How to avoid high mobile roaming charges

23 Aug 2012, 6:55 pm   -   Source: ACCAN
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The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network recommends some simple steps to avoid receiving 'shock bills' due to high roaming charges.

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Many mobile phone users have experienced a "bill shock" when they return from an overseas holiday, as they have been unwittingly hit with high roaming charges.

To help protect Australians from facing excessive charges, the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) has recommended some simple key steps:

• Contact your service provider to check roaming charges and to discuss your options. Prices to receive and make calls, send SMS and MMS (picture messages) and access email and the web will differ according the country you are visiting.

• Switch off the “Data Roaming” setting usually found under the Network menu, to avoid expensive roaming charges when using email, MMS, web browsing and other data services.

• Switch your phone to manual mode to stop emails from automatically downloading. For iPhone this is "fetch" mode

• Use wireless hotspots where available in the country you are visiting. Often libraries and tourism offices offer free wifi along with some cafes and fast-food outlets.

• Check for any discounted roaming rates available from your service provider.

• Use text messages only to contact families and friends. Let them know beforehand that receiving calls is costly.

• Buy a local pre-paid SIM card in the country you are visiting to make phone calls. Be sure to check with your provider to see if they can unlock your phone if it is "SIM-locked".

• Make international calls with cheap or free online applications like Skype from a hotel or internet café via wifi.

• If you want to use international roaming, speak directly to your provider before you leave.

(This is an edited extract from The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network website)

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Your Comments

Solution to data roaming prices: mobile hotspot rental

Olivier - from Paris, 8 months ago

The best solution I have found: mobile hotspot rental. You book for the duration of your trip a small device (think 1/2 an iPhone in size). This device that you carry around with you emits a wifi signal on which you can connect your smartphone, tablet or laptop. And instead of paying a few $ per MB, you are paying cents. In Europe some deals get you at less than 0,10€ per MB To find the suppliers for the country you are about to visit, google "rent mobile hotspot COUNTRY". Enjoy!

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