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O2 Travel International Roaming Review: Countries, Speeds & Fair Usage

On O2, you can use your mobile phone abroad at no extra cost in up to 75 destinations, depending on your price plan.

The countries in which you’re able to use the O2 Travel offer depends on the price plan you have. On O2’s Pay As You Go plans, you’ll have access to international roaming at no extra cost in 43 European destinations. This increases to 48 destinations on Pay Monthly plans, and to 75 destinations on Pay Monthly Plus (and on regular Pay Monthly plans if you’re living in a Virgin Media household ).

In this article, we’ll review the O2 Travel offer including the countries where you’re able to use it and how much it will cost. We’ll also look at data speeds when abroad, the fair usage policy on O2 Travel and alternative roaming offers from other networks. Finally, we’ll look at how you can keep your current phone number if you’re moving to O2 to take advantage of their O2 Travel offer.

• 1.1 O2 Europe Zone Countries
• 1.2 O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Countries
• 1.3 O2 Travel Countries
• 2 Roaming Speeds
• 3.1 Within Europe
• 3.2 Outside Europe
• 4 Keeping Your Phone Number
• 5 More Information

What is O2 Travel?

On most O2 price plans, it’s possible to use your mobile phone abroad when travelling to other countries. The destinations that are included within the O2 Travel offer depend on the type of price plan you have:

For customers with an O2 mobile broadband plan , the O2 Travel offer isn’t currently available. This is because international roaming is not available on O2’s mobile broadband service.

O2 Europe Zone Countries

The following destinations are part of O2’s European roaming zone (locations marked with a † are only available on Pay Monthly plans) :

• Canary Islands
• Czech Republic
• French Guiana
• Isle of Man†
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Saint Barthelemy
• Saint Martin
• Switzerland†
• Vatican City

† If you’re an O2 Pay As You Go customer, inclusive roaming is not available in 5 European destinations (Guernsey, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Monaco and Switzerland). Instead, you’ll need to pay £1.99/day for up to 100MB of data in these countries.

Within Europe, you’re able to use your inclusive minutes and texts to contact any other number within O2’s Europe Zone. Your usage of European roaming is subject to the fair usage policy described here : the most important being that it should only be used “for periodic travel, like holidays or short breaks”. If you use your mobile phone abroad for 63 days or more in any four-month period, O2 reserves the right to apply a regulated surcharge to your usage (currently 3.3p/minute, 1p/text and £3.50/GB).

You’ll be able to use up to 25GB data per month when abroad (or less if your normal UK data allowance is less than 25GB).

On O2’s Pay As You Go plans including Big Bundles , roaming is not included in Guernsey, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Monaco or Switzerland. In these places, you can pay £1.99/day for 100MB of data.

O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Countries

Within O2’s Travel Inclusive Zone countries, you’ll get unlimited minutes, texts and data when abroad in the following destinations:

• El Salvador
• New Zealand
• United States

There’s traffic management applied when you’re abroad, so your download speeds could be slowed down, depending on your usage.

O2 Travel Countries

You can use the £6 per day O2 Travel offer in all of the following destinations:

• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Costa Rica*
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador*
• Madagascar*
• Netherlands Antilles
• New Zealand*
• Saint Lucia
• South Africa
• St Kitts & Nevis
• St Vincent & the Grenadines
• Trinidad & Tobago
• Turks & Caicos islands
• United Arab Emirates
• United States*

* This country is also part of the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone offer. If your tariff includes this offer, you won’t need to pay the £4.99/day charge.

To opt-in to the O2 Travel offer, text TRAVEL to 23336. It can take up to 24 hours for O2 Travel to be enabled on your account so it’s best to opt-in before departing on your trip. To opt-out of the offer and to pay O2’s standard international roaming rates instead, text NOTRAVEL to 23336.

The £6 per day O2 Travel offer isn’t available to customers on O2 Pay As You Go .

Roaming Speeds

According to their terms and conditions , there’s now a download speed limit of 2Mbps when you’re travelling abroad in other countries. This has applied from June 2022.

The 2Mbps speed limit should be enough for most day-to-day use such as browsing the web, sending messages and using social media. It’s also enough for things like maps and for listening to music. If you’re streaming online video, it should be possible to stream in standard-definition. However, it won’t be possible to stream in HD quality.

Fair Usage Policy

O2 has a fair usage policy for their O2 Travel international roaming service. The fair usage policy depends on whether you’re travelling to another European country or to a country outside of Europe.

Within Europe

According to O2’s terms and conditions , a surcharge may be applied for your usage if you spend more 63 days abroad in Europe over a rolling 4-month period. If you exceed the 63-day limit, O2 should give you the opportunity to demonstrate prevailing use in the UK. They should also give you two weeks notice before a surcharge is applied at a rate of 3.3p/minute, 1p/text and £4.50/GB of data.

