# How to turn on international roaming before you travel (UK)
> Enable international roaming on Vodafone in 2026 by texting ACT IR to 144 or using the Vi App. Step-by-step setup guide for UK travellers.
**Published:** 2026-05-10
**Updated:** 2026-05-10
**Category:** HOW_TO_TELCO
**Author:** Rafael Tuñón
**Canonical URL:** https://rechargevodafone.co.uk/how-to-turn-on-international-roaming-uk/
## Key takeaways
- Activate international roaming on Vodafone by using the Vi App to browse and select from available roaming packs.
- Customers in Orissa, Bihar, Kolkata, and West Bengal can text 'ACT IR' to 144 to activate their international roaming pack via toll-free SMS.
- Enable international roaming on Android devices by going to Settings, selecting Connections, then Mobile Networks, and toggling the roaming switch.
## Key statistics
- **144**, Toll-free SMS number to activate IR pack for customers in Orissa, Bihar, Kolkata, and West Bengal circles (Source: Wise)
## Article
International roaming on Vodafone UK is usually active by default for Pay Monthly customers, but you must also switch on 'Data Roaming' in your phone's settings to use mobile data abroad. Costs vary by destination zone and your specific plan, so it's essential to check your allowances in the My Vodafone app before you travel. Since Brexit, free EU roaming is no longer guaranteed for most customers.
- **Roaming is typically on:** Most Pay Monthly accounts have roaming enabled, but you must activate 'Data Roaming' in your handset settings separately.
- **Zone matters:** Vodafone splits destinations into zones (A, B, C, D, and Rest of World), each with different daily charges or included allowances.
- **25GB fair use cap:** Pay Monthly plans are subject to a 25GB monthly data limit when roaming, even if your UK plan is unlimited.
- **Check for bars:** Use the My Vodafone app to confirm no 'roaming bars' are blocking your service, and to verify which zones your plan covers.
## Step 1: Confirm roaming is active on your account
Log into the My Vodafone app and navigate to your plan details. Look for the 'Roaming' or 'Travelling Abroad' section. This will show which zones are included in your plan and whether any restrictions (called 'roaming bars') are in place. If a bar is active, you can remove it directly in the app by toggling the setting off. For Pay As You Go customers, you'll need to purchase a roaming 'Extra' before you travel, as roaming is not included by default.
## Step 2: Enable data roaming on your handset
Even if roaming is active on your Vodafone account, your phone won't use mobile data abroad unless you enable it manually.
**On iPhone:** Go to Settings, tap Mobile Service (or Cellular), then Mobile Data Options, and toggle Data Roaming on.
**On Android:** Open Settings, tap Connections (or Network & Internet), select Mobile Networks, and turn Data Roaming on. The exact menu names vary by manufacturer (Samsung, Google, OnePlus, etc.), but the option is always under mobile or network settings.
## Step 3: Buy a roaming pass if your plan doesn't include your destination
If you're travelling to a country not covered by your plan, you can purchase a pass through the My Vodafone app or by texting a code to 40506. For example, an 8-day European Roaming Pass can be bought by texting `8DAYEUROPE` to 40506. Prices and durations vary: Vodafone offers 8-day and 15-day passes for Europe, and separate 'Around the World' Extras for other regions. These passes give you a set allowance of data, minutes, and texts for the duration of your trip.
- **£2.75 per day:** Standard daily charge for Zone B (Europe) from April 2026 for most Pay Monthly customers.
- **25GB:** Fair use data limit per month when roaming on Pay Monthly plans.
- **62 days:** If you spend more than this in a four-month period roaming, and use more data abroad than in the UK, extra charges may apply.
- **191:** Free Vodafone customer services number from your Vodafone mobile in the UK.
- **+44 7836 191 191:** Number to call Vodafone from abroad (free from a Vodafone UK mobile).
## Understanding Vodafone's roaming zones
Vodafone organises destinations into zones, and your daily charge depends on which zone you're visiting.
**Zone A** includes the Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Iceland, and Norway. Roaming here is included in all Pay Monthly and Pay As You Go plans at no extra cost.
**Zone B (Euro Roam)** covers 47 European destinations like Spain, France, Greece, and Portugal. For customers on plans started after 11 August 2021, a daily charge applies (£2.75 from April 2026).
**Zone C (Global Roam)** includes 32 worldwide destinations such as the USA, Australia, Canada, and Turkey. Some 'Xtra' plans include these countries, but most customers pay a daily charge.
**Zone D** covers 73 destinations including the UAE, Thailand, and India. A daily charge is required to use your UK allowance here.
**Rest of the World** destinations fall into four further zones, where pay-per-use rates or specific data packs apply.
**Title:** Activating Vodafone UK Roaming Before You Travel
**Steps:**
1. **Open the My Vodafone app** and log in with your account details.
2. **Navigate to 'Plan Details'** or 'Roaming' to see which zones are included and check for any active roaming bars.
3. **Remove any roaming bars** by toggling them off in the app if they are blocking your service.
4. **Enable Data Roaming** in your phone's settings (under Mobile Service on iPhone, or Mobile Networks on Android).
