What Tactics Do You Use To Minimise Roaming Charges?

Using your mobile on an overseas trip seems like a good idea right up until you get the hideously expensive bill filled with call and data roaming charges a few months later. Short of leaving the phone switched off altogether, what tricks do you prefer for minimins bill shock after an overseas trip?

A survey of 350 regular Australian travellers by discount SIM provider Tru highlights some of the more popular tactics which frequent travellers use to try and cut costs. Here’s some of the favourites, according to a press release announcing the study:

  • 68% make fewer and shorter calls
  • 25% will only make calls on landlines (though that in itself can be a false economy if you pay over-the-top hotel rates)
  • 50% check email less often
  • 19% switch to an alternate local SIM

My own preferred travel strategy is a mix of a local SIM in some countries and a near-fanatical desire to find a hotel with free Wi-Fi, which covers most of my communications needs. What other strategies do you adopt? Tell us in the comments.


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