Outside Europe

• The download speeds available for file transfer, online gaming, peer-to-peer downloads and network backup services is restricted. According to O2, these services “may not work with O2 Travel”.
• Audio and video streaming optimisation are in use. This may reduce the quality of your streaming content when abroad.
• The use of tethering and personal hotspot is not permitted in O2 Travel countries. This means you’re unable to share your data connection with other devices.
• When using O2 Travel outside Europe, your SIM card can only be used inside a smartphone.

Keeping Your Phone Number

If you’re joining O2 to take advantage of their O2 Travel offer, it’s a straightforward process to keep your current phone number .

To do so, ask your current mobile network to provide you with a PAC Code . You can get this through your mobile network’s website or app, or by texting PAC to 65075.

Once you’ve received the PAC Code from your old network, order your new mobile phone or SIM card from the O2 website. When it arrives, you can provide the PAC Code to O2 by submitting it through this online form . Your phone number transfer will then be scheduled by O2, normally for the next working day.

For a step-by-step guide on moving your phone number to O2 , please select your current mobile network from the drop down menu below:

Select your current mobile network:

Your current mobile network... BT Mobile EE giffgaff O2 Sky Mobile Three Virgin Mobile Vodafone 1pMobile ASDA Mobile Honest Mobile iD Mobile Lebara Mobile Lycamobile Orange Plusnet Mobile Smarty Superdrug Mobile Talk Home Talkmobile TalkTalk Mobile Tesco Mobile T-Mobile Vectone Mobile VOXI

   More Options

More Information

For more information about O2 Travel, please see O2’s official website .

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Zambia travel tips: What you should know before you visit Zambia

We are proud members of the U.S. Peace Corps community and love to partner with our fellow Peace Corps Volunteers, who often have some of the best insights into the culture and authentic travel experiences available in their host country. We asked Lianne Bronzo, a recent Volunteer in Zambia, to share her expertise on travel in Zambia.

Africa is a massive continent hosting a great deal of diversity in terms of people, cultures, and landscapes. Then within each country is even more diversity and uniqueness. Zambia is no exception.

What is it like to travel in Zambia?

While the most famous landmark is Mosi-o-tunya (the smoke that thunders), most commonly referred to as Victoria Falls , there’s a plethora of pure beauty hidden in pockets spanning the country.

Zambia is about the size of Texas, but traveling between destinations can take much longer due to the road networks and conditions, but that means less construction and more natural landscapes. So even with the logistical challenges, those that choose to venture here will be rewarded with unique scenery and exciting wildlife among little to no tourist crowds.

Although there aren’t any beaches in the landlocked country, Zambia is drowning with rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and even a few natural hot springs.

Perhaps the best part about living in Zambia for the past two years has been getting to know some of the warmest people I’ve truly ever met. People are quick to smile and have taught me so much in terms of hard work, patience, and resilience. I must admit that Zambia is the most difficult place I’ve ever traveled due to the vast distances alone, but it is grossly underrated as a travel destination.

Zambia’s Highlights

Wildlife: Zambia is home to the all of the Big Five, in addition to an abundance of other majestic animals such as wild dogs. Some of the best places for wildlife viewing are South and North Luangwa National Parks , Lower Zambezi National Park , Kasanka National Park (specifically to experience the largest mammal migration in the world!), and Kafue National Park . One may find the safari costs and crowds much smaller than neighboring Tanzania.

Water: Lake Tanganikya, Lake Bangweulu, and Lake Kariba are some of the large bodies of water suitable for swimming, fishing, boat rides, or just lazing at the beach. The Zambezi River is also a popular spot for water activities.

If you’re itching to chase more than one waterfall, Northern Zambia has got plenty. Kundalila, Chishimba, Kalambo, Kabweluma, and Lumangwe are a few noteworthy waterfalls , but there are plenty more in the watery north. Ngonye Falls is another impressive site with falls spanning 1km in Western Province. Getting to these waterfalls can be tricky as there is little public transport, so hitchhiking, hiring a private taxi, bicycling, or self-driving are the only options. You will be rewarded for these efforts by likely being the only people there to swim in the delightful falls! Most of these places have basic camp sites as well.

Culture: 73 languages are spoken in Zambia and they all come with their own cultures and traditions. Some tribes have annual festivals such as the Bemba festival (Ukusefya pa Ngwena) and Lozi Kuomboka ceremony. Check out the Zambia Tourism website for details.

Where to Stay in Zambia

These are some of the best places to stay, recommended by Peace Corps Volunteers, around Zambia:

Where to stay in South Luangwa National Park: Marula Lodge – Affordable accommodations with a friendly staff and discounts for Peace Corps Volunteers!

