Giffgaff launch new global roaming data add-ons

Giffgaff has introduced a new range of travel data add-ons, covering 42 destinations including the EU, China, Switzerland, Turkey, and the USA.

Prices start at £4 for 1GB of data in the EU, with larger bundles of 5GB and 10GB also available.

While giffgaff customers already receive up to 5GB of free EU roaming, any usage beyond this is currently charged at 10p per MB - meaning the new add-ons could offer significant savings for travellers.

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Travel data add-ons

Giffgaff, a mobile provider operating on the O2 network, has launched a range of travel data add-ons offering 4G and 5G connectivity in 42 destinations worldwide.

Plans are available with 1GB, 5GB, or 10GB of inclusive data, with prices starting from £4 and reaching up to £15 for 1GB, depending on the destination.

To add a roaming data allowance customers can buy travel data add-ons in the giffgaff app or through their account on the giffgaff website.

Countries covered by the plans include 27 EU member states and 11 additional destinations in the EU zone, as well as China, Switzerland, Turkey and the USA (including Alaska and Hawaii).

The travel data add-ons are valid for 30 days, and customers can buy additional data add-ons if they run out of a data or remain abroad after 30 days.

Customers still benefit from the existing up to 5GB EU roaming including as part of their plan, and use of inclusive texts and minutes can also be made within the EU at no extra cost.

Giffgaff's EU roaming zone includes 38 destinations covering, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, French Guiana, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guadeloupe, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Martinique, Mayotte, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Reunion, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Ukraine.

Travel essential or unnecessary expense?

While many giffgaff customers have welcomed the introduction of inclusive travel data add-ons, others have pointed out that more affordable alternatives are readily available - from rival mobile providers to dedicated travel eSIM services.

One customer praised the move, saying, "This is a great option to have, especially when travelling outside the free EU 5GB zone. It just offers flexibility and choice."

Others highlighted the value of the add-ons when compared to giffgaff's current out-of-allowance charge of 10p per MB - equivalent to £100 per GB. In contrast, the new data add-ons range from £4 to £15 depending on the destination, representing a significant cost saving.

However, some users suggested that rather than offering separate add-ons, giffgaff could simply increase the amount of roaming data included with standard plans, which is currently capped at 5GB within the EU.

Critics also noted stark price differences. For example, giffgaff charges £15 for 1GB of data in Switzerland via its travel add-on, while Lebara offers a similar 1GB roaming add-on for just £5 on a rolling monthly contract. Likewise, eSIM providers such as Saily offer 1GB of Swiss data for as little as $3.99.

Ultimately, giffgaff's new travel data add-ons provide a convenient solution for staying connected abroad while avoiding steep out-of-allowance charges. However, for those willing to plan ahead, even more cost-effective options may be available through other providers or travel-focused eSIM services.