Contract

[solas]

Hi,

I'm going overseas for a month and trying to work out if i should take my phone or not. Terrified of doing something wrong and coming home to a big bill

I have looked at the appropriate pages in the vodafone website..but can't really find the information I'm after. Mainly looking at using my phone overseas at wireless hotspots for facebook access, won't be making phone calls.

- I do have free FB access on my plan, but If i use hotspots overseas will it still be free?

- What setting can i turn off to ensure no data is used, I don't use any apps except FB, but that does just seem to update itself all the time, and i don't want that happening overseas and costing me.

Any help appreciated - I know this is a bit vague but i haven't travelled before and the more i read on roaming the more confused i get.

Cheers

Kelly

[user3006]

depend on what handset you have any smart phone you have make sure data roaming is turned off. what type of handset do you have?

[Kirsty]

Hi Kelly,

solas wrote 

I'm going overseas for a month and trying to work out if i should take my phone or not. Terrified of doing something wrong and coming home to a big bill

It's great that you're asking these questions before you leave - and you've definitely come to the right place for answers! We don't want you coming home to a big roaming bill either and I'm happy to clear up any points you're not sure of.

The free Facebook access included in your plan is for use in Australia only, and all roaming data charges will be charged in addition to your plan fee. If you do want to use cellular data, I'd suggest adding a data roaming pack to your service before you leave, to reduce costs.  25MB of pay as you go roaming data will cost over $250 for example, and the 25MB roaming data pack is only $49.

If you didn't want to use roaming data while you're overseas, you're able to turn cellular data off on your handset, which will stop things like Facebook updating itself. You're able to do that on your handset - we have handy step by step guides to most handsets on our website here.

You're also able  to bar data use at network level - this will mean that all network data - both in Australia and overseas will be barred. This is the best way to ensure you don't receive any unexpected data charges while you're roaming. I'm able to bar your data service for you when you leave, and unbar it for you when you come back if you'd like.

We're not able to discuss your account details here in our Community, and I will need to access your account to do this. I've sent you a Private Message (PM) with my email contact details, as well as the info I will need to help. You're able to access your PMs by clicking on the envelope in the top right of the screen, or here.

If you do bar data on your phone or at the network level, you'll still be able to access WiFi sources (such as your hotel's Wifi, or free Wifi from cafes or McDonalds) but you won't be charged on your Vodafone account for this use.

Where are you going? You're able to see the charges for using other services when roaming on our website here. Once I know where you're going, I'll be able to tell you the call rates for roaming.

Global Roaming will need to be set up on your account before you'll be able to use your Vodafone service overseas - you're able to set roaming up online by following these instructions. If you haven't already set up a MyVodafone account, now's a great time! Once you've set it up, you'll be able to monitor your usage online, which is handy while you're overseas! You're also able to review your bills and manage your account - all in the one handy place!

Another option you might like to consider is unlocking your handset, and using a local SIM. You're able to unlock your handset online here.

We definitely have a lot of information online, and I can understand your confusion! Two of my favourite "must read" articles about roaming are our what to do once you've arrived and also our how to keep costs down pages - make sure you have a read of both before you leave!

Thanks,

Kirsty.