. You can also check your spend by texting ‘BALANCE’ to 50272.
How can I control my spending while abroad? (EU/Rest of the world)
There are a number of things that you can do to control your spending for information on these things, please check out our blog How to Avoid Large Roaming Charges
Click here and select your plans to learn more about your roaming add-ons.
Can I use my phone on a flight or at sea?
Service in flight or at sea is not guaranteed. When it is available, however, you are roaming on a satellite network, and you will be exposed to high charges.
You can also check your rates before travelling by clicking here and selecting “Satellite (Maritime/In Flight)”. It is important to note that if you are on a ship/flight within the EU region, Satellite networks are not part of EU roaming regulation.
If you are travelling by air or sea, we recommend that you switch off your data before you leave to avoid unwanted charges, and connect to Wi-Fi if possible. Please note that such Wi-Fi may be chargeable, so please check with the provider before connecting.
How do satellite networks differ from normal networks?
Normal networks are land-based. Satellite networks are mostly used while out at sea or travelling by air. Satellite networks are not included as part of any roaming allowances, meaning that they are an additional charge, so please review the charges before connecting. Click here to find out about Satellite charges.
What do I do if I have difficulties while I’m roaming?
If you are experiencing difficulties while roaming, click here to read our blog about how to get back up and running again.
If none of these steps work for you, click here to chat with our Messaging Team, who will be happy to assist you.
Information on the means of access to Emergency Services (Emergency Means), Public Warning Systems (PWS) and Value Added Services (VAS) or Premium Rate Services has been compiled by BEREC* and is available at the links below:
*Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications
