- Written by Dominic Stone - Account Director Mobile
- Connect with Dom on LinkedIn
International roaming for business users is an important topic for any UK business with frequent travellers. From overseas meetings to international projects, staying connected while travelling is essential. But after experiencing bill shock, many business travellers and IT managers are left wondering: Is there a smarter, more cost-effective way to roam internationally?
If you travel frequently on business or manage a mobile workforce, here’s everything you need to know about traditional international roaming and smarter alternatives like VIP mobile tariffs that include roaming and eSIMs.
What Is International Roaming for Business Users?
International roaming for business users enables employees to use their UK mobile network abroad to make calls, send texts, and access mobile data, without changing their number or SIM card. It’s a really convenient way to stay connected across borders, especially for professionals who attend conferences, manage international teams, or work on global projects.
However, roaming can come with significant downsides. Costs can escalate quickly if data usage is high or if you’re unaware of your roaming limits. Many business travellers return home only to face unexpectedly large phone bills (known as bill shock), putting strain on both budgets and manager relationships.
That’s why companies are increasingly seeking better options that offer transparency, flexibility, and control. Our VIP mobile tariff does exactly that.
Smarter UK Roaming Plans for Business Users
One standout solution is the Opus VIP Mobile Roaming Plan. This SIM-only business mobile package is built specifically for international business users who want simple, stress-free global connectivity.
- Unlimited calls and texts
- 100GB of high-speed data per month
- Fixed monthly pricing—no roaming bolt-ons or daily fees
- Coverage in nearly every country
The Opus VIP mobile plan removes roaming uncertainty and gives finance and IT teams peace of mind with predictable billing and global functionality. It’s ideal for businesses with employees who travel frequently and need reliable, always-on mobile service.
The difference between international roaming and local eSIMs
For companies evaluating alternatives, eSIMs are emerging as a powerful, flexible option. Here’s how they compare to traditional international roaming for business users:
Feature | Traditional Roaming | Local eSIMs for Business Users |
Cost | Often expensive (daily rates apply) | Local data rates—typically much cheaper |
Setup | None—but usage can spiral quickly | Easy digital install, no physical SIM needed |
Flexibility | Locked to one network | Switch between local networks instantly |
Management | Harder to control or monitor | Central IT teams can manage remotely |
The benefits of local eSIMs
Here’s why some UK companies are turning to local eSIMs over traditional roaming or switching to the Opus VIP mobile tariff.
Cost Control
Avoid daily roaming fees by connecting to local carriers at local rates. eSIMs offer massive savings—especially for frequent travellers.
Digital Flexibility
eSIMs are stored digitally on devices, meaning no SIM swapping. Employees can activate a new plan with just a few taps—perfect for multi-country business trips.
Centralised Management
IT teams can install and configure eSIMs remotely across company devices—making them ideal for growing, mobile-first businesses.
International Roaming vs local eSIMS which one do you choose?
International roaming is still widely used by business users but it’s no longer the only option.
With the rise of eSIMs and flexible roaming-inclusive mobile plans like Opus’s VIP Mobile tariff, businesses now have smarter, more cost-effective choices.
If your teams travel often, don’t wait for the next roaming bill shock. Get in touch to discuss the options for your business today and take control of your global connectivity strategy.