Where to stay in Lusaka, Zambia: Lusaka Backpackers and Natwanga Backpakers are the most popular places for Peace Corps volunteers.

Where to stay in Livingstone, Zambia: Many of the backpacker places are more or less the same. Cafe Zambezi, Fawlty Towers, Jollyboys Backpackers, and Livingstone Backpackers are the most popular spots.

I recommend Fawlty Towers in Livingstone because they have a nice garden area and pool in the back and offer a free shuttle bus to Victoria Falls. 

Where to stay in North Zambia: Lake Chila Lodge is a popular spot for the Mbala volunteers up North. It’s a good stopping point when visiting Lake Tanganikya and Kalombo Falls.

Samfya Marines Beach Lodge is popular amongst volunteers, but may be a bit on the expensive side. It has as private beach.

If you must stop in Nakonde , I recommend Muchinga Exquisite Lodge for a safe and cheap place. I don’t recommend Nakonde at all, but some people stop over en route to Tanzania if traveling by land and not the train.

Practical Zambia Travel Information

When to visit Zambia

May – July: Cool dry season. You won’t see a drop of rain, but it can get quite chilly at night in Lusaka. August – October: Hot dry season. Fields burn to prepare for planting season to add more to the heat. October is especially brutal, though the dry season is a good time for wildlife viewing. Victoria Falls may not be as powerful toward the end of the dry season. November: First half is dry and then the rains trickle in toward the end of the month, depending on the region (the north is wetter than the south). This is the best time to view the bat migration at Kasanka National Park. December – April: Rainy season. Vibrant green landscapes and mangoes litter the ground, though wildlife is more difficult to spot. Some unpaved roads become impassable during heavy rains.

Costs in Zambia

Like most destinations, budgets can vary wildly. Barebone backpackers can survive on as little as $30 USD per day but the sky is the limit for those seeking luxurious experiences. Most people will find a suitable budget to meet their comfort levels.

Average costs as of March 2020: A bottle of local beer: K10 ($0.66 USD) A filling Zambian meal of nshima (thick maize porridge), fish, and vegetables: K25-50 ($1.60 – $3.20 USD) A western meal: K60-150 ($4 USD – $10 USD) A bed in a dorm room: From K100 ($6.60 USD) A double bed in a very basic lodge: From K150 ($9.95 USD) A comfortable private room in a nicer lodge: From K300 ($19.90 USD) A bus from Livingstone to Lusaka: From K200 ($13.27 USD) but constantly changing due to gas prices

Communication: Cell phones in Zambia

If you have an unlocked phone, it’s easy to get a SIM card for less than a dollar, though you will need to show your passport. From there, you can buy Talk Time to add money for purchasing minutes and data at affordable prices. 4G is available in cities, but the network is spotty otherwise. Airtel and MTN are the two main providers. WiFi isn’t very common.

Getting Around Zambia

Transport will be a large chunk of your budget as well as time spent in the country. But remember that it’s all part of the journey and worth it if you have the time!

Bus: Large “luxury” buses shift people between all major cities with only a few stops, so moderate your fluids intake on long rides! They generally leave on time and it is advisable to purchase tickets at the station the day before. By law, buses are not allowed to operate at night for safety reasons. Gospel music is often played loudly on the bus, so bring some headphones or ear plugs if you are sensitive to loud music.

Mini-bus: They only leave when full and make frequent stops along the journey, so this option can be longer and less comfortable than the bus even though the prices are comparable.

Train: There are slow passenger trains from Livingstone to the Copperbelt as well as the TAZARA from Kapiri-mposhi all the way to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The trains are notorious for being late, but it is an affordable and safe option for those who have the time and genuinely enjoy train travel.

Air: Small planes fly between Lusaka and tourist spots like Livingstone and Mfuwe. It is also possible to charter flights if you’ve got the cash but not the time.

Taxi: Private taxis can be expensive, but cost-effective if split between a group. I recommend using the Ulendo app, which is similar to Uber, when moving within Lusaka.

Self-drive: For freedom and flexibility, rent a car to drive yourself. Some tarmac roads can be laden with potholes and are quite narrow, so it can be intimidating to share the road with semi-trucks. It is not advisable to drive at night. A 4WD is recommended if you plan to veer off the tarmac. Don’t always trust Google maps in terms of travel times – it often will be slower. And remember to drive on the left!

Hitchhiking: I don’t officially recommend hitchhiking, but if you are comfortable doing it and have prior experience, you’ll find it relatively easy and safe hitching in Zambia. Catching lifts is a common form of transportation among locals, especially in areas that lack sufficient public transport. It is standard to pay a fee to the driver, but it is often less than what the bus would cost and significantly more comfortable. Semi-truck drivers are the most likely to give lifts but private vehicles do as well. I’ve met some interesting people while hitchhiking around Zambia. As always, use your best judgment and exercise caution.

