Polish MVNO Virgin Mobile, the friendly face in mobile services, is making a significant change to its roaming rates in the UK. Effective August 1, 2024, calling, texting, and using data while roaming in the UK will become considerably more expensive for customers under specific Virgin Mobile plans.

This news might leave some travelers feeling a bit lost at sea, unsure how to navigate these new roaming charges.

Get Ready to Pay More for Calls, Texts, and Data in the UK

For a while now, Virgin Mobile has offered a promotional price for roaming in the UK. This sweet deal allowed customers to enjoy calls, texts, and data at significantly lower rates. Unfortunately, this promotional period is coming to an end, leaving many to face the sting of higher roaming costs.

Higher Costs as Virgin Mobile Revamps UK Roaming

Let’s get down to brass tacks. Here’s a breakdown of the new roaming charges compared to the soon-to-be-extinct promotional rates:

• Calls (outgoing and incoming):
  • Old Rate: 0.29 zł per minute
  • New Rate: 0.79 zł per minute (Ouch! That’s a whopping 172% increase!)
• Texts (SMS or MMS):
  • Old Rate: 0.29 zł per message
  • New Rate: 0.79 zł per message (Another 172% jump!)
• Data:
  • Old Rate: 29 zł per 1 GB
  • New Rate: 59 zł per 1 GB (A not-so-friendly 103% increase!)

Feeling the Pinch? Here’s Your Lifeline:

If these new roaming charges leave you feeling a bit squeezed, fret not! Here are a few cunning tactics to help you stay connected without overspending:

• Embrace the Power of Wi-Fi: Whenever possible, take advantage of free Wi-Fi hotspots in cafes, restaurants, and hotels. Most messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger function seamlessly over Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones back home.
• Consider Alternative Calling Apps: Explore free or low-cost calling apps like Viber or WhatsApp. These apps allow you to make voice and video calls over Wi-Fi, keeping you connected without racking up roaming charges.
• Think Local, Go Local: For a truly immersive experience, consider purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival in the UK. Many mobile operators offer affordable prepaid plans with data, calls, and texts, allowing you to stay connected without relying on your home plan’s roaming charges.

The Final Boarding Call

Staying informed is key when navigating the ever-changing landscape of mobile roaming costs. Virgin Mobile’s price hike for UK roaming might throw a wrench in your travel plans, but with a bit of planning and resourcefulness, you can still stay connected without breaking the bank. So, pack your bags, embrace these handy tips, and get ready for your UK adventure!