I’ve just received an email from Three to tell me that, as my current contract has ended I have to transfer onto a new plan but will be charged for using my phone in Europe. I could obviously turn off mobile data and roaming on my phone and rely on WiFi but I’m wondering about buying a cheap phone and either a pay-as-you-go or prepaid sim when we get to France for use when I’ve no WiFi connections. Has anyone done this? Is it a straightforward process and is there anything worth being aware of in advance?
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Please re - read the notification email again.....I was in the same position but on mine it stated that the MINIMUM term of my contract was up and if I did nothing then I would continue on the same plan with the same benefits.......If in doubt give them a ring!
I had actually been speaking to them in January and was told as long as I remained on the same plan and didn’t change I would not be charged in Europe. However this email states “… We update our plans from time to time and can no longer offer you a plan on our current terms. If we don’t hear from you, you’ll automatically move to our 30GB data 1-month SIM Only plan. This plan will be on our latest Terms & Conditions …. include a daily charge to use Go Roam. I will double check but it’s my understanding that my current plan no longer exists so my options are to change to a new plan or leave Three.
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You have plenty of choice of 30day sims that don’t charge. It does seem now 3 of the 4 main networks have jumped the gun on this. The smaller piggyback operators like Plusnet Tesco etc state they are not charging for EU roaming & nor are O2. I’m guessing those that are charging may soon row back on this.
A French sim will probably be dearer than paying roaming charges if you are phoning UK.
Thanks for the replies. Had a look at all options and think will probably go for a PAYG sim with Giff Gaff who operate on O2 network but seem to offer more flexibility and currently don’t charge in EU. If, or more likely when, they introduce roaming charges I can always look to change provider again. Hopefully Billy is right and those providers now charging may reverse their decision if people aren’t renewing contracts.
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I think providers were always allowed by EU roaming rules to use a data roaming cap but might not have been enforced by some providers. So maybe not much has changed ?
EU roaming rules allowed providers a fair usage policy where users were only allowed a certain period of roaming without coming home otherwise charges could be applied.
However ime Plusnet never questioned my roaming time. In the good old days I would be roaming continuously in France for up to 5 months without ever being charged extra.
I have a one month rolling contract, which renews monthly until you end it, with IDMobile which offers free roaming at the moment, and if their terms and conditions change I have at least a month to start looking for a new contract. They do have 'fair useage' but basically if you have the top of the range plan this offers unlimited useage in Europe. Mine would be a capped plan, but still plenty of flexibility and unlike other providers they give the details of what is considered 'fair useage'.
Quote: Originally posted by madasaman on 31/5/2022
GiffGaff have a 20Gb cap
Yes, not worth paying more than the £15 Golden Goodybag - EU roaming included up to 20 GB. If you use this up, you can always start a new Goodybag early.
Quote: Originally posted by madasaman on 23/6/2022
Just had email from GiffGaff, from 26th July data allowance dropping from 20Gb to 5Gb. Time to shop around for a new provider.
O2 got a good deal on at the moment -
Buy a 02 sim online you get free £10 credit. So a 30gb pay as you go sim is £20 - £10 free (£30) and you can use 25gb in Europe.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: French Sim Cards
via mobile 11/3/2022 at 2:49pm
