Using a mobile abroad.....Africa...

BrandNewYear

I'm off to Tanzania. I need to have a UK phone with me while there. It's more a matter of being able to receive texts and, ideally, access my emails. What's the cheapest way of doing it? I had planned on buying a local SIM card once I get there but that would involve unlocking my phone before I go (I think) and I'd rather not have the added expense. I've got a Three Pay As You Go SIM kicking around and a phone it works in. Could I just use that?

For checking emails I'm considering taking my IPod Touch and using local wifi to check my emails. Would that work? I don't want to take a laptop or expensive handset for fear of it being nicked.

macman

Receiving texts anywhere in the world is entirely free anyway.
Buying a local SIM and unlocking will be a fraction of the roaming charges you'll otherwise clock up in a few days.
If available, local wi-fi via your iTouch will be by far the best option.

spendaholic66

Yep I would advise taking your ipod for emails/internet. I was amazed when I went to one of the poorest parts of Africa just how many internet cafes there are so you would easily be able to keep on top of emails etc.

Buzby

Texts at only 'free' on your home network. Roam, and you will be charged a fixed amount for the inbound text, in exactly the way you are billed for a roamed voice call.

What you are charged depends on your network, the network you are using whilst roaming. Your home network may send you service messages (at no cost) for each network you roam with, some may provide a limit - but the safest route is to expect to be billed 10p for a roamed text, and if you don't get charged, it's a bonus.

grumbler

Buzby wrote: »

Texts at only 'free' on your home network. Roam, and you will be charged a fixed amount for the inbound text, in exactly the way you are billed for a roamed voice call.
What you are charged depends on your network, the network you are using whilst roaming. Your home network may send you service messages (at no cost) for each network you roam with, some may provide a limit - but the safest route is to expect to be billed 10p for a roamed text, and if you don't get charged, it's a bonus.

This is simply untrue - to putit mildly. Incoming text are free everywhere, except premium ones.

macman

Receiving texts on my network (Vodafone) is free anywhere in the world. Which networks charge for this (at least which UK networks)?
I believe some US networks do charge for receipt when roaming, but don't know of any UK ones?

mrcamp

AFAIK, the US networks are the ONLY ones that charge for receiving sms. And even that, when roaming, sms received come out of the sms plan. And since most folks have unlimited sms anyway, receiving sms, for most, is free, roaming or not.