ee + iPhone + using abroad (Spain) = durrrrr?

[Phooey]

I'm not great on technology so please bear with me

I've done a Google search on using my iPhone in Spain (ee network) but totally confused as to what settings I need to switch to to, 1/ Be able to access the internet (hotel wifi is self-explanatory... but using 4G??), and 2/ Avoid large costs 3/ Anything else I need to know?

Thanks

[SteveKTMer]

In settings go to Mobile Data and turn it on - first option at the top. Then go to mobile Data Options below that, turn on Data Roaming. You can set it to use 5G or just 4G.

If you have a 5G phone there's also an option to allow more data on 5G, standard or low data mode. Low data mode is cheapest - will only use data for things you're specifically doing. It won't download updates in the background or download e-mail etc.

Costs is based on your contract.

[mmm-five]

Are you on a SIM-only pay-monthly plan, or PAYG?

If the former, when did you start it?

According to EE (and the reason I'm still on my SIM-only contract from 2020)...

• If your plan started before 7 July 2021: If you're on a pay monthly plan and your contract started before 7 July 2021, these changes (to roaming) will not affect you.
• If your plan started on or after 7 July 2021: If you take out a pay monthly handset or SIM plan from 7 July onwards, there will be a daily charge for using your phone in our European roaming zone. However, we won't apply the new EU roaming charges until January 2022.

[Phooey]

Thanks for replies. Sim only contract and started before 2020.

I also have my wife and daughter on my account (both sim-only) and I data share to both of them. Do i need to do the same with theirs to prevent excess charges?

[x5tuu]

Phooey said:

Thanks for replies. Sim only contract and started before 2020.

I also have my wife and daughter on my account (both sim-only) and I data share to both of them. Do i need to do the same with theirs to prevent excess charges?

You haven't moved tariff or plan since 2020? It's not since it first started its since the last renewal/upgrade etc.

[Sy1441]

Answer here is to check with EE whether you have roaming included in your airtime plan.

[Blown2CV]

EE usually charge an extra tenner a month for the roaming add-on. You need to check with them what is included, but it's worth paying for it if you don't have it.

[nutsyH]

Blown2CV said:

EE usually charge an extra tenner a month for the roaming add-on. You need to check with them what is included, but it's worth paying for it if you don't have it.

£15 now. I paid for it on my and my wife's EE phones for a trip in June through France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Germany. Does what it says on the tin. No roaming charges in EU, USA, and many other countries. You can add it to your contract on line and remove it on line when you return. EE only charge for the time you have had it - IE pro rata for parts of a month.

[Blown2CV]

depends what plan you're on, and also i'm not sure if all of those countries are classed as 'EE-Europe'. They've dropped prices i think recently and i was able to get unlimited data and inclusive EU roaming for £18 per month for 6 months.

[Baldchap]

Sy1441 said:

Answer here is to check with EE whether you have roaming included in your airtime plan.

This is the answer. Ring them and ask whether each of you can roam for free.

Costs, if you don't have roaming included, can be spectacular.

[Phooey]

Thanks for replies. Have just spoke with ee (it's difficult to navigate to a voice call now!) and the advisor said I had roaming included as all sim-only contracts were from 2019. But, before admitting I had it included she did firstly add roaming on for £15/mth to all numbers (£15 x 3 = £45) until I questioned about having roaming included - she then said "sorry" and then removed the £15 add-on charge

Basically she said we just use our phones abroad as if in the UK and there will be no extra costs. Hope she's right as she was frickin useless!

[davek_964]

Phooey said:

Have just spoke with ee (it's difficult to navigate to a voice call now!)

Yeah - I did the same yesterday, it was a pain!

I have EU roaming because my contract was years before they added charging. However I am flying to the USA soon and needed to add it for that. The only mistake I've made is to add it the day I fly out - because I now can't check it really has been added... but I'll check the morning I'm due to fly.

[hellorent]

Phooey said:

Thanks for replies. Have just spoke with ee (it's difficult to navigate to a voice call now!) and the advisor said I had roaming included as all sim-only contracts were from 2019. But, before admitting I had it included she did firstly add roaming on for £15/mth to all numbers (£15 x 3 = £45) until I questioned about having roaming included - she then said "sorry" and then removed the £15 add-on charge

Basically she said we just use our phones abroad as if in the UK and there will be no extra costs. Hope she's right as she was frickin useless!

If you have time maybe ring them back and ask for email confirmation of that.

[Blown2CV]

Phooey said:

Thanks for replies. Have just spoke with ee (it's difficult to navigate to a voice call now!) and the advisor said I had roaming included as all sim-only contracts were from 2019. But, before admitting I had it included she did firstly add roaming on for £15/mth to all numbers (£15 x 3 = £45) until I questioned about having roaming included - she then said "sorry" and then removed the £15 add-on charge

Basically she said we just use our phones abroad as if in the UK and there will be no extra costs. Hope she's right as she was frickin useless!

log in to the EE app and then go to the section about travelling abroad. Tell it what country you are going to and it will tell you clearly what is included and free on your plan and what isn't.

[Phooey]

Blown2CV said:

log in to the EE app and then go to the section about travelling abroad. Tell it what country you are going to and it will tell you clearly what is included and free on your plan and what isn't.

Good tip - thanks