Avoiding EE Roaming charges

[ub8jayuk]

I’m travelling in the EU soon and I need to be able to receive text messages on my EE number.  Nothing else.
 I have a dual sim phone and another contract that gives free EU roaming from another provider so don’t want to pay for roaming on my EE sim.
So the idea is to use the other for data and calls for that. iMessage , WhatsApp etc.  

if I unconditionally divert my EE calls to the other number. 

Turn off data for the EE sim

 Turn off Roaming on the EE sim

 Will I still receive texts without charge on my EE number? 

[Leanne_T]

Hi @ub8jayuk 

Thanks for coming to the community. 

If you would like to receive texts you would need to have roaming activated on your account, receiving texts would be free of charge. 

If you’re abroad and using a call divert to another number,  normal roaming charges will apply. 

For details on using your phone and charges when roaming, please see our Roaming Costs. 

Leanne.

[bristolian · Accepted solution]

To receive text messages needs a mobile network connection outside the UK, something that can only achieved by having roaming activated and your phone switched on.

If you set an unconditional divert to another number, then incoming calls won't ring on your phone and cannot incur roaming charges. Make sure you disable mobile data, else any background app that connects will trigger roaming charges.