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Roaming Abroad, using your phone while Abroad: A Comprehensive Guide

Both. Calling Oz and Canada from the UK, (the full list is on the web site). In Arrecife (Lanzarote) worked fine for incoming and outgoing calls and data. No additional costs. 5G seemed to be available whenever I looked at the handset when we were there. Did not test for speed however.
Was in Lanzarote in March 23, was on Lebara. Unlimited plan. 30GB limit when roaming. Was fairly decents speeds. 5G coverage. Streamed F1 race on Sky Go using laptop and TV. Better than hotel wifi and OpenVPN
 
I’ve found they don’t offer as good value for money as some of the options already available in the UK. There seems to be a huge markup on the amount they charge on data. Might be a good option if you’re needing a ton of data but I’d say it would probably be better to be using EE’s roam abroad pass at £10 if you’re with EE or just buying a SIM card from a provider that already allows roaming (Such as O2, Tesco, or Three PAYG) to roam in the EU. If you’re roaming in the USA and you can live with 12GB for two weeks just do that.

These roaming esim providers might be helpful if you’re needing a ton of data and in the USA. However I’ve been finding roaming is with a UK SIM card has overall been better value for money on my part. Everyone will obviously have different wants and needs.
The reason I was interested was for roaming outside the EU (and US). Three used to be good for this, but not any more.
 
The reason I was interested was for roaming outside the EU (and US). Three used to be good for this, but not any more.
When you had the choice of the Feel Like Home roaming agreement where UK Three users would be able to use sister Three networks or having to buy data packs to access the Internet in destinations where Feel Like Home wasn't available.

It was far easier and more simple when as part of the EU, we could use all our allocated data, minutes or texts in whatever bundle our provider gave us, that was a great idea by the EU.
 
I am going to India for Christmas and am an o2 Monthly Contract customer with the Travel Bolt On.

The o2 Bolt On does not cover India. According to the o2 website there is a deal for people on "our new billing system, you’ll be able to buy one of our data roaming bundles" but this would charge £26 for 100mb and £65 for 1gb.

Without the Bolt On they charge £7 per mb

I used the comparison site mentioned above and it pointed me to Nomad who do 10gb for 27USD.

I'll do some more investigating over the next few months but thought I'd post this initial message to keep the discussion alive.

Tony
 
I am going to India for Christmas and am an o2 Monthly Contract customer with the Travel Bolt On.

The o2 Bolt On does not cover India. According to the o2 website there is a deal for people on "our new billing system, you’ll be able to buy one of our data roaming bundles" but this would charge £26 for 100mb and £65 for 1gb.

Without the Bolt On they charge £7 per mb

I used the comparison site mentioned above and it pointed me to Nomad who do 10gb for 27USD.

I'll do some more investigating over the next few months but thought I'd post this initial message to keep the discussion alive.

Tony
Take a look at a cheapish Lebara SIM Only for the 30 days you are there. they include free roaming to India and are one of the only providers in the UK that does.
Screenshot_20230502-120419.webp
 
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Thanks Bubbles.

By coincidence I have opted for Lebara for my home broadband.

I'd be happy to buy a cheapo sim for my phone but reluctant to remove the o2 sim in case I get sent texts or a panic phone call from the UK.

I have the Samsung Flip 4 that has one normal sim holder and an esim facility that I have yet to try.

Tony
 
Thanks Bubbles.

By coincidence I have opted for Lebara for my home broadband.

I'd be happy to buy a cheapo sim for my phone but reluctant to remove the o2 sim in case I get sent texts or a panic phone call from the UK.

I have the Samsung Flip 4 that has one normal sim holder and an esim facility that I have yet to try.

Tony
Why don't you set up call forwarding from the O2 SIM to the Lebara sim for the time you're there?
 
Never done it before - but never too late to learn.

T
I did it whilst i was in spain Three -> Lebara to avoid paying Three’s £2 per day roaming charge. I didn’t even have the Three sim enabled, but all the calls were still forwarded to my lebara sim.
I can’t quite remember how you set up call forwarding within samsung devices, but essentially you find the setting for it, enter the Lebara mobile number and then the device will tell O2 to forward any calls to that phone number. From there on, you can remove the O2 SIM, put the Lebara SIM in and you will still be able to receive calls (NOT texts!) via your O2 number. Naturally, you won’t be able to call out from the O2 number, but if it’s only incoming calls you’re worried about, this works fine.
 
EE roam abroad costs £15, not £10 as mentioned upthread.
I assume this only works if you have a direct contract with EE, not just using the EE network via someone like Scancom or 1pmobile?
 
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"put the Lebara SIM in and you will still be able to receive calls (NOT texts!)"

In which case that would not suit me as if someone wanted me to come home and feed the parrot they would send me a text and not try to guess the time zone (or whether I'd be sober) for a phone call.
 
Would it not be cheaper to use Skype or WhatsApp if data is available and easier than setting up call forwarding etc
 
Would it not be cheaper to use Skype or WhatsApp if data is available and easier than setting up call forwarding etc
If Tony already has unlimited calls on the O2 SIM and is bothered about recieving calls on his O2 numbers (Calls, not WhatsApp calls) then I believe call forwarding would be a better option
 
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"Which is why I queried if Skype or WhatsApp would be better?"

Better for what? Remember I was asking about eSim for data in India?

And retaining the ability to receive calls and texts to the number all my pals know.
 
My first question is "Anyone know if any provider includes what is maritime roaming"

Asked as a regular cruise holiday taker.
 
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