Smartphone data while in Portugal

Pete=]_2-2

Hi all

I have had my HTC Desire for a few months now (awesome phone!) and I'm taking it with me to Portgual next month for a couple of weeks. I specificially want to continue to use my data (mobile internet) though, for the Google Navigator/Maps, general internet and work.
However I'm worried about the cost. :-/

I know there are a few options to me and am wondering what y'all think.
Do I...
- Get a local Portgual PAYG SIM and do their equivalent of top up (10 Euro(?)) for free internet for that month?
- Use my PAYG SIM (T-Mobile) and buy a international booster? (Euro internet 50Mb = £10 and lasts 30 days)
Or any other options?

Many thanks.

Pete=]_2-2

Bump. (It got missed me thinks :P)

boo_star

If your Desire is unlocked, go with the local option, especially if you're using Google Maps. I can't comment on the work aspect as I have no idea what it involves.

50mb really isn't a lot.

DarkConvict

If unlocked i agree to go local.

Generally a desire will eat the 50MB in no time, i mean having google maps open can easily use 1MB per small section of a map, then if you change zoom it loads all over again. All the other functions of the phone this is why they are sold with 500-3000MB internet packs.

If you use your 50MB up you'll go back on daily rate, which means you get charged for usage daily, so it maybe 30MB for £10, so use 30MB over 5 days it comes to £50 for the 5 days as you used a bit each day and the data counter resets at midnight GMT time.

You must be very careful, which is why PAYG sim is recommended. Also do put a lock code on yoru phone in case it goes missing to try to prevent fraudulent use.

spiro

If the phone is on contract and you use it abroad, data useage is capped at €50/month unless you ask your provider to increase it.

ACDeag

spiro wrote: »

If the phone is on contract and you use it abroad, data useage is capped at €50/month unless you ask your provider to increase it.

Cost is capped. After you reach €50 you wont be able to use any more until you ask for cap to be lifted or a new billing cycle starts. €50 does not give much at rip off rates we are charged abroad.

Pete=]_2-2

Thanks for all the comments.
I see what you mean about 50Mb is very little for Google Maps.

I think I'll take the advice of getting a local PAYG sim and adding internet for a month - yes, my Desire is unlocked.
If anyone has any more info, like which is the cheapest PAYG in Portugal, which have good deals for internet, or anything else, feel free to chip in.


Thanks again. :money:

wr1ght

i used my o2 text & web PAYG sim in portugal and it was fine. £15 unlimited texts and internet