As a business mobile user, it’s important to stay connected while on the move, but it can be costly if you’re not careful. Roaming charges can quickly add up, leaving your business with an unexpected and hefty bill to pay. Fortunately, there are several ways to avoid being charged excess costs when travelling as a business mobile user from the UK.
Travel Free Roaming
Many UK mobile providers offer free roaming in a range of countries, typically including most European countries, as well as some countries outside of Europe. The exact list of countries can vary depending on the mobile provider, so it’s important to check with your provider to confirm which countries are included in your plan.
Some mobile providers also offer different levels of coverage, with some countries included in a basic plan and others in a more expensive plan. Here are some examples of countries that are commonly included in free roaming plans from UK mobile providers:
European countries, including all 27 European Union countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Some non-European countries, such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the USA.
However, it’s important to note that coverage for these countries may be limited, and additional charges may apply if you use your phone outside of certain areas or for certain types of usage.
1. Check your plan
Before travelling, check your mobile tariff to see if it includes international roaming. Some mobile providers offer plans that include roaming at no extra cost, while others charge a daily rate. Knowing what your plan includes can help you to avoid unexpected charges.
2. Consider World Travel Zone roaming
World Travel Zones are a set of geographic regions that are covered by a roaming service offered by some UK mobile providers. These zones typically include countries outside of Europe, such as the USA, Canada, Australia, and many countries in Asia, Africa, and South America.
The World Travel Zone roaming service allows UK mobile users to use their phones abroad for a fixed daily fee, without worrying about unexpected charges. The exact cost and terms of the service can vary depending on the mobile provider, but it typically includes voice, SMS, and data usage for a fixed fee per line per day. This can be a cost-effective option for business users who need to use their phones frequently while travelling outside of Europe.
It’s important to note that not all mobile providers offer World Travel Zone roaming, and the specific countries covered can vary depending on the provider. Additionally, some providers may have a fair usage policy in place, which can limit the amount of data, voice, or SMS usage allowed for a fixed fee. To avoid unexpected charges, it’s important to check with your mobile provider to confirm the terms and conditions of their World Travel Zone roaming service, including any fair usage policy that may be in place.
Example of World Travel Zones
3. Turn off data roaming
Data roaming is one of the most expensive features of mobile phone usage when travelling. Turn off data roaming on your phone on departure to avoid any unnecessary charges. You can still use Wi-Fi to connect to the internet, which is usually available in hotels, airports and cafes.
4. Use Wi-Fi where possible
As mentioned above, using Wi-Fi can help you avoid excess charges. When travelling, look for places that offer free Wi-Fi, such as hotels, cafes, airports and restaurants. Using Wi-Fi is not only free but also faster than mobile data, making it an ideal option for downloading large files or streaming videos.
5. Consider sourcing a local SIM card
If you’re going to be in a foreign country for an extended period, consider buying a local SIM card. This can save a lot of money on roaming charges, especially if you need to make a lot of calls or use data frequently. Make sure your phone is unlocked before buying a local SIM card.
6. Monitor your usage
Keep track of how much data you’re using while travelling. Many mobile providers offer apps that allow you to monitor your usage in real-time, which can help you avoid excess charges. Alternatively, you can set a data usage limit on your phone to receive alerts when you’re nearing your limit.
It’s essential to be vigilant and take proactive steps to avoid excess costs when travelling as a business mobile user from the UK. By checking your plan, turning off data roaming, using Wi-Fi where possible, getting a local SIM card, using messaging apps and monitoring your usage, you can stay connected.
7. Treat your business mobile like your own
Probably the most important advice of all – uncontrolled roaming data usage can be very expensive in countries outside the Travel Free and World Travel Zones (WTZ). By considering the points above and taking care of the device connectivity, you can avoid any nasty bill shock!
8. Never use Wi-Fi on Planes and Ships/Ferries
Always put phones in Airplane mode as these are often connecting to satellite services – these are charged at c. £6 per MB.
1 one hour TV show = £6,000 !!! | 1 Email (with no attachment) = £6 per email
In conclusion, it’s essential to be vigilant and take proactive steps to avoid excess costs when travelling as a business mobile user from the UK. By checking your plan, turning off data roaming, using Wi-Fi where possible, getting a local SIM card and monitoring your usage, you can stay connected without being penalised.
If your business would value any guidance or support on our managed mobile services for business, get in touch.