Zambia’s Languages

English is one of the official languages and should fare a traveler well in most towns and tourist places in Zambia. However, there are 73 local languages and cultures throughout the country. People generally appreciate it when a foreigner tries to speak the local language, but it can also be insulting to come at somebody using a language that they don’t speak.

Here’s a general breakdown of the most popular languages in the regions that should be safe to use, but again, there is so much variation even within these provinces.

Lusaka: English, Nyanja. Honestly a little of everything! Southern Province: Tonga Western Province: Lozi Eastern Province: Nyanja Central, Luapula, Muchinga, Northern, and Copperbelt Provinces: Bemba Northwestern Province: Kaonde

Cultural things to know and travel etiquette in Zambia

Cultures vary greatly between tribes, but here are a few general tips that are useful for visitors to know:

– Traditionally, greetings are of utmost importance. When you pass someone in the rural area, acknowledge each other’s presence with a greeting. This isn’t practiced so much in towns, but it’s still important to say hello and how are you before getting right down to business.

– Both men and women should wear long skirts or pants as thighs are sexualized body parts.

– Zambia is a Christian nation, so transport can be trickier on Sundays and some businesses may be closed.

– Eat and shake hands with your right hand only.

– Tipping is not expected but always appreciated.

– If somebody calls you fat, it is a compliment, so try with all of your soul not to feel bad about it. I am a small Asian girl and got called fat on several occasions, though by people I know and not just strangers.

– Be mindful about taking photos of people. First, ask yourself what the purpose of the photo is, if you would take such a photo of a random person in your home country, and what will be done with that photo. Ensure you ask for consent.

Is Zambia safe for travelers?

Zambia is generally peaceful and a very safe place to be. Like anywhere, always exercise caution, especially in towns at nighttime. Try to avoid walking alone at night. Take trusted taxi drivers. Don’t flash around your valuables. You know, basic safety stuff you’d do at home!

It is pretty safe for a woman to travel solo in Zambia, but cat calling and harassment are not uncommon in busy areas. I sometimes feel uncomfortable being squished amongst men in public transport, so opt to sit in the front near the driver if possible. Befriending a woman nearby not only helps alleviate the situation if someone is bothering you, but Zambian women are generally strong and cool to get to know!

Homosexuality is illegal in Zambia unfortunately. LGBT travelers may find it difficult to have to hide their identity. Since I cannot speak to the experiences of LGBT individuals, I asked a friend what his advice would be for queer travelers in Zambia. He advised to avoid public displays of affection (this goes for hetero couples as well). If you want to be extra cautious, disable dating apps. He also mentioned that nose rings may be a signal for homosexuality, so taking it out may be a good idea, particularly if you are male-identifying.

Staying Healthy

I am not a doctor trained to give health advice, but it is a good idea to do your research and perhaps see a travel doctor before coming to the region. Some concerns travelers may encounter are malaria, tuberculosis, Bilharzia, giardia, and traveler’s diarrhea.

Some medications can be found locally and are cheaper here than your home country. Prevention is key! Opt to stay at places that have bed nets, drink clean water, and keep a small medical kit with a thermometer and malaria test kit. Oral rehydration solution packets can also be handy.

*Take 10% off any travel-size bug spray at rangerready.com with code IntentionalTravelers10 >

General Zambia Travel Tips

– Always travel with toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and small change. Sometimes it can be difficult to break 100 kwacha bills.

– Look out for citenge material or traditional fabric. You can get clothes and accessories tailored affordably. Makes for a great souvenir or gift!

– When at produce markets, it is standard to ask for a “top up” if you buy a lot of things. Just say “mbasela?” and the vendor may laugh and throw in an extra banana.

– You must pay for plastic bags at many supermarkets, so that’s another incentive to carry around a reusable bag!

– Download the iOverlander app for information about landmarks and accommodation. It’s helpful even if you are not driving in the region.

– Join the Mzungu group chats   to connect with fellow travelers in the region.

– If you haven’t already, educate yourself about the white savior complex and poverty porn and keep these in mind if you are seeking to volunteer or go on “village tours” in the region.

Mwaiseni ku Zambia! Welcome to Zambia.

✈️ Protect your Zambia trip with Travel Insurance – We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.

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Zambia is the least place I would consider as a travel destination. However, your post has enlightened me on fun things to do on my visit

ZAMBIA is situated in Central Africa, your headline states east Africa.

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O2 international roaming FAQ

Staying connected while travelling abroad can be tricky and often costly. However, O2 has one of the most extensive international roaming policies of the UK's major networks – helping them to make the most of their mobile services while overseas.

