Traveling to Canada

[olliegrl]

I searched this topic and only found it in verizon so I need a Tmo opinion.

I called a rep a few days ago and she told me that if I use my phone in Canada when I have a US account I'll basically be charged out the **** for calls, sms, mms, internet, etc.

Is there a way to get around this the DOESN"T involve unlocking my BB?

Thanks!

[berryite]

Originally Posted by olliegrl

I searched this topic and only found it in verizon so I need a Tmo opinion.

I called a rep a few days ago and she told me that if I use my phone in Canada when I have a US account I'll basically be charged out the **** for calls, sms, mms, internet, etc.

Is there a way to get around this the DOESN"T involve unlocking my BB?

Thanks!

UMA and WiFi?

[Artemis68]

UMA (which works on your 8900) will allow you to call/text/use data for free...the calls and texts will come out of your normally monthly domestic minutes. There are no roaming charges.

The rep is right, if you don't use wifi in Canada and use data, you will be charged a lot by the MB and you don't want that. I suggest using UMA/Wifi when you're over there and turning data OFF while roaming so you don't get any scary charges.

[olliegrl]

i thought i had to have hotspot or whatever to be able to use UMA and not be charged for it? even here in the states...

[hubermania]

You might not get UMA everywhere, but you should at least have it in the hotel. When I was in Canada two months ago, the hotel Wi-Fi supported UMA but unsurprisingly the conference center did not.

You do not need to make any plan changes or pay anything extra to use UMA. Minutes and data will come out of your plan as usual. At one time there was an add-on option for unlimited UMA minutes, but they stopped offering that option because it was so confusing - as you now know.

Like Artemis said, go into Manage Connections, Mobile Network Options and change data services to "Off When Roaming". You'll still have data service on T-Mobile's network and whenever you're on Wi-Fi. But this will prevent you from racking up a colossal bill for data roaming on international cell networks.

[olliegrl]

Thanks guys!

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[axe50]

If you get wifi but no uma signal, try the wifi hotspot login - sometimes a lot of places have a screen you need to agree to before full wifi and uma kicks in. Happened to me in canada.

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[CarrierUnlock]

Originally Posted by olliegrl

I searched this topic and only found it in verizon so I need a Tmo opinion.

I called a rep a few days ago and she told me that if I use my phone in Canada when I have a US account I'll basically be charged out the **** for calls, sms, mms, internet, etc.

Is there a way to get around this the DOESN"T involve unlocking my BB?

Thanks!

Has to be unlock or deal with the roaming charges from T-Mobile when using it.

[Myveggies]

Originally Posted by Artemis68

UMA (which works on your 8900) will allow you to call/text/use data for free...the calls and texts will come out of your normally monthly domestic minutes. There are no roaming charges.

The rep is right, if you don't use wifi in Canada and use data, you will be charged a lot by the MB and you don't want that. I suggest using UMA/Wifi when you're over there and turning data OFF while roaming so you don't get any scary charges.

I thought TMO took away this loophole or has it not been confirmed?

BTW, why are so many people scared to unlock their phones?

[CarrierUnlock]

Originally Posted by Myveggies

I thought TMO took away this loophole or has it not been confirmed?

BTW, why are so many people scared to unlock their phones?

It's not a loophole it's one of the key selling points.

Scared? No clue.

[Artemis68]

Originally Posted by Myveggies

I thought TMO took away this loophole or has it not been confirmed?

BTW, why are so many people scared to unlock their phones?

No, they didn't. If you're talking about the recent business with the tmo txt message informing people that they charge for international charges, that was referring to another loop hole. Some people found a loop hole with some phones (like the Katalyst I believe) where they could be in the US, go onto UMA, and make free international calls to other countries. This loophole has been closed.

However, you can still go overseas and use UMA to call home for free (out of your bucket minutes).

I have no idea why ppl don't want to unlock their phones...maybe they just don't want to use another carrier overseas? I'd rather just stick with UMA then unlock and go w/ a foreign carrier. It's a lot of hassle.

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[TheRemoteUnlockercom]

First time I've heard of someone being so concerned about their phone when travelling to canada....usually I get Americans more concerned about our Polar Bears and wondering if wifi signals carry through our igloos

Although you're looking to NOT unlock your phone, I honestly think it would be the cheapest way for you to enjoy your time here

[SLVR6]

T-mobile will unlock your phone for free if you have had it over 90 days (less in some cases). T-mobile is unfortunately the worst for roaming as they have no packages at all. Best to unlock and grab a local SIM (which I do in europe normally). Enjoy!

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[Myveggies]

Yeah, unlocking your phone and use a country's local prepaid sim card is the best and cheapest way when abroad. You are not always going to be able to connect to UMA as wifi (especially free ones) is not everywhere.

The only thing negative about swapping sims is that people in the US cannot reach you if they call your US number. However, imagine the roaming charges if they can. Unless you are a corporate jetsetter, I don't understand roaming overseas...