Using phone abroad

Goonerman1 · February 1st, 2012, 05:34 AM

I am off on holiday soon and only want to use my phone for wifi connection only so I don't incur any charges. I know how to turn off my data roaming but how do I stop my phone from receiving any calls or texts? As I said, I simply want to use it to browse the internet on free hotel wifi and nothing else.

Thanks in advance

D-U-R-X · February 1st, 2012, 05:43 AM

As long as you turn off mobile data, I'd have thought you should be fine... texts don't cost anything to receive and you can always just refuse to answer calls.

El Presidente · February 1st, 2012, 06:52 AM

^^Yarp.

I don't think you'll pay for receiving calls either (the cost is incurred at the callers end). I'm sure Ofcom laid into the networks about that, but I'll need to investigate a bit.

D-U-R-X · February 1st, 2012, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Presidente

^^Yarp.

Quote:

I don't think you'll pay for receiving calls either (the cost is incurred at the callers end). I'm sure Ofcom laid into the networks about that, but I'll need to investigate a bit.

I was sure I remembered something like that, but recently had something from Orange saying my phone was now ready for use abroad and detailing costs... been and found some info on it... worth noting that the example is only for France (not looked to see if the costs are different in other countries). Think the Ofcom thing might have been that carrriers are not allowed to charge the same rate as they do for making a call from abroad.

I think they are allowed to do this, if I remember rightly, as they (your home carrier) are charged by the network you are using in the other country for using their network. You'd have thought though that, as I'm with Orange in the UK and I'd be using Orange FR's network, they are in effect the same country and therefore there wouldn't be a "cross network" charge?!?!?

It could be different with other networks, I'm not sure, but thought I'd share the info with you!

Goonerman1 · February 1st, 2012, 08:39 AM

I've been told that if I put the phone into Airplane mode and then go into my settings and only enable my wifi this would do the trick!

D-U-R-X · February 1st, 2012, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goonerman1

I've been told that if I put the phone into Airplane mode and then go into my settings and only enable my wifi this would do the trick!

Putting airplane mode on will turn off all "phone like" functions on your phone, but I'm not sure if you can have your WIFI on while in airplane more - I am prepared for you to prove me wrong

(and think I will have to try doing it on my phone now anyway).

El Presidente · February 1st, 2012, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D-U-R-X

Putting airplane mode on will turn off all "phone like" functions on your phone, but I'm not sure if you can have your WIFI on while in airplane more - I am prepared for you to prove me wrong

(and think I will have to try doing it on my phone now anyway).

Just tested and surprisingly it works.

D-U-R-X · February 1st, 2012, 08:51 AM

Well I'll be a monkey's uncle... it does seem like you can have WIFI on whilst in Airplane mode!

I'd never have guesed!!!

Seems to me to defeat the purpose a little... surely the whole purpose is so that nothing affects an airplane's instruments and then you override it and get your WIFI on?!?!

EDIT - ninjad by EP (again)!