Should I turn off Wi-Fi Calling when abroad?

Should I Turn Off Wi-Fi Calling When Traveling Abroad with EE?

The short answer: Yes, disable Wi-Fi Calling before you leave the UK if you’re an EE customer traveling internationally. While it might seem counterintuitive, leaving Wi-Fi Calling enabled while abroad can lead to unexpected charges on your EE bill, even if it appears to be working perfectly.

Wi-Fi Calling is a fantastic feature at home, allowing you to make and receive calls and texts over a Wi-Fi network when your cellular signal is weak or nonexistent. However, the crucial difference lies in how EE treats Wi-Fi Calling when you’re roaming. Unlike some other carriers, EE doesn’t route your Wi-Fi Calls through the internet while you’re abroad. Instead, it routes them back through the UK network and then to the destination, essentially treating the call as if it originated in the UK. This means you’ll be charged standard roaming rates, which can be significantly higher than local rates or even using your regular data allowance for calls over apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime.

You might think you’re saving money by connecting to free Wi-Fi in your hotel or cafe and using Wi-Fi Calling. Unfortunately, with EE, you’re effectively bypassing the local network entirely and incurring roaming charges as if you were making a call from the UK. This negates any potential cost savings and can result in a nasty surprise on your phone bill.

Therefore, to avoid unnecessary roaming costs, it’s highly recommended to disable Wi-Fi Calling in your phone’s settings before you depart for your international trip. Once you’ve arrived, explore alternative communication options like:

• Using data-driven calling apps: WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, and other similar apps utilize your data allowance for calls and texts, which is often a much more economical option while roaming. Be sure to check your data roaming allowance with EE before relying solely on these apps.
• Local SIM cards: Purchasing a local pre-paid SIM card in your destination country can provide significantly cheaper calling and data rates.
• EE’s roaming packages: Investigate EE’s international roaming add-ons or packages. They might offer a more cost-effective solution than standard roaming charges, especially for longer trips.

By turning off Wi-Fi Calling and considering these alternatives, you can stay connected while traveling internationally without the shock of unexpected roaming charges on your EE bill. Remember, a little preparation can save you a lot of money in the long run.