Trying to figure out EE international calls can feel like a bit of a maze. As the UK's largest mobile network, EE has plenty of options, but it all comes down to one simple question: where are you right now?
Are you in the UK, calling someone in another country? Or are you travelling abroad and using your phone to call home or somewhere else? That one detail determines your rates and whether you get an ugly surprise on your next bill.
Your Guide to EE International Calling
As the UK's biggest mobile network, EE has plenty of options to keep you connected when you're dealing with different countries. The costs and rules shift depending on what you're doing. International calls versus roaming are not the same thing.
Making a call from your sofa in the UK to an international number is one thing, and that's all about per-minute rates or special add-ons. But using your EE plan while you're actually outside the UK? That's roaming, and it comes with its own set of charges, especially with the daily fees for EU travel that have come in since Brexit.
Calling From the UK vs Roaming Abroad: A Quick Comparison
This table breaks down the two main ways you'll use your phone internationally with EE. For a broader look at the market, see our guide to the cheapest international calling rates.
| Scenario | What It Means | Primary EE Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Calling Abroad From the UK | You're physically in the UK, using your EE phone to call a number in another country (like ringing family in the USA). | Standard per-minute rates or a cost-saving Calling Abroad Add-on. |
| Roaming Abroad | You're travelling outside the UK with your EE phone and using it to make calls, send texts, or use data. | Standard roaming charges, which could mean daily fees or buying a Roam Abroad Pass. |
Getting this distinction right will save you headache and money. Here are the specifics for each scenario.
Calling Abroad From the UK: Per-Minute Rates & Add-ons
If you're making an international call from the UK using your EE mobile, the standard way you'll be charged is pay-as-you-go. This is EE's default setup, where you pay a specific rate for every minute you're on the phone. The final cost can really swing depending on where you're calling and whether it's a landline or a mobile number.
For a quick, one-off call, this is simple enough. But if you have family, friends, or business contacts overseas, those per-minute charges can pile up fast. A long catch-up with someone on their mobile in Australia could end up being a surprisingly expensive conversation.
The international calling market was valued at USD 1.44 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2.29 billion by 2032, according to Data Bridge Market Research. A lot of people are looking for cheaper ways to call abroad.
EE International Add-ons for Better Value
To get away from the uncertainty of per-minute billing, EE has a couple of add-ons designed for people who regularly call other countries. These bundles give you a set number of international minutes for a fixed monthly fee, which almost always works out cheaper.
Here’s a look at the main options:
- Calling Abroad Add-on: Best if you tend to call the same few countries. You get a bundle of minutes to popular destinations, which brings your per-minute cost well below the standard tariff.
- International Pass: Better if your calls are spread across the globe. This pass gives you a block of minutes to a wider range of countries.
Either way, an add-on turns an unpredictable cost into a fixed monthly amount.
If you're comparing networks, it's worth seeing how others handle international rates. For instance, we've put together a guide on how Three UK handles international calls that you might find useful for comparison.
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a look at what you might pay on EE's standard per-minute rates without an add-on.
Sample EE Per-Minute Rates for Calling From the UK
The table below shows illustrative costs for calling popular international destinations from the UK on EE's standard tariff. Rates are subject to change.
| Destination Country | Calling a Landline (per minute) | Calling a Mobile (per minute) |
|---|---|---|
| USA & Canada | £1.58 | £1.58 |
| Australia | £1.58 | £2.28 |
| India | £1.58 | £2.28 |
| Poland (EU) | £1.58 | £1.58 |
| Pakistan | £1.58 | £2.28 |
Calling a mobile number costs noticeably more than a landline in most countries, so an add-on pays for itself quickly if you make these calls often.
Using Your EE Phone Abroad: Post-Brexit Roaming Explained
If you've travelled with your EE phone recently, you've probably noticed things are a bit different. This is called roaming, and since Brexit, the old rules for UK travellers have changed. The days of hopping over to Europe and using your phone for free are, for most people, a thing of the past.
Now, if your EE plan started or was last upgraded after 7 July 2021, you’ll almost certainly face a daily charge to use your normal plan allowances in the EU. Just landing, switching on your phone, and using it like you do at home can trigger these fees, which can really stack up on a week-long trip.
Navigating EE's Roaming Zones and Charges
EE groups countries into different zones. For most UK holidaymakers, the main one is the European Roaming Zone, which covers 47 destinations including Spain, France, and Italy.
If you’re on one of those newer plans, using your phone in this zone will typically cost you a flat fee of £2.47 per day. Paying this lets you dip into your UK allowance of data, minutes, and texts just like normal. Simple, but those daily charges add up fast on a longer trip. For more on managing mobile costs internationally, see this guide on global connectivity.
For frequent flyers or anyone planning a longer stay, EE has an alternative: the Roam Abroad Pass. You can add this to your plan for a set monthly fee. It covers all the EU destinations plus five other countries, including the USA and Australia, making it a much more budget-friendly option if you travel a lot.
