Do I pay extra to use my phone in other EU countries with a plan from Ireland?
In the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway you pay the same as at home for calls, texts and data ('Roam like at home'), and receiving calls or texts costs nothing extra. Since 1 January 2026 this also covers Moldova and Ukraine.
With a plan from an operator in the EU or EEA, calls, texts and data in other EU and EEA countries are generally charged as at home, within fair-use limits. Other rules apply to plans from other countries; what applies with a plan from Ireland is below.
📜 The rules in Ireland
The details
- Your provider may set a fair use limit on data abroad and must tell you about it, including in the welcome text when you arrive. Above it, surcharges are capped, and you get alerts at €61.50 and €123 (including VAT) per monthly billing period. (comreg.ie)
- 'Roam like at home' was extended from 1 July 2022 for ten years. You should be told the charges, any fair use limit and how to call 112 free of charge, and be able to use mobile services as at home where technically possible. (comreg.ie)
- Providers do not have to include the UK, Monaco, Andorra or Switzerland in 'Roam like at home'. Check with your provider before travelling there. (comreg.ie)
- Satellite networks on some ships and planes are not covered by 'Roam like at home' and can carry high surcharges; you must be notified about these extra charges. (comreg.ie)
ComReg Consumer Care Team
Takes up your complaint with the provider if it has not acknowledged it, has not replied within 10 working days, or you are unhappy with its reply.
🪜 Step by step
- Check your plan before you travelSee which countries your plan treats like home and whether it has a separate data allowance abroad.
- Read the welcome messageWhen you arrive, your operator usually sends a message with the prices and limits that apply.
- Watch the fair-use limitUnlimited or very large data plans can have a smaller allowance abroad. Above it, a surcharge can apply.
- Take care on ships, planes and near bordersThere your phone can connect to a network outside the usual roaming rules. Switch off roaming or use flight mode when in doubt.
📇 Who to contact
Sponsor this page → One labelled block, €100 a month. Founding price €75 until 31 January 2027.
❓ Questions
What does fair use mean?
Operators may limit roaming at home prices to normal travel, not living abroad for good, and may cap data abroad on very large plans.
Which countries count as home?
That depends on your plan and on where your operator is based. The rules for Ireland are on this page.
Are calls back home free?
Calls home usually cost the same as at home when roaming at home prices applies. Calls to other countries can cost extra.
📎 Sources
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