Using Whatsapp Abroad

[smurfchops]

I will have free WiFi on cruise, but if I use WhatsApp for phone calls and messaging, off the ship, will it use up my mobile data, and will it be more expensive due to data roaming? Sorry not very technical…. I looked on website but don’t really understand what to do. I don’t want to lose anything on WhatsApp…. Should I just use it on ship using free WiFi?

[Buenchico]

Using any app (including Whatsapp) via a connection to a phone mast, rather than via wi-fi, will contribute to your data usage but it won't necessarily be that expensive. For example, if you'll be remaining within the EU, both EE and Three will only charge you £2 a day (on top of what you normally pay to use your phone in the UK) to use data and make calls while you're abroad:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45064268

So the answer to your question will depend upon which UK phone service provider you're with and which countries you'll be visiting.

[smurfchops]

Hi Chris…. Such in depth info as always! Tesco 02, France, Spain, Portugal. Thank you as always :)

[Buenchico]

You can use your phone in those countries in exactly the same way as you do in the UK, without any additional charges at all:
https://www.tescomobile.com/why-tesco-mobile/award-winning-network/home-from-home

[mushroom25]

i went to Andorra in January. Andorra has no reciprocal arrangements with UK mobile providers, so I had no GSM service at all for the week. however so many outlets now offer free wi-fi, eg bars, cafes, municipal premises, etc, that i was rarely out of reach of somewhere that I could use whatsapp.
it's likely you'll find the same, and in the main (unless you need to make a call), you shouldn't need to use your data.

[smurfchops]

Thanks all.

[christinegrace12]

Hi, I don't find free wifi on the cruise really reliable. You may have ended up using your mobile data. It depends on your carrier but in my experience, it was more expensive due to data roaming. If you are afraid to lose anything on Whatsapp, especially if you buy a new phone, you may want to check https://echoshare.co/transfer-whatsapp-to-new-phone/