Going home to see family is the best trip of the year, until the roaming bill arrives. The good news is that staying in touch while you’re away is cheap if you sort it out before you fly. Here is what works, what it costs, and what to avoid.
One thing to know first: Planet Numbers access numbers are UK numbers, so they are for calling abroad from the UK. They won’t save you money while you’re overseas. What will is getting cheap mobile data for your trip, then using it for calls.
Option 1: roaming on your UK network
It’s the easiest option, because your phone just works when you land. It is also usually the most expensive once you leave Europe. In August 2026, the main UK networks’ roaming passes for popular long-haul destinations such as the USA and UAE cost around £7 to £8 a day, or £30 to £56 a week, on basic pay monthly plans. A two-week visit can easily add £60 to £110 to your bill.
In some countries a roaming pass isn’t available at all and data is charged by the megabyte, which can cost far more. Check your network’s price guide for the exact country before you go, and switch off data roaming if you don’t plan to use it.
Option 2: a local SIM card
Buying a SIM when you arrive can be cheap, but it takes time. In many countries, including India, Pakistan and Nigeria, you will need your passport, a photo and sometimes a local address or a relative to register it, and it can take hours or days to activate. You also have to swap out your UK SIM, so you miss calls and texts to your UK number.
Option 3: a travel eSIM
An eSIM is a digital SIM you install on your phone before you travel, by scanning a QR code. Your UK SIM stays in the phone, so you still get texts from your bank and calls to your UK number, while all your data goes through the eSIM at local prices. Most iPhones from the XS onwards and many recent Android phones support eSIMs; check in your phone’s settings before you buy.
SIMOVO is a travel eSIM service run by the same company as Planet Numbers. It covers more than 180 countries, including India, Pakistan, Nigeria and Jamaica, on local networks such as Jio and Airtel in India, and Digicel and Flow in Jamaica. Plans are data only, you can share the connection with other devices, and the plan only starts when you first connect in the country you’re visiting. Whichever eSIM provider you choose, compare the price per gigabyte and how long the plan lasts against your trip.
Making calls once you have data
With data on your phone, calls to family and friends are free over WhatsApp, FaceTime, Messenger or Viber, as long as they have the same app.
For calls to ordinary UK numbers, such as your bank, GP or insurer, check whether your UK network lets you use Wi-Fi Calling abroad. Some networks charge these calls as if you were at home when you’re connected to Wi-Fi. Rules vary, so check with your network before you rely on it.
Our tips before you fly
- Install the eSIM at home, on Wi-Fi. It’s much easier than trying to do it at the airport.
- Switch data roaming off on your UK SIM, and set the eSIM as your data line.
- Keep your UK SIM switched on for texts, so bank security codes still reach you.
- Tell family you’ll be on WhatsApp while you’re away, rather than your usual number.
When you’re back home
Once you’re back in the UK, keep in touch the cheap way. With a Planet Numbers prepaid account you dial 0161 328 7777 then the number abroad and pay from 1p a minute, with no app needed at either end. It’s ideal for relatives on a landline or a basic phone, and your credit never expires.