How to avoid big iPhone data roaming charges abroad
Are you taking your iPhone abroad? Be careful to avoid big data roaming bills
You may have read about the stories of massive mobile data roaming charges – where iPhone users have accrued thousands of pounds on their mobile bills just by browsing the internet or downloading a few files or email attachments.
Data Roaming describes the use of your mobile phone on another network abroad for a short period, while still being billed by your existing provider.
What uses data on my iPhone?
Any apps that use the Internet connection use roaming data e.g.
- Safari
- YouTube
- Maps
- iTunes
- Social Networking Apps e.g. Facebook/Twitter
Just to be clear the following actions do not use roaming data:
- Filming a video
- Taking a Photo
- Listening to the iPod
- Playing stand alone games (Soduku, Labyrinth)
Here are some tips on how to avoid big charges.
Tip 1: Turn Off Data Roaming
- Go to Settings
then select General / Network - Turn Data Roaming Off (should look like this):
What this does is to prompt you to conciously switch ON Data Roaming when you use an application that needs data (with a warning that this will cost)
Tip 2: Use Wi-Fi
You can connect your iPhone using a local Wi-Fi connection. Many Hotels and Cafes offer free Wi-Fi connection for laptop users. You can use this same connection for your iPhone. Doing this means you are not billed for roaming data. The only charge might be if a particular Wi-Fi hotspot charges for access, and you should be informed of that before you can start using the connection.
- Go to Settings then select Wi-Fi
- Make sure Wi-Fi is switched ON
- Scan for the Network (you may need to ask the premises for the Wi-Fi name and the password)
Tip 3: Using your email
Most emails are actually use a very small amount of data. If somebody emails you a large attachment your iPhone does not actually download it and will only do so when you select the attachment. However, the text in the email is downloaded, so if you receive hundreds of messages this may indeed start to cost more.
Tip 4: Get a data bundle
You may be able to sign up to a flat-rate or capped data package or 'Bolt On', where you pay a fixed amount each month for using the mobile internet. Contact your network operator to find out what they offer.
