Sim-only, roaming, new contracts – how to reduce the cost of your cell phone?

But my contract is up. I know this because I received two phone calls and an email telling me to claim my new upgrade which includes features I don’t really understand and when I didn’t bite they offered, to throw in a free offer Gadget, but only if I agree today.

What they really want, of course, is that I sign up for another two years. What they want to avoid is me switching providers or going sim-only.

The second mindful moment anticipates a trip out of the EU zone next month. I’m worried about limiting myself to WiFi zones – and what if I’m lost and need Google Maps in a hurry or an urgent call? – or should I buy a package or SIM card with limited data and calls, and if so how do I know it’s enough or too much?

So if you’ll forgive the indulgence, this week’s column looks at cell phone contract options.

Sim only

Keeping the existing handset and swapping out the SIM card is a great way to keep costs down. You are out of contract and have already paid for the phone. So if it’s in good shape, a SIM-only plan includes minutes, texts and data, but “you only pay for airtime” and not a handset to comparison site switcher.ie.

You can opt for invoice payment or prepayment – the former is usually renewed every month. If you see a better offer, you can accept it. There may be an initial discount period and the fee increases after that, but you can always switch elsewhere.

Upfront means you pay up front, but you might end up paying more if you use too much.

You may need to unlock your phone to accept the SIM-only offer. So keep that in mind. Typically, you can “port” or transfer your existing phone number.

Prepay is ideal for those with bad credit, or without a bank account, or for those under the age of 18 who are not allowed to sign contracts on their own behalf.

Finally, if you are almost out of contract, make sure you cancel the existing direct debit or you could still be charged.

special offers

There is no free lunch. Or a free phone. The chic handset is fully paid for within a two-year contract. You can save by not opting for the very latest model, but for an up-to-date one. I do this every time because I don’t care about looking good but want current features.

If you’re accepting “buy now and we’ll offer…” freebies, make sure there are no strings attached to the freebies. And don’t be fooled into agreeing without looking at the competition.

wandering

Roaming-like-at-home legislation was introduced in 2017 and means people traveling within EU member states can only pay the same rates for calls, texts and data as they would in their home country. However, there’s usually a fair usage policy with providers, and many contracts restrict heavy streaming, so check before you travel.

It’s important to say that even if you’ve bought “unlimited” data, usage isn’t standardized and each carrier has different rules. So it really is roaming-almost-like-at-home.

Remember that ships and ferries are in international waters unless they are close enough to shore to be tethered to a land signal. You will be charged international rates, although most ferries have paid WiFi service that you can purchase. In any case, providers must notify you when you have spent €61.50 and you can decide whether to pay to continue using it.

Remember that ships and ferries operate in international waters. You will be charged international rates

You can also unintentionally exceed your baggage allowance on the edges of the EU – for example near Switzerland or along the Turkish border – and collect a bill. Phones are designed to be fixed to the nearest pole, not the closest in the EU.

Packages are available for travel to countries like the US or Australia, but they are both limited in capacity and expensive. Although not as expensive as roaming without realizing it.

Before you travel, check with your provider to review the best option. At Eir, the mobile add-on for the USA costs EUR 19.99 for 200 MB. His GoMo brand has a 15GB world app for the same price. For Vodafone customers it is €3.99 per day with an additional 6c/MB for all tariffs. With Three, it’s €3.24 plus VAT per day for 1 GB.

It’s confusing so best find out before you go.

You can also buy a local SIM card abroad at the airport or kiosks, but it is best to buy from an authentic network store.

You’ll likely need ID like a passport, local address, and an unlocked phone to work, but it can be cheaper. Some countries do not allow foreigners to do this, while others restrict your data.

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Switching to Sim-Only can save you money every month

Sim only offers

If you’re happy with your phone, you can save money every month by going sim-only (once you’re out of subscription). Contracts only last 30 days, so you can switch if you see a better deal.

According to Switcher.ie, the following are currently the cheapest offers based on unlimited data and bill payment.

Clear Mobile costs €14.99 per month (uses the Vodafone network) with the first month being free when you join Clear Mobile. There is an additional activation fee of €14.99.

Eir Connect has a 30-day plan at €14.99 for 12 months and jumps to €29.99 after that. There is also an activation fee of €9.99. If you are already an Eir Broadband customer you can buy the card for a discounted €9.99 per month.

Tesco Mobile charges €20 per month for its SIM card with 300 free international minutes.

Virgin Media is also €20 per month for 12 months, rising to €25 thereafter.

The downside to sim-only is that you don’t get a new phone

All have even cheaper plans, starting at €10, but your data allowance is limited and only worth it if you know you’ll never use more than allowed.

The benefits of sim-only are cheaper deals, shorter contracts, no ties or penalties for moving to other locations, and no top-ups. You also keep your phone number.

The disadvantage of SIM only is that you don’t get a new phone and if you can’t unlock your phone because your carrier doesn’t allow it, you have to buy a SIM enabled phone.

You can save by opting for a refurbished phone from an authorized seller or refurbed.ie.