topic data usage while in US in Get Support

data usage while in US

canuck44 — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 08:33:01 GMT

I know there is an option to purchase a 10 day roaming package if traveling to the US. My understanding is that this is for talk and text. What about data? If I only plan to use my phone for data (like maps and apps), is this covered by the roaming package? Do I even need the roaming package?

Thanks

Re: data usage while in US

Anonymous — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 04:15:15 GMT

@canuck44 : You can buy talk only, text only and data only. And of course bundles thereof.

You could kinda actually get away with no cell service if you have lots of wifi available. You could use voip apps like TextNow that do talk and text. Maps can be pre-downloaded and used offline. You won't get mobile navigation of course but the GPS will still work.

Re: data usage while in US

hTideGnow — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 05:00:54 GMT

@canuck44

There are different Roaming packages.

US Roaming - Talk Text (10 days) - $15 is only for Talk and Text

US Roaming - Talk Text 250 Data (10 Day) - $20 is for Talk , Text and Data

~~Unfortunately, there is no Roaming Data only package. So, if you need data for Map and App, your only choice is to get the $20~~

~~However, I would suggest you to look into US Prepaid plan instead. It is a cheaper and you get more data. 250MB is not a lot. The 10 days is trouble if you need it longer than 10 days .~~

[update: there is a 1GB for 10 days for $20. The price is reasonable. but if the trip is longer than 10 days or you are certain you need more than 1GB, then I would check local Prepaid plan instead.]

Re: data usage while in US

Anonymous — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 04:50:54 GMT

@hTideGnow : There's talk only, text only, data only and a couple bundles.

Re: data usage while in US

hTideGnow — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 04:59:01 GMT

Sorry.. missed the 1GB for 10 days for $20, I was just looking at the US Roaming Bundle column

Personally , I would say if the trip is within 10 days, this is ok. If more than 10 days. The renewal part is kind of trouble, I would definitely look for local prepaid plan instead.

Re: data usage while in US

canuck44 — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 06:10:09 GMT

I will only be in the US for 1+ day.

Do you know if Maps, on iPhone, will continue to work if I do not get any supplemental plan?

When we moved from the US to Canada, both our phones mapping software no longer worked immediately after crossing the border.

Re: data usage while in US

cellphoneuser1 — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 06:53:32 GMT

@canuck44 wrote:
I will only be in the US for 1+ day.

Do you know if Maps, on iPhone, will continue to work if I do not get any supplemental plan?

When we moved from the US to Canada, both our phones mapping software no longer worked immediately after crossing the border.

Apple Maps needs internet. It can't be used without it. Install Google Maps and use offline mode after downloading the maps before you need them.

Re: data usage while in US

hTideGnow — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 12:38:42 GMT

@canuck44 wrote:

When we moved from the US to Canada, both our phones mapping software no longer worked immediately after crossing the border.

Yes, cos Map on iPhone needs data. Even Google map needs it if you don't have Mobile Data

Also, I think navigation won't work very well with downloaded map and without data. You can go to a Wifi spot to start the navigation mode and let the route calculated before the trip, but if you missed a turn on the way, it cannot recalculate.

Re: data usage while in US

mimmo — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 12:57:56 GMT

@hTideGnow google maps for Android works just fine when maps are predownloaded for offline use. It just doesn't have the Live traffic. Assuming it's the same for iOS.

Re: data usage while in US

canuck44 — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 15:46:20 GMT

So I added the $20 plan (talk/text/data). Crossed over the border and turned on roaming. I am not able to use data, somehow. My apps don't work unless I use my passenger's wifi hotspot. Not sure what's going on. Need help asap since I will be losing the hotspot soon and need to find EV charging stations and pay for them with the apps.

Re: data usage while in US

Anonymous — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 16:30:00 GMT

@canuck44 : Did your data work here? Is your account active? Did you connect to either AT&T or T-Mobile? Did you turn on mobile data? Can you call and text?

With the EV charging, some chargers let you just scan a credit card without needing any app.

Re: data usage while in US

Luddite — Sun, 26 Sep 2021 17:51:47 GMT

@canuck44 For next trip look at the app HERE WeGo; maps for USA, Canada, etc. are downloadable and provide offline navigation using your phone's GPS

Re: data usage while in US

Nezgar — Sun, 26 Sep 2021 20:16:00 GMT

@canuck44 wrote:
So I added the $20 plan (talk/text/data). Crossed over the border and turned on roaming. I am not able to use data, somehow. My apps don't work unless I use my passenger's wifi hotspot. Not sure what's going on. Need help asap since I will be losing the hotspot soon and need to find EV charging stations and pay for them with the apps.

A common "miss" when purchasing add-ons with Public Mobile is that if you don't have the funds in your available balance to pay for the desired add-on, you are directed to top up that amount first. After the payment is made, you must go back to actually purchase the add-on using the funds now available in your balance.

Maybe check if you still need to perform the 2nd part?

Re: data usage while in US

BKNS27 — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 01:36:11 GMT

@canuck44

I got a Garmin GPS with free lifetime download when I on any road trip with the talk and text in the USA.

Re: data usage while in US

darlicious — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 01:47:27 GMT

@BKNS27 @Nezgar

Lol....the OP has been in the US for 8 days or even back by now. I think they have figured it out by now.🤣🤣🤣

Re: data usage while in US

Nezgar — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 01:51:48 GMT

@darlicious heh, you're right - didn't notice that, it is funny. Though I am curious how the OP did... resolved or not.

Re: data usage while in US

BKNS27 — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 04:40:19 GMT

@darlicious

Good eyes…LoL

Never noticed.

Re: data usage while in US

LeePublic — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 05:17:57 GMT

@Luddite I second that, Here WeGo is the best offline map app I've used, very detailed, can look up restaurants, attractions, etc. offline.