If you use your mobile phone, mobile device or computer abroad - and even if you do not, a smartphone running intermittently even when you're not actively using it - you may have the wrong phone surprise to receive on your return trip an exorbitant invoice from your service provider.
These are the exceptionally high fees charged by Canadian providers for data roaming so you can connect to wireless networks outside the country.
Data Roaming Abroad
International roaming is a service that allows the customer of a wireless network in a given country to receive multimedia messages and e-mails, and to browse the Internet by connecting to a wireless network in another country.
When you access the Internet with your wireless device abroad, the connection is made via a local wireless network that then transmits your data to your Canadian network using an international transit service.
The high rate for international roaming is set by your Canadian service provider, who adds the profit margin to the cost price.
Here are some tips to avoid roaming charges when traveling abroad.
Traveling with your mobile device
cybersecurity
If you take your cell phone, mobile device, or laptop while traveling, be aware that the risk of cyber attacks increases significantly and your devices can easily be stolen or attacked. Protect yourself by using presence.
Visit your service provider's website
Roaming charges apply when you use your Canadian cellular phone outside the area covered by your plan, even in Canada. Take the time to read your contract carefully on your supplier's website or contact a customer service representative.
Make sure the toll-free number on your Canadian network will work from the country you're traveling to. If so, write it down so you can get free customer service wherever you are, with no long distance charges.
Before you go, compare options for data transfer, in Canada and abroad
Ask your service provider about roaming charges for calls and data usage. Some providers offer travel packages for destinations in the US and abroad with a given number of minutes or megabytes for a fixed price.
If your cell is locked, that is, you can not replace your SIM card with another network, the best is to leave it at home and buy, in Canada or abroad, a cell phone using the GSM digital phone platform, which is the most popular international standard. You will be able to buy a SIM card from a local network once at your destination and a prepaid plan for a nominal fee. Since telecom services are local businesses, check out the Internet or travel forums such as TravelForum.com or the Lonely Planet forums to find the name of a reliable network provider in the country where you plan to go.
Turn on airplane mode
It is advisable to activate the airplane mode on your cell before boarding and deactivate it once you return to Canada. In this way, voice and data services will be disabled, as well as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS connections as well as any other location service.
You can manually reactivate the Wi-Fi connection to access it in places where it is secure, many hotels and public places offering Wi-Fi service for free or at low cost. The Bluetooth option can also be activated even in airplane mode to exchange files with other devices.
Remove or change your SIM card
Make sure to store your SIM card in a safe place if you decide to remove it from your cell phone to avoid losing the information it contains - contacts, photos, and text messages. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options can be enabled without the SIM card.
If your mobile phone is or can be unlocked to allow you to use a SIM card from another country, you can buy this card once at your destination. This will allow you to use a 3G or GSM network at a reasonable cost. Your provider may charge you for unlocking fees, but you can do this yourself with free and paid software and websites, or by bringing your device to a local independent cell phone retailer.
Wi-Fi and various applications
You can save a lot of money by disabling the Data roaming feature of your mobile phone and connecting to the Internet at wireless access points. If you purchase a Skype, Google Talk or iChat subscription, you can make calls to landline or mobile phone lines over the Internet at minimal cost.
Rather than using an Internet navigation system to find out how to get somewhere, use a GPS application such as CoPilot, Sygic or Navigon, which does not require the use of data.
There are also applications, such as Onavo, that compress data, allowing you to do up to five times more with your data plan at no additional cost. These applications provide a lighter version of the Internet, which reduces your roaming charges. You will also be able to see the details of your data consumption for each application and make more informed use of your data.
Use mobile-friendly websites
More and more websites offer specific sites whose pages have been optimized for mobile phones to use fewer megabytes. The address of these sites is mostly similar to that of the main website. It is usually sufficient to replace the prefix "www" with "m" or "mobile", or the suffix ".co.ca" or ".com" with ".mobi".
Have a MiFi
If your cell phone can not be unlocked and you're traveling with your family or a group of people, you can create your own secure wireless access point with the MiFi, a wireless modem that emits a Wi-Fi signal. allowing you to connect up to five wireless devices.
Check your bill back
Because it's hard to control how you use real-time data and compare it to your plan settings, your monthly bill is your best bet. Report any charges that seem suspicious to your service provider. Often, providers cancel or reduce roaming charges when it is the customer's first mistake.
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