Off on holiday? Follow our tips to avoid a big mobile roaming bill (2024)

FAQs

Off on holiday? Follow our tips to avoid a big mobile roaming bill? ›

Turn off mobile data

Other options when traveling internationally

Turning off data roaming in your phone's settings when you don't need it. Downloading maps when you have Wi-Fi or using apps like Apple or Google Maps in offline mode. Shutting off all non-vital apps. When apps automatically update, you are charged if they are still active.

If you toggle off Data Roaming, your phone won't have any data, but you can still call/text on your regular phone number. TARGET AUDIENCE: People who want to make sure they're reachable on their phone number, always, but don't care about having data all the time.

Turn off roaming, pop your phone on airplane mode, and connect to Wi-Fi instead. And if you're the type of traveler who likes to stay connected at all times, make sure you chat to your phone provider about a daily roaming plan, or purchase an eSIM or local SIM to keep your phone charges at a minimum.

Keep roaming off when you don't need access to maps, email, apps, or messages so you won't be charged. You can switch roaming back on when you need these services. Turn off auto updates. Make sure your apps are only updating while connected to Wi-Fi in order to avoid roaming charges for services that aren't critical.

Even if you decide to get a local SIM card, these tips will help you out by saving data abroad. Turn off roaming. This stops cellular data use so you won't be paying extra for a plan you don't have. You can still get calls and text with Wi-Fi, but your phone won't send or receive data on networks.

Instead, you're accessing the internet through whichever broadband connection the WiFi network uses. This means, even if you're overseas and you connect to a WiFi network, you won't be incurring roaming charges from your mobile service provider.

With Airplane Mode turned on, your device will not be able to connect to cellular service, meaning you will definitely not incur any international roaming charges. But, if you have airplane mode turned on, it also means that you cannot make any calls or send/receive any messages.

So receiving a SMS and receiving voicemail should not incur roaming charges. However, sending text messages and checking your voicemail would likely incur those charges. In order to prevent roaming, it is generally recommended to enable Airplane or Flight mode on your device.

Turning off data roaming on your phone prevents it from connecting to other cellular networks. You won't be able to browse the Internet unless you connect to a Wi-Fi network, but you'll still be able to call and text. However, extra charges will apply if your plan does not include calling and texting while travelling.

Does airplane mode turn off mobile data? ›

Here's what happens when you turn on airplane mode: Cellular Data: Your device will stop using mobile data, meaning no more browsing, emails, or app updates unless you connect to Wi-Fi. Calls & Texts: Your phone won't be able to send or receive any calls or texts.

Voice calling lets you call your contacts using WhatsApp for free, even if they're in another country. Voice calling uses your phone's internet connection rather than your mobile plan's minutes. Data charges may apply.

You will never be charged for receiving calls, so it is fine to leave VM on - there are not any additional charges for receiving calls or voicemails while abroad.

Please note: Turning off Data Roaming means that you won't have access to internet dependent services such as email, social media, or apps such as WhatsApp whilst abroad. You will instead need to connect to a nearby Wi-Fi network to use these services. iD Mobile app or My Account Online.

If roaming is activated, you'll receive a message to let you know that you can make calls when you're abroad. If it's not activated, a message will appear saying you can't make calls when you're abroad.

Cheap international SIMs and tariffs. If you're looking for cheap international calls on a regular basis, it might be worth getting yourself a special mobile bundle to accommodate this. You can pick up international SIM cards cheaply (often for free) and you just top up as you go.

With Airplane Mode turned on, your device will not be able to connect to cellular service, meaning you will definitely not incur any international roaming charges. But, if you have airplane mode turned on, it also means that you cannot make any calls or send/receive any messages.