Pre-purchase FAQs

Basics

What is a GSM phone?

GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) is the most popular standard for digital mobile phones in the world. GSM phones are used by three billion people in 212 countries and territories, which adds up to more than 80 per cent of the global market. This means that the phone works in many parts of the world, allowing you to hop from one network to another seamlessly. Roam Mobility phone packages include a GSM phone, giving you access to the most affordable network available in your area, no matter where your travels take you.

GSM phones support both voice calls and SMS (text messaging). As a GSM phone user, you will also be able to call a single worldwide emergency telephone number (112), allowing you to connect to emergency services without knowing the local emergency number.

What is an “unlocked” phone?

The majority of mobile phones are pre-loaded with a SIM card that “locks” the phone into providing service only through a specific mobile network provider and/or within a specific geographic region. An unlocked phone can be fitted with a custom SIM card that offers a wider range of services and coverage. All Roam Mobility phone packages include top-tier unlocked phones and SIM cards. Browse our mobile phone packages »

What is “roaming”?

Using mobile phone services outside the geographical area covered by your ordinary network service provider (e.g., T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, etc.) is called “roaming.” These services include voice calls and SMS. Although regular mobile phone service providers may allow you to roam when you are out of your home state or country, they do not offer competitive rates for this service. These providers are also not required to make you aware of the rate you are being charged for roaming, which means that you may be in for a nasty surprise when your phone bill arrives. Roaming rates can be higher than $2.99 USD per minute with ordinary service providers.

By switching to a specialty roaming service provider like Roam Mobility, you can save up to 90% on roaming rates while traveling in more than 200 countries. Roam Mobility even offers FREE incoming calls in 65 countries and FREE incoming text messages anywhere in the world. Instead of locking your phone into a single network provider, Roam Mobility works with a wide range of worldwide partner networks to negotiate the best rates possible. Your Roam Mobility GSM phone will always be connected to the best network at the best price, no matter where you travel.

What is Roam Mobility?

How does it work?

Whether you choose a Roam Mobility phone package (an unlocked GSM phone plus SIM card), or a Roam Mobility SIM card with your own unlocked phone, you will make calls and receive calls the same way.

By routing your call through the Roam Mobility network center, we are able to save you up to 90% on your current roaming rates, in more than 200 countries — AND offer FREE incoming calls in 65 countries, plus FREE incoming text messages anywhere in the world. Find out exactly how much you can save with Roam Mobility compared to your current network provider with our handy rate calculator.

For more information on making calls with Roam Mobility, please refer to the Roam Mobility User Guide.

Which countries are covered by the Roam Mobility network?

Our service works in more than 200 countries spread across four continents, and on more than 500 GSM networks. We are always expanding our coverage area. View a list of the countries that are currently covered by the Roam Mobility network »

What phones are available to purchase in a Roam Mobility package?

All of Roam Mobility’s phones are supplied by top-tier mobile phone manufacturers. We offer a wide range of mobile phone options to suit your traveling style. View our phone packages »

Can I keep my own number when I travel and use the Roam Mobility network?

Your personal or business phone numbers cannot be transferred to the Roam Mobility network, but you can forward calls from these numbers to your Global Roam Mobility number or your USA Roam Mobility number. You can set up call forwarding through your local telephone company or network provider. Please note, if you do not have a long distance plan with your local telephone company or network provider, call forwarding can be expensive.

Costs and billing

What do voice calls cost?

Incoming voice calls are FREE in 65 countries on the Roam Mobility network. If you are traveling in one of these countries, you are only charged for outgoing calls. And your per-minute rate for outgoing calls will be a fraction of what you pay with an ordinary network provider. Outgoing calls start at $0.25 USD per minute and can save you up to 90 per cent on your roaming charges. Different rates apply to different countries. To find out what you’ll pay per minute in a specific country, use our handy rate calculator.

What do SMS (text messages) cost?

Incoming SMS (text messages) are FREE to receive anywhere in the world on the Roam Mobility network. Outgoing text messages start out as low as $.25 USD per message in many countries. If you want to know the SMS rate for a specific country, use our rate calculator.

DISCLAIMER:
While you can send and receive SMS text messages with Roam Mobility, we, or any other carrier, cannot be held responsible, or guarantee that you will always be able to send and receive SMS messages in all circumstances and in all countries. SMS text messages are free to receive and are vary in price with each country to send. Please check out our rate calculator to determine the cost to send an SMS from the country you will be visiting.

How much are data rates?

Data is not currently provided by Roam Mobility. However, we are in the process of setting up data network and agreements to provide you with the lowest data rates possible.

How do I know which calling rate I will be charged?

Our rate calculator lets you see the rates we charge for each country and compares them to the rates your current mobile phone network charges. You will be prompted to select your current mobile phone network provider, your travel destination and the countries you plan to call from that destination. Our calculator will display Roam Mobility rates and your current network provider’s rates. Find out exactly how much you could be saving now »

How do I set up an account with Roam Mobility?