Roaming Beyond Europe and How to Save Money
Once you venture outside the countries covered by the Roam Abroad Pass, things can get expensive. Fast. In these places, you'll be hit with steep pay-as-you-go rates for every single megabyte of data you use and every minute you spend on a call.
To avoid those charges, try a different approach. WiFi Calling from EE lets you make calls back to the UK over a Wi-Fi network without triggering roaming charges.
Similarly, VoIP apps like WhatsApp or CallSky use the internet for calls, completely bypassing the mobile network and its fees. Always check your plan's roaming rules for your specific destination before you fly.
Smarter Ways to Call Abroad and Save Money
Sticking to standard per-minute rates or even EE's monthly add-ons isn't your only option. There are often cheaper ways to stay in touch internationally. Most of these methods cleverly use your internet connection, completely bypassing the traditional, and sometimes pricey, mobile networks.
EE WiFi Calling
EE includes WiFi Calling for free on most plans. If you're abroad and connected to a Wi-Fi hotspot, this feature lets you make and receive calls to any UK number just as if you were back home.
You can use your normal plan allowances to call family in Britain without any roaming charges.
Look to VoIP Apps for Cheaper Calls
The technology that makes WiFi Calling possible is called Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP. Instead of connecting through mobile masts, VoIP sends your call over the internet. You're probably already using it every day with apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime for your video and audio calls.
For calling international landlines or mobile numbers directly, though, dedicated VoIP services like CallSky are worth considering. They work like a pay-as-you-go service but run over the internet, which usually means lower per-minute rates than mobile networks charge. You're not locked into any provider's international bundle.
The market for international calling apps was worth roughly USD 30 billion in 2023, according to Lucintel, and it keeps growing as more people get reliable internet access.
Don't forget to explore modern phone features, too. A dual SIM phone lets you pop in a local or travel-specific SIM for cheap data, then use that connection to make affordable calls worldwide with a VoIP app.
Choosing the Right Option for Your Needs
With all these different ways to make EE international calls, how do you pick the one that won't leave you with a massive bill? It really boils down to your own calling habits. The smartest move is to match how often you call abroad with the cheapest way to do it, whether that’s an EE add-on, just paying their standard rates, or using an app that calls over the internet.
Here's a decision tree to help you pick.
The first choice is usually between an EE feature like WiFi Calling and a dedicated VoIP app like CallSky.
Comparing Real-World Scenarios
Let's put some real numbers to this. Imagine you need to call a landline in the US from the UK and you're on the phone for 30 minutes.
Here’s how the costs stack up:
- EE Standard Rate: At £1.58 per minute, that 30-minute chat costs £47.40.
- EE Add-on: If you have the Calling Abroad Add-on (around £12/month for 500 minutes), your 30-minute call is completely covered. If you make international calls even semi-regularly, this is a much better deal.
- VoIP Service: Using an app like CallSky, where rates to the US can be as low as £0.02 per minute, the same call would cost you just £0.60.
If you make frequent or long international calls, sticking with standard pay-as-you-go rates is almost always the most expensive option. An add-on or a VoIP service will save you real money.
With 5G now available to 55% of the world's population, internet call quality has caught up with traditional networks. The market for international call services is expected to hit USD 1.72 billion this year, according to the ITU.
Frequently asked questions about EE international calls
Here are answers to the most common questions about calling abroad on EE.
How Can I Check My Plan and Add-Ons?
The quickest way to see exactly what's included in your plan is to pop open the My EE app or log in on the EE website.
Just navigate to the 'Plan & Add-ons' section. It shows everything you have active, including any roaming passes or international calling bundles.
Is It Cheaper to Call a Landline or a Mobile?
If you're paying the standard per-minute rate from the UK, it's almost always cheaper to call a landline abroad than a mobile phone. The cost gap can be surprisingly wide depending on where you're calling.
But if you have the Calling Abroad Add-on or an International Pass, it's different. Your bundle of minutes typically covers calls to both landlines and mobiles in the listed countries, so there's no price difference until you've used up your allowance.
Can I Use EE WiFi Calling When I'm Abroad?
Absolutely. As long as you can find a decent Wi-Fi signal, EE’s WiFi Calling will work anywhere on the planet. This feature lets you make and receive calls and texts to UK numbers using your regular plan allowance, just as if you were at home.
Your phone sends the call over the internet instead of through a foreign network, so you avoid roaming charges entirely.
What Happens If I Use Up My Add-On Minutes?
Once you’ve burned through the minutes in your international add-on, any extra calls to those countries will switch over to EE's standard international per-minute rates.
Be warned, these standard rates are much steeper. It's smart to keep an eye on your usage in the My EE app to avoid a nasty surprise on your bill.
CallSky lets you call 180+ countries with pay-as-you-go credit that never expires. No subscription needed.