Another trip overseas - another shocking Vodafone bill

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markwolk

101 posts

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#16992 7-Nov-2007 15:14

Returned from a 3-week trip to Australia. I had used my Vodafone Mobile Connect card as little as possible (preferring dialup from my hotel rooms, or wireless when available). I only used 26MB on my Vodafone Mobile Connect card, mainly to retrieve emails; I had even pictures turned off when occasionally needing to access a web page. The cost of using these 26MB? - $815! Each time I promise myself it is the last time I use this device.

tonyhughes

Hawkes Bay
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#94081 7-Nov-2007 15:30

This is surely not Vodafones fault though, if you are aware of the charges, and aware of your data use, then the bill should not be considered shocking?

nzbnw

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#94082 7-Nov-2007 15:31

Any idea how much the standard Australian data rate is? It would most likely be a better option for you to get a local prepay sim card and use it like that, seeing your Vodafone number wouldn't be that important in a data device.

nzbnw

BigFella

105 posts

Master Geek

#94083 7-Nov-2007 15:32

Which works out to ~$30/MB - the rate on Telstra & Optus. If you select Vodafone AU in the Dashboard you'd be charged $10/MB, reducing the data bill considerably.

markwolk

101 posts

Master Geek

#94089 7-Nov-2007 15:39

"If you select Vodafone AU in the Dashboard"

That's assuming it works where I am. I am sure I selected it whenever possible... which was hardly ever! The trip was mainly to Tasmania and I had stayed in some remote locations there.

bcourtney

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#94092 7-Nov-2007 16:02

nzbnw: Any idea how much the standard Australian data rate is? It would most likely be a better option for you to get a local prepay sim card and use it like that, seeing your Vodafone number wouldn't be that important in a data device.

nzbnw

Can you use prepay SIMs for data?? Didn't think you could... Australia may be different though

drajk

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#94098 7-Nov-2007 16:57

I'm currently travelling in Australia and have a number of prepay connections both VFAU and Telstra.
I purchased a Telstra Prepaid Plus Pack (Browse Plus Pack) which includes 200Mb data for from memory AU$59.95 and have been using this to email/browse internet on an Ipaq very successfully. I think that the allocation expires in 30 days but certainly has been cheaper than the casual data.

markwolk

101 posts

Master Geek

#94099 7-Nov-2007 17:02

Telstra Prepaid Plus Pack (Browse Plus Pack) which includes 200Mb data for from memory AU$59.95

I am definitely writing down that one for my next trip to Australia. Was it easy to setup?

Quic Broadband

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Aloha

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#94100 7-Nov-2007 17:10

bcourtney:
Can you use prepay SIMs for data?? Didn't think you could... Australia may be different though

Sure you can do. And it's better then using your original SIM, because:

1. Vodafone dont have data roaming agreements with a lot of foreign operators. You can check their list of roaming partners for data on their website. Obviously where they have Vodafone network they most likely have data roaming, but I am talking about countries where no Vodafone. For example Brazil. (Am I right, Mauricio?:)

2. If you travel to a country where you have data roaming whether Voda exists or not, the roaming charges will be always much more expensive than the local prepay or postpay SIM data charges. That's how it works.

I is a kollege stoodent. Bee nice.

markwolk

101 posts

Master Geek

#94102 7-Nov-2007 17:22

A few months ago, I had tried to get an Australian Telstra (I think) prepay sim card to work and could not manage to. Next time, I'll allow 1-2 more days on location just for the setup - the 800 bucks I will save can easily pay 2 nights accommodation at Melbourne's best hotel!

drajk

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#94110 7-Nov-2007 17:57

Mark,
I have had 2 Telstra Prepaid accounts for many years and when I first tried to use data with them had major problems but eventually found out that new SIM cards were required - once I visited the Telstra shop and had the SIM cards replaced Telstra Prepaid Customer Service were able to easily activate data on my accounts. Apparently it couldn't be activated prior to replacing the SIM cards as the computer system didn't allow data with the earlier SIMS. Replacing the SIMs didn't change my numbers - it just allowed the computer to provision data with my existing numbers. In terms of ease of purchasing the Browse Plus Pack - this was easy via the 'My Prepaid Online' service which is accessed via www.telstraprepaidplus.com.au - this site also has further details.
One of the disadvantages of Telstra Prepaid vs VFAU is that VFAU allows roaming with VFAU Prepaid but Telstra does not - however while I may be wrong I don't think VFAU allows full data on VFAU prepaid.

sbiddle

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#94116 7-Nov-2007 18:03

drajk: I'm currently travelling in Australia and have a number of prepay connections both VFAU and Telstra.
I purchased a Telstra Prepaid Plus Pack (Browse Plus Pack) which includes 200Mb data for from memory AU$59.95 and have been using this to email/browse internet on an Ipaq very successfully. I think that the allocation expires in 30 days but certainly has been cheaper than the casual data.

IMHO the best way to get cheap mobile data in Aussie is to go with Vodafone Prepay. Buy a $2 SIM from DSE or Woolworths, put it on the 365 day plan and top it up with $20. On prepay you are charged A$1 per 5 min block to use mobile internet. $12 per hour for mobile data is pretty competitive for casual use. Just a word of caution, I have used this in the past and I know Vodafone where looking at steps to restrict access to their WAP APN only so there is a chance Vodafone may have clamped down on this. If you ask at a Vodafone store they should be able to tell you if you can also access the internet APN with this pricing.

markwolk

101 posts

Master Geek

#94118 7-Nov-2007 18:14

IMHO the best way to get cheap mobile data in Aussie is to go with Vodafone Prepay.

Yeah, except that Telstra's coverage seems to be better (at least in the areas where I travelled).