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Data charges for using whatsapp in france

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I want to make a WhatsApp video call from my UK ID mobile to a French mobile while I am roaming in France. We cannot access wifi so obviously I want to avoid excessive data charges. Anyone done this? Any idea of the cost? Advice welcome! 

Best answer by WelshPaul

Hutchie wrote:

I want to make a WhatsApp video call from my UK ID mobile to a French mobile while I am roaming in France. We cannot access wifi so obviously I want to avoid excessive data charges. Anyone done this? Any idea of the cost? Advice welcome! 

It won’t cost you anything! France is a Band 1 Roaming destination.

What does Roaming include?

  • Use your remaining inclusive data, up to 30GB.
  • Call or text the UK (standard landline and mobile numbers) with remaining inclusive minutes and texts.
  • Call or text any Band 1 destination with remaining inclusive minutes and texts.
  • Receiving incoming calls and texts from any country.
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15 replies

Kash M
iD Mobile Employee
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  • Kash M
  • iD Mobile Employee
  • 8193 replies
  • April 6, 2025

Hi ​@Hutchie,

Welcome to the Community!

France is included in EU Roaming which means that you can roam like you do in the UK.

https://www.idmobile.co.uk/help-and-advice/eu-roaming.

 

Kash

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H
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    Hutchie
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  • Hutchie
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  • 3 replies
  • April 10, 2025
Kash wrote:

Hi ​@Hutchie,

Welcome to the Community!

France is included in EU Roaming which means that you can roam like you do in the UK.

https://www.idmobile.co.uk/help-and-advice/eu-roaming.

 

Kash

Thanks, but I was hoping for an idea of cost in terms of data usage. 

Tyler C
iD Mobile Employee
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  • Tyler C
  • iD Mobile Employee
  • 4697 replies
  • April 10, 2025

Hey Hutchie, data roaming is free in ​France, so there is no charge :)

 

Thanks,

Tyler

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WelshPaul
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  • April 10, 2025
Hutchie wrote:

I want to make a WhatsApp video call from my UK ID mobile to a French mobile while I am roaming in France. We cannot access wifi so obviously I want to avoid excessive data charges. Anyone done this? Any idea of the cost? Advice welcome! 

It won’t cost you anything! France is a Band 1 Roaming destination.

What does Roaming include?

  • Use your remaining inclusive data, up to 30GB.
  • Call or text the UK (standard landline and mobile numbers) with remaining inclusive minutes and texts.
  • Call or text any Band 1 destination with remaining inclusive minutes and texts.
  • Receiving incoming calls and texts from any country.
Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.
H
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  • Hutchie
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  • April 10, 2025
Tyler wrote:

Hey Hutchie, data roaming is free in ​France, so there is no charge :)

 

Thanks,

Tyler

Thanks Tyler. Actually WhatsApp video calls are not free, as they come out of your data allowance. 

I have now made the call (lasted about 20 minutes) and it didn’t seem to use up very much data.

Thanks to everyone for your input!

W
Active Contributor

Be aware that you may be charged for international roaming when going to France even when your phone is off on the ferry crossing!

 

W
Active Contributor

I switched my phone off at the terminal in Dover but was still charged for international roaming!

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  • April 11, 2025
williamdanskin wrote:

I switched my phone off at the terminal in Dover but was still charged for international roaming!

Oh no! Didn’t realise this was possible. I always turn off data but rarely turn the phone itself off. Have you taken this up with your ferry company?

W
Active Contributor

ID are charging me not the ferry company

 

WelshPaul
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Hutchie wrote:
williamdanskin wrote:

I switched my phone off at the terminal in Dover but was still charged for international roaming!

Oh no! Didn’t realise this was possible.

It’s not! Clearly ​@williamdanskin device connected to the ferry’s onboard satellite-based mobile network for a brief period prior to turning off his device at Dover.

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Tom B
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  • Tom B
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  • 8425 replies
  • April 14, 2025

Hi ​@williamdanskin 

 

Roaming whilst connected to a satellite network (typically whilst on a boat or ferry) would be chargeable as extra, we’d recommend adjusting your bill cap to avoid charges such as this.

 

https://www.idmobile.co.uk/help-and-advice/international-and-roaming-charges

 

Tom

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    williamdanskin
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Surely this should be broadcast in capital letters on ID website!!

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    williamdanskin
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Tom wrote:

Hi ​@williamdanskin 

 

Roaming whilst connected to a satellite network (typically whilst on a boat or ferry) would be chargeable as extra, we’d recommend adjusting your bill cap to avoid charges such as this.

 

https://www.idmobile.co.uk/help-and-advice/international-and-roaming-charges

 

Tom

most helpful. thanks. this may help me being charged again

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    williamdanskin
Tyler C
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  • Tyler C
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  • April 16, 2025

Hey there ​@williamdanskin, you’re very welcome.

 

Thanks,

Tyler

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    williamdanskin
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Most Helpful Answer

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    williamdanskin

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