Data Roaming outside EU high charges

[AD666]

Hi there

I just moved over from EE.

I noticed that when roaming outside the EU on O2 standard rates (no travel bolt on), data is charged around £7.20 a mb which means that simply by turning on ones phone when outside EU could lead to large bills (as the phone downloads emails etc in the background). EE limited this by making you buy a data bundle to use data abroad but it seems O2 will just start charging you the £7.20/MB when you land.

Is there anyway to stop data being charged per MB when outside EU (apart from turning data roaming off on the phone which is hassle to remember) and restricting data access to only being allowed when you buy a data bundle/travel bolt on? 

thanks

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@AD666 

O2 travel is free to add so just enable it so it's there when needed.

You can opt-in to O2 Travel by texting TRAVEL to 23336. You’ll only be charged for the days you use it.

[AD666]

Thanks but O2 Travel doesnt work in several countries so I dont think that really solves the issue.

I just wanted to confirm that there is no way to stop the ridiculously high £7.20 a mb charge when landing and turning one's phone on (apart from remembering to turn off data roaming in advance)?

[MI5]

No other option than to keep data off in those countries @AD666 

[Enlli]

Use the phone dual SIM with data set to another network.

Look at the likes of 1p mobile and see what they charge for where you want to go. 20p per MB is quite standard.

[AD666]

thanks guys makes sense.  I actually tend to buy local e-sims before landing which work out much cheaper  £3/gb ish. 

I mentioned that EE don't allow you to use data abroad without buying a data bundle which i thought was really useful so you didn't run up big bills.  Do you know if O2 have anywhere on their website where we can provide suggestions/feedback? Doesn't seem to be an option anywhere.

[MI5]

D&F forum here @AD666 https://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Discussions-Feedback/bd-p/4

Tag @Dave-O2 in your post.

[AD666]

thanks vm