BBB warns travelers of phone charges

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - RELEASE: With today’s technology, cell phone users can surf the web, receive emails and watch movies on their smart phones. When traveling to neighboring Canada or abroad, many users fail to recognize their data plan is constantly in use, even when they think their phone is idle.

In the past twelve months, the Better Business Bureau has received hundreds of complaints against the cell phone industry, and more than 27,000 complaints nationwide, many of which were from customers who were unaware their data was still in use as they traveled outside their coverage area. One particular customer was charged more than $1,200 when his cell phone automatically received his daily emails during a one week stay in Jamaica.

“Folks crossing the border to Canada, heading to Niagara Falls and other vacationers often rack up more expenses than they planned when traveling,” said David Polino, Better Business Bureau President. “Rates can change the minute you travel outside your own coverage area, particularly if you’ve gone abroad. Even though your phone works exactly the same, the charges can be very different.”

According to the Federal Communications Commission, “roaming” is the term that describes a wireless phone's ability to make and receive calls outside the designated coverage area under your service plan. When your phone is roaming, it's searching for a visiting network provider to service your request and you’ll be subject to those local fees, which can really add up. It’s important for consumers to be proactive when planning their travels and to contact their provider for specific details regarding their individual data and roaming plan.

BBB advises consumers to do the following with their cell phone and cell phone provider in preparation for traveling:

Turn your phone off. If you don't need your phone while traveling, turn it off. Cell phone data changes can occur if your phone is on, but in your drawer. If you’re going to a far away location, you might opt to rent or buy an international cell phone. Many rental plans offer services that work in several countries and may provide free incoming calls.

Contact your cell phone provider. Ask about changes in fees if you travel out of your current coverage area – for calls and internet use. For the occasional traveler who doesn’t frequently talk on the phone, it may be worth looking into an international add-on plan, even for a short time. Your cell phone carrier can provide specific tips that cater to the roaming needs of your individual cell phone and data plan.

Consider a Data Block. When you travel, you can forget your phone is operating differently. Placing a data block on your cell will disable the data transfer capability, saving you from fees for an unintentional internet download while you’re away. You can use your calling capability and enable data transfers when you return.

Invest in a prepaid SIM card. For frequent, chatty travelers or long-term travelers, investing in a prepaid SIM card may be the best option. With access to a local phone number, you'll be able to make phone calls at the country's local rate.

Check with BBB. Travelers should always check with the BBB before choosing a cell phone carrier or an international service provider at bbb.org.

For more information on finding businesses and consumer tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org