When you purchase from the Roam Mobility online store, you will be guided to set up your Roam Mobility account. When you activate your service, you will be required to sign in to your Roam Mobility account. If you purchased from our online store, you would already have a Roam Mobility account; if you purchased from any other retailers, you will have to create a new account.

Once your service is activated, your Roam Mobility Control Panel is automatically set up and can be accessed by logging in to your Roam Mobility account. The Roam Mobility Control Panel allows you to manage your incoming calls, including features like review voice mail, set up call-forwarding and call-conferencing, and more.

Are there any monthly or annual fees associated with my Roam Mobility account?

During your first year of service with Roam Mobility, there are no monthly or annual fees applied to your account. If you are happy with your first year with our service and you choose to continue using Roam Mobility, a $25.00 USD annual GSM network fee will be charged 12 months from the date of service activation. The fee helps ensure your account and Roam Mobility phone numbers remain active and registered with our GSM network partners around the world. Roam Mobility will notify you when your GSM network fee is due.

Will my Roam Mobility account ever expire?

After your first year of service, you can ensure your Roam Mobility account remains active by paying the $25.00 USD GSM network fee or having enough credits in your account to cover this annual fee. Once this fee is paid, your account, SIM card and assigned phone numbers will remain active for another 12 months, even if you do not use your phone to make roaming calls during that year.

If you choose not to renew your account, we will keep your customer account details on file if decide to use the service again. However, your Roam Mobility SIM card and phone numbers will cease to operate and your phone numbers will be reassigned. If, at any point in the future, you choose to use Roam Mobility again, simply purchase a new Roam Mobility SIM card. There is no waiting period to activate your new account; you can purchase additional airtime credits and begin making calls on the Roam Mobility network once you receive your new SIM card. You will need to purchase credits as usual to pay for roaming airtime minutes.

Do I need to sign a contract?

We NEVER ask you to sign a contract. You are free to use Roam Mobility’s services as much, or as little, as you choose.

How do I pay for the calls I make through Roam Mobility?

Your new account is preloaded with a $5.00 USD credit, compliments of Roam Mobility. This credit will get you started on your new phone. You can purchase additional airtime credits to apply to your account at anytime. These credits are used to pay for your roaming charges when you use the Roam Mobility service while traveling. Our pay-as-you-go system lets you purchase credits in amounts as low as USD$10.00 or as high as $200, according to your needs. There are three ways to top up your credits:

1. Using TXTup, a convenient way to purchase credits directly from your mobile phone anytime or anywhere in the world.
2. Through the Roam Mobility Store
3. Contacting customer service at 888.ROAM.4.US.

Get detailed instructions on topping up your phone credits in the Roam Mobility User Guide.

How do I add credits to my account directly from my mobile phone?

You can use your phone to add instant credits to your Roam Mobility account at any time using our TXTup feature. TXTup allows you to purchase additional airtime credits by sending an SMS (text message) request and confirmation. There are no additional service charges to use TXTup, although standard text messaging costs apply and will be charged against the credits in your account.

TXTup is not active by default. For more information on TXTup, and to register for this FREE service, visit TXTup.

How do I check my airtime minutes credit balance?

You can check your account balance and get an update on your remaining airtime minutes at any time by dialing *187# from your Roam Mobility phone, or by accessing your Roam Mobility Control Panel.

Why are Roam Mobility Rates sold only in US Currency?

Roam Mobility negotiates its global airtime rates in a single currency with GSM network providers around the world. In order to protect you from currency fluctuations, we sell our airtime in the same currency we purchase it with. This ensures more stable, predictable airtime rates for our customers, and it also reduces our administrative costs — a savings we pass on to you.

 

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Ordering and shipping

How do I choose the right Roam Mobility product for me?

Roam Mobility offers a range of products to suit your traveling style and needs. Our mobile phones range from basic models to full-featured offerings loaded with the latest entertainment and camera technology. For customers who already own an unlocked, GSM phone, we also offer Roam Mobility SIM cards that let you enjoy our low roaming rates on your existing phone. Browse the complete product range in our online store »

If you need help choosing the right product, our customer service representatives are standing by. Just call 888.ROAM.4.US.

Can my current mobile phone be used with a Roam Mobility SIM card?

If your phone is an unlocked GSM mobile phone and can operate on networks outside of North America, it will work with the Roam Mobility SIM card. Simply install the SIM card directly in your current phone to enjoy Roam Mobility’s low roaming rates. If you are not sure whether your phone will operate on other GSM networks, you can find out by:

1. Contacting the company or network provider who originally sold you your handset.
2. Visiting www.phonescoop.com and searching for information on your phone.
3. Emailing Roam Mobility’s Customer Service Center with information on the make, model and network provider for your phone.

If you have an unlocked GSM phone, you can choose to just purchase the Roam Mobility SIM card to enjoy savings on your roaming rates using your existing phone.

How long will it take for my purchase to arrive?

Roam Mobility processes all purchases within 24 hours from Monday to Friday. You should receive your purchase within two to seven business days, depending on your location in North America. Roam Mobility also offers an express option for an additional $5.00 USD, which ensures you will receive your package within 3 business days, anywhere in North America.

 

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