How Roaming Charges Add Up? | Tips To Avoid High Bill shocks
Traveling abroad is an exciting experience, but it often comes with unexpected roaming charges. The charges come from using the phone outside your home country, even if you don’t notice. Smartphone users fear the data costs after traveling abroad, Whether making calls, texts, or using data, roaming can lead to high bills that catch you off guard. But don’t worry! Here are the simple tips to look at why the roaming charges add up and how to avoid them with prepaid eSIM.
What are Data Roaming Charges?
Data Roaming is when your device disconnects from your network and connects to the other carrier for coverage. Roaming charges are extra fees when using a phone outside your usual service area. They can quickly become expensive. Roaming happens when you make calls, text, email, browse the internet, or use different apps.
How do roaming charges add up?
If the data roaming feature is on in your device, your phone will automatically connect to the other provider. Usually, the device users are unaware of the data roaming happening on their devices.
Charges Accumulation
You get charged for using the internet and making calls, and messages. Sometimes your background running apps use the data and you get a shocking roaming bill.
Network Carrier
It also depends on your network carrier, a good carrier alerts you when you leave your coverage area. While the other doesn't which cause high roaming charges.
Tips To Avoid High Bill shocks
Roaming charges can quickly add up when you use your phone abroad. Here are some tips to help you avoid high data roaming costs.
1. eSIM to Avoid Roaming Charges
To avoid the extra burden of roaming charges, eSIM Card is the perfect option which offers eSIM for many countries. Provide local, regional, and global data plans for 200+ countries.
At first, you have to purchase the eSIM plan, after that no extra hidden charges or roaming fees. eSIM offers fast and reliable internet at a reasonable cost, you can purchase any data plan to get rid of high data roaming bills.
2. Use Wifi only
Wifi is the best option for you during your vacation or business trip. During wifi approach turn off your cellular data and keep the airplane mode on. For calls and texts use apps that rely on wifi like WhatsApp. You can connect to publicly shared wifi hotspots for internet browsing. It will help you connect with your family and friends without data usage and associated charges.
3. Disable the internet Roaming
You can turn off the data roaming from your device, which will help to eliminate the data roaming charges. You can follow the steps to turn off the data roaming on iPhone and Android devices.
For iPhone Devices
- Go to your iPhone Settings
- Tap Cellular > Cellular Data Options
- Now turn off the Data Roaming
For Android Devices
- Open your Android device Settings
- Go to Network & Internet then to Mobile Network
- If your Data Roaming is on turn it off
4. Turn off Location
Disable your location to reduce the battery drainage during GPS searching. Apps that use GPS, such as maps and social media, consume significant data. Turning off location will help to minimize data usage. If you need to find the directions, you can manually turn on location temporarily.
5. Buy the local SIM Card for Calls and Messages
Purchase a temporary SIM card for your destination country to stay connected. Local SIMs offer cost-effective calls and data packages. Text messages usually cost less than voice calls. Use SMS for communication as much as possible. Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger use the internet for calls and texts, which can be cheaper than mobile carrier charges.
6. Check Roaming Rates
Before you travel, inspect the roaming charges of your network provider. This helps you understand the costs you might face. Mobile network virtual operators (MNVOs) offer attractive roaming deals due to relying on other carriers’ networks for coverage. To participate in roaming plans, you should enroll before your trip.
Tips for Avoiding Roaming Fees
- Compare Different Plans: Look into various international/global roaming plans. Some offer unlimited texting and basic internet speeds at affordable rates.
- Restrict Internet Time: Limit your online activities. Prioritize essential tasks to save on data usage.
- Use Text for Social Media Updates: Link your phone to social media like Facebook or Twitter. Update your status via text messages.
- Download a Data Monitor App: Use apps like Data Usage or My Data Manager. They help track your data and alert you when you are nearing your limit.
- Shop for Roaming Plans with Your Carrier: Before traveling, check out the international roaming plans your carrier offers. This can be more cost-effective than standard rates.
Considering these unique strategies, you can manage your roaming costs more effectively and avoid unexpected charges while traveling abroad.
FAQs
How do I avoid roaming charges?
The best setting to avoid data roaming in your device is to turn on airplane mode. Before arriving at your destination, set your device to airplane mode, this will help you to travel freely without any stress about high data roaming fees.
Can I use a VPN to avoid roaming charges during travel?
VPN is considered useful during international travel. However, it does not help avoid data roaming charges. Roaming charges are all about using the other network depending on your location, so VPN doesn't impact the charges.
Does turning off data roaming save money?
Turning off the data roaming saves money during your travel. You should turn it on when need to access services like maps, email, apps, or messages. Turn off auto updates. Update your apps using Wi-Fi to avoid roaming charges.