From the article: International iPhone: Avoiding iPhone Data Roaming Charges
We've all heard horror stories about people getting hit with huge cell phone bills they weren't expecting. Tales of US$10,000 monthly bills aren't uncommon. Has this happened to you? Whether your bill was $10,000 or $100, tell your story here. Tell Your Story
Stupido from Australia
- I had just upgraded to an iPhone - I went overseas. I have tinnitus - so I was happy to see that there was a radio app on my phone. I just used it of a night to help me get to sleep - the noise of the radio cancels out some of the ringing from the tinnitus. Cost me $37,000 for 2 weeks. After feeling massively sick - crying was the next best option.
- —Guest STUPIDO from Australia
UNEXPLAINED $1500 BILL
- Traveled to Europe with data disabled. Accessed Wi-Fi only in free areas for 8 days. Returned to Australia to discover $1500+ charge on my bill which is usually $80-85 per month. Still negotiating with Virgin Mobile over this one. Thoroughly happy with iPhone and Virgin to date, but unless this matter is reolved satisfactorily I will be binning both!
- —Guest Bill
Roaming With Data Shut OFF!!!
- I don't care what the "self proclaimed" iPhone *Connoisseurs* out there say, but the iPhone SUCKS! I was lucky my bill wasn't that high (now that I've seen the $70,000.00 or even $1,000.00) but still paying €150.00 (Euros) for something I didn't even use is THEFT! These companies should be held accountable for not providing a *fool*proof data disabling button that is effective! How can your bill run up while your phone AND DATA are turned off??? I gave away my iPhone because it kept on sucking money and it wasn't at all pleasant an experience. It's not like it's the only phone out there. This hasn't even once happened with my Blackberry!!! Which is why I suspect this problem is only with the iPhone. The most expensive phone and worst at the same time! Apple is never seeing any of my money! Alright I admit I still like their iPod. I'm more for the 2nd generation Classic though.
- —Guest Superior
These are all reasons
- ...why average people shouldn't be allowed to have phones. To the people who say "those saying turn off your data must work for phone companies" - yes, some of us probably do. We know that if you're outside of your network, you'll pay through the nose if you use data. We know that we have to turn data right off. We know we have to shut our network off, because you WILL pay for every text you get while you're roaming. Not understanding or comprehending the way the system works doesn't mean their rules shouldn't apply to you. "I guess it's not such a smartphone after all", that's like blaming the car for a drunk driver having an accident. Really, it's a classic case of survival of the fittest. There are a LOT of unfit phone users out there, and I have no sympathy for any of you. Learn to use your phone, or don't travel, or just plain don't have a phone.
- —Guest Steve
Horror Experience Bill amount 70,000 USD
- Hello Guys -- I am from Kuwait. I went to India last month on my holidays. My data roaming was on, but I was not using internet as I had my own local blackberry. After 4 days, I got a call from my service provider stating that they are disconnecting my line as bill amount has reached more than $50,000 USD. I was shocked and I asked them why were they waiting till now? How come it has reached to that amount? It was the shock of my life. I wrote an email to my Company, as it was my company line and raised a dispute with the service provider. So far we got only one report from service provider claiming that I used 4 GB data in 3 days, which is not possible at all. The case is still in dispute and I hope to have some justice on that. I think there was some iPhone bug. I am still not sure, neither is the service provider.
- —Guest Sumit
Leigh
- 3 company ripped my international roaming for a few days for more than $1600. I need to log a complaint. Can anybody give me some tips for how to defend in this case?
- —Guest Leigh
Data Roaming
- Whilst it is not a phone companies responsibility to "hold your hand," it is their responsibility to set realistic credit limits for their customers.
- —Guest Meg
To the ones calling us stupid!
- I went to Singapore and TURNED OFF international roaming and I was still charged for data I didn't use, it was a "technical glitch" and nothing they can do about it! I bet you work for phone companies ripping us off!
- —Guest Ks
data usage cost more the trip to Bali
- I went over to Bali in late September/early October. I was not informed probably about data roaming. While in Bali my iPhone kept on screeching and you couldn't make phone calls or even receive phone calls. While in Bali I did ring Telstra, only to be told there was a error in the system (after 16 mins on hold and $118 later). When back in Aus, I received a bill with $4,508.20 worth of data charges. After at least 10 phone calls and a complaint to telecommunications ombudsman, Telstra credited my data usages.
- —Guest Kylie
iPhone error?
- For some strange reason, my iPhone data roaming was always off; I only use Wi-Fi when it's available. Suddenly I checked my account and saw a $80 charge on my account for using data. I guess they call this technology mishap. Now I'm forced to get the data plan for $10 to avoid paying $80. If I didn't find out sooner I was probably gonna pay over hundreds or more for data usage I don't even know nor enjoyed.
- —Guest S
Amazing
- I just cant believe how many of you monkeys can afford holidays but don't possess even the basic common sense to realize you should switch roaming data off... guess there must be good money in licking windows these days
- —Guest Amazed
Don't pay the full amount!
- I know this might sound risky, but it worked for me. I had a similar problem but it wasn't regarding travel, it related to a phone that was lost and never turned off properly. They said it was my responsibility to have called it in and cancelled. I had called in and reported the loss and thought it was enough. I stood my ground, and after several calls from them, they cut the $4,000 in half. You may not beat them at their game, but don't ever just pay the full amount. They know they're wrong and they're just looking to get the most they can, but you can at least minimize the damage.
- —Guest Chipko1
T-Mobile muggers
- After 3 weeks holiday in the States, despite having a laptop for my Internet use, I still got mugged for almost £600 of iPhone 4 web use. The 2 biggest items incurred on days I was traveling and had the phone turned off the majority of the time. I've since been informed it's the "automatic" downloads that incurred charges. I was not advised to apply a cap on web use, and wasn't even aware data roaming was switched on. Yes I know I should take responsibility and check, but we can't all be techies. Surely it's incumbent on providers to offer such fundamental advice and warnings, or are all networks immoral robbing SOBs and is this the reward for 6 plus years of customer loyalty? Stuff T-Mobile as far as I'm concerned.
- —bazmac26
indo bill nightmare
- I downloaded a "web-calling" app and was told that in wireless areas that once the phone connected to wireless, that when I made phone calls, they would route through the wireless network, at no fee. I did as instructed in Bali, the phone "registered" as being on wireless and the icon on screen said "ready"..... got my bill and it stated $1027 as balance due. When I called customer service, they said that my phone routed directly to their int'l towers and there was nothing they could do. :0( Super bummed and frustrated!
- —Guest betsy
Your negligence.
- It's your responsibility to turn off data roaming when you travel. Cellphone providers aren't there to hold your hand. You are adults and should own up to your negligence.
- —Guest BrutalTruth
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