How to save on roaming charges when travelling abroad

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Roaming is an area that lots of people are still confused about and we’d like to try to explain what roaming is all about and how you can avoid being handed a huge bill for calls, texts and data when you travel abroad.

Roaming…what exactly does it mean?  Well in simple terms, it means taking your phone abroad and using networks in the country you are visiting to enable you to use your phone as you would at home, so voice, SMS, email and the internet.  Your normal mobile provider would have agreements with many networks around the world, enabling you to continue to use your SIM card abroad.  The only downfall of this is the astronomical rates your normal provider charges for using your phone abroad.

So why is roaming so expensive? Well, to be quite honest, main network operators won’t and don’t reduce their roaming rates because most people won’t switch to an alternative provider when they travel abroad, and so seem to be happy to pay their astronomical rates!

A few years ago, the only way to avoid horrendous roaming bills was to simply switch your phone off and just check it occasionally to see what calls and texts you had missed.  Then if there was anything urgent you could respond to it.  Nowadays, it’s not necessary to switch your phone off completely. You can still make and receive calls and texts, and use data, but you just have to be a bit carefully and consider your options before you travel abroad.

Most of you will already be aware of the changes that have been happening in the EU over the past few years, and the EU Commission has managed to force MNO’s (Mobile Network Operators – such as Vodafone, EE, AT&T and Verizon) to reduce their roaming rates within the EU for voice, texting and data, and have capped rates with reduced rates coming into force every year for the past four years.  As of December 2016, MNO’s will not be able to charge a different rate to customers who are travelling within the EU, they will simply be able to take their SIM and bundle deal and use it wherever they like in the EU and not incur any additional fees.  All calls, SMS and data will be taken from their bundle.  However, that is no so for the rest of the World and customers will still have to look at their rates for the rest of the world and see what the best options are for them.

So what are your options?

 

240_F_70892516_bG7CuV8PjoUatFEDTDNaCOfUvj6bDymeKeep your normal SIM

You could continue to use your normal SIM card from home.  It’s convenient, you can continue to use the same number, it’s easy for people to contact you, you don’t have to spend time switching SIMs, copying contacts from your SIM to you phone, and you don’t have to look at alternative options.  However, there are downsides and they are going to always be that you cannot get away from paying extortionate rates.

 

Use VoiP

You could look at using a VoiP service for calling and messaging whilst you’re abroad. There are some fabulous services available and most people we know have an account with a major VoiP provider!  You can voice call and video call, so it’s like being in the same room as the person you are talking to. Great for both business and personal use. However, to be able to use the service you need to have a data connection.  When you’re on a free WiFi connection all is great, but beware of the data charges!  Unless you are connected to a WiFi, you’ll be looking at substantial data roaming rates (see below for WiFi pros and cons).

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Free WiFi Hotspots

Free WiFi hotspots are great, letting you catch up on all your communications, and are becoming increasingly common globally. Public places such as hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, exhibition centres and more offer free WiFi hotspots, but be mindful, for when you are out of range you can’t benefit from free data and could begin incurring roaming charges. Check your phone settings and if you are roaming, ensure you switch Data Roaming OFF in your settings to avoid any possibility of bill shock.

Buy a Local SIM

You could buy a Local SIM card with a local mobile number.  Obviously the major benefits of this are that you’ll get low local domestic rates for voice, SMS and data within the country you are visiting, and you won’t have to pay to receive any calls.  However, you will pay high rates to call internationally and each time you visit a new country you have to swap to a different SIM.  You’ll have to keep updating friends and family who may need to contact you that you have a different number, and any credit you might have left on the SIM when you leave the country will be lost when you leave the country.

ca7a607e-e9ec-4be7-bf90-2f01a05c72c0Buy a global roaming SIM

Many people are seeing the benefits of using a roaming SIM when travelling abroad.  Mobile/cell companies specialising in providing roaming service generally offer voice, SMS and data service on one SIM.  The coverage ranges from between 175 and 200 countries and network agreements are generally set up with multiple networks in each country that the service works in. This enables customers to use a service that remains active a lot of the time, with the SIM automatically switching to the strongest network at all times.

