The last thing you want while you’re traveling, whether for business or pleasure, is to be out of touch with everyone else. Global roaming can be expensive and often result in returning home to a hefty phone bill. Here are the top 5 tips on how to reduce you’re roaming charges;
1. Know How Much You’ve Used
Its easy while abroad to flick onto the internet from time to time, check your emails, update your Instagram and plan your routes with Google Maps, but do you know just how much data you’ve actually used? You can easily monitor what you’ve been using on iPhone by going to Settings > Cellular and then look under Cellular Data Usage. Here you can see your Current Period Roaming which will tell you how much data, in megabytes and kilobytes, you have used since your last reset. Reset your usage by scrolling to the bottom of the page before you travel and you can easily monitor your roaming usage. On Android, go to Settings > Data Usage, you can also opt to set yourself a data limit which will automatically stop your device from using data once the limit is reached.
2. Disable Data Roaming and Use WiFi
If you don’t want to run the risk of using too much data while away, the safest option would be to disable your data roaming. After disabling, your device will be completely WiFi reliant, meaning that you will only be able to connect to the internet when in a WiFi zone. However, although you won’t run the risk of being charged, WiFi signals can often fluctuate and become unreliable so bare that in mind.
3. Get a Data Bundle
Your phone’s network provider may be able to offer a cheap ‘add on’ or bolt on’ to your current deal. For a fixed fee each month, your network should provide additional roaming charges that are ideal for your usage. Ensure you research this before opting for this, as your network may not offer a suitable bundle for your intended roaming usage.
4. Download Offline Apps
If you know you’re going use apps while you’re traveling, it’s a good idea to check they are available offline. Download an offline app for maps so you don’t use data when you’re checking where you throughout the day or if you have an itinerary app, you can always check what’s on the agenda. Make sure to turn your data off before you travel and check that the apps are available offline, you don’t want to be finding out they’re not once you’re away!
5. Switch SIMs
Investing in an international SIM may actually be the most cost effective solution. You’ll know exactly what you’re getting and how you’re data usage will be charged. Easily stay connected with people in the same country as well as back home, with no overage to pay. Local SIMs can be bought in airports once you’ve landed, however, these may be pricey. If you’re looking to swap SIMs, Cellhire offers both international and European Data SIMs, with additional MiFis, starting from as low as £18.99.
