Receiving Phone calls while in Saudi Arabia

[Classicus]

Hi,
I am expecting a phone call to be made through my UK number.  The call might last up to 60 minutes.  I have 3 questions, please:-

1. As far as O2 is concerned, to ensure that my mobile rings when the call is received, I must have enough credit.   Is there any other step I should take, for example, turn off Voicemail?  (Please excuse my ignorance)

2. Is the cost £1.50 per minute?

3. Is there a way of reducing the cost, for example buying another bundle, or that would not make a difference?

Would greatly appreciate your help.

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@Classicus 

Nothing you can do on PAYG except use WhatsApp for the call over wifi.

Always turn off voicemail when abroad.

https://www.o2.co.uk/international/using-your-phone-abroad

[madasaf1sh]

@MI5 

WhatsApp is banned in Saudi Arabia for Voice and Video Calls, so the only option is the £1.50 a minute option...  @Classicus 

[MI5]

Screwed then, or just use WhatsApp for messaging.

Or use a VPN https://www.01net.com/en/vpn/whatsapp-calls-saudi-arabia/

[Classicus]

MI5,
Actually phone calls are not allowed in Saudi Arabia and some other countries.  What is allowed is what they call "Voice Message" - a message is recorded and sent - not a phone call.

Does O2 allow changing from PAYG to "Pay Monthly" for a month or a so and then go back to PAYG?  And would that make it less expensive to receive calls while in Saudi Arabia?

[japitts]

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@MI5 wrote:

@Classicus 

Nothing you can do on PAYG except use WhatsApp for the call over wifi.

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WhatsApp only allows for "calls" between users of the app. Direct-dialled calls can be made or received to any working phone.

[Classicus]

The cost is actually £2 per minute!

[MI5]

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@Classicus wrote:

Does O2 allow changing from PAYG to "Pay Monthly" for a month or a so and then go back to PAYG?  And would that make it less expensive to receive calls while in Saudi Arabia?

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You'd have to switch to a 30 day contract to do that or use Nord VPN as suggested to use Whatsapp.