EE and Vodafone customers face shock new charges next month but you can avoid them

There’s bad news for some EE and Vodafone users with these popular UK mobile networks bringing back controversial EU roaming charges from next month. This unwanted change was first announced earlier this year with both EE and Vodafone confirming that some customers will be hit by the new fees from January 2022.

It basically means that anyone affected will now pay £2 per day to access their UK data, calls and text allowance. Some families could be left facing a bill of over £100 when taking a two-week break in countries such as France, Italy or Spain.

So how can you avoid paying these fees?

Firstly, both EE and Vodafone have confirmed that it’s only new customers and those who have recently upgraded their plans that will be hit by the fees.

If you’re an EE user and haven’t made any changes after July 7, 2021 you should be fine to continue using your phone abroad without fear of any additional charges.

Those with Vodafone contracts that have been untouched before August 11 will also find that they can head to Europe and use their allowance without paying the daily £2 fee.

Of course, with some good deals on the market right now and new phones being launched you may find you have no option but to upgrade your current account.

Luckily EE is offering plans that feature its unique Smart Benefits. These bonus extras include access to BT Sport, Apple Music and Apple TV but there’s also the option to add free roaming which means you can travel without fear of any bill shock.

Vodafone also offers plans that include roaming and the network is also allowing users to buy 8 or 15-day passes before they travel which cost just £1 per day rather than the standard £2 cost.

Speaking about the changes an EE spokesperson said, “From January next year, EE will introduce a new flat fee of £2 a day for customers wishing to roam across 47 European destinations (with the exception of ROI which is included in domestic plans), allowing them to use their plan’s full data, minutes and texts allowance. This will apply only to new and upgrading customers signing up to EE from the 7th July 2021 and will support investment into our UK based customer service and leading UK network.

“Customers travelling abroad for longer will be able to use a 30-day Roam Abroad Pass. Essential plan customers will be able to take the Pass for £10, while Smart or Full Works plans customers are able to include the same pass as part of their plan.”

And a Vodafone spokesperson added: “Customers will be able to choose a plan that comes with roaming included, or purchase an additional roaming pass. 8 day and 15 day passes will be available at £1 per day, alongside standard £2 per day passes,” the network told us.

“Our ambition is to ensure customers don’t ever experience ‘bill shock’ when roaming with Vodafone, because all of our plans and passes will have clear usage caps, and customers will also be able to set their own limits via Vodafone Spend Manager, which is free to set up via the My Vodafone App.”