Roaming outside the EU with a plan from France

The short answer

Outside the 'roam like at home' zone, roaming is charged at your operator's own rates. It must text you its prices at each border crossing, and mobile data is capped by default at €60 worldwide unless you agreed another limit.

Outside the EU and EEA, roaming can be very expensive, especially mobile data. Protections such as a spending limit and warning messages exist in some places; what applies with a plan from France is below.

Official source: arcep.fr · Checked 2026-10-14

📜 The rules in France

The details

You receive a warning at 80% of the cap and another when you reach it; data is then blocked unless you expressly ask to continue. This protection does not cover calls and texts. (arcep.fr)
The United Kingdom has been a non-EU country for roaming since 1 January 2021. Operators may choose to keep home prices there, so check your contract or ask your operator. (arcep.fr)

Arcep – J'alerte l'Arcep

Report a problem with your operator. Arcep uses these alerts to act on the market but does not settle individual disputes.

🔗 jalerte.arcep.fr

Official source: arcep.fr · Checked 2026-10-14

🪜 Step by step

Check the prices before you goLook up your operator’s rates for the country you are visiting, or buy a travel add-on.
Keep the spending limit onIf your operator offers a data spending limit, leave it on. It stops data use before the bill runs away.
Switch off data roaming when you do not need itApps update in the background. Use Wi‑Fi and switch off data roaming in your phone’s settings.
Consider a local SIM or eSIMFor longer trips, a local or travel SIM is often much cheaper.

📇 Who to contact

Arcep – J'alerte l'ArcepReport a problem with your operator. Arcep uses these alerts to act on the market but does not settle individual disputes.🔗 jalerte.arcep.fr

Arcep (Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques, des postes et de la distribution de la presse)Supervises phone and internet providers and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a provider that breaks the rules🔗 www.arcep.fr

Médiation des communications électroniques (le médiateur des communications électroniques)Settles disputes between customers and providersWhen the provider has not solved your complaint🔗 www.mediation-telecom.org

❓ Questions

What happens when I reach the spending limit?

Where a limit applies, data stops or you are asked whether you want to continue. You decide whether to go on.

Do ships and planes count as abroad?

Networks on ships and planes often run via satellite, are not covered by the usual roaming rules and can be very expensive.

Can I dispute a huge roaming bill?

Yes. Complain to the operator first, then go to the dispute body if you cannot agree.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-10-14

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

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✈️ Travelling outside the EU with a plan from France: how do I avoid a huge roaming bill?