Mobile Phones1

Mobile Phone – Taking your Swiss mobile phone on Holiday   You’ve packed your luggage and you’re all set for your holiday. You’re just getting on the plane and you turn your mobile phone off for the journey. Or will it be for the duration of your stay? Data roaming fees are nasty and coming back from your vacation to a huge phone bill is not much fun. So here are a few tips: Before you go Contact your supplier before you leave and see if you can buy a “bolt on“ or traveller’s package for either SMS, voice calls or both. Swisscom, Orange and Sunrise are always offering new travel options – so tell them where you’re going and see if they can help. Also speak to your supplier about un-locking your phone if it is locked. Depending on your contract and how long you have had the phone this may be an option which opens up the possibility of  purchasing a local SIM card in your new destination. They are often available at reaonable prices and can be really useful. Turn your data roaming (not just your phone!) off before you leave the country! Many apps use data to connect to the internet when you don’t even realise it – but this could also lead to a big bill – so make sure the roaming is off before you take the plane! Answering calls Don’t forget that YOU pay for incoming calls to your phone when you travel internationally – so don’t answer your phone unless it’s an emergency! Voicemail Switch off your voicemail off beofre you leave as every time someone calls you you are billed for the international portion of the call! This could be costly if someone has a long message to leave! Miscellaneous Use the free wifi in your hotel to talk via Skype or send emails. You can even update those apps that have an offline mode to catch up with news etc later when you are off line. You can also use your tablet or iPad to access the local wifi – that way you can be sure that you (or your children) aren’t running up crazy bills. Have fun and enjoy your holidays!