EU Destinations
In June 2007, the European Union (EU) reached an agreement on a Regulation that places a price limit called the Eurotariff on the cost of using your mobile phone while travelling in the EU.
What you need to know about the Roaming Regulation/”Eurotariff” :
Voice:
Voice calls - To make from 1 July 2011 : Max charge 42c
Voice calls - To receive from 1 July 2011 : Max charge 13c
Note: Charges are shown at a per minute rate but per second billing applies. Your operator may include a 30 second call set-up charge.
Texts:
Euro SMS/Text message : Max charge 13c to send and its free to receive a SMS/text message
A roaming price information SMS must be delivered to your mobile when you enter an EU country. The SMS must contain pricing information for voice, SMS, and data roaming. It must contain a freephone number to contact your operator on if you require further pricing information. It also must include the European emergency services number (112).
Voicemail:
Mobile operators shall not charge customers for the receipt of a voicemail message while roaming in the EU. However you may be charged for accessing/listening to your voicemail.
Data:
Since March 1 2010 operators must provide a facility to help you monitor and control your data roaming spending. You will be able to opt in, free of charge, to a service which will notify you when you have reached a financial or data usage limit.
If you haven't opted in by July 2010, a financial limit not exceeding €60.50 will automatically apply to your account.
If you are already on a roaming package e.g. “Vodafone Passport” or 02’s “Travel” you will remain on that package and will not be automatically put on the “Eurotariff” unless you specify otherwise. Some charges on roaming packages other than the ''Eurotarriff'' may exceed the ''Eurotariff'' charges, but the package in its entirety may be more beneficial to consumers, depending on their particular roaming requirements.
Data roaming charges are not capped.
Data Roaming/Using the internet on your mobile phone/laptop when abroad
Irish consumers are using the internet more and more on their mobile phone, blackberry or laptop when they are abroad. If you plan to travel and access the internet from your mobile phone or laptop you should contact your mobile operator or check their website to find out what your operator is charging to use this service. Consumers should be wary that the costs of using the internet from their mobile phone/laptop when roaming can be very expensive.
Data roaming charges have not been capped. The cost you pay is decided by your mobile phone operator. However, mobile phone operators are required to advise consumers when they reach a limit of €60.50. Consumers can then choose to continue to data roam or to discontinue using data roaming services. The majority of operators offer daily/monthly data roaming plans that may save you money when roaming. If you have not signed up for a particular package you will be charged a standard rate. Standard data roaming charges vary by operator.
