Recently got new contract phone but emigrating.

playtime

Got a new phone 8 weeks ago on contract as I normally do, then a new opportunity has me emigrating.

The only options I'm being given by Vodafone is pay the termination - which would be something like £500 - or eat the roaming charges.

As Vodafone operate where I'm going, it's a shame they can't migrate me to the other network for a reasonable charge.

I'm tempted to send the phone back and cancel the direct debit.

Does anyone have any (sensible) suggestions?

HappyMJ

Give it to a trusted friend to use and pay the bill. I'd be tempted to do as you say. Cancel the DD but keep the phone though it's yours.

grumbler

Sending the phone back doesn't change anything, but is a honest action if you are going to cancel the DD and not to pay for the contract.
If you don't pay you'll have your credit history trashed. Do you care if you are not going to come back? Try using this when negotiating the termination charges.

Guys_Dad

HappyMJ wrote: »

Give it to a trusted friend to use and pay the bill. I'd be tempted to do as you say. Cancel the DD but keep the phone though it's yours.

Second suggestion possibly a good answer if you never return to the UK and ever want credit.

First suggestion good way to lose trusted friend and add to previous sentence!

No suggestions as you entered into a contract and you can't escape from the commitment without affecting your credit rating and incurring a legal debt.

Same as paying off a bank loan, car HP etc.

pimento

Which country are you going to where you can arrange to emigrate in eight weeks?

playtime

I suppose emigrate is technically incorrect - I'm off to live and work in mainland EU.

pimento

Ah, I thought Australia was doing some kind of special offer or something. )

Swans1912

playtime wrote: »

Got a new phone 8 weeks ago on contract as I normally do, then a new opportunity has me emigrating.

The only options I'm being given by Vodafone is pay the termination - which would be something like £500 - or eat the roaming charges.

As Vodafone operate where I'm going, it's a shame they can't migrate me to the other network for a reasonable charge.

I'm tempted to send the phone back and cancel the direct debit.

Does anyone have any (sensible) suggestions?

Mmmmm... could you ask them to transfer your account if they provide a service there? If no your moving and they can't provide service so they will have to terminate?

Annie._2

Vodafone would be unable to transfer your contract to the country you are moving to as your contract is with Vodafone UK. Although Vodafone may operate where you will be, it will be treated as a separate company and would need a different mobile number.

You could consider trying to do a change of ownership, someone you know may be willing to take over the contract with a cashback incentive from you.

Otherwise, unless you want your credit rating ruined for when you return, you will have to pay up the contract before leaving.

skydiveJames

Sell the handset, use the money to go towards paying off the contract and pay the rest yourself.

You signed into a contract and are legally obliged to pay for it.

macman

skydiveJames wrote: »

Sell the handset, use the money to go towards paying off the contract and pay the rest yourself.

You signed into a contract and are legally obliged to pay for it.

That's the best advice give so far. Emigrating does not void your contract.
Death or bankruptcy are the only reliable ways out, neither is presumably attractive to the OP...