Heading abroad for your next holiday, and hoping to spend your hard-earned cash on something more exciting than your phone bill? Then take charge of international roaming on your mobile before you leave on that jet plane, to avoid heart failure upon seeing the bill when you return!
“When I’m abroad, and need to check something online like a bus schedule or hotel reservation, I don’t want to spend a lot of time and money fussing about with my phone,” says TV travel guru Ian Wright. “…if something will save me some time and money on my journey, I want it now.”
People today want to be connected at all times, even with the higher price of holiday roaming. You want to keep in touch with friends and family (or even the office) while on break, plus go online to map out your next sightseeing stop, check out restaurant reviews or check in early for the dreaded flight home.
So, how do you browse abroad without breaking the bank? Web browser makers Opera Software gives these tips for keeping on top of data roaming during your next holiday getaway:
– Before you jet off on your journey, find out if your mobile operator offers international roaming plans, which often offer huge savings for data bundles. Whether or not you change plans, on arriving at your destination, take time to read the welcome SMS from your temporary network, as this message usually lists data costs.
– Use a cloud-based mobile browser, which shrinks the webpages you visit before they land on your phone. That way, your phone has fewer megabytes to load – saving you money, time and frustration. Crunched down webpages also help you get more browsing out of your data-roaming bundle.
– When you activate roaming, enable only the essential data services on your phone – like your web browser and email – to avoid other apps pulling in updates and large volumes of data in the background. Use a browser rather than apps to view your favourite web content.
– For the web without data-roaming drama, browse for free via your phone’s Wi-Fi connection. Wi-Fi is typically available in airports, hotels and cafés, or you can make use of apps like Wi-Fi Finder to locate your nearest hotspot. A cloud-based browser is also handy for speedier surfing on crowded, sluggish Wi-Fi connections.
Other Ways to Save:
– get a prepaid SIM card in the country you’re visiting
– Put the phone in “flight” or “airplane” mode when not in use. This prevents the phone from receiving calls, texts or emails
– Make calls through the web. Many of these service providers, such as Google Voice and Skype, offer free calling or a low per minute rate on international calls.
– Confirm with your cell phone provider the rate you will be charged per minute while traveling. Depending on the plan you’re enrolled in, you may already have a low-cost travel service plan.
– Do NOT download files or stream videos while travelling!
Take a look at some of the deals you can choose from whilst travelling abroad. If in doubt – collect call!