EU roaming without charges

One of the standout features of O2's international roaming policy is its commitment to providing EU roaming without additional charges. Currently, O2 is the only major network operator that has continued to offer EU roaming without fees for data, calls, and texts up to 25GB. This means customers can use their mobile phones just like they would in the UK when travelling to any of the 48 destinations within O2's Europe Zone.

Those 48 destinations are:

Canary Islands

Czech Republic

French Guiana

Isle of Man

Liechtenstein

Netherlands

Saint Barthelemy

Saint Martin

Switzerland

United Kingdom

Vatican City

O2 Fair Usage Limit

To ensure international roaming remains fair for all users, O2 has implemented a Fair Usage Limit (FUP). This limit is designed to prevent continuous and excessive use of services outside the UK in its Europe Zone. 

Customers can use O2's services for periodic travel, such as holidays or short breaks. However, if you use O2’s services outside the UK in the Europe Zone for 63 or more days within any four-month period – and cannot demonstrate significant use or presence in the UK – charges may apply after two weeks. The charges for Pay Monthly customers include £3.50/GB for data, 3.3p/minute for calls, and 1p/text.

Roaming limits for O2 tariffs

The roaming limits differ based on the customer's monthly data allowance:

Tariffs with more than 25GB of monthly data: Customers with a UK monthly data allowance exceeding 25GB will have a roaming limit of 25GB within the Europe Zone. Once the limit is reached, customers can still use data, but they will be charged £3.50 per additional gigabyte until they return to the UK, use up their UK data allowance, or reach their next bill cycle.

Tariffs with 25GB or less of monthly data: These tariffs are not subject to the 25GB roaming limit within the Europe Zone. However, customers who exhaust their UK data allowance while roaming abroad will need to purchase a data Bolt On to continue using data. 

What's included and not included

O2's international roaming policy includes making calls and sending texts within the Europe Zone (excluding the UK), receiving calls and texts in the Europe Zone, and using your monthly data allowance while in the Europe Zone. 

However, it does not include making calls or sending texts from the UK to countries outside of the UK, making calls or sending texts to premium rate numbers, directory service numbers, and some non-geographic numbers. 

Additionally, mobile broadband tariffs are only valid for use within the UK, and mobile data usage while on a cruise ship is subject to separate charges.

O2 Travel Inclusive Zone and O2 Travel Bolt On

For travellers seeking even more extensive coverage and flexibility, O2 offers a couple of options:

1. O2 Travel Inclusive Zone

If you have a O2 Travel Inclusive Zone included in your tariff, you're in luck. This feature provides you with unlimited minutes, texts, and data roaming privileges in 27 destinations worldwide. Among the covered locations are popular destinations like the USA, Australia, and New Zealand, ensuring that you stay connected without worry during your international adventures. The full list of destinations included in the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone can be found here.  

2. O2 Travel Bolt On

If O2 Travel Inclusive Zone isn't part of your current plan you can still enjoy communication while abroad by adding the O2 Travel Bolt On to your account. For £6 per day Bolt On grants you unlimited minutes, texts, and data roaming access in 63 destinations worldwide. To explore the full list of destinations covered by the O2 Travel Bolt On, follow this link .

3. Virgin Media O2’s Volt

If you have a Virgin Media broadband connection and an O2 mobile contract, you can access the Inclusive Zone at no extra cost in all Plus Plans and Volt bundles which allows you unlimited data, texts and calls in 27 international destinations as well as in Europe. 

In the event that you're not eligible for O2 Travel Inclusive Zone and haven't opted for the O2 Travel Bolt On, or you find yourself roaming in a destination not encompassed by these services, O2's standard roaming rates will apply.

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O2 roaming explained for international & EU countries

You can roam and use O2 within most countries around the world.

You can use your regular allowance for free within 48 European countries, with a data fair usage policy of 25GB per month.

With selected O2 Refresh, O2 SIM only plans and Volt plans, you also get the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On for free, which allows you to use unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts in 27 international destinations outside the EU.

Alternatively, all O2 mobile customers can get the O2 Travel Bolt On for £6 per day, which gives you unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts in 63 international destinations outside the EU.

What's the best O2 SIM for roaming?

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You can use your allowance for free within the EU with all O2 SIMs .

You can find the cheapest O2 SIM Only deals by using our comparison tools. O2 SIMs will work with all phones, including the latest Samsung Galaxy S24 and Apple iPhone 15 .

With O2 Europe Zone, you can continue to roam for free and use your allowance within the EU.

O2 Europe Zone is included with all plans at no additional cost.

O2 are one of the few networks which will not introduce charges for roaming within the EU after Brexit .

In accordance with the fair usage policy, if your regular allowance is greater than 25GB, you cannot exceed 25GB per month when roaming in the EU.

