eSIM or roaming in Europe for a whole season: what suits you
PFB Away team · 27 October 2026You sign for a club in another country, or you go abroad as staff for a season. The natural thought is «I've got EU roaming, I don't need anything else». For a one-week trip, that's true. For nine months away, not so much.
What EU roaming covers
With a SIM from an EU country, you use your phone in the other EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway at the same price as at home. Since 2026 it has been extended to Ukraine and Moldova. The current regulation (EU 2022/612) keeps this rule in place until 2032.
The small print: fair use and the 4 months
Surcharge-free roaming is for travelling, not living abroad. Your operator can check your usage over 4-month periods. If in that time you spend more days abroad than at home and use more abroad than at home, it can ask you to explain: you have 14 days to reply. If nothing changes, it can start adding a surcharge.
That surcharge is capped: in 2026 it's €1.10 per GB plus VAT, dropping to €1 per GB in 2027. And the operator must cut you off at €50 extra unless you choose to carry on. For someone living abroad for a season, it adds up.
Countries EU roaming doesn't reach
Any country outside that list: the UK, Switzerland, Turkey, Serbia and the rest of the non-EU Balkans. There, each operator sets its own prices. Some include them in the plan; many don't.
And if your SIM is from outside the EU (a Latin American or US player at a European club), none of this applies: for your operator, all of Europe is international roaming.
The options, one by one
- A local SIM in the country where you play: usually the cheapest for home, but it needs paperwork and doesn't cover you on away trips to other countries.
- An eSIM plan per trip: ideal for one-off trips. The Europe plan covers 37 countries with one eSIM (10 GB for 30 days, €7.99).
- One eSIM for the whole season: our Europe Pass covers 46 countries, Serbia and Turkey included, and tops itself up every month. From €10.49 a month with 5 GB, paying for the season (October 2026 prices).
FAQ
Can I be charged for roaming inside the EU?
Yes, if your usage isn't that of a trip. If over 4 months you spend more time abroad than at home and use more abroad, your operator can add a surcharge, within the limits set by the EU.
Is the UK covered by EU roaming?
No. Since Brexit, surcharge-free roaming in the UK depends on each operator.
Can I keep my usual number?
Yes. Our eSIMs are data only: your SIM keeps your number for calls and WhatsApp.