Using mobile abroad

Just_Passing_Bi

I'm no good with technology, so looking for some basic advice.

I have a monthy plan with Plusnet paying £6.00pm

Off to Egypt soon, I know if I use my mobile abroad it'll be expensive, I'm confused about getting a sim card whilst in Egypt

If I buy a local sim and use it in my phone, does that mean I'll have a different number, how do I get my whatsapp contacts?

Again, I'm confused, I assume if I change the sim, I'll not be able to recive calls or texts to my UK Sim

Thanks for any help

mchale

Just use whats app on yr UK mobile if possible over wifi, If you rec calls you will be charged roaming costs.

eDicky

You can only receive calls on your UK number if you have that SIM in your phone.

If you replace it with an Egyptian SIM, your WhatsApp will work as normal and all your contacts etc will remain on your handset (assuming they are stored correctly on it). Also WhatsApp and other apps work normally when connected to the WiFi in your hotel and restaurants etc, regardless of the SIM, with mobile data (UK SIM) disabled to avoid roaming charges.

Sorry I don't know about locally available SIMs in Egypt.

Just_Passing_Bi

Thanks both,

Rather not incur roaming charges so I'll likely swop the sim at least I can still use my whatsapp contacts (and if required, I can use data then which will be less expensive)

pramsay13

You should check what charges would be to make and receive calls and / or text messages as it might not be too bad, it depends how desperate you are to stay in touch.
You can disable data roaming before you leave so you won't get any charges and just use wifi when available for apps like whatsapp.

grumbler

pramsay13 wrote: »

You can disable data roaming before you leave so you won't get any charges and just use wifi when available for apps like whatsapp.

Incoming calls to the mobile number can be costly - if taken or diverted to voicemail.
If the SIM isn't used for calls it's better to take it out in the UK airport before leaving.

MSE articles:
Cheap Mobile and Data Roaming
Beat the voicemail roaming trap