If you go over your regular allowance, or you exceed the fair usage policy of 25GB per month, you will be charged £3.50 for each additional GB you use when roaming in the EU.

You must also be considered a permanent UK resident. You cannot roam within qualifying European countries for excessive or consecutive periods at a time.

You can use your allowance for free within 48 European destinations:

• Canary Islands
• Czech Republic
• French Guiana
• Isle of Man
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Saint Barthelemy
• Saint Martin
• Switzerland
• Vatican City

With the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On, you will get unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts within 27 international countries.

The O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On is included at no additional cost with selected O2 Refresh, O2 SIM only plans and Volt plans. It is not included with any 30 day SIM only plans or pay as you go plans.

If your plan doesn't include the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On for free, you can choose it as your O2 Extra with the following plans:

There is no fair usage policy on the amount of data you can use - you get unlimited data. However, excessive usage may see your data speeds temporarily restricted.

The following 27 international countries are covered by the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On:

• El Salvador
• New Zealand
• United States

If you’re not eligible for the free O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On, you cannot pay for it. However, you can purchase the similar O2 Travel Bolt On, which covers 63 international destinations for £6 per day. See below for more information.

The O2 Travel Bolt On is available for £6 per day, and covers 63 international destinations.

Similar to the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On, you get unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts. However, there is a 2Mbps speed limit in place.

You can get the O2 Travel Bolt On by texting TRAVEL to 23336 or by enabling it via your O2 account.

The £6 daily fee will automatically be charged when you use mobile data, make a call or send a text message. Using Wi-Fi or receiving calls and texts will not trigger the charge.

The moment the charge is triggered, you'll have access for 24 hours, until the trigger resets. There are no limits on the amount of consecutive days you can trigger the Bolt On.

It is important to note you must enable the O2 Travel Bolt On before you use data, make a call or send a text. If you don't enable the Bolt On, you won't be charged the £6 daily fee - instead, you will be charged at a standard roaming rate, which can be expensive.

There is no fair usage policy on the amount of data you can use - you get unlimited data. However, there is a 2Mbps speed limit in place.

The O2 Travel Bolt On works in the following 63 destinations:

• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Dominican Republic
• Netherlands Antilles
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• South Africa
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks & Caicos
• United Arab Emirates

The O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On is free with selected O2 Refresh, O2 SIM only plans and Volt plans. It works in 27 international countries. You cannot buy the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On if you are not eligible for free, however you can choose it as an O2 Extra with select tariffs.

On the other hand, the O2 Travel Bolt On is available to all pay monthly customers for £6 per day and works in 63 international destinations.

Both Bolt Ons give you unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts. However, the O2 Travel Bolt On comes with a 2Mbps speed limit.

If you’re using your allowance for free within O2’s Europe Zone, you cannot exceed 25GB data per month if your regular allowance is greater than this amount. If you go over this limit, you will be charged £3.50 per GB until your allowance resets during the next month.

In addition, you cannot roam within the O2 Europe Zone for more than 63 days within a 4 month period - the offer is not intended for extended holidays. If O2 thinks you are abusing the free EU roaming policy, you will be given a 2 week notice, before a surcharge is applied:

The surcharge will be dropped when you return and stay in the UK for a reasonable time.

For the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On, there is no fair usage policy on the amount of data you can use, however O2 states they may implement a temporary speed limit if your usage is deemed excessive. The O2 Travel Bolt On does not have a fair usage policy, however there is a permanent 2Mbps speed limit in place at all times.

If you exceed your data allowance or go over the 25GB limit when roaming for free in the Europe Zone, you will be charged £3.50 per GB, until your plan resets during the next month.

If you don't have an roaming Bolt On when travelling outside of Europe, or you're not in an eligible country, you will charged at a standard out of plan rate.

The out of plan rate is typically expensive, and varies between countries. For full charges, see O2 roaming rates

The following shows the O2 out of plan rates within a few international destinations.

No, 5G is only available within the UK with O2 . The maximum signal you can get when roaming with O2 is 4G.

Yes, all O2 customers can use their regular allowance for free with O2 Europe Zone, covering 48 European destinations.

Before roaming with O2 , you must enable roaming in your phone’s settings.

For Android users:

• Go to Settings
• Go to Connections -> Mobile networks -> Roaming
• Enable Data roaming

For iPhone users:

• Go to Mobile data -> Mobile Data Options
• Enable Data Roaming

If you're roaming in the EU and go over your data allowance or the 25GB limit, you will be charged £3.50 per GB until your plan resets at the next month.

Yes, you can tether to as many devices as you like when roaming with O2 . Any regular data limitations that apply when roaming will also apply when tethering while roaming.

