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Data charges for using whatsapp in france

  • April 5, 2025
  • 15 replies
  • 217 views
H
New Contributor

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

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.

    15 replies

    Kash M
    iD Mobile Employee
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    • Kash M
    • iD Mobile Employee
    • 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

    Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.
      H
      New Contributor
      • Hutchie
      • Author
      • New Contributor
      • April 10, 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

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

      Tyler C
      iD Mobile Employee
      Forum|alt.badge.img+24
      • Tyler C
      • iD Mobile Employee
      • April 10, 2025

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

       

      Thanks,

      Tyler

      Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.
      WelshPaul
      Platinum 
Contributor
      Forum|alt.badge.img+26
      • WelshPaul
      • Platinum 
Contributor
      • Answer
      • April 10, 2025

      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.
      I have no affiliation whatsoever with iD Mobile or any subsidiary companies. Comments posted are entirely of my own opinion. Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.
      H
      New Contributor
      • Hutchie
      • Author
      • New Contributor
      • April 10, 2025

      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
      • williamdanskin
      • Active Contributor
      • April 11, 2025

      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
      • williamdanskin
      • Active Contributor
      • April 11, 2025

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

      H
      New Contributor
      • Hutchie
      • Author
      • New Contributor
      • April 11, 2025

      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
      • williamdanskin
      • Active Contributor
      • April 11, 2025

      ID are charging me not the ferry company

       

      WelshPaul
      Platinum 
Contributor
      Forum|alt.badge.img+26
      • WelshPaul
      • Platinum 
Contributor
      • April 11, 2025

      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.

      I have no affiliation whatsoever with iD Mobile or any subsidiary companies. Comments posted are entirely of my own opinion. Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.
      Tom
      iD Mobile Employee
      Forum|alt.badge.img+25
      • Tom
      • iD Mobile Employee
      • 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

      Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.
        W
        Active Contributor
        • williamdanskin
        • Active Contributor
        • April 14, 2025

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

          W
          Active Contributor
          • williamdanskin
          • Active Contributor
          • 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

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

            Tyler C
            iD Mobile Employee
            Forum|alt.badge.img+24
            • Tyler C
            • iD Mobile Employee
            • April 16, 2025

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

             

            Thanks,

            Tyler

            Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.
              W
              Active Contributor
              • williamdanskin
              • Active Contributor
              • April 16, 2025

              Most Helpful Answer

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