UK holidaymakers heading to Turkey will soon need to brace themselves for the return of EU roaming charges, as Vodafone becomes the first major network to reintroduce fees for customers using their phones abroad.
From October 2024, Vodafone will no longer include Turkey in its 'Europe Zone' for roaming, meaning travellers will have to pay extra for calls, texts, and data usage while visiting the country. This marks a significant shift from the post-Brexit era, where many UK networks continued to offer free roaming in Turkey despite its non-EU status.
Why is this happening now?
The change comes as Vodafone updates its roaming policies to align with post-Brexit agreements. While Turkey isn't part of the EU, it had previously been included in many UK networks' free roaming zones due to special arrangements. However, these are now being revised, with Vodafone leading the charge.
Which other networks might follow?
Industry experts suggest that other major providers like EE, O2, and Three could soon announce similar changes. Travellers are advised to check their network's roaming policies before heading abroad to avoid unexpected charges.
How much will roaming in Turkey cost?
Vodafone has announced the following charges for Turkey from October:
- Data: £6.85 per MB (with a £45 monthly cap)
- Calls: £3.50 per minute to make calls, £1.75 to receive
- Texts: £1.05 per message
These rates are significantly higher than previous EU roaming charges, making it crucial for travellers to consider alternatives like local SIM cards or WiFi-based communication apps.
What can travellers do to avoid charges?
To minimise costs, experts recommend:
- Purchasing a local Turkish SIM card upon arrival
- Using WiFi for calls and messaging via apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime
- Downloading maps and essential information before travelling
- Checking if your network offers any special roaming packages
The return of roaming charges serves as a stark reminder of how Brexit continues to impact British travellers, with Turkey being just the latest destination where the 'roam like at home' benefits are disappearing.
