Using Mobile Data Abroad

[smurfchops]

We have free WiFi on the ship but if we go ashore, shall I switch to Mobile Data? Will it use up my allowance if I don’t use the internet or make calls whilst ashore, and would using WhatsApp ashore use mobile data?I just would like to keep the mobile with me, maybe to take photos. Otherwise I will only phone/contact anyone via WhatsApp using WiFi. Is that the best idea? We are with Tesco Mobile by the way. Sorry I don’t understand all this very well….

[Maydup]

Just take your photos ashore and then send them via WhatsApp if that's what you want to do, once you're back onboard and on the wifi. You are right to take your phone ashore but for emergency use only by the sounds of it. Or were you think of using it to navigate the area and to see what there is to visit?

[barry1010]

You haven't told us who you provider is. Some charge for roaming - using your phone abroad, others don't. Check with your provider

[dannyk13]

Barry, from the OP
// We are with Tesco Mobile by the way//

[barry1010]

Oops, sorry. This might help https://www.tescomobile.com/roaming

[Buenchico]

Simply having the phone with you won't cost you anything abroad. Taking photos won't cost you anything although you should possibly check that your phone isn't automatically backing them up to your Google account, as that requires an internet connection to transmit the data.

Making calls or using mobile data abroad will be very expensive with Tesco Mobile though. Anything that connects to the internet, including WhatsApp or your email app, will be charged for. You can, of course though, seek out free wi-fi in cafes and bars; you don't have to stick to only using the wi-fi on the ship.

Tesco Mobile is currently one of the worst service providers when travelling within the EU. (Outside of the EU, things can be very expensive with any company). For example, calling from the EU to the UK with Tesco Mobile costs 25p per minute for pay-as-you-go customers or 55p per minute for contract customers. Asda Mobile effectively charges nothing at all for pay-as-you-go customers using 'bundles' (since they can just use their normal UK call allowance which, for most 'bundle' customers, is unlimited anyway) and only 4p per minute for other customers.

[smurfchops]

Thanks everyone for your helpful advice as always

[fender62]

id just go into phone setting or the pull down menu and turn off data when ashore, if your in a cafe pub etc ashore and they have free wifi
use that..