A roaming service provides a convenient solution to being able to remain in contact, at all times, without having to switch data off completely, and have peace of mind that you will not incur a horrendous bill for use of your phone when travelling abroad.  There is no more juggling of multiple SIMs and providing numerous contact numbers so people can call or text you!  One SIM, one account, one balance to manage and incredibly low call, text and data rates covering the majority, if not all, of the countries you would ever want to visit!

We have teamed up with Aether Mobile to offer you an amazing 20% off their SIM+credit packages and handsets!

Aether Mobile is a global roaming service provider, offering low cost solutions for voice, data and SMS in over 200 countries.  Why not take a look at their rates so you can see just how much lower theirs are than the main network operators?

Use code WPP20 to save 20%

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How Cycling became the new Golf + Exclusive member discount!

qOnce consigned to the pastime of choice for eccentric professors in tweed and bow ties, cycling seemed to morph into the sport of choice for professionals almost overnight.

You needn’t have paid much attention to the Rio Olympics to hear just how much UK cyclists have been dominating the sport. Much like the London Olympics in 2012, cycling has been thrust into the limelight with local heroes like Bradley Wiggins and Laura Trott becoming household names.

The commitment and dedication in these performances reverberates strongly with modern professionals. Setting off on a 100km ride on a Saturday morning with your friends, colleagues or business partners is a commitment that can’t be replicated by swinging at a golf ball & praying the wind sets it down roughly where you aimed for. And yet at the same time riding a bike is, well… as easy as riding a bike!

Cycling is so easy and so accessible, the same professionals out on the roads on Saturday can just as easily go for a bike ride with their families on Sunday.
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There are no drawn-out 18-hole games here:

  • You can ride for as little or as long as you like
  • Almost anywhere you like
  • Whenever you like.

Once you’ve bought your bike and cycle gear, there are no course membership fees to pay (although if the bug really bites you might run up a nice tab at your favourite coffee spot). You can bring the kids along too, thanks to brands like ‘Frog Bikes’ who have revolutionised children’s bikes, they’re much safer and easier to ride than the crude & bulky contraptions we rode around on as kids!

The final nail in the coffin for Golf? High quality performance bikes are no longer the reserve of financial bankers and oil barons. Not only can you get 0% Finance on a bike, priced from as little as £250 up to the most jaw-dropping & impressive ‘crafted-by-men-in-labcoats’ machine you set your heart on, we have teamed up with Wheelies.co.uk to bring you a 10% discount on over a thousand bikes until September 11th.

 

10% discount on over a thousand bikes

Use code: NEWGOLF10 before September 11th

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Things to do in Rio During the Olympics

One of our top travel companies Ticketbar is offering amazing excursions and attractions with an awesome 10% off with voucher code: 7A2FT2T3758J in Rio de Janeiro this summer.  Visit the Christ Redeemer Statue, Guanabara Bay, or Buzios The Classic City. Dance the night away at the Platforma Carnival Show or see the city from the sky with a helicopter tour. Travel into Rio’s Favela or discover the beauty of the rain forest with a Jeep Tour. Whatever you do, make your stay in the city exciting with a visit to one of the many top attractions. Ticketbar offers you discounts, group offers and the option to skip the line at all the major attractions!  Take a look at the top attractions below:

angra dos reis

Angra Dos Reis Cruise with Lunch

130km south of Rio lies the gorgeous paradise town of Angra dos Reis. The spectacular views of mountains covered in lush green rain forest and quiet coves with white sandy beaches are abundant – making this trip a spectacular occasion.

