Travelling near borders: avoid unexpected roaming charges
If you are travelling close to a border, your phone may connect to a network in the neighbouring country, even though you have not crossed the border. You can stop this by choosing the local network manually.
Why this happens
By default, your phone selects a network automatically. It connects to whichever cell tower gives the strongest signal, and it does not check which country that tower is in.
Near a border, the strongest signal can come from a tower on the other side. This is common in border towns, mountain areas, on lakes and coastlines, and on ferries or trains that run along a border.
What it can mean for you
When your phone uses a network in another country, your usage is counted in that country, not the one you are in. This can lead to:
- Extra charges on VIP plans. Usage in a country your plan does not cover may be billed on top of your plan.
- Your spend cap being reached. Out-of-plan usage counts towards your spend cap. Once the cap is reached, your service may be paused until you contact us.
You may not notice the switch, because your phone keeps working as normal.
How to avoid it:
Turn off automatic network selection and choose a network in the country you are visiting. Your phone will then stay on that country's network only.
- Switch back when you move on. If you cross into another country, select a network there, or turn Automatic back on. A manually selected network will not change by itself.
- No signal after selecting? Try another network in the same country, or restart your phone and select again.
