How to avoid roaming charges when abroad

Glasgow Times

6 days ago

Telecoms experts are urging travellers to check if their mobile plans include international roaming – otherwise they could face charges as high as £5 a day.
For a two-week break that comes in at £70 per phone on top of regular mobile charges.
For a family of four that's an additional £280 on their monthly mobile phone bill.
Experts at TelephoneSystems.Cloud are suggesting holidaymakers make use of eSims to bring costs down and make mobile usage overseas affordable.
What is an eSim?
An eSim is a digital version of a SIM card. It allows users to switch to a local provider without taking out your traditional SIM or changing your number.
After landing, mobile users simply change their mobile packing to use the eSim rather than the UK SIM.
Telecoms expert Juliet Moran, said: 'Holidaymakers need to be aware of roaming changes both in Europe and further afield and they need to look at ways to mitigate the extortionate cost passed on by phone providers.
'An eSim is the easiest way to do this. They're already built into your phone and allow you to activate an additional mobile data plan.
'In comparison to roaming charges the cost is minimal. To give you an example, on a recent trip to the USA, my provider was going to charge £5 a day. An eSim plan for a month cost just $12.
'The plans will cover all your data needs including maps, social media, emails, and video calls, with no roaming charges or surprise fees when you get back home.'
Is an eSim a good idea?
Firstly, it's important to check if your phone supports eSIMs.
Most modern smartphones (iPhone XS or later, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and up) support eSIM functionality.
Check your phone settings or manufacturer website if you're unsure.
TelephoneSystems.Cloud issues eSIM advice for Brits
Choose an eSIM provider
Search within the country you are visiting for an eSIM holiday provider. It's quite a competitive market, so it won't take long to find a local supplier offering a good deal on an eSIM.
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Make sure it's contract free for short term use. Check the daily limits for data, even on an unlimited package.
It's easier to find a cheaper provider once you are in the country, so use airport Wi-Fi to get yourself a good local deal.
Install the eSIM during your trip
This is a fairly straightforward task. You will need to:
Download the provider's app or scan a QR code to install the eSIM.
You may need another phone to take a photo of the QR code to install it on your own mobile if you don't have a computer or tablet to hand. Or use the manual eSIM installation process.
Follow the on-screen instructions to activate it.
Set the eSIM as your primary data plan while abroad (you can still receive texts and calls to your UK number if needed).
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Use data wisely
Keep an eye on your usage or buy a slightly larger plan to cover streaming and navigation comfortably, as going over those limits can lead to large bills.
Switch back easily when you return
Once home, just toggle your mobile data settings to return to your UK SIM. The eSIM can usually remain installed for future trips or you can just delete it.