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July 26, 2026
Question

Roaming in USA and Canada

  • July 26, 2026
  • 3 replies
  • 158 views

Hi

Travelling to USA and Canada next month and will need my phone for directions and searching for accommodation, fuel stations etc. Not sure if I need the ‘roaming add ons’ or not. If I do is it best to purchase them the day of travel and how many GB should I anticipate using?

thanks

    3 replies

    Gemma M
    iD Mobile Employee
    iD Mobile Employee
    July 26, 2026

    Hi ​@Johners,

     

    USA and Canada is in iD Mobile’s Roam Beyond zone, which means your UK allowance won’t work there. It’s also important to note that the available add-ons are data-only.

     

    While these are suitable for things like maps or browsing, they don’t include calls or texts. Any standard calls or SMS will be charged separately at out-of-plan rates.

     

    How the Roam Beyond add-ons work:

    • You can purchase a data-only bundle via the iD Mobile app or your online account.
    • The add-on starts immediately upon purchase and lasts for a fixed duration.
    • Once it expires, you’ll need to buy another add-on or you’ll be charged standard roaming rates (if your bill cap allows this).
    • Your regular UK allowance (minutes and texts) is not included while in USA and Canada

     

    How to check if you have a bill cap in place:

    • To view or change your bill cap, log in to the iD Mobile app or your online account, go to the Bills section, and select Manage bill cap.
    • You can adjust this using the slider or by entering an amount (between £0 and up to £75.00, depending on your account type).

     

    Add-on options:

    Data Duration Price
    2 GB 1 day  £5
    10 GB 5 days £20
    20 GB 10 days £35

     

    Standard roaming charges (without an add-on):
    The table below displays how much you’ll be charged for any minutes, texts or data that you use.

     

    For USA:

    Roaming Pay monthly
    Calls to UK* £1.68
    Calls to United States (USA)* £1.68
    Calls received* £1.50
    Texts to United States (USA)** £0.42
    Texts to UK** £0.42
    Picture message (MMS) sent** £0.60
    Internet and Data (per MB)*** £0.30

     

    For Canada:

    Roaming Pay monthly
    Calls to UK* £6.00
    Calls to Canada* £6.00
    Calls received* £1.50
    Texts to Canada** £1.20
    Texts to UK** £1.20
    Picture message (MMS) sent** £0.60
    Internet and Data (per MB)*** £9.60

     

     Price per minute.

    ** Price per message / text.

    *** Data is charged or deducted in one kilobyte (KB) increments and any part KB used will be rounded up to the nearest KB.

     

    For more information, you can visit: https://www.idmobile.co.uk/help-and-advice/international-and-roaming-charges

     

    Tip:
    Depending on how long you’re staying, it may be more cost-effective to get a local SIM in USA and Canada. Since the bundles last a maximum of 10 days, you may need to purchase multiple add-ons, which can become expensive.

     

    If you have any further questions, feel free to let us know or pop us a message on live chat - https://www.idmobile.co.uk/live-chat - we are more than happy to answer any further questions you may have.

     

    Regards,

     

    Gemma M

    The iD Mobile Social Media Team

    Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.
    JohnersAuthor
    New Contributor
    July 27, 2026

    Thanks for that. So if I use WhatsApp with an Addon for USA and Canada it will run on the extra data? Think this is probably the best solution if my understanding is correct.

    Thanjs again 

    Gemma M
    iD Mobile Employee
    iD Mobile Employee
    July 30, 2026

    Hi ​@Johners,

     

    Yes, that's correct.


    As long as there's a Roam Beyond data add-on available for the country you're visiting, apps such as WhatsApp can use the data included in that add-on.


    This means you can use WhatsApp to send messages, make voice calls and video calls over the internet without using standard mobile minutes or texts.


    Before you travel, it's worth checking that the country you're visiting is covered by a Roam Beyond add-on and purchasing the appropriate data bundle for your needs.


    Using WhatsApp over a roaming data add-on is often a convenient and cost-effective alternative to making standard international calls.


    I hope this helps.

     

    Regards,

     

    Gemma M

    The iD Mobile Social Media Team

    Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.