Roaming Top Tips

If you're travelling abroad and want to take your mobile, we've prepared some roaming top tips that we hope will answer your questions before you leave.

Does Manx Telecom have a roaming agreement with the country I am visiting?

You can find a list of destinations and networks on our website. Please use the links on the left to view roaming partners and destinations for Pay Monthly and Pay As You Go. You can also check coverage at mobileworldlive.com

How much will it cost me to use my phone abroad?

Using the links above, find the zone applicable to the country you are visiting. Check ‘Roaming Charges’ for a list of charges for making or receiving a call and sending a text. Roamed charges do not form part of your inclusive monthly bundle of minutes and texts.

Can I use Data when roaming?

Yes you can use your mobile for data service, provided we have an agreement with the country you are visiting. It is important to check the charges before you travel; data is charged according to the roaming zone you are visiting. Also check how your data service is set up to work on your mobile, for example if your mobile is set to automatically poll for email, this may run up large roaming charges. Roamed charges do not form part of your inclusive monthly bundle of data.

Can I check my voicemail abroad?

Yes – but remember that to check your voicemail you will be charged the same as making a call back home. You will also need to dial a different number to check your voicemail - +44 7624 466121.  We recommend that while roaming you set up an unconditional divert to voicemail, i.e. your phone doesn't ring, your calls go straight to voicemail.  With other diverts, such as calls diverted to voicemail on no reply or busy, you will be charged for the incoming call when someone leaves you a message.

Will I be charged to receive a call?

You will be charged for receiving a call in any country apart from the UK, Ireland and Channel Islands.

Will my phone work when I am abroad?

Most mobile phones are Dual or Tri band. European countries operate over Dual band and the USA and Americas operate over Tri band.

Will my phone automatically pick up a network?

Most phones are set up to automatically pick up a network when roaming. You can however select a network manually via the network settings on your handset.

How do I top up my Pay As You Go phone when roaming?

You can top up by calling our 24 hour service centre on 154.  If you are using your Pay As You Go phone you do not need to use the international dialling code and the call will be free.  However, if you use any other phone and call +44 1624 600154 you will be charged for the call.

Will my charger work?

Some chargers work on 240v and are 3 pin plugs. If visiting Europe you will need to purchase a 3 pin to 2 pin converter. The USA work on 110v so you may need to purchase a travel charger.

How can I reduce my Roaming charges generally?

  • Use local free, or cheap, Wi-Fi hotspots; these are widely available in hotels, restaurants and airports
  • Switch off automatic downloading of emails, or email attachments
  • Some operators have minimum data session charges: it can be more cost effective to only download emails once a day
  • Sending a text message is cheaper than a 60 second phone call however, charges can build if conducting a conversation via SMS

Remember, by checking charges before you travel and following these handy tips you should be able to keep your holiday mobile costs within budget.