UK travellers paid £508m in roaming charges last year

As millions of UK holidaymakers prepare to head overseas this summer, new Freedom of Information (FOI) data obtained by Compare the Market has revealed that consumers paid £508 million in out-of-bundle international roaming charges in 2025, highlighting the continued cost of using mobile phones abroad for many travellers.

The figures show consumers paid £508 million in out-of-bundle voice, text and data roaming charges last year, almost three times the £180 million recorded in 2021, an increase of 182% over four years. Although the total paid eased slightly compared with 2024, when costs reached £526 million, it remains significantly higher than a few years ago, suggesting that out-of-bundle roaming continues to be a considerable expense for travellers whose plans don’t include overseas usage.

Matt Brewer, Mobile Expert at Compare the Market, said “Many travellers may not realise they’re paying more than they need to for roaming. Before heading overseas, it’s worth checking what’s included in your mobile plan and comparing the roaming options available, as many providers now offer monthly roaming passes or inclusive packages. If you only travel occasionally, it’s worth thinking about how much data you’re likely to actually use before paying for a larger allowance. Making use of trusted Wi-Fi in hotels, airports and other public venues can also help keep costs down.”

The data shows that the increase wasn’t gradual, as the amount consumers paid more than doubled (109%) between 2021 and 2022, rising from £180 million to £377 million. In 2023, out-of-bundle roaming revenue increased to £482 million and reached a peak of £526 million in 2024. While the total dipped slightly to £508 million in 2025, it remained above the half-a-billion-pound mark for the second consecutive year.

The FOI data also highlights who is paying these charges, with pay-monthly customers generating £498 million of the £508 million total in 2025, accounting for around 98% of all out-of-bundle roaming revenue. By comparison, pay-as-you-go customers generated £9 million, down from £15 million in 2021, reflecting the continued decline in PAYG usage.
The renewed focus on roaming follows the UK and Switzerland’s recent agreement to introduce surcharge-free roaming between the two countries, although travellers should remember that charges may still apply in many other destinations.

Brewer concluded “The agreement between the UK and Switzerland is welcome news for anyone planning a trip there, but it’s also a reminder that roaming rules aren’t the same everywhere. Depending on your destination and mobile provider, using your phone abroad could still come with additional costs.
“Roaming policies have changed considerably over the past few years, and providers continue to update what’s included across different tariffs, so it’s always worth checking your plan before you travel. If you travel overseas regularly, it’s also worth comparing providers from time to time, as some tariffs include roaming in destinations where others charge extra.”