How To Avoid Data Roaming “Bill Shock”

If you’ve read recent scare stories of massive mobile data roaming charges – where naive users have racked up thousands of $ or € on their mobile bills just by browsing the internet or downloading a few files or email attachments – then you might be worried about taking your iPhone or Android smartphone abroad with you.

*Roaming is the word used to describe using your mobile phone on another network for a short period, while still being billed by your existing provider. Your mobile phone number remains the same while roaming. When you are roaming on another network the temporary mobile phone company will bill your usual mobile phone company for calls you make while roaming on their network.

It’s summer holiday season, it’s time to pack your suitcase and go on vacation. Keep in mind that roaming data is costly, consider the following tips to eliminate roaming charges and minimize your data usage while traveling abroad.

1. Turn Off Data Roaming

The European Commission recently voted to end roaming charges by 2014, but until then it’s important to turn off data roaming on your phone when traveling outside your network.

If you want to access the Internet on your smartphone when traveling abroad, consider enabling Airplane Mode on your phone. You can still enable Wi-Fi when your phone is in Airplane Mode, so head somewhere like McDonald’s or Starbucks for free Internet access.

If you have an iPhone, open Settings and turn Airplane Mode “On.” If you have an Android, from the Settings option, choose Wireless & Networks > Mobile Networks > uncheck Data Roaming.

2. Disable Push Notifications and Auto-Synching

Does your phone alert you instantly when you have new mail? That requires data usage. If you have an iPhone, you can change this by accessing Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > Fetch New Data to turn off Push Notifications. Furthermore, on iPhone, you can manually disable push notifications for each app. Click on the app and turn the Notification Center to “Off.”

If you have an Android, go to Settings > Accounts & Synch and turn off Auto-Synch.

3. Be Aware of How Much Data You’ve Used

Reset your data tracker so you know exactly how much data you’ve used in a given time.

If you have an iPhone, go to Settings > General > Usage (“Cellular Usage” on some phones) to reset data statistics.

On Android check data usage under Wireless networks > Mobile network section or download an app from their mobile carriers. Verizon’s app is called My Verizon Mobile and allows you to check data usage, make payments, and view your current phone plan. The AT&T app is called myAT&T and lets you view and pay your bill, check data usage and locate Wi-Fi hotspots. More tips for data usage tracking: http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-20077775-285/how-to-track-data-usage-on-your-android-phone/

4. Buy an International Data Package Through Your Mobile Provider

These packages are sometimes called “add-ons.” Most carriers let you buy a bundle of data for a monthly rate, so you can use the Internet without searching for a Wi-Fi hotpot.

To check international roaming data plans for AT&T, click here.

To check international roaming data plans for Verizon, click here.

To check international roaming data plans for T-Mobile, click here.

5. Buy a SIM Card Once You’ve Landed

Buying a local SIM is often the cheapest option, but it can also be the most difficult. When you purchase a local SIM, you also get a local phone number.

If you decide to buy a prepaid international SIM card for traveling abroad, you’ll need to look into getting an unlocked GSM standard phone. We recommend asking your provider if your phone is “world-compatible.”

Companies that offer these include OneSimCard, Maxroam and Telestial.

OneSimCard sells international SIM cards for $29.95. Incoming and outgoing calling costs vary depending on your travel destination, but OneSimCard rates tend to be lower than international calling rates offered through providers like AT&T or T-Mobile.

Maxroam interntaional SIM cards sell for $20. It’s most cost-efficient for travel in Europe.

Telestial Passport offers a $19 international SIM card; it’s best for heavy data users.

6. Wi-Fi-Enabled Alternatives

There are some great apps right now, which you can use to communicate with people while abroad — if you have Wi-Fi or Internet access. What’s App lets you send messages, pictures, audio notes and video messages with friends, via Wi-Fi. Vibr is free and lets you call, text or send pictures, via Wi-Fi or 4G.

via Mashable