What are the data roaming charges in the non-EU Mediterranean and how can I avoid them? All you need to know

Picture this: you've just arrived at your beachside hotel in Bodrum, eager to share that perfect sunset photo with friends back in Sunderland. Then you see the notification: 'International roaming activated: £6 per day.' By the end of your fortnight holiday, that's nearly £84 just to stay connected — equivalent to a full day's excursion or several memorable meals.

Following Brexit, mobile roaming changed for UK holidaymakers, who no longer get an easy connection throughout Europe. As a result, non-EU Mediterranean destinations started becoming more popular among Britons, which is why this article aims to help readers avoid holiday unexpected connectivity costs.

UK favourites: Non-EU Mediterranean hotspots

Recent data shows that British travellers are focusing heavily on non-EU Mediterranean hotspots, such as Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia.

Around 4.4 million UK travellers visited Turkey last year alone, up by 16.6% compared to the year before. The number of visitors to Egypt has been soaring every year since the pandemic ended, with over 267,000 visitors in 2022 alone, while the number of those going to Tunisia was 145,000 in the same year, and numbers are also growing annually. Morocco also emerged as a popular destination with projections of over a million UK tourists.

Holidaymakers — young couples, families with children, pensioners, solo travellers and others — are turning to alternatives to traditional EU Mediterranean spots like Spain or Greece, as holidays in Turkey offer significantly better value. After all, who can blame a family for picking Egypt as a destination over Italy when two people can spend seven nights in a five-star hotel for less than the average price of a holiday in an Italian coastal region?

With that said, one thing that could still prove to be quite costly is Mediterranean data costs.

The hidden expense: Roaming charges that can ruin your holiday budget

While the current roaming policies of major UK mobile providers might still be relatively low for EU nations, they are often significantly higher if you go to non-EU Mediterranean destinations.

Internet usage has become a necessary part of everyday life, and things are no different when you go on a holiday. However, many of the holiday activities are quite data-hungry. Using navigation to move around unfamiliar cities, sharing photos and videos with family and friends or even searching for attractions all require the internet, and the cost piles up.

Sending a picture message can cost you 93p each. Depending on your provider, making a call could cost anywhere from £2 to £5 per minute.

Smart solutions to stay connected without breaking the bank

Fortunately, budget-conscious travellers have several solutions that they can consider, which can allow them to stay connected in non-EU Mediterranean destinations without breaking the bank. Your options include:

- Traditional roaming packages

- Buying a local SIM card

- Using eSIM technology

- Limiting internet usage to public Wi-Fi

Each option has its advantages, but also challenges. In terms of challenges, UK roaming can be expensive, while a SIM card will likely be in the local language, making it difficult to set it up without someone to help you. Public Wi-Fi is unreliable in terms of coverage and quality, and it can also represent a security risk, as hackers often exploit it to target unprotected users.

eSIMs are the best choice, but your phone must support them. If you choose this option, make sure to check if your device is compatible. If your phone supports eSIMs, it’s likely the most convenient and cost-effective approach. It lets you keep your UK number active, which can be good for security texts, and it is cheaper than roaming plans or maybe even local SIMs. Providers like Yesim offer quite affordable eSIMs for travel and can be a good way to reduce roaming charges abroad.

Country-by-country cuide: What UK travellers should know

Turkey

If you are planning a Turkish holiday, Yesim provides exceptional value at only £0.91 per GB. You'll enjoy fast speeds thanks to SwitchLess Networks technology, which automatically connects you to the fastest available network in the area.

Egypt

Egypt's mobile internet can be challenging due to network reliability issues in certain areas. Yesim offers solutions priced at £6.05 per GB, or you can opt for an unlimited data plan for £6.36 per day. This is the most cost-effective way to stay connected throughout Egypt.

Morocco

Yesim offers excellent Morocco data plans starting at £2.50 per GB. This is particularly valuable given that Morocco requires ID verification for purchasing and using local SIMs, making eSIM a much more convenient option for visitors.

Tunisia

Tunisia has limited public Wi-Fi availability and potential network restrictions. With Yesim, you'll pay just £1.82 per GB while enjoying excellent coverage throughout the country.

Smart travel preparation

To ensure seamless connectivity during your Mediterranean getaway, activate your eSIM plan before departing from the UK. This allows you to set everything up while still having reliable home internet access. iOS users also get a free VPN service from Yesim, which provides valuable security in countries with service restrictions.

Pre-Travel Connectivity Checklist

- Check your device's eSIM compatibility

- Purchase your eSIM plan at least 3-5 days before travelling

- Download the Yesim app and register your account

- Install your eSIM while still in the UK

- Test your eSIM to ensure it works properly before departure

- Enable data roaming for your eSIM line

- Download any essential apps (maps, translation, etc.) before travel

- Consider setting up auto-top-up to avoid running out of data

Conclusion

Staying connected in non-EU Mediterranean destinations presents unique challenges, but with proper planning, you can significantly reduce holiday connectivity costs.

The most cost-efficient approach is using an eSIM from providers like Yesim for your upcoming summer holidays. eSIMs typically cost less than roaming plans, offer better security than public Wi-Fi, and eliminate language barriers associated with local SIMs. If high roaming charges are a concern for your Mediterranean adventure, an eSIM provides the ideal solution for stress-free connectivity.

Common questions about holiday connectivity in the Mediterranean

Is my phone compatible with eSIM technology?

Most newer phones and systems support eSIM technology, but you can check if your device is compatible here.

Can I still receive important texts from my UK bank while using an eSIM abroad?

Yes, you can still receive texts from your UK bank while traveling, and without any extra charges.

How much data do I typically need for a two-week Mediterranean holiday?

That depends on how much you use the internet, but typically, you would need Google Maps, Spotify, web browsing, Instagram, YouTube and possibly WhatsApp. In total, that could amount to anywhere from 10 GB to 50 GB for two weeks.

Will I have coverage in more remote Mediterranean locations?

That depends on the provider you choose. With Yesim, you can have the best available coverage throughout the Mediterranean thanks to automatic connection to the best network.

How far in advance should I set up my holiday connectivity solution?

Your eSIM will last for a specific amount of time, depending on the plan you purchase, such as 7 days, 14 days, 30 days and alike. You can purchase it in advance, but the time limit will only start when you activate the plan.