Taking phone abroad - how to avoid massive bill

scottishminnie

Hi


I recently traded my antique Motorola Razr for a Samsung Galaxy mini which I'm fairly happy with, although I'm probably only using 10% of the functionality.


Anyway, I'm off to the US next week and I'm concerned about running up huge bills as I've heard many horror stories and to be honest this was one of the reasons I stuck with my old phone for so long.


I called into the Vodafone shop today to ask what I had to do to ensure that I don't get caught out by "roaming" charges or whatever it is that causes people to end up with large bills.


Their reply was that the phone I have makes constant updates and downloads automatically and it isn't possible to avoid these so I either have to "suck up " the charges or leave the phone at home/switched off.


Now I realise that I should probably buy a cheap PAYG in Target or Walmart for future visits but I would like to have had by own phone to make a few texts when I arrive just to keep my mother happy!


I asked in the shop if I could avoid the phone downloading/updating while I was away and just do it when I get home however they said this is against the contract terms and conditions. Is there anyway around this? I fully intend to make any updates or whatever when I get home - surely it is ok to defer them for 2 weeks or so?


Any help much appreciated as you can tell I know nothing about phones!


Thanks

mon37

I think better not to take the phone with you at all or take the sim off the phone when you land in the USA and you definitely will not receive a massive bill. You can always take your old basic phone with you and just buy a local sim.

flashg67

I've taken smart phones abroad plenty of times - as long as you switch off data roaming in the settings and just switch the wifi on when you need it, you shouldn't have a problem, but of course the best way is to use a separate PAYG sim.

Are you on a contract with Vodafone? if so, in 'my settings' on your account webpage, you can turn the usage cap on which will let you spend a maximum of £50 on roaming charges.

jbainbridge

Something like ... settings > mobile settings > data roaming - untick

The default will be not to use data when roaming. You'll also find the battery lasts longer too!

Mobeer

Before you go:
- Install Skype
- Switch on airplane mode
- Switch on wi-fi

Send emails when you have free wifi not texts

tafelmoneysaver

Here are some instructions from a more helpful mobile operator:

http://mymobile.three.co.uk:8080/mymobile/Samsung/GalaxyMini/scenarios/switch_off_international_data_roaming.html

Switch OFF International data roaming

1 From the Front screen, press the All Apps/Main Menu button.
2 Scroll down and tap Settings.
3 Tap on Wireless and networks.
4 Tap on Mobile network settings.
5 Ensure the tick is removed from the Data roaming tickbox.
6 Once this is set to off you will disable Email, MMS and Web Browsing whilst abroad.

This will only switch off the data services. If you make any calls (ie answer an incoming call or make an outgoing call) you will still be subject to additional charges.

terra_ferma

That's quite poor service, they should have offered some kind of capping.
e.g. Tesco cap at £40 and O2 have a travel plan that can cap data usage at £1.99 a day.

giraffe69

We have two vodafone phones in the house, take them abroad and switch off data roaming and the inly additional bill has been for any calls(usually few or none) or calls received, or texts sent.
Don't understand the voda drivel about it being against terms and conditions. You certainly don't want applications updated at vast cost and why should you not choose as and when.

Buzby

terra_ferma wrote: »

That's quite poor service, they should have offered some kind of capping.
e.g. Tesco cap at £40 and O2 have a travel plan that can cap data usage at £1.99 a day.

Really? How do you cap a service that is billed retrospectively? If you use, you pay. The home network has no idea of what your usage is until it is told, and as this is up to the foreign network to tell it, you are at the mercy of how quickly it is done - some can settle in real time, others go through roaming consolidators and this can add 3 or more days.

They're advice is sound - and for those that do offer 'caps' read the small print. It is an aspiration, if a glitch prevents the cap operating you are still liable. NALOPKT.

shaun_from_Africa

Mobeer wrote: »

Before you go:
- Install Skype
- Switch on airplane mode
- Switch on wi-fi

Send emails when you have free wifi not texts

That won't work as switching on airplane mode automatically disables Wi-Fi on all phones.

J_B

Presuming the galaxy is an Android phone

Settings
then under 'wireless & networks'
More ...
then
Mobile Networks
and make sure that
Data Roaming is NOT ticked

Also remember that it will cost to make AND receive calls

Find a free wi-fi somewhere for all your phones functionalities.

Enjoy