The O2 Travel Bolt On is available with all pay monthly plans for £6 per day. You can get the O2 Travel Bolt On by texting TRAVEL to 23336 . Alternatively, you can purchase the Bolt On through your O2 account.

The O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On is available for free on selected O2 Refresh, O2 SIM only contracts and Volt plans. You may also choose it for free as an O2 Extra, with eligible plans.

Both Bolt Ons come with unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts. However, they each cover different destinations.

Trusted Reviews is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

O2 takes on Three ‘Feel at Home’ with cheap roaming in 27 more countries

Stepping up its fight with Three, O2 has announced that it’s adding 27 more countries to its list of destinations you’ll be able to use your phone without receiving any additional charges. 

The additions bring the total number of countries you can roam to to 75, including the 48 countries O2 originally offered access to as part of its ‘O2 Europe Zone’.

This 75 total is four more than what’s offered in Three’s competing ‘Feel at Home’ package, which currently covers 71 international destinations.

However, while Three’s service gives you exactly the same allowances as your regular pay monthly plan (which is especially good for those lucky enough to still have unlimited data), O2’s service limits you to 120 minutes and 120 texts a day. O2 has confirmed to us that there’s no upper limit on the amount of data you can use.

You can gain access to the roaming allowance by ensuring that your plan includes the ‘O2 Travel’ bolt-on, which is included with certain O2 Refresh tariffs and can otherwise be added separately.

Related: Best smartphone 2018

A more flexible tariff

In addition to the increase in roaming destinations, O2 is also introducing a range of flexible tariffs, which will allow you to change your allowances on a month-to-month basis.

So the next time a Pokémon Go-style craze sweeps the nation, the small amount of data included in your regular plan shouldn’t prevent you from taking part in all the mayhem.

At a minimum you’ll have to stick on each tariff for a month, but that’s still a large increase in flexibility compared to what O2 previously offered.

Between these developments and Three’s roaming plans, it’s great to see competition between mobile operators leading to some really useful services. We’ll be interested to see how Vodafone and EE respond to the offers.

How important is international roaming to you? Let us know @TrustedReviews

After a stint specialising in TVs and audio gear, Jon moved to Trusted Reviews to broaden his horizons and start covering everything that the world of technology has to offer. So while he still has al…

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Zambia Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Zambia. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 2 Practice Enhanced Precautions

• Global Polio May 23, 2024 Some international destinations have circulating poliovirus. Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Destination List: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Guinea, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, including Zanzibar, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Global Measles May 28, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Active cholera transmission is  widespread  in Zambia. Cholera is rare in travelers.  Certain factors  may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease ( more information ). Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.

Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission..

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Zambia.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Zambia. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Zambia.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to Zambia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Zambia.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

In Zambia poliovirus has been identified in the past year.

Travelers to Zambia are at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus.

Vaccine recommendations : Adults traveling to Zambia who received a complete polio vaccination series as children may receive a single lifetime booster dose of inactivated polio vaccine; travelers who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated should receive a complete polio vaccination series before travel. Children who are not fully vaccinated will be considered for an  accelerated vaccination schedule .

Polio - CDC Yellow Book

Polio: For Travelers

Dogs infected with rabies are commonly found in Zambia.

Rabies is also present in some terrestrial wildlife species.

If rabies exposures occur while in Zambia, rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban/urban medical facilities.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

For more information, see country rabies status assessments .

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year of age arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Generally not recommended for travel to North-Western Province or Western Province. Not recommended for travel to any areas not listed above.

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

African sleeping sickness (african trypanosomiasis).

• Tsetse fly bite 
• Avoid Bug Bites

African Trypanosomiasis

African Tick-Bite Fever

African Tick-bite fever

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite
• Mosquito bite
• Avoid animals

Rift Valley Fever

• Touching blood, body fluids, or tissue of infected livestock

Rift Valley fever

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Zambia, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Zambia. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Zambia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Zambia. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Zambia’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in Zambia. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Zambia may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Zambia, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in Zambia.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Zambia for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:

• women travellers
• disabled travellers
• LGBT+ travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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International Roaming - O2 Zones

If you’re a Pay monthly customer, some of the places we’ve listed are included in our  Roam-further destinations . For these, you’d pay £6 a day on the days you use data, make calls or send texts – not Rest of World rates. 

Before you leave

• Check that your phone isn’t barred for use abroad by contacting support.
• Check which zones are covered by your plan which are below.
• Enable data roaming  on your phone – or don't, if that's your plan
• Set up PINs  for your phone and  SIM . If they're stolen, this will restrict access to your device. To use voicemail when roaming, you'll also need to set up a  security PIN   before  leaving the UK.
• Make a note of our 24-hour  Lost and Stolen  helpline ( +44 7836 191 191 ) – free from any Vodafone phone even while you're abroad (international call charges apply from any other mobile or landline) or contact our helpdesk immediately.

