To make sure you get full functionality of your mobile phone when abroad, follow the below steps either on your handset or on the My Account portal:
Roaming bars
If you want to use your phone or prevent your phone from being used abroad, you can manage the roaming bars through the Self-Service function of My Account. To see how to do this, click here.
Please see below the definition of the roaming bars that are available, if they are ticked this means the bar is applied.
Outgoing Roaming – this will prevent you from sending SMS, MMS and making calls whilst abroad
Incoming Roaming – this will prevent you from receiving SMS, MMS and receiving calls whilst abroad
GPRS Roaming – this will prevent you from using your data whilst abroad
Data roaming
If you won’t be using your data whilst abroad, make sure this is switched off to prevent bill shock.
For Apple iPhone users: Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options > Make sure the “Data Roaming” toggle is switched off
For Android Users: Go to Settings > Navigate to Mobile Networks (depending on your handset, this may be under “Wireless and Networks” or “Connections”) and make sure the “Data Roaming” toggle is switched off
If you need to use your data abroad you will need to make sure the Data Roaming toggle is switched on.
Turn on updates over Wi-Fi only
Depending on where you go, data roaming may come at a cost. We advise to turn on updates over Wi-Fi only to prevent bill shock.
For Apple iPhone users: Go to Settings > iTunes & App Store > Make sure the “Use Mobile Data” toggle is switched off.
For Android users: Open Google Play Store > Touch the hamburger icon, swipe up and choose Settings > Under General, tap Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only.
Worldwide data cap
New Worldwide Legislation from OFCOM means that we will be capping your worldwide data roaming at £45 ex. VAT per billing month and barring you from using any more data abroad for the rest of your billing period.
To ensure your business can continue to enjoy the same level of flexibility at present and prevent us from restricting your data usage abroad please opt out now by checking the CAP / UNCAP option next to the relevant accounts and subscriptions. This can be done by logging into My Account. From there, navigate to the Mobile Management option, select the relevant CLI(s) and then choose Worldwide Data Roaming from the list of actions.
Please note, removing the World Wide Data Cap may incur additional roaming charges.
Wi-Fi Assist
Wi-Fi assist is a feature only available on iOS devices, such as iPhones and iPads. The feature helps you stay connected to the internet through your data when the Wi-Fi connectivity is poor.
To prevent bill shock, we advise you to turn this off.
To disable Wi-Fi assist, go to “Settings”, then “Mobile Data”, from there, scroll down until you see “Wi-Fi Assist” and switch the toggle to the “Off” position.
Unsure on your tariff?
To make sure you are on an appropriate tariff, please contact your dedicated customer service team using the details found at the top of your invoice or in the Support section of My Account. We can check the tariff you are on and advise on costs for the country you are travelling to. We can also check for bars that may restrict you from using your phone abroad.
On your My Account portal you are able to check and remove any bars as required. Click here for more information on how to add/remove bars on My Account.
Mobile travel plans
Most of our mobile tariffs include mobile travel plans, which allow either inclusive or reduced cost roaming rates in select destinations. The plans available to you will vary based on your specific tariff.
Please click here to read more about mobile travel plans.
Out of bundle roaming rates
Any usage not covered by a Mobile Travel plan will be charged at out of bundle rates, depending on the zone of the Country the usage occurred in.
You may also be charged a special rate for any usage either at sea or in the air.
Please visit our Worldwide Zoning page for more information.
For information on Out of Bundle Roaming Rates, click here to visit our Price Information page.