Roaming?

I'm a O2 bill payer but just want to know what the story is with roaming charges. These have always baffled me.

Are you charged even if you don't use your phone in a foreign land? or are the charges for phoning really expensive?

I was in Paris and Berlin in the last month and the charges for roaming seem quite high.

Are you charged even if you don't use your phone in a foreign land?

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You are charged for making and receiving calls while roaming. You are only charged to send texts, and not to receive texts.
Have a look at [broken link removed] for info on pricing.

Are you charged even if you don't use your phone in a foreign land? or are the charges for phoning really expensive?

No - you will be only be charged for making or receiving calls (including texts and other data services where applicable) as far as I know and in my experience. There should be no charge for just connecting to a foreign network if you don't otherwise use the phone. Note however that some services that may be free at home (e.g. voicemail, text notification of voice messages or missed calls etc.) may result in roaming charges being levied. Phone charges are convoluted at the best of times and mobile roaming charges even more so. If in doubt check the terms & conditions of your agreement and tariff package and follow your operator's instructions for managing roaming charges. Unless you really need to use the mobile abroad you would probably be better off buying a local phone card or getting a chargecard on your Irish landline account and using a regular landline or callbox (not a most hotel phones either which usually levy hefty charges).

Post crossed with sunnyday's.

Thanks guys. Didn't O2 get into trouble recently with overcharging on roaming charges or was I dreaming!

[broken link removed].

You may have seen EU regulators probe mobile roaming charges, as well.