When you arrive

• In most countries, you'll get a welcome text from us as soon as you arrive and switch on your phone. We'll tell you exactly how much it'll cost you to use your phone there.
• Your phone will automatically connect to one of the local networks. If this doesn't happen, you can manually search for a network in the Settings menu on your phone: Settings > Phone settings > Pick a network
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More From Forbes

Top mining companies commit billions to zambia’s copper industry.

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"A locally employed surveyor at an open-pit copper mine in Zambia. He peers through his survey ... [+] instrument to record the daily changes in the open-pit, and help guide mining activities to the engineer's plans."

Last week I had the privilege of participating in a YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization) event held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. One of the main topics of discussion was investment opportunities in neighboring Zambia, a country that, despite its challenges, is a rising star on the African continent, due largely to its copper exports. I was honored to meet Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, whose pro-business and reform-oriented stance has attracted attention from international investors since his inauguration in August 2021.

Frank Holmes and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema

Zambia, a landlocked country in south-central Africa and the continent’s 17th largest, has shown remarkable resilience. It has a common law judicial system, the same as the U.K. and the U.S.

Economic growth exceeded 4.7% in 2022, despite the pandemic, the Ukraine war and other challenges.

Zambia's GDP growth and inflation trends

The Role Of Copper In Zambia’s Economic Resilience

Central to Zambia’s economic stability is its mining sector, which accounted for 17.5% of the country’s GDP and over 70% of foreign exchange earnings in 2021. Copper, the country’s main export, plays a pivotal role in this regard.

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As many readers are aware, copper has emerged as an indispensable resource as the world accelerates its transition to renewable energy sources. The red metal’s conductivity and versatility make it crucial for various applications, from electric vehicles (EVs) to solar panels and wind turbines. Zambia’s ambition to produce 3 million tonnes of copper annually by 2032, up from around 800,000 tonnes today, highlights the metal’s importance going forward.

In the early 1990s, we were seed investors in Randgold Resources, as we believed in founder Mark Bristow’s vision. Randgold was purchased in 2019 by Barrick Gold, which has a plan to double its copper production by 2029, according to May’s investor presentation.

Major Investments Fuel Zambia’s Mining Boom

Top-tier mining firms recognize this potential and have announced significant investments in the country. Barrick committed nearly $2 billion in October 2023 to boost copper production at its Lumwana mine. A year earlier, First Quantum Minerals unveiled a $1.35 billion investment over 20 years in its Kansanshi mine and an ambitious solar and wind energy project to power its operations.

Another significant aspect of Zambia’s investment appeal is its potential for surplus hydropower, which accounts for over 80% of the country’s energy mix. Zambia shares several large dams with Zimbabwe, and the possibility of harnessing this surplus energy for data centers presents a compelling investment opportunity. Given the increasing demand for data storage and processing capabilities, particularly in Africa, this could be a game-changer.

Hakainde Hichilema: From Business Leader To Reformist President

As I said, I had the honor of meeting President Hichilema, who’s introduced a renewed sense of optimism in Zambia. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business from the University of Zambia and an MBA in Finance and Business Strategy from the University of Birmingham in the UK. Before his political career, he served as CEO of Grant Thornton Zambia.

Hichilema’s pro-business approach, coupled with his commitment to economic reforms and anti-corruption measures, has steadily made Zambia an attractive destination for investors. His administration’s efforts to stabilize the economy, enhance governance and foster a conducive business environment are particularly noteworthy.

President Hichilema’s pro-America stance is another factor that I think could reassure investors. His administration has been actively courting foreign investment, emphasizing the importance of partnerships with American businesses.

Finally, Hichilema has taken steps to push back against Chinese influence, by renegotiating mining contracts, increasing transparency, diversifying investment and restructuring debt.

Independence Day Travel Expected To Reach All-Time High In 2024

As someone who’s done a lot of traveling this summer, the record-breaking volumes have been impossible to ignore. On Sunday, June 23, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) broke its record for most people screened on a single day, with nearly 3 million individuals passing through airport security.

Record number of passengers screened by TSA in a single day

The trend is expected to continue. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), a projected 70.9 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Independence Day holiday period, marking a significant increase from previous years. Air travel, in particular, is setting new records, with 5.74 million people expected to fly to their July 4 destinations.

Nearly 71 million people expected to travel over July 4 week

Having experienced the busyness of airports firsthand, I’m happy to see such vibrant economic activity. The bustling airports and high travel volumes are clear indicators of a strong economy. This surge in travel not only benefits the transportation and tourism sectors but also contributes to the broader economic recovery.

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