Roaming: Top 7 saving tips
1. How to find the right data package
You can access cockpit.swisscom.ch and launch the Swisscom roaming app for free abroad and obtain information on prices and how much data you have used up. You can of course buy the package you need at home before you go on holiday. Depending on the price plan, inOne mobile flat rate subscriptions include Internet, SMS and calls within Europe for at least 30 days per year. Depending on the price plan, 100 or 1000 MB annually, and 1000 SMS monthly, are included outside Europe.
2. Use up your data allowance first.
As well as carefree surfing in Europe, Swisscom’s inOne mobile subscriptions also include an international roaming allowance – you can use 100 MB outside Europe. Use up this allowance before purchasing an additional package. If you are travelling to a country that is not covered by the data allowance or you have already used up your allowance for the year, the best option is to purchase a data package at cockpit.swisscom.ch before you travel. It’s also worth knowing that you can access the Swisscom Cockpit for free from anywhere in the world and check how much credit is still available within your subscription.
3. Use maps and navigation offline
They contribute hugely to high data use on holiday. However, most systems can also be used offline; you just have to download them first to your smartphone.
4. Deactivate automatic background updates
In the basic settings. Users can thus prevent unexpected background data usage.
5. Block automatic starts and automatic updates
Lots of apps start with scrolling videos or animations – including Netflix, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram. If possible, switch off this autostart function in the app yourself or reduce your use of such apps. You should also switch off automatic app updates (where apps automatically install new versions) and background updates.
6. Install updates before you go or when you return
Before you travel, check if a system update is planned. to make sure that you are not forced to run an update during your trip. If there is an update during your trip, wait until you return home to install it.
7. Don’t automatically upload large data quantities, such as pictures and videos, to the cloud while you are abroad
Automatic uploads are practical and make sense while you are in Switzerland. However, you should deactivate them while you are on holiday – or just manually activate them when you have access to secure WLAN. Most smartphones offer you the option of limiting synchronisation to WLAN in the basic device or app settings. Tip: Swisscom offers customers free unlimited access to its own cloud, called myCloud. Otherwise 15 GB is included for free.