If I opt OUT of roam-further £5/day, how much do calls and texts to the UK cost?

[clairenw]

I believe I can opt out, and since I only text once every few days whilst I'm away, I won't want to spend £5 a go to do that!  If I make a phone call it's because it's unavoidable, and would only last a few seconds.  I've searched for call/text charges but can't find them anywhere.  I just keep getting bombarded by the new roam-further £5/day charges.  Can anyone help please?

[SimonWilding]

Hi,

the standard roaming costs depend on where you are travelling to but a list of charges can be found here:

http://www.vodafone.co.uk/cs/groups/public/documents/webcontent/vfcon082582.pdf

but whether you can opt out of "roam further" I'm not sure.

Remember you don't pay the £5 every day, only if you make a cal, send a text or use data, if you don't use it, or only receive cals/texts you don't pay.

[Annie_N]

@clairenw

I'm sorry to tell you that Roam-further is mandatory - see this thread for some discussion. If the plan that you were on immediately prior to 11 June didn't include Roam-further, I'm not 100% sure whether it will already apply to you, or whether it that is still to happen. However, if your plan didn't include it, you will receive an alert (I think it's by SMS) giving you the details that are relevant to your account, and the date when you will switch.

You might want to think about using an app such as Skype or Whatsapp for your occasional calls and texts, if you have a wifi connection available.

[Stub101]

I have just come across this problem and am considering invoking clause 13.2 of Vodafone's T&C's regarding early termination    (http://www.vodafone.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/business/mobile/general-terms/previous-terms-and-cond...)

Its just a pity that Vodafone CS dont even know or appreciate that 13.2 exists and are making things difficult. Could be one for Ofcom.... 

13.2    Vodafone may change the terms of this Agreement without Customer’s consent where to the extent that such changes are required due to alterations to the Network; the manner in which Vodafone operates; the way in which Vodafone provides Services (including where, in Vodafone’s reasonable opinion, it is no longer commercially viable to provide a particular Service), provided that such changes affect at least 90% of Vodafone's relevant customer base.  In these circumstances, Vodafone shall advise Customer of the change via an Amendment Notice, at least 30 days in advance of the change taking effect. If Customer is materially disadvantaged and objects to such change, Customer may terminate the relevant Service Schedule under which the affected Service is provided by giving 30 days written notice. This right to terminate ends 30 days after the date that the change became effective. Vodafone shall not be liable to Customer for any claims by Customer as a consequence of such changes.

[jeffkinn]

You would need to demonstrate the materially disadvantaged element for that clause to become relevant. That normally means that your average monthly bill would increase by more than the rate of inflation.

Not a one off bill because you're on holiday but your average bill.

And in a dispute it's The Communications  Ombudsman not Ofcom.

[Annie_N]

@Stub101

I'm not sure that those are the current Ts&Cs for Pay Monthly contracts. The current set will be found at http://www.vodafone.co.uk/cs/groups/configfiles/documents/document/vfcon072758.pdf and "Because of Changes" on p2 applies to this situation. What normally happens when a change may impact some customers is that those who are calculated to be impacted as set out there, will be notified as indicated. Earlier today someone posted a link elsewhere on the Community that showed he was in the "not-impacted" group as far as this change was concerned - from that it looks as though the notifications are going out at present, and that the effective date for this change will be 5 August.

[Stub101]

As somone who specifically opted out of the (now redundant) World Traveller, and now being automatically opted into 'Roam Further', this WILL materially impact me, and is a fundamental change to the terms of my contract - especially given that there is no option to opt-out of Roam Further.

I honestly think that Vodafone's customer services BoD live on a different planet!

[dscha]

I agree.

The biggest problem is that the 5 pounds also get triggered when you RECEIVE for instance a text meassage.

Last time in the US i got two messages, and paid 10 pounds for it. So the only option is to switch off you phone completely since you can't control who sends you text or calls you. Calls is easier, you can redirect them to another numbner (e.g. a three number? No roaming in the US), but texts are a problem. Even more people send Imessage or whatwsapp, some still send text.

Also: Since many services require or encourage 2-step-verifcation with codes via text messages (including the vodafone site), it gets quickly expensive if you want to log into those sites.  

I hope that customers complain about these new contracts T&Cs  (I did, go the 10 pounds credited, but it does not solve the problem) and Vodafone undestands that any contract needs to be reasonable and fair.

The solution would be easy: if you initate the activity (text, phone, data), then i think nobody will complain to pay 5 pounds for that day. But if you can't controll the activity, i.e. receiving a text or a call, then normal roaming fees should apply.  Or just the option to Opt-out. 

[chistery]

You are not charged for receiving a text.

You pay the daily Vodafone Global Roaming charge if you’re in one of our 60 Roam-furtherdestinations [PDF: 810KB] and you:

• Call or text any standard UK mobile or landline
• Call or text a number within the country you’re roaming in
• Make a call or send a text to any other country (you’ll be charged your daily fee, along with standard international rates)
• Check your voicemail
• Use any data – for example, browsing the web, streaming, checking emails or using apps

[jeffkinn]

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@dscha wrote:

I agree.

The biggest problem is that the 5 pounds also get triggered when you RECEIVE for instance a text meassage.

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As has been said this is wrong. If you keep mobile data turned off and don't make any calls or send any texts you won't be charged. You can receive texts and calls all day long.