Using BT Mobile abroad

No one wants to leave their phone behind when they're abroad. In most cases, your BT Mobile SIM is already set up for dialling or using abroad - you don't need to call us or do anything to activate it.

You can use your BT Mobile SIM abroad. You don’t need to call us or do anything to activate it.

To check your BT Mobile voicemail when abroad, set up a voicemail PIN so you can access your messages.

Once you're abroad, your phone should work as usual, so there's no need to use a UK country code to call home.

To get the best possible network coverage, please make sure your handset can automatically select a network. Find out how to do this at www.bt.com/phoneguides.

Does BT Mobile work in all countries?

Yes, with a few exceptions.

Countries where you can't use BT Mobile.

There are also some countries where you can make calls but not use data roaming.

Countries where you can't use data roaming.

With some international networks, you may have to switch to 3G to get data services.

Read more about international network compatibility.

We can't guarantee that BT Mobile Parental Controls will work when you use your phone abroad.

Can I choose a different mobile provider when I'm roaming abroad?

For now, no alternative roaming providers are working with BT Mobile. BT Mobile should give you all you need to roam abroad.

You might have read about something called local breakout (LBO), which lets you use your data services (but not texts or voice calls) from another provider when you're roaming in an EU country.

At this point, we don't know of any local breakout providers working with BT Mobile.

Can I use my plan allowance abroad?

Yes, in more than 40 destinations. Find out more on our calling charges page.

What do I need to do before I go abroad?

You need to use your SIM card in a device that receives text messages so we can send you information about using our services abroad. We'll also send you service messages to help you keep on top of your mobile spend.

Different countries charge different amounts for data, texts and calls. So you might want to check these costs before you travel.

Find out more about charges abroad.

To stop you getting hit with an unexpectedly high bill, we cap the data you can use when abroad at £35. You can change this by going to www.bt.com/mymobile.

You might want to think about a BT Mobile data add-on for when you're abroad. It can help keep costs down because you buy several MB of data in one go, so the price per MB is lower.
Find out more about data add-ons.

Or you can simply turn off data altogether in the settings section of your phone.

Find out how to turn off data settings.

There are other ways we can help you manage how much you spend on your mobile when you're away.

Find out more.

Go to www.bt.com/mymobile to turn roaming on or off.