5. **Purchase a roaming pass** if your destination is not included in your plan, either via the app or by texting the relevant code to 40506.
## What roaming costs in 2026
For Pay Monthly customers whose plans started on or after 11 August 2021, daily charges apply in most destinations. From April 2026, the Zone B (Europe) daily charge is £2.75. Plans with 'Global Roam Plus' or similar Xtra benefits may include roaming in up to 84 destinations at no extra daily cost, but all plans are subject to the 25GB monthly data fair use limit. If you exceed 25GB while roaming, you'll be charged £3.84 per GB.
Pay As You Go customers must buy a roaming Extra to use their phone in Europe. An 8-day 'Europe Extra' typically costs around £10 for a bundle of data, calls, and texts, or less for data-only options.
"Since 31 December 2020, the EU rules on roaming charges ceased to apply in the UK. This means that, like other destinations, the amount your mobile provider can charge you for using your mobile phone in EU countries...is no longer capped." - [Ofcom](https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/costs-and-billing/mobile-roaming-costs), *Using your mobile abroad*
## Avoiding unexpected charges
Vodafone's roaming service is designed for periodic travel, not permanent use abroad. If you spend more than 62 days in a four-month period roaming, and your usage abroad exceeds your UK usage, Vodafone may apply additional charges. You'll receive a text alert 14 days before any extra fees are applied.
Use the Spend Manager tool in the My Vodafone app to set a cap on out-of-plan charges. This prevents your bill from escalating unexpectedly. Connect to Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, and airports whenever possible to reduce mobile data consumption.
If you live near a border (such as Northern Ireland or coastal Kent), your phone may connect to a foreign network accidentally. Ofcom requires providers to offer protections against these inadvertent roaming charges. You can prevent this by manually selecting 'Vodafone UK' in your phone's network settings.
**Q1: Do I need to call Vodafone to enable roaming?**
No. For most Pay Monthly customers, roaming is already active on your account. You just need to enable 'Data Roaming' in your phone's settings and check for any roaming bars in the My Vodafone app.
**Q2: What is the 25GB roaming limit?**
This is a fair usage policy for Pay Monthly customers. Even if your UK plan has unlimited data, you can only use 25GB per month while roaming in included destinations. Exceeding this incurs a charge of £3.84 per GB.
**Q3: How do I contact Vodafone while abroad?**
Call +44 7836 191 191 from your Vodafone UK mobile. This call is free.
**Q4: What if my destination isn't covered by my plan?**
You'll be charged pay-as-you-go rates, which can be very expensive. Alternatively, buy a specific data pack or 'Extra' for your trip through the My Vodafone app before you leave.
## When to contact 191
If you've followed these steps and still can't connect to a network abroad, or if you're unsure which roaming zones your plan includes, call Vodafone customer services on 191 (free from your Vodafone mobile in the UK) or +44 7836 191 191 from abroad. They can check your account, remove any bars, and confirm your roaming allowances.
- [Vodafone UK - Global Roaming](https://www.vodafone.co.uk/mobile/global-roaming)
- [Vodafone UK - Help and Support: Travelling Abroad](https://www.vodafone.co.uk/help-and-information/costs-and-charges/travelling-abroad)
- [Ofcom - Using your mobile abroad](https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/costs-and-billing/mobile-roaming-costs)
- [House of Commons Library - Mobile roaming in the EU after Brexit](https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9228/)
## Frequently asked questions
### how do I activate international roaming on Vodafone Vi
You can activate international roaming through the Vi App by logging in, navigating to the roaming section, and selecting a pack for your destination. Alternatively, if you're in Orissa, Bihar, Kolkata, or West Bengal circles, send an SMS reading 'ACT IR' to the toll-free number 144 to activate your roaming pack.
### what is Vodafone Idea Vi
Vodafone Idea Limited, branded as Vi, is a partnership between the Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group that provides pan-India voice and data services. It was formerly known as Idea Cellular Limited.
### how to enable roaming on Android phone settings
On your Android device, go to Settings, then Connections, then Mobile Networks, and toggle the roaming switch on. This allows your phone to connect to foreign networks once your roaming pack is active on your Vi account.
### can I activate international roaming via SMS Vodafone
Yes, customers in Orissa, Bihar, Kolkata, and West Bengal circles can activate international roaming by sending an SMS with 'ACT IR' to the toll-free number 144. Other regions should use the Vi App or contact customer support.
### do I need to enable roaming before traveling abroad
Yes, you should activate your international roaming pack and enable roaming on your device before you travel, not when you arrive at the airport. This ensures your account is flagged for roaming and your SIM can register on foreign networks without delays.
## Sources
1. [How to activate international roaming for a Vodafone mobile phone](https://www.quora.com/How-can-I-activate-international-roaming-for-a-Vodafone-mobile-phone) (www.quora.com)
2. [I want to activate International roaming service | Vi](https://www.myvi.in/help-support/faqs/how-to-activate-international-roaming-service) (www.myvi.in)
3. [Vodafone-Idea International Roaming [Plans, SMS OTPs, How-to activate] - Wise](https://wise.com/in/blog/vodafone-international-roaming) (wise.com)