Free mobile roaming (text only, no data) at Europe and Asia

DY_Fong

Does Fizz mobile able to roam automatically in other continents such as Europe and Asia, so that one can continue to receive text messages for free? I do not intend to do data roaming or call. Just want to be able to receive text messages.

I asked customer service. The answer is unclear, as I was told to just turn on roaming on the phone. I had subscribed to few different service providers previously. Some simply couldn't connect to any local networks when overseas, some able to connect to local mobile networks. So I thought it is more than just a phone settings.

Would love to hear your experience in this. Thank you!

DY_Fong

After 3rd persistent attempts trying to clarify with customer service, finally I get the answer (I wanted). Although the reality is yet to be seen.

Dapfizzer

@DY_Fong

Hi,

a Travel Add-On is an Add-On to your monthly plan that allows you to use data in a selected zone. A Zone is a group of countries that all share the same rate for data texts and minutes. In the Travel settings interface, enter the name of your destination country to see the zone, the countries included, and rates that apply.

A Travel Add-on is a one-time package that takes effect immediately and lasts until the end of your next payment cycle.

 *If you selected the Quebec coverage in your plan, consider buying a Travel Add-on or an International call Add-on to make your calls to Canada or the United States.

 To buy a Travel Add-On:

1. Go to My Plans in your Fizz account.
2. Scroll to the plan you wish to change.
3. Click on Manage and choose Travel.
4. Enter the name of the main country you will be visiting. (If you’re going to more than one country, tell us where you will be spending the most time).
5. On the next screen, select Travel Add-On.
6. You will see different options for your travel zone. Choose the option that suits you, based on the amount of data, minutes and text you will need.
7. Click Confirm and pay for your Travel Add-On. It will be activated immediately.

What is a Zone?

A Zone is a group of countries that all share the same rate for data texts and minutes when you travel using Pay as you go or a Travel Add-on. You can therefore travel within the countries of that zone, and use the same Travel Add-on or enjoy the same Pay as you go rates.

To see the rates applicable to a particular zone, as well as the countries included in that zone:

1. Log into your account, and select My plans.
2. Select your mobile plan, and then Manage/Travel.
3. Enter your destination (the country).

All the prices and rates for the zone in which your destination is included in will show up. You’ll also see a link to discover all the countries included in that zone.

Can I choose more than one zone?

Yes. For Travel Add-ons you can choose as many zones as you need based on where you are travelling.

What are the roaming prices for each destination?

1. You can see all applicable rates based on where you'll be travelling in your account :
2. Log into your Fizz account.
3. Under your mobile plan in My plans, click on Manage.
4. Click on Travel.
5. In this section, you will be able to consult the price of our different Travel Add-on, as well as the rates of the pay-as-you-go for your chosen destination.

What are the roaming prices for each destination?

You can see all applicable rates based on where you'll be travelling in your account:

1. Log into your Fizz account.
2. Under your mobile plan in My plans, click on Manage.
3. Click on Travel.

In this section, you will be able to consult the price of our different Travel Add-on, as well as the rates of the pay-as-you-go for your chosen destination.

You’ll be travelling several months abroad?

We recommend purchasing a local SIM card. This will give you access to better rates on data. Helpful tip: use messaging apps (whatsApp, Messenger...) to stay in touch on the road instead of calling and texting.

As for your Fizz plan (Internet and/or mobile), it is unfortunately impossible for now to put it on pause. The best solution if you don’t want to lose your My Rewards status along with all your upgrades and perks is to adjust your plan to its strict minimum (by only keeping the Quebec coverage in a mobile plan for instance) for the time being.

How to change my mobile plan 

How to change my Home Internet plan 

 

You want to use your cellphone while abroad?

1. To use your cellphone during your trip abroad, you need to buy a Travel Add-On or again add funds to your wallet to pay as you go.

Can’t decide if you need a Travel Add-On or should pay as you go? It depends on how long you will be away and how much you will be using your phone while roaming. If you will be travelling for a long time, choose a Travel Add-On (it’s more affordable, and will be valid until the end of your next payment cycle). If you’re going on a short trip, paying as you go will be more practical.

2. Make sure to activate the roaming option of your phone, or else it'll block your usage. 

 

Important : You will not be able to make calls while roaming outside your Canada or the United States.

Roaming calls (incoming or outgoing) will be available at a later time. We will update this FAQ when we have a firm date.

In the meantime, you will be able to use data, and send/receive texts when you travel outside your coverage zone. To make and receive calls, you can use messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Messenger.

 

Source: https://fizz.ca/en/faq/im-travelling-outside-my-coverage-zone-what-are-my-roaming-options

Clive_ref_code_73TF9

Hello @DY_Fong, I would suggest a better option would be to purchase a pre-paid SIM and plan once you arrive, more cost-effective and flexible. Many mobile providers offer inexpensive or include international texts in their packages as long as the texts are sent from the 'home' country', i.e. Canada to an EU number or vice versa. Make sure your phone is unlocked if you do this and set your phone APN to factory settings and to automatically search for mobile networks.

DY_Fong

@Clive Thanks for the suggestion. The reason why I would like to be able to continue receiving text is because some websites have security features where code is sent via text msg. If I were to purchase another SIM with new number, that will be too much work to update all the profiles :( I guess I will have to try my luck and hoping that Fizz would search for mobile network :( My sim card plan of my home country is able to do so, where I still receive text msg for free in Canada.

Fling

@DY_Fong

It's not always easy to deal Fizz support and to have a clear answer.

Clive_ref_code_73TF9

Hello @DY_Fong, it is possible to set up remote access to texts sent to your phone. Search for remote text access via your computer or other device but requires you to set it up and be careful with security.