Q. What is roaming sim and how does it work?
A- Anytime you travel abroad, your phone connects to a network in the country you are visiting.
This is called roaming. When you make a call while roaming, you incur charges that are much higher than your local charges.
The network operator located in the country you are visiting will handle the calls you make and receive. Rather than charging you directly for their services, the new network operator charges your home network operator e.g. O2, Vodafone, T-Mobile, Orange. Your Home network operator adds up its share and you face a hefty bill at the end of the month.
You could find yourself paying as much as £2 a minute (and sometimes even more than that) just to receive a call while you are abroad.
Q- I want to buy a Roaming SIM card. How do I do this?
A- You can buy it from online at www.best4roaming.com or www.storytelecom.com/traveltalksim/ or call our sales line on 0800 651 2345 or 0208 497 2345
Q- On what phone can I use this roaming SIM card?
A- You can use the roaming SIM card on any mobile phone which is unlocked. If you are unsure about your phone, try inserting a SIM card from another network into your phone.
If it works normally, your phone is unlocked and ready for our Roaming SIM card. If a message such as ‘SIM card restricted’ appears, you will then need to unlock the phone.
You can speak to your network operator to obtain the unlocking code or you can unlock most phones at many high street mobile shops
Q- How do I make a call?
A- * Dial country code & number and press the Call/Send button
* For example 00442084979295 ‘Call’ or +442084979295 ‘Call’*
* There will be a short pause without any sound or line tone
* Your phone may (depending on handset model) display an on screen messages saying, “Thank you for using the service. Your call will be connected shortly”.
* After a few seconds, your handset will ring. When you answer you will hear a voice message saying, “Please wait while we connect your call”.
* You will then hear the normal ring tone and you will be connected to your dialed number.
* When finished – please end the call and hang up as you would normally do.
Q- Can I send text messages?
A- You can send and receive text messages! Please check the coverage list as some destinations are not currently covered.
Q- How do I top-up?
A- We offer an automatic top-up service so you will never be left without credit on your Roaming SIM card. To set up your SIM on our automatic top-up service, please call our Customer Service department on 0800 651 2345 or 0208 497 2345 or 80404 from your handset. One of our customer service representatives will arrange your auto top-up.
When your SIM credit runs below £3 we will automatically top-up your account by charging you the amount agreed upon at registration. You can choose to top-up between £10 - £50. Every time a top-up has occurred, you will receive notification both via a text message and an e-mail stating your credit card has been charged.
Q- Can this SIM card be used in the UK?
A- Yes you can. Because it is a roaming SIM, it will roam between all the UK networks to give you the best coverage. Prices for using it in the UK can be found at the TravelTalk Rates Calculator or at www.best4roaming.com.
Q- What mobile number will I receive with my new roaming SIM card?
A- The SIM card originates in the UK. You will get a UK mobile number, starting with +4478221
Q- Can I keep my UK mobile number?
A- No, unfortunately international number portability is not possible. We can help you forward your UK mobile number to the SIM. Please speak to our customer service to arrange that.
Q- Does the roaming SIM card/credit expire?
A- The Roaming SIM card will initially be active for 12 months, after this time we will de-activate the card unless you have registered for the auto top up. In that case we will automatically take the £10 annual activation fee from your registered credit card.
If your SIM card expires any remaining credit will be lost. If you are not registered for the auto top up we will send you a text message and/or email approximately 30 days before the expiry so you can call us and renew your SIM card’s lifetime.
Q- Can I subscribe to the pre-arranged top up service when my credit reaches the £3 threshold?
A- You can contact our Customer Services department on 0800 651 2345 or 0208 497 2345 – or 80404 from your handset once you are using the Roaming SIM card.
Q- When do the charges start?
A- You will start to pay once the call is connected.
Q- Will it be expensive for others to call me?
A- Calls made to your Roaming SIM card number should be charged as follows:
BT
Peak time: 18 pence per minute
Off peak: 12 pence per minute
Weekend: 8 pence per minute
UK Mobile networks
Most networks will charge between 20 – 30 pence per minute
We advise customers to check with their telephone provider for up to date charges.
Q- Should I take my usual SIM card with me while traveling abroad?
A- When traveling, take your regular phone as a back up, but use Roaming SIM card as your main contact number for making and receiving calls. That way you are covered in case of emergency numbers or breaking of telephony contracts.
For any of the products if you cannot find the answer to your query then please contact our customer services team who will be happy to help. To contact us please click here.