Controlling Your Data Roaming Bill

If you spend anytime abroad and are an avid smartphone user, you have probably already encountered the horrific data roaming charges you can rack up in a short time. For the uninitiated, “roaming charges” are added onto your bill whenever you use your mobile outside your service area.

“Data roaming” is even more expensive, and if you are traveling to other countries, especially outside of the EU, these charges can add up quickly. If you don’t watch what you are doing, you could easily rack up a bill of £100’s, if not £1,000’s, before you know it.

Simple web surfing adds up quickly at as much as 46p/MB in EU countries, and up to £8/MB and more worldwide. You’re best course of action is to disable any data transfers, or simply turn off your phone and enjoy your trip. If you simply must stay connected, here are some tips to save you some money.

• Switch off data roaming and use Wi-Fi. If you need to access the web when you’re abroad, you have two choices. You can use your mobile 3G or 4G signal, be charged for data roaming, and pay horrendous bills; or you can link into a fast local Wi-Fi network, many of which are offered for free.
  Even with your data roaming turned off, your phone will still be able to play most games and music; as well as taking photos and video, as these don’t require a signal.
• Turn off all automatic updates. While it is handy to get all the latest software updates when you are at home, if these updates are triggered while you are traveling abroad the data charges can be staggering. Make sure to disable this feature in all of your apps and the operating system as well - before you leave the country.
• Avoid any media downloads. If you have any desire to watch movies or TV shows or to download some new music, do it before you leave. This kind of web access on your mobile from a foreign country could easily run into £100’s or £1,000’s.
• Bring a Kindle Keyboard along for free web access. The older models of the 3G Kindle Keyboard come equipped with free mobile internet access across most of Europe and several other countries worldwide.
  This can give you free access to books and newspapers while out of the country, even without a Wi-Fi connection. There is also a grainy web browser available, so you can have some web access free of charge.
• Find apps to compress your data usage. There are currently free apps, such as Onavo, that are currently for free or little to no charge, that say they can reduce data usage by as much as 80%.
  Onavo works in 90 countries, and will compress data downloads for other apps, so you can do much more with your data usage.
  Similarly, Opera is a web browser that offers a “mini” mobile version for free data compression when web surfing. These types of apps will reduce your total data usage, if you must use it.
• Make sure to opt in for the EU cut-off. Current EU regulations state that you must be forewarned when you are reaching £50 of data usage in a month while roaming about overseas. When you reach this limit, your service will automatically be cut off, unless you opted for a higher cut-off amount.
  You have the option to turn down this warning, or arrange for a higher limit, but that’s just asking for trouble. There is also the possibility that signing up for some bundle plans may remove you from this regulation. Be sure to check with your mobile carrier before you leave.