Connected abroad: 9 tips to avoid roaming charges
It’s summer and the holidays! …and finally, we can travel again. When travelling outside your home country, using your cell phone to access the internet can result in astronomical data roaming charges. We prepared some tips for you on how to avoid roaming charges. how to avoid roaming charges
Before your next international vacation, review these important Alertify data roaming recommendations.
1. Wherever you are, abroad, always favor WiFi
Even if you are in a European country, save your GBs by connecting as often as possible to WiFi networks! Station, airport, train, restaurants, city center squares, hotel, homestay accommodation… Many places offer a free WiFi connection so make full use of free wireless hotspots. Complimentary wireless connections are available in many locations, including many restaurants, hotels, cafés, supermarkets, busses and trains. By using wireless networks for the bulk of your data needs while traveling, you can avoid high roaming fees.
2. Do not surf at standard rates avoid roaming charges
Avoid going online with the standard roaming services that your mobile phone connects to when you enter new countries. Mobile service providers charge very high data roaming fees when you do not have a mobile plan which includes data roaming and you have not bought a supplementary data roaming package. Depending on how much data you use, you can end up paying hundreds or even thousands of francs. Get informed about the most affordable roaming packages before you travel.
3. Would you like to reduce roaming costs by up to 70%? Buy data roaming packages
Always use data roaming packages to go online while traveling abroad. Something like this.
With just one AIertify card, you can enjoy data service in more than 190 countries. It is simple to use: get your Alertify international sim card; simply select the destination, effective date, and duration. Once you arrive at your destination, the data package will be effective immediately. All SIM cards are reusable: for subsequent travels, you can buy other packages or top up your credit accordingly.
If you are travelling abroad and need SIM cards choose between daily, monthly or data packages without expiration or if prefer instant connectivity, get eSIM. Also, be aware that each Android Smartphone Can Be Upgraded To ESIM With ESIM.Me
4. Do not buy more data than you need how to avoid roaming charges
Data packages are practical in that they can save you money, but one key aspect of data roaming packages that are not consumer-friendly is the fact that they expire. Since July 2021 most roaming packages are valid for an entire year, due to new regulations. Previously, packages that expire within 30 days were common.
Because data packages expire, you should avoid purchasing more data than you will use within the validity period. If not, your unused data will expire and you will end up paying more than you would have had you bought a smaller package. Check out how much data you need here.
5. Use local SIM cards and mobile hotspots
Local prepaid cards are offered in many countries and provide a logical alternative to roaming. This is especially true when you travel to exotic locations for which Swiss mobile service providers charge high roaming fees.
Another option is to use pocket-sized wireless Internet hubs. These devices connect to the Internet through a separate SIM card and act as wireless hotspots. Pocket hotspots are available for under 100 francs at electronics dealers. The advantage of using these devices is that you can use a local SIM card for data and surf at local rates while still being able to receive calls through your phone number (your SIM card remains in your phone).
6. Avoid unsolicited roaming fees how to avoid roaming charges
If you do not want to use data roaming while traveling abroad, make sure to completely switch off mobile data on your phone. You should also disable 4G connectivity. You can continue to use wireless local area network (WLAN) connectivity to connect to the Internet.
If you do not deactivate mobile data, your mobile service provider may bill you for data roaming service connectivity even if you do not use the Internet while traveling. This is caused by a flaw in the design of the 4G mobile data standard. Many mobile service providers do not pass on these unsolicited fees, but some have not resolved this issue.
7. Track your data status how to avoid roaming charges
Maintain a constant overview of the amount of data that you have already used throughout your trip. Most mobile service providers provide this service through an app. Some mobile service providers provide a “cockpit” which can be accessed online.
8. Do not use data roaming to stream music and video
Streaming videos (on Youtube or Netflix, for example) involves large data transactions. Streaming music (via streaming services like Spotify, for example) or radio shows also involves large amounts of data. While traveling abroad, only stream video and audio through local WLAN connections. Streaming using mobile data will rapidly deplete data roaming packages.
9. Be cautious of mobile plans which include roaming
Many mobile plans include complimentary roaming, but these are often relatively expensive.
Many mobile plans include a monthly data roaming allowance. You pay for data roaming as part of your mobile plan subscription fee, regardless of whether or not you actually use roaming in any given month.
In many cases, it works out cheaper to use an affordable mobile plan that does not include complimentary roaming and then purchase optional roaming packages when you travel abroad.
If you are lucky enough to travel abroad, Alertify can offer you SIM card/eSIM solutions so you can use your phone to stay in touch with your loved ones, and your family, use Google Maps, book a restaurant etc so you can use your phone as at home.
Enjoy your holidays!