Charging in Another Country
You are traveling abroad and need to charge your EV
Charging in a different country means different networks, different apps, and sometimes different connectors or pricing. A little preparation goes a long way.
Your situation
You are driving your EV across a border or renting one in a foreign country. You are not sure which charging apps work here, whether your plugs are compatible, or how pricing works.
What to try first
- 1
Download a roaming app before your trip
Apps like Plugsurfing or Shell Recharge work across many European networks. Download and set up payment before you leave. Relying on a single network's app may leave you stuck in a country where that network does not operate.
- 2
Check connector compatibility
In Europe, CCS2 and Type 2 are standard everywhere. In the UK, the plugs are the same as continental Europe. If you are driving between Europe and the UK, your connectors will work fine. If traveling outside Europe, check regional standards (NACS in North America, GB/T in China).
- 3
Expect different pricing structures
Pricing varies significantly between countries. Some countries bill per kWh, others per minute. Roaming adds a markup (typically 10-30%). Check the app for pricing before you start the session. Pre-paid session caps exist on some networks.
More scenarios in the app
The EVcourse app walks you through more specific scenarios for this problem with visual step-by-step guides. Free for iOS and Android.
Frequently asked questions
Will my charging card or app work in other countries?
Roaming networks cover most of Europe, but coverage is not universal. Check your app's coverage map before traveling. Contactless credit card payment at the charger is your best backup since it works regardless of network agreements.
Is charging more expensive abroad?
It depends on the country. Electricity prices vary widely across Europe. Scandinavian countries tend to be cheaper, while some Southern and Eastern European countries can surprise you. Roaming fees add 10-30% on top of local prices. Highway chargers are almost always more expensive than urban ones.
Related guides
Stuck at the charger? Open the app.
Step-by-step help for real charging problems. Free on iOS and Android.
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