Roaming FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Top Five Questions
- Is there a charge to have the international GSM roaming service added to my current wireless account?
- Does the international roaming feature allow me to roam in all countries?
- Can I use my current GSM device to roam internationally?
- Once I am approved to roam internationally, how long does it take before the service is active?
- Will I be charged long distance in addition to the per-minute roaming rate?
About International Roaming Features and Services
Q. Does the international roaming feature allow me to roam in all countries?
A. No. You can only roam in countries where AT&T has established roaming agreements, and has commercially launched service.
A. No. There is no charge to have international roaming enabled on an account. Your payment history and the length of time you've been a customer with AT&T determine your eligibility for this service. While roaming internationally, you will be responsible for all charges incurred while making or receiving calls.
Q. Once I am approved to roam internationally, how long does it take before the service is active?
A. It may take up to 20-30 minutes for the service to become active on your account after it is added.
Q. Will I be charged long distance in addition to the per-minute roaming rate?
A. No. All calls you make or receive while roaming internationally are charged at the per minute voice roaming rate—with no additional long distance charges.
Q. How am I charged for Voicemail calls while roaming internationally?
A. Voicemail calls are charged as follows:When your device is on:
- calls that you do not answer that are routed to the AT&T voicemail system will be charged as an international roaming incoming call to your device.
- In addition, the foreign carrier's routing of that call to the AT&T voicemail system may generate an outgoing call charge from your device's location to the U.S.
- These charges apply even if the caller disconnects from the voice mail system without leaving a message.
- When someone tries to call you, the call will go directly to your personal voicemail greeting.
- Since the network does not try to deliver the call to you in a foreign country, there are no international roaming charges.
Q. How can I access Voicemail while roaming internationally?
A. To retrieve voicemail messages:
- Press and hold the retrieval key on your device (this is typically the "1" key)
- Interrupt your personal greeting by pressing the "*" key
- Enter your voice mail password
- If you reach the main voicemail system greeting instead of your personal greeting, enter your 10-digit wireless number, then follow steps 2 and 3.
Using this method of accessing voicemail will incur normal international roaming charges for a voice call. Alternate methods of voice mail retrieval, including dialing your 10-digit wireless number, will incur additional charges.
Q. Can I use my TDMA phone to roam internationally?
A. On May 31, 2007, TDMA international roaming was discontinued. AT&T TDMA and Analog subscribers can no longer make or receive calls while traveling outside the U.S. If you want to use your AT&T service while outside of the U.S., you will need to upgrade your wireless phone to GSM Technology. To ensure the broadest international coverage, we recommend a quad-band device that works on all the GSM network frequencies (850/1900 and 900/1800). Simply purchase an AT&T GSM world phone or visit your nearest AT&T location for more information.
International GSM Device FAQs
Q. What is a GSM world phone?
A. GSM world phones are devices that operate on international frequencies. These can include "tri-band" phones/devices (which operate on three of the four GSM frequencies) and "quad-band" phones/devices (which operate on all four of the GSM frequencies).
GSM networks in North and South America operate at frequencies of 850 or 1900 MHz, while most networks in other countries operate at frequencies of 900 or 1800 MHz. AT&T recommends quad band phones/devices for most international travelers. Since these wireless devices operate on all four of the international GSM frequencies, you ensure the broadest international coverage available.
Q. Can I use my current GSM device to roam internationally?
A. Possibly, but not always. It is important to determine if your wireless device will roam on the frequency of the wireless carrier in the country you are visiting. If you are not sure which frequencies your phone supports, consult your phone's user manual.
International Data Services and Usage
Q. Can I access data services while traveling abroad?
A. Text Messaging is typically available in all countries in which AT&T has international voice roaming service (over 195 countries). Picture, video messaging and GPRS data services are available in over 145 countries. UMTS high-speed data service is available in over 45 of those countries. For details, visit att.com/wirelessinternational.
Q. What steps should I take if my data services are not registering?
A. If you are having difficulty using data services outside the U.S., try these trouble-shooting steps:
–Try manual scanning: Settings>Options>Network>Change network selection to manual>Click scan for new network>Select a network other than the one on which you are currently registered.
–For PDAs/Blackberry: Remove battery and reinsert.
–For PC Cards: Remove card; reboot computer; reinsert card. If connecting using the Cingular® or AT&T Communications Manager, click Connections, then click Non-Accelerated.
Q. With iPhone, Smartphone (PDA/BlackBerry) or a PC Card do I still have unlimited data usage when I travel outside the U.S.?
A. While using data on iPhone, Smartphone (PDA/BlackBerry) or a PC Card may be unlimited within the U.S, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands, international roaming rates apply for any voice or data usage outside our domestic coverage area and are not covered under your existing data plan.
We suggest signing up for one of AT&T's Data Global Plans (or iPhone Data Plans for iPhone) that can save you money on your roaming and data usage. For details, please visit att.com/dataconnectglobal
Q. How do I minimize my data charges when I use my iPhone outside the U.S.?
A. The iPhone has many robust applications, so it's natural for users to transfer more data on their iPhone than they would using other handsets or PDA devices. AT&T offers the following tips to keep your bill predictable:
–Keep Data Roaming Off
–Utilize Wi-Fi
–Turn off Auto-Check Function for Email
–Purchase one of AT&T's Data Global Plans
–Track data usage in Usage Settings
For more information on these tips visit att.com/wirelesstraveltips.