The cruise itself picks visitors up from the dock and takes them on a stunning journey to many islands, with stops along the way to swim in the crystal clear waters.
Included in the trip:

  • Round trip transfers to/from most hotels in São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana
  • Professional and knowledgeable tour guide
  • Schooner cruise
  • Delicious hot and cold buffet lunch

 Click here to book this trip

Corcovado with Christ the Redeemerchrist redeemer

This once in a lifetime trip begins with a journey to the Cosme Velho Train station which is located right at the bottom of the famous Corcovado Mountain. From this point, visitors begin the ride all the way to the top, through the dense Tijuca rain forest, all the way to the huge 125ft tall Christ Redeemer Statue.

Visitors are welcomed by amazing panoramic views of Rio, where you can stay for around an hour to take photos and soak up the breathtaking atmostphere.

Included in the trip:

  • Round trip transfers to/from most hotels in São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana
  • Professional and knowledgeable tour guide
  • Train tickets

Click here to book this trip

petropolis Petropolis The Imperial City

The city of Petropolis is located 60 km away from Rio and has been called the Imperial City since the times of the Emperor Pedro II. Petropolis keeps the memory of Brazilian history alive with its buildings and charming streets.

This tour starts with the visit to the Imperial Museum, which has been the summer residence of the Emperor D. Pedro II, and keeps furniture and objects such as the crown of gold, pearls and diamonds used by D. Pedro I and D. Pedro II.

Included in the trip:

  • Round trip transfers to/from most hotels in São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana
  • Professional and knowledgeable tour guide
  • Imperial Museum Entrance Ticket

Click here to book this trip

 

Make the best out of your stay in Rio and buy your discount tours & tickets at Ticketbar!

10% discount code: 7A2FT2T3758J

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Do you still use your bank to transfer money abroad?


Maybe you’re purchasing a holiday home abroad, paying bills overseas, moving abroad or need to transfer money to loved ones. Perhaps your company trades globally and you have import or export costs in various foreign currencies.

By doing these things with your bank, you’re could be missing out on competitive exchange rates and losing a chunk of your hard earned money. That’s why here at World Privilege Plus we have teamed up with moneycorp – a leading foreign currency specialist and the one of best ways to transfer money abroad.

This International Payment service offers minimal fees, bank beating exchange rates and expert market guidance.

Find out more an sign up for a free account ››


Why choose our service?

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Competitive exchange rates

When making an overseas money transfers most people think of using the banks – however this isn’t always the way to get the best exchange rate and service.

Compared to high street banks, the exchange rates moneycorp offer can be 3-4% better than the banks. On a transfer of £100,000 this could generate savings as high as £4,000! Our alternative is professional, secure and can save you thousands.

See how much you could save ››

 

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Online transfers

Moneycorp offers customers free online transfers – meaning you pay nothing to send money online. This is a huge saving compared to the £20-40 that banks can charge each time you transfer money abroad.

Also, because these transfers are done online, it means you can make international transfers and exchange currency whenever is convenient for you – seven days a week, 24 hours a day!

Sign up for a free account ››

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Personal expert guidance

With the foreign exchange market changing constantly, it’s always good to have experts on hand when you make a big transfer. Moneycorp offers every customer their own dedicated account manager based in moneycorp’s London office.

These experts will help you make the best decisions at every stage – so when you’re making big financial decisions, you know you’re money is being well looked after.

Sign up for a free account ››

 

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Security

Moneycorp is fully authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for the provision of payment services.  This means your finds are safeguarded in segregated client accounts.

 

 

Sign up for a free account ››

 

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Here’s what some of our satisfied customers had to say about us:

“Once again many thanks for your efforts in securing a very good rate for us; we are very, very pleased.” Lynne and Anthony Davies

“You certainly have made record time with good marks for expediency and courtesy, especially in comparison to either English or French banks!” Charles Baer

“Professional people that I felt comfortable doing business with.” Mark Anthony Fishleigh

“The service is fast. I opened accounts with you and a competitor. You got the business because you got to me first by phoning whereas they were a week too late.” Phillip King

Sign up now and become another happy customer! ››

 

 

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