What is International roaming?

A convenient feature of a mobile phone is the ability to remain in contact when you are travelling abroad.  This feature is known as International Roaming.

Roaming - what to do before you travel

• whether your mobile phone/subscription allows international roaming
• how much will it cost to avail of international roaming services in the country you are visiting
• how to set up your other services (voicemail, diverts) and the costs of using these services

Be aware, roaming charges are generally higher than those paid when using your mobile phone in Ireland.  You should also note that you will pay to receive calls and listen to voicemail.

Information on charges is available from your operator's website, customer services or marketing material.

Confirm the current charges just before you leave as some charges can change at short notice.

Tips for frequent travellers

• International traveller services give cheaper calls abroad in return for a monthly fee. Check with your network provider what the costs are and how long you would be committed to paying for the service
  
• Use an alternative SIM card in your phone . SIM cards for overseas networks can be bought abroad.  Check if the alternative SIM card will expire after a set period. Ask your Irish service provider whether it has locked your phone against use with a different SIM card, and what, if anything, it will charge to unlock the phone
  
• Manually select a cheaper network for international roaming . Ask your home provider whether it offers a choice of international networks and what tariffs apply on each network
  
• Ask your network provider what you have to dial to use international roaming . This may not be as simple as just using the 00 353 international prefix for Ireland
  
• Know how to use your mobile's voicemail retrieval system . Voicemail can be difficult to access while abroad, and you should ask your mobile service provider how to best use voicemail while travelling and what charges apply
  
• Take an adaptor for the charger plug , to keep your mobile telephone fully charged while you are abroad
  
• Make a note of your mobile's serial number (also known as the IMEI number), your mobile telephone number and the telephone number of your operator's customer services (including the Irish dialling code). Keep them with you in a safe place, separate from your mobile.