Do I need to switch roaming on in order to receive text messages?

[LPhan]

Hi all, 

I am really confused with this situation hope someone can help me out here. I often travel abroad but I don't want to pay for roaming as I don't need it. The problem is that my EE sim doesn't have any reception while I am abroad even just to receive messages. Super important because so many apps use 2-factor authentication nowadays. I have never had this problem in the past when I used Three even though I didn't turn on data roaming either. 

So my question is, what is the issue I am facing here? How can I get signal for my phone without paying for roaming? 

Thanks,

[Katie_B]

Hi @LPhan. 

To connect to a local network to receive texts you will need to have roaming enabled on your EE account. 

This is activated by texting ROAMING to 150 before leaving the UK.

The daily pass of £2.29 will activate if you connect to a network and use any of your allowance. 

Katie

[LPhan]

Hi Kate, 

Thank you for the reply. 

Okay just to confirm my understanding, do I have to make sure I don’t accidentally enable my cellular data in order to avoid being charged for data roaming? 

Thanks

[Chris_B · Accepted solution]

@LPhan  Data roaming is the ability to use data when abroad,  roaming is the ability to use your device when abroad.  Ie calls, texts and data provided data roaming is enabled within your device settings.      When you was with 3 roaming was already enabled on your account to use the device abroad with EE you have to have that enabled as it’s off by default.    

 No device regardless of what network will work unless roaming is enabled on the account as this option allows your device to connect to a foreign network. This might be on by default or off by default as it is with EE because roaming can lead to unexpected charges so you make the decision being aware of that.   

[LPhan]

Hey Chris, 

This is brilliant. Your answer is really helpful! I didn’t know the differences so I was so confused with the whole thing! 

You are an absolute star 🌟 

Thanks

[Chris_B]

@LPhan  No problem, anything else just ask.  

@Katie_B   it’s also £2.47 now.  

[bristolian]

To add, roaming itself is free of charge - you are only charged when you make or receive calls, send text messages or use mobile data.

The term "data roaming" is often confusing, but - although it's not often described this way - the equivalent would be "text roaming" or "voice call roaming". These just refer to using particular services whilst roaming.

You mention "The problem is that my EE sim doesn't have any reception while I am abroad even just to receive messages" - if you don't get coverage abroad, then one of two things is happening. Either there is no coverage - meaning you can't roam. Or there is, and your roaming permissions are not enabled thus you can't access that foreign network.

[Straight]

I am sure this is wrong.  I receive texts to my UK number while abroad while roaming is off.

[bristolian]

The advice above is correct.

[Chris_B]

@Straight   Is that a text ?  Or  an iMessage or a RCS message?  or something other app messaging service?      

Only texts need to have roaming enabled on your EE account as you need to connect to a roaming network in order to receive that text message.  the others messaging platforms can use WiFi or cellular data and if it’s via cellular data then roaming needs to be enabled on the EE account as you need to connect to a roaming network.