<\/p>\n
Be familiar with the settings on your phone. You can turn off the data roaming function on your handset or ask if your mobile provider can do this for you. This will make sure you can only access data services when connected to a Wi-Fi zone. Many caf\u00e9s, bars and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi services to their customers.<\/p>\n
When you arrive at your destination, you might consider buying and using a local phone SIM card. You can only do this if your phone is unlocked and you can only unlock your phone if you own it outright or if you are out of contract. You can get your unlock code by contacting your mobile provider. You should do this at least a month before you travel as this process takes time.\u00a0\u00a0When you replace your at-home SIM card with this local one, it means you are paying local rates as opposed to roaming rates.<\/p>\n
Remember that smartphone apps use data in the background even when you are not actively doing anything on your phone. For example, apps on your phone may update to the latest version. You can turn-off automatic app updates in your handset settings.<\/p>\n
If you switch your handset off and back on again, be careful to check your roaming settings as they may default back to the original setting.<\/p>\n
Ask your mobile provider how you can best monitor your real time usage when you\u2019re abroad. You may be able to monitor your usage by downloading your mobile provider\u2019s app or texting a key word to a particular number. But remember to check if the usage information is provided to you in real time \u2013 especially if you are travelling outside the EU.<\/p>\n
Pay attention to the texts that you receive from your provider and read them. Don\u2019t ignore what these say as they will tell you important information, including information on your data usage!<\/p>\n
Know the difference of being charged per MB and per GB \u2013 there are 1,000MBs in 1GB. Pay special attention not to confuse the two, so you are fully aware of your data roaming allowance.<\/p>\n
Avoid streaming things like music or films and avoid using mobile maps for directions because these can run up very large bills especially if you are roaming outside of the EU.<\/p>\n
Take the time to properly secure your mobile handset with a PIN or passcode. Update your emergency contact on your home screen. Make a note of your mobile handset serial number (IMEI number) by pressing *#06# on your handset.<\/p>\n
Download an app that can trace your phone and delete its data if it is lost or stolen.<\/p>\n
Contact your mobile provider immediately with your IMEI number if your handset is lost or stolen. Thieves can quickly run up huge bills which you may be responsible for if you do not take swift action.<\/p>\n
Know the number for emergency services: 112 in the EU and 911 in the USA and Canada. If you are travelling elsewhere, check locally for the relevant number.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
We hope that you have found the roaming information useful and that you can set off on your travels without any added worries. Our Consumer Team is available to help you with any further queries that may arise.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Using your mobile phone abroad<\/a><\/p>\n Roaming in the EU<\/a><\/p>\n Roaming outside the EU<\/a><\/p>\n What is inadvertent roaming?<\/a><\/p>\n Roaming on a ferry or a plane<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"