Mobile Data Abroad

[andy-hughes]

We are constantly told not to use Mobile Data abroad.

I am in Montreal, and have used MD a couple of times for Net access when none was available, no more than two minutes at a time.

Are charges based on type of usage, length of time used, location?

Any advice appreciated.

[royfromaus]

I use my mobile data abroad for an extra 2 quid a day. (EE)

[Buenchico]

The charges will depend upon
(a) which mobile phone provider you're with ; and possibly
(b) how you make your payments to that company. (i.e. charges can be different for contract customers and pay-as-you-go customers).

So we need some more information in order to be able to answer your question.

[andy-hughes]

Thanks Chris - I have a monthly contract with Tesco, paid by Direct Debit.

[Buenchico]

Roy's figure of £2 per day (or, to be pedantic, £2.29 per day) only applies within EE's European roaming zone.

[Buenchico]

If I've read it correctly, Andy, you'll be charged £5 per MB.
https://www.tescomobile.com/help/roaming-and-international/using-data-abroad

This might then help:
"To give you an idea of what 1MB of data can do, it is roughly equivalent to:
Sending or receiving about 6-8 emails without attachments
Sending or receiving 2 mails with simple attachments (that aren’t heavy)
Browsing the web for around 10 minutes (depending on the website and content)
Streaming audio for around 1 minute
Sending or receiving about 5 instant messages with no attachments"

Source:
https://blog.talkhome.co.uk/technology/1mb-of-data/

[andy-hughes]

Great, thanks Chris, as long as I don't get a four-figure bill, I can live with that.

[royfromaus]

I am in Montreal
_____________________________
Didn't see that bit...explains andy being ignorant, I suppose.

I'm going to Canada soon and there is a 15 quid add-on that allows me to use my phone as I do here.

I think andy is in danger of paying more than he wants to. £5 per MB will get expensive very quickly.

[237SJ]

Be careful. It can really add up. Try to find somewhere like Starbucks, shopping centres etc. Or pay for a daily add on via your provider.

[andy-hughes]

237 - // Be careful. It can really add up. Try to find somewhere like Starbucks, shopping centres etc. Or pay for a daily add on via your provider. //

Thanks, but to be clear, I have only used my DP when essential, and no other access is available.

I am working here as a music journalist covering the Jazz Festival, and I need 24/7 e-mail, so I only use my DP when it's essential, and only for as little time and activity as possible - 99% of the time I have access in my hotel, or in cafe's, malls etc, but thanks for thinking of me, I appreciate it.

[naomi24]

If you need to use it charge the extra cost to expenses.

[andy-hughes]

Hahaha!!!!!!!!!!

You don't know any freelance music journalists do you naomi?

Fees are in the minority, expenses don't happen any more.

[naomi24]

I do … but as I understood it you’ve been sent there by a magazine all expenses paid. Isn’t that what you said the other day?

[retrocop]

Touche

[andy-hughes]

I am here as a guest of the Festival, they have paid my air fare and hotel, the magazines pay for my interviews and reviews, but no exes.

[naomi24]

Ahhh… right.

[retrocop]

As a matter of personal interest would you be reporting for Music Instrument News still.?

[andy-hughes]

Retrocop - I have no interest in, or intention of, engaging you about anything personal about me, given your tendency towards personal hostility towards me, for your own bizarre reasons, in which I have less than no interest.

[naomi24]

AH, that’s terrible English. Just saying.

[andy-hughes]

Just ignoring.

[retrocop]

Was it not a simple question? You can just answer yes or no.