Data Roaming Is it worth it? Android Top Tips

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Data Roaming – Is it worth it? | Android Top Tips

 

Data Roaming lets you connect to your mobile phone network – your mobile data, whilst you are abroad . When Data Roaming is turned on when you are abroad, your phone will “roam” to find another network to allow you to connect to other service providers.  This will allow you to continue to access your mobile data.

 

It’s important to note however, that data roaming charges can be really high, and if you go abroad use this with caution, as your network service provider may charge you highly to use this feature. The last thing you want when going on holiday or on a business trip, is to come home to an extortionate phone bill.

 

So what are the alternatives?

 

1. Keep your phone off when you travel. - This option is quite extreme and not an option for 99% of us, in today’s society. You have a variety of ways to get online if you chose this option. You can get a dongle for your laptop, visit internet cafes in the country you visit, or connect to Open Wi-Fi Networks e.g. in coffee shops.

 

2. Turn off your Data Roaming. – This is a quick and simple step, and is explained in this video tutorial. If you choose this option you will still be able to use your phone as normal, apart from any features that require data usage to work. You can still access the internet by connecting to open Wi-Fi Networks in the country you visit.

 

3. Purchase a Data Package with your Network Service Provider. This is an Add-On you can buy to enable you to use Data roaming abroad without the extortionate costs. It is worth noting however, that most data roaming packages are quite pricey, and the cost does depend on where you are travelling. It will take a bit of research to find a package that suits your needs. If you are looking to use your data just for checking emails or for small data uses, this may be the option for you.

 

4. Purchase a Sim Card from the country you travel to. – This option is probably one of the most cost effective ways to access Data abroad. Do your research beforehand, so you know exactly what sim card you want to purchase, where to purchase and what the sim card and top up costs are. Some countries, like the U.A.E only allow you to purchase sim cards however, if you are a permanent resident in the country, so do your RESEARCH beforehand!

 

5.  Purchase a Pre-Paid Data Sim. – There are a whole variety of providers  (Dataroam, Roamline etc) offering this option – find the best one for the country you are visiting, by looking at both price charged, and data allowance given.

 

As always, research, mix and match, choose the best options for YOU. Most of All , keep your hard earned money in your own pocket!

 

This Episode explains what flight mode is, when to use it, and how to access it. I also explain in detail, about mobile data, data roaming, APN, Network modes, and Network Operators.

 

 

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