GSM Roaming Tips

Roaming allows you to use your mobile phone number and access the same services while you are travelling, as if you were at home.

GSM roaming provides seamless coverage in more than 190 countries worldwide, yet before you travel to check the following:

General Settings & Money Wise

• If roaming service is activated on your account
• Your subscription type (pre-paid or post-paid) which might be limiting the availability of some services.
• Networks, services and prices for the roaming service in the destination country.
• Any international price packages that your home operator offers at the moment
• Don’t forget to switch off your voicemail! Remember that calling your voicemail from abroad can cost the same as making a call to your country! Unlike at home, you may be charged every time someone leaves a message on your voicemail.

Destination Country

• Check if your destination country operates in another frequency or standard than your home network.

Most of the GSM phones will work almost everywhere in the world, but if you're visiting the USA, Canada or South America you will need a triband phone that supports 900, 1800, and 1900 frequency bands. In the Caribbean , you may need a quadband phone that supports 800/850, 1800, and 1900 frequency bands. If you are unsure what frequencies supports your telephone, check its manual.

N.B. If you are going to Japan or South Korea , be aware that if your telephone does not support 3G (W-CDMA) network, you will need to rent a compatible handset in order to roam there. Not sure about your telephone? Check the telephone’s manual or consult with your home operator. Click here for more information on telephone rentals.

• Make sure you have a compatible power adapter so you can charge your handset.

Miscellaneous

• Make sure you know the international format for telephone numbers by adding the international calling codes for the countries you wish to contact.

• Alert your operator immediately if your phone is lost or stolen. If your phone is lost or stolen when you are abroad remember that you could be liable for the cost of the calls made in that country. Make a note of the contact details of your operator before you travel to ensure that you can get in touch with them as soon as possible to report the loss.