How to use your phone overseas without racking up a huge bill

You may have heard those horror stories of people who have been overseas and received massive phone bills, but it doesn’t mean it will happen to you.

With these easy steps, you will be able to avoid any bill surprises when you return, and still be able to use your phone while you travel.

1. Turn off your data roaming and data

One the sure-fire ways to ensure you don’t use data or end up with bill shock is to turn off data roaming, cellular data and 3G and leave them off for your holiday.

• iPhone: Go to Settings → General → Network → slide Data Roaming, Cellular Data and Enable 3G to ‘off’.
• Android: Go to Settings → Wireless Controls → Mobile Network Settings → uncheck Data Roaming.

2. Use Wi-Fi

The safest way to make sure you don’t use any data (after turning off everything) is to use Wi-Fi exclusively. Most hotels and restaurants have Wi-Fi for free. The best part is that on Wi-Fi, you can still contact your loved ones …for free.

Apps such as Skype and Viber allow you to make video calls and texts to anyone in the world. Other programs such as Facebook Messenger and Whatsapp will make it easy to message others.

There is also a Wi-Fi finder app which can help you to locate Wi-Fi even when you’re not connected to the internet.

3. Switch off location services and auto updates

Another phone setting that is frequently overlooked when going overseas is turning off Location Services and any automatic updates and notifications you’ve enabled for apps (i.e. messagea). While Locations Services relies on GPS to pinpoint your location, and this is free to use, it can also use mobile data in some cases, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

• iPhone: Go to Settings → Privacy → Location Services → Toggle Location Service On / Off.
• Android: Go to Settings → Location → Toggle Location Services On / Off.

4. Buy data before you go

If you’re keen on using your own phone and don’t want to turn off your data, you might consider switching your phone plan. Vodafone, Optus and Telstra all off roaming packages but be warned: they aren’t very cost effective and there can still be bill shock if you go over.

Vodafone’s RED plan with the $5 per day roaming costs allows you unlimited calls, SMS and your standard data allowance to use. That can add up if you’re away for a while, and the $5 is on top of your normal plan price.

Telstra offer 4 international data packs, starting from $29 for 100MB.
Optus offer only two data packs, for either $45 or $85 with minimal data inclusions.

If you use this option, make sure you steer clear of videos and music and try to stick to basic email and internet browsing. Instead, use free Wi-Fi where you can.

5. Buy a local SIM

By far one of the best and cheapest options is to swap your Australian SIM card for a local prepaid SIM upon arrival. Internet access be about 90 per cent cheaper and you can call locally much cheaper.

But before you travel, it’s important to make sure your handset is unlocked from your network, as some carriers will lock it so you can’t use another SIM card. Ask your carrier to check if you’re not sure, or try to put in a friend’s SIM card on another network.

The downside of a local SIM is you won’t have your normal number, but you can easily give out your international number, and use apps to communicate.

6. Leave your phone at home

It’s obvious but if you really want to remove the temptation of using data, leave your phone at home. Save your email and Facebooking for your hotel and enjoy your holiday!

Tell us, have you ever been shocked when you got home by a phone bill?