UK tourists planning staycations along the south coast this summer have been warned they could face unexpected roaming charges if their phones connect to French networks. The warning is especially pertinent for holidaymakers in Kent and Sussex, where the proximity to France makes accidental network switching a real risk.
How Accidental Roaming Happens
The Kent coast, near Dover and Folkestone, is just 21 miles from France, and mobile devices in these areas can easily pick up overseas signals. When automatic network selection is enabled, phones connect to the strongest available signal, which in coastal regions may be a foreign network without the user realizing it.
Networks Without EU Roaming Included
BT/EE and Vodafone/Three are the only UK networks that do not include European Union roaming as standard. Customers on these networks could incur a daily charge if their device latches onto a French signal near the coast or border.
Expert Advice from Uswitch
Simrat Sharma, Uswitch mobiles expert, said: “You don’t need to board a plane to face a roaming bill – and with millions of Brits heading to coastal and border regions this summer, many could be in for a nasty surprise. When automatic network selection is turned on, your phone connects to whatever signal is strongest – and in coastal areas, that can sometimes mean latching onto a foreign network without ever realising it.”
Simple Steps to Avoid Charges
Sharma emphasized that turning off roaming in your phone’s settings is the easiest way to avoid being charged. “Switching it off and manually selecting your UK network before you head to a coastal or border area is the simplest way to stay protected, and it takes two minutes,” she said. “Most providers also let you set a spend cap or block data roaming altogether through their app – it’s worth doing both before you go.”
What to Do If Charged
If you do get caught out, Sharma advises contacting your provider immediately. “Some will waive the charges, but it’s not guaranteed, so the sooner you flag it, the better.”
