We told you a little while back about our thoughts on roaming abroad, specifically in Asia (LINK?). We gave you a few tips on how to save money and many of them apply to the rest of the world too. Let’s have a look at some other good good roaming tips, this time considering a trip to the world’s second largest continent, Africa:
Check your phone will actually work first
If you’re visiting an African country that has had some Western influence or you’re off to a major city, you’ll probably be able to use your phone without a hitch. Visit a less-visited country or area though and your network may not cover it at all. Good news for your bank manager, bad news for you if you want to use your mobile!
Use texts instead of making calls
When it comes to saving money, a good fail safe option – especially in areas of the world where you mightn’t have as many options (like in Africa) – is to keep things simple. Text if you can. Sure, you’ll have to pay for sending SMS’, but you won’t have to pay to receive them. Unlike calls.
Get yourself on T-Mobile
The massive German telecoms network has some great roaming packages. Their ‘World Class’ tariff allows you to make calls in 18 different countries (including a few of the larger African ones, like South Africa) for only 55p per minute.
The Skype’s the limit!
Take advantage of the internet phone app Skype by downloading it before you set off and using that to make calls to other s that use the app. It’s totally free!
Investigate swapping networks while you’re there
Vodacom and some other African networks have got together this year to launch a free-roaming offer across ten Africa countries. So if you’re heading off to Tanzania, South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho, DR Congo, Congo (all Vodacom), Ghana (Vodafone), Kenya (Safaricom), Rwanda (MTN), Uganda (MTN and UTL) or Burundi (UCOM), you’re in luck!
Consider using pay phones
While a lot of people in the larger towns and cities in Africa have mobile phones, pay phones are still very popular. Take advantage of the abundance of pay phones and phone boxes by loading up a pre-pay phone card and using that to save cash. If you plan to do that, you can always safeguard against theft and leave your phone at home.
Have you used your phone in Africa? Any tips…?
Author's Google+ Page
Subscribe to our feed.
