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trip to china

  • June 10, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 8 views

Hi 

I’m flying to China how much I have to pay for roaming?

1 reply

Gemma M
iD Mobile Employee
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  • iD Mobile Employee
  • June 11, 2026

Hi ​@Dzumska32,

 

China 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 China. 

 

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.

 

Roaming Pay monthly
Calls to UK* £2.40
Calls to China* £2.40
Calls received* £2.40
Texts to China** £0.60
Texts to UK** £0.60
Picture message (MMS) sent** £0.60
Internet and Data (per MB)*** £1.50

 

* 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.

Prices shown include VAT where applicable.

 

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 China. 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 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.

 

Should you choose to use your iD Mobile allowance while visiting China, please be sure to check out our roaming partners, which you will be able to view here: 

 

 

Regards,

 

Gemma M

The iD Mobile Social Media Team