Going on a trip? Make sure to follow these tips so you don't come back from vacation with a hefty cell phone bill because you used roaming mobile data.
Oh, those damn roaming charges! Is there anything more outrageous than that?
No, but after all, the world travels from one country to another and everyone uses each other's network. I think we shouldn't be charged for that!
But hey, telecommunications companies being what they are, we shouldn't necessarily expect them to give us discounts and gifts just for the fun of it.
Although Canada signed a joint declaration with 19 countries in 2018 to end these fees, we are still waiting for the real repercussions of this commitment, which unfortunately has no constraints.
From then on, we find ourselves in a situation of perpetual anxiety in order to ensure that we do not have roaming charges when we go on a trip.
It's amazing how little it takes to get charged.
Avoid unpleasant surprises and roaming charges when you travel with your phone.
Turn on airplane mode
It's the classic, that we hear all the time: put yourself in airplane mode!
Before takeoff, smartphone users should put their cellphones in “Airplane Mode” to avoid causing interference with aircraft controls.
Those who want to avoid paying additional usage fees at all costs and who do not have an agreement for use abroad can leave their phone in this mode for the entire duration of the trip.
You can still use it to have fun with applications that do not require a connection, take photos, shoot videos, play Angry Birds, use the alarm clock, the flashlight, etc.
You can even connect to a public Wi-Fi network like the one in your hotel or at the local café.
This is without a doubt the safest option to avoid any fees.
Turn off data roaming
Airplane mode is all well and good, but if you accidentally hit the button and disable the feature, you could be in trouble!
Text messages, emails, notifications of all kinds can then be displayed on the screen. Notifications which obviously take up data.
As a precaution, it is always a good idea to turn off data roaming before enabling airplane mode.
Here's how to turn off data roaming on an iPhone.
You can also turn off cellular data altogether if you want to be extra safe. Just turn it back on when we get back.
For an Android phone, the procedure may vary from one device model to another, but roughly speaking to disable data roaming you need to:
Open the Settings app
Select the Connections option
Tap the Mobile Networks option
Disable Roaming option
You can also turn off cellular data altogether if you want to be extra safe. Just turn it back on when we get back.
For an Android phone, the procedure may vary from one device model to another, but roughly speaking to disable data roaming you need to:
Open the Settings app
Select the Connections option
Tap the Mobile Networks option
Disable Roaming option
Take a travel package from your supplier
If you want to use all the features of your smartphone while traveling, there is always the option of purchasing a travel plan from your provider.
The plans for using your cell phone abroad offered by Quebec companies are more advantageous than not changing your plan at all.
On the other hand, this is not the most economical solution since you benefit from better rates by purchasing a SIM card from a foreign supplier and taking a plan without commitment.
However, for between $7 and $12 per day, depending on whether you go to the United States or Europe, you can enjoy your cell phone plan as if you were in Canada.
Telus: Details on rates and coverage abroad Bell: Details on rates and coverage abroad Videotron: Details on rates and coverage abroad Rogers: Details on rates and coverage abroad Koodo: Details on rates and coverage abroad Virgin: Details on rates and coverage abroad
In conclusion
If you plan to use mobile Internet, the prices offered by Canadian providers are not comparable to those you pay with a no-commitment plan abroad.
For calls and texts only, it all depends on your usage... If you don't use the device much, the prices offered by local providers may be a better solution than paying to unlock the device, buy a SIM card and a plan from foreign providers.
If you take a plan with a foreign provider, you will have to respect the data limit of your agreement to not pay extra. It's the same principle as when you use mobile Internet here...
Using Wi-Fi remains the most advantageous solution, as it is free, but the use of cellular data is sometimes necessary.
Some tips to use less cellular data:
- Avoid sharing large files, photos and videos are a good example of something that consumes a lot of data when sent by email or posted on the web.
- Avoid using streaming services, streaming videos and music uses a lot of data.
- Favor the use of maps preloaded with your device's GPS
Source: Francois Charron
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