O2 Charging Problems In America

[AtomicUK]

I am hoping someone can help me as I am beyond my patience with O2 on this issue now so I am reaching out here for help.

For the last 4 visits to the USA since 2019, no matter what I do, O2 charge me £5 a day running which has run into many hundreds of pounds of additional costs.

I have turned off mobile data
I have turned off data roaming
I have even turned off the hidden wi-fi scanning that many don't know about.
I have tried airline mode.

The ONLY thing that stops O2 charging me their International fee is removing the sim which means I cannot take emergency calls.

I have now bought a US phone and set up a pre-paid contract, but there must be an answer as to how I can use the US Wi-Fi and take incoming calls on my main phone without me being charged the £5?

I have had every excuse from O2 and have even been told I am texting people (I almost never use text even in the UK!) and they never budge on their fees despite me disputing it from day 2 when I see they have charged again!

I've tried every O2 online Help service including Twitter and via the O2 App and the call centre, but nothing changes.

As I am here for many months at a time, please can anyone tell me what I can do (other than not use the O2 SIM) to stop these charges?

Thank you in advance.

[MI5]

@AtomicUK 

Just checking, but are you using an iPhone or an Android phone capable of visual voicemail?

In both, the phone will send silent text messages to register for the services as you move between cell towers or turn phone off/on.

[AtomicUK]

Thanks for the reply.
Both phones are Google Pixels running Android.

Do you have any idea how I can stop these charges  and still use the Wi-Fi facility please?

[MI5]

@AtomicUK 

You need to go into the voicemail settings and turn off visual voicemail.

Also, before travelling, dial 1760 to completely turn off voicemail.

[AtomicUK]

I am already back in the US so I assume I now cannot do as you mention above?

[MI5]

@AtomicUK 

You can at least turn off VVM in the phone settings.

Dialling ##002# should also cancel all diverts, including standard voicemail.

[AtomicUK]

Hi
Thanks again.

I have turned off VVM in the phone settings and dialled ##002#
Mobile Data is turned off
Roaming is turned off
Wi-Fi Scanning is off

Is there anything else I need to do? (Not that I should have to do ALL those things)

[MI5]

That should cover it @AtomicUK 

Technology is a wonderful thing, isn't it

[AtomicUK]

Isn't it just!
Thank you so much for your help.

I'll leave the sim in one more day and see if I get charged again for the 6th!
I'll report back.... 🤔

Thanks once again.

[MI5]

